The term "Former Dominion" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of biblical themes related to authority, rule, and the loss or transition of power. This concept is often associated with the dominion given to humanity at creation, the fall of man, and the subsequent changes in authority throughout biblical history.

Creation and Original Dominion

In the beginning, God granted humanity dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:26-28 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'"

This passage highlights the original dominion given to humanity, a stewardship role over creation, reflecting God's authority and order.

The Fall and Loss of Dominion

The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, marks a significant shift in this dominion. Through disobedience, Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, resulting in a fractured relationship with God and a cursed creation. Genesis 3:17-19 records God's words to Adam: "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."

This curse signifies a loss of the harmonious dominion originally intended, as humanity now faces toil and struggle in their stewardship of the earth.

Transition of Dominion in Biblical History

Throughout the Bible, the theme of dominion is revisited in various forms. The history of Israel, for example, reflects transitions of power and authority. God establishes His covenant with Abraham, promising that his descendants will inherit the land (Genesis 15:18-21). Later, under King David, Israel experiences a period of united monarchy and expanded dominion (2 Samuel 5:12).

However, due to disobedience and idolatry, Israel and Judah eventually face conquest and exile, losing their dominion over the promised land. The prophets, such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel, speak of these events as consequences of turning away from God (Jeremiah 25:8-11; Ezekiel 36:16-21).

Restoration and Future Dominion

The concept of dominion is ultimately restored and fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ reestablishes the kingdom of God and offers redemption to humanity. Colossians 1:13-14 states, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the final restoration of dominion is depicted. Revelation 22:5 describes the eternal reign of the saints: "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever."

Thus, the concept of "Former Dominion" encompasses the original authority given to humanity, its loss through sin, and the ultimate restoration through Christ, culminating in the eternal reign with God.