What is the Bible's perspective on nationalism?

The Biblical Origin and Purpose of Nations

Scripture portrays the development of nations as intentional, unfolding under the sovereign direction of God. Early in Genesis, peoples multiply and eventually scatter across the earth. Genesis 10 describes the descendants of Noah’s sons, listing numerous nations as they spread out after the Flood, each group having its own language and territory (Genesis 10:32). Shortly thereafter, the Tower of Babel narrative (Genesis 11:1–9) explains how humanity’s pride led to the confusion of languages. This dispersion resulted in distinct peoples and lands, demonstrating that the formation of nations was neither random nor accidental, but permitted—and even guided—by divine decree.

Biblical teaching underscores that God remains sovereign over the existence, boundaries, and histories of nations. Deuteronomy 32:8 notes that “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples.” Acts 17:26 reiterates the same principle: “From one man He made every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.”

Israel as a Unique Covenant Nation

Central to the Old Testament is Israel’s role as a nation uniquely called by God to serve as a light to the world (Isaiah 49:6). This status was not due to Israel’s might or inherent virtue, but rather God’s sovereign choice and promise to Abraham (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; cf. Genesis 12:1–3). As such, Israel stands as a covenant people through whom the Messiah was destined to come.

Nevertheless, the Old Testament does not suggest that Israel’s national identity was a license for pride or hostility toward outsiders. Instead, Israel is consistently reminded to care for foreigners and those not of Israelite descent, bringing them into the community under God’s law (Leviticus 19:33–34). This points to a divine plan that ultimately extends beyond one nation and invites all peoples into covenant relationship, while still honoring the special historical role of the nation of Israel.

God’s Sovereignty over All Nations

Kings, kingdoms, and political entities appear throughout Scripture, each subject to the supreme rule of God. Daniel 2:21 affirms, “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” From a biblical perspective, no nation exists independently of divine knowledge. Earthly rulers may appear powerful, yet their reigns remain finite and accountable to God (Psalm 2:1–6; Daniel 4:34–35).

Nationalism, in the sense of loyalty or love for one’s country, is not inherently critiqued as evil in Scripture. Instead, the emphasis remains on subjecting any form of earthly allegiance to the higher authority of God. Romans 13:1 instructs, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” Believers are thus encouraged to respect lawful government, recognizing that authority itself is established by God’s permissive will.

Tension between Earthly Allegiance and Spiritual Allegiance

Although Scripture commends godly citizenship, it consistently warns against placing ultimate trust in human nations. Psalm 146:3 maintains, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men who cannot save.” A Christian’s primary loyalty belongs to God’s kingdom, which transcends every earthly boundary. When governments or national interests oppose divine principles, the faithful response is to choose obedience to God over government (Acts 5:29).

Jesus Himself stated that His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), indicating that a purely nationalistic focus will always be secondary for those seeking to follow Him. For Jesus’ followers, the call to be “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) transcends traditional national identities, uniting believers into a spiritual household that draws from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 7:9).

Warnings Against Idolatrous Nationalism

Scripture sternly cautions against idolatry in all forms, including an excessive elevation of one’s nation. When individuals or societies begin to exalt their race, ethnicity, or homeland above the authority of God, this attitude runs contrary to the biblical call to worship God alone (Exodus 20:3–5). Old Testament prophets frequently admonished Israel whenever national pride or alliances led them to trust in military power rather than in God’s protection (Hosea 10:13).

The Book of Obadiah offers a stark portrayal of Edom’s downfall due to national pride, revealing that misplaced confidence in a country’s might or geography inevitably leads to judgment (Obadiah 3–4). Such passages illustrate that nationalism becomes spiritually dangerous once it usurps the rightful place of the Creator.

The Embrace of Many Nations in the New Covenant

Following Christ’s resurrection, the gospel began to spread outward from Jerusalem into the surrounding nations. The New Testament underscores that God extends salvation to Gentiles and Jews alike without partiality (Romans 10:12). Galatians 3:28 emphasizes that within Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This extension of grace to all people fulfills the Old Testament promise that in Abraham’s seed, “all the nations of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) reflects the same inclusive scope. Hence, Scripture envisions a global community of believers united by faith in Christ.

Seeking the Welfare of Our Earthly Nations

Although citizenship in God’s kingdom holds ultimate significance for believers, biblical teaching also encourages active engagement in one’s earthly nation. In Jeremiah 29:7, the exiles in Babylon are instructed to “seek the prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.” This principle extends to modern contexts, calling individuals to pray for their nation’s leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2) and contribute positively to society.

Nevertheless, loyalty to earthly governance must be kept in perspective. Believers serve as “foreigners and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13), testifying to a heavenly kingdom while fulfilling responsibilities as model citizens who love their neighbors.

Conclusion: Balancing National Identity and Eternal Allegiance

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture affirms that God ordains and disperses nations according to His sovereign plan. Love for one’s homeland can be good when expressed through righteous conduct, gratitude, and service. However, nationalism must never overshadow one’s highest devotion to God or disregard the unity of the worldwide body of believers.

Ultimately, biblical teaching on nationalism threads together two themes: God’s sovereign orchestration of earthly nations and the surpassing significance of citizenship in His eternal kingdom. Earthly boundaries cannot erase the call to love, serve, and proclaim Christ to all peoples. In this way, Scripture offers a perspective that affirms national community and heritage while upholding a higher allegiance to the one true God, who has revealed Himself through Scripture and through His risen Son, redeeming people from every nation into His everlasting family.