Psalm 22:28: God's rule over nations?
How does Psalm 22:28 affirm God's sovereignty over all nations today?

The Verse in Focus

“For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)


Immediate Context of Psalm 22

- Psalm 22 begins with anguish (“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”) yet ends in triumphant confidence.

- Verses 27-31 shift from individual lament to worldwide praise, showing that the God who hears suffering also governs history.

- Verse 28 is the hinge: because God rules, both the sufferer and the nations have hope.


Key Terms Unpacked

- Dominion – absolute ownership and authority. No realm lies outside His jurisdiction.

- Belongs to the LORD – not borrowed, not shared; it is inherently His.

- He rules – present-tense, active governance, not passive observation.

- Over the nations – every ethnic group, kingdom, and government is under His hand.


What This Means for Our World Today

• Governments change, God does not: “He deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21)

• Global unrest cannot overturn divine plans: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)

• The Great Commission rests on this authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18)

• History is moving toward a guaranteed outcome: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” (Revelation 11:15)


Practical Implications for Believers

- Confidence in prayer: We petition the One who already controls the outcome.

- Steadfast hope amid political shifts: Elections, coups, or treaties cannot thwart His reign.

- Bold evangelism: Because He rules over the nations, every people group is reachable.

- Personal surrender: Trusting His sovereignty frees us from anxiety over world events.


Supporting Passages That Echo Psalm 22:28

- Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.”

- Psalm 47:7-8 – “God is King of all the earth… God reigns over the nations.”

- Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”

- Isaiah 40:15 – “Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket.”

- Acts 17:26 – “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.”


Key Takeaways

- God’s sovereignty is not theoretical; it is an active, present reality over every nation.

- World events unfold under His directive hand, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

- Psalm 22:28 invites unwavering trust: the same God who heard David’s cry and raised Christ rules the globe today.

What is the meaning of Psalm 22:28?
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