Thereafter, Jehovah, in revealing the developments to occur soon to Jerusalem also shows the means he will use to execute judgment upon her. And by considering the parallel today we can see the same developments in Christendom and can know what instrument Jehovah will use to desolate her. God said:

Violence itself has risen up into a rod of wickedness. It is not from them, nor is it from their wealth; and it is not from their own selves, nor is there any eminency in them.”​—Ezek. 7:10, 11.

Particularly since 1914 C.E. the world has entered an age of violence. Violence has become so great, especially in Christendom, that it has “risen up into a rod of wickedness.” Violence brings on its own punishment as by a “rod” for its own wickedness. The religionists of Christendom have sown a violent “wind” and “a stormwind is what they will reap.” (Hos. 8:7) Thus God’s unchangeable principle is enforced: “Sinners are the ones whom calamity pursues, but the righteous are the ones whom good rewards.” (Prov. 13:21) There is no “eminency” found in such religionists in the eyes of God. There is nothing proceeding from their organizations, their wealth or their very own selves that excuses them from the punishment they deserve.