How does Acts 7:7 demonstrate God's justice in dealing with nations? Setting the Scene Acts 7:7 — “ ‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will depart and worship Me in this place.’ ” Key Observations from the Verse • God Himself speaks: “I will punish.” • The object of judgment is “the nation that enslaves them” (Egypt). • The purpose of deliverance is worship: “they will depart and worship Me.” • Justice is national in scope—God addresses an entire people group, not just individuals. What This Reveals about God’s Justice toward Nations • Justice is certain – Genesis 15:13-14 foretold the same judgment centuries earlier; God keeps His word. – Psalm 9:7-8: “He judges the world with justice; He governs the peoples with equity.” • Justice is proportional – Egypt’s oppression drew a fitting response (Exodus 1:11-14; 9:13-17). – Galatians 6:7: “For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” The principle applies corporately. • Justice is purposeful – Judgment leads to freedom that God’s people may “worship Me.” Worship, not revenge, is the end goal (Exodus 3:12). • Justice is patient yet timely – Four hundred years passed before the plagues fell (Acts 7:6; 2 Peter 3:9). God’s patience does not nullify His righteousness. • Justice defends the covenant – By preserving Israel, God secures the messianic line (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 11:1). National judgments serve redemptive history. Broader Biblical Pattern • Assyria punished for pride (Isaiah 10:5-19). • Babylon weighed and found wanting (Daniel 5:26-28). • Nations today warned (Acts 17:26-31). Across Scripture, God’s dealings prove that moral accountability extends beyond individuals to collective entities. Take-Home Truths • No nation is exempt from divine scrutiny—power and longevity do not shield from God’s verdict. • Oppression invites judgment; righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). • Deliverance is granted so God’s people can freely honor Him; liberation and worship belong together. • The same God who judged Egypt remains the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25), assuring that justice—though sometimes delayed—will always prevail. |
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