Topical Encyclopedia The term "national" in a biblical context often relates to the concept of nations, peoples, and ethnic groups as they are presented in the Scriptures. The Bible frequently addresses the role and significance of nations in God's divine plan, highlighting both their collective identity and individual responsibilities.Biblical Foundation The concept of nations is introduced early in the Bible. In Genesis 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—are listed, establishing the origins of various peoples and nations. Genesis 10:32 states, "These are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their lines of descent, within their nations. From these the nations spread out over the earth after the flood." God's Sovereignty Over Nations The Bible emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations. In Deuteronomy 32:8 , it is written, "When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God." This passage underscores the belief that God has established the boundaries and destinies of nations. Israel as a Chosen Nation A significant aspect of the biblical narrative is the selection of Israel as God's chosen nation. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares to the Israelites, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This covenantal relationship sets Israel apart with a unique role in God's redemptive plan. Nations in Prophecy The prophetic books of the Bible often address the fate of nations, both in terms of judgment and blessing. Isaiah 2:2 prophesies, "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." This vision of nations coming to worship the Lord highlights the eschatological hope of unity and peace under God's reign. The Great Commission In the New Testament, the concept of nations expands with the Great Commission. Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and the call to bring all nations into the fold of God's kingdom. Unity and Diversity in Christ The New Testament also speaks to the unity and diversity of believers from all nations. Galatians 3:28 affirms, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage emphasizes the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers within the body of Christ, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Eschatological Vision Revelation provides a vision of the ultimate gathering of nations in worship. Revelation 7:9 describes, "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This imagery portrays the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham, culminating in a diverse yet unified worship of God. Throughout the Bible, the concept of nations is intricately woven into the narrative of God's interaction with humanity, highlighting themes of sovereignty, chosenness, judgment, redemption, and ultimate unity in Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to a nation; common to a whole people or race; public; general; as, a national government, language, dress, custom, calamity, etc.2. (a.) Attached to one's own country or nation. Greek 1482. ethnikos -- national, foreign, ie spec. a Gentile ... 1481, 1482. ethnikos. 1483 . national, foreign, ie spec. ... See 1484 (). Word Origin from ethnos Definition national, foreign, ie spec. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1482.htm - 7k 3085. lutrosis -- a ransoming, a redemption Strong's Hebrew 8668. teshuah -- deliverance, salvation... Or tshuah {tesh-oo-aw'}; from shava' in the sense of yasha'; rescue (literal or figurative, pers., national or spir.) -- deliverance, help, safety, salvation ... /hebrew/8668.htm - 6k 3068. Yhvh -- the proper name of the God of Israel 4445. Malkam -- a Benjamite 6588. pesha -- transgression Library National Retribution National Days The National Oath at Shechem National Apostasy Declaration of Faith of the National Council of Congregational ... December the Ninth National Blessedness National Wealth National Privileges The Oberlin Declaration of the National Congregational Council. AD ... National Sorrows and National Lessons Thesaurus National (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to a nation; common to a whole people or race; public; general; as, a national government, language, dress, custom, calamity, etc. ... /n/national.htm - 7k Fasts (3 Occurrences) Feasts (45 Occurrences) Nationality (5 Occurrences) Mizpah (42 Occurrences) Prophesyings (1 Occurrence) Circumcision (98 Occurrences) Josiah (51 Occurrences) Affliction (120 Occurrences) Moloch (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the National Day of Prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the National Council of Churches? | GotQuestions.org What is the National Baptist Convention of America? | GotQuestions.org National: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance National (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 17:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
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