Divine Justice in History: How Nations Rise and Fall by the Moral Law of the Torah

The Torah teaches that the quality of life among the nations of the world depends on their adherence to the Seven Noahide Laws — the universal moral code that governs basic ethical conduct between human beings.

Both the Flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah came about as a result of humanity’s moral corruption, when their sins “filled the measure.” As the Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Teshuvah, divine reward and punishment operate according to the moral actions of individuals and societies alike.

Can this principle be observed in history?

When Morality Leads to Blessing

America led the world in abolishing slavery, affirming the sanctity of human life, and later helping rescue the Jews of Europe during and after World War II.

Following these moral choices, the nation rose to unprecedented prosperity, becoming the most influential power on earth — a tangible reflection, perhaps, of the Torah’s principle that those who uphold justice and compassion merit blessing.

When Cruelty Brings Collapse

By contrast, Nazi Germany had all the tools to flourish — a powerful economy, advanced technology, and an educated population. Yet its people chose to follow a tyrant who defied divine morality, trampled human life, and murdered millions of Jews.

The result was a swift and absolute downfall. The Nazi regime ended in catastrophic defeat, its ideology disgraced, and its name forever stained with infamy.

Similarly, the Communist Soviet Union began with great promise of a strong army, scientific progress, and a vast economy. Yet it too rejected divine ethics. Under its rule, millions perished in Siberian camps, religion was banned, and Torah study was outlawed.

Despite its might, the Soviet empire collapsed into famine and poverty in the 1980s, and its “Iron Curtain” crumbled — a clear echo of the moral principle that societies which deny justice and faith ultimately destroy themselves.

The Ongoing Moral Pattern in the World

Even today, many of the world’s poorest and most suffering regions are those whose populations worship idols and violate human rights.

In parts of modern Africa, people with albinism are still tortured or killed for superstition, and infants with disabilities are abandoned. In India, until recently, the practice of sati — burning widows alive on their husbands’ funeral pyres — was widespread.

Wherever cruelty and disregard for life prevail, we see poverty, disease, and societal decay — a visible trace of divine justice throughout history.

The Eternal Exception — The People of Israel

Divine providence is most clearly seen in the story of the Jewish people. For over 3,300 years, the nation of Israel has survived supernaturally, defying every law of history. All the ancient empires of the Middle East — Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece, and Rome have vanished. Only Israel endures.

Despite our small numbers, the Jewish people have become known across the world as pioneers of wisdom, morality, and faith.

Unlike other nations, Israel received a Divine Torah at Mount Sinai, a covenant upon which the entire world stands. Therefore, our success as a nation is directly bound to our faithfulness to Torah and mitzvot.

When Israel lives according to this divine code, it is blessed with prosperity, peace, and honor. When it strays from it, Heaven forbid, enemies and anti-Semites rise against us — though in His mercy, God never allows them to destroy us completely.

May we soon return to Him in complete and loving repentance, and may we merit to witness the light of redemption speedily in our days.