This verse is being fulfilled in the world at this time. Countries are making a valuable discovery. The nations are learning by a fearful providence that they are not sovereign and in control but are only mere men dependent on the mercy of God. God knows how to make the proud nations, who fearlessly institute ungodly laws, to tremble. As The Puritan Stephen Charnock said, “The constant hanging the rod over us makes us lick the dust, and acknowledge ourselves to be altogether at the Lord's mercy.” The rod calls the nations to repentance and the seeking of God. In the meantime the saints must make Psalm 57:1 their prayer, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”