Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, nationalities refer to the various ethnic groups, tribes, and nations mentioned throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides a rich tapestry of national identities, each playing a significant role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Understanding these nationalities helps illuminate the historical and theological narratives within the Bible.Creation and Early Nations The concept of nationalities begins with the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the Flood. This chapter is foundational for understanding the origins of various peoples and languages. 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." Israel and Surrounding Nations The nation of Israel holds a central place in the biblical narrative. God chose Israel as His covenant people, beginning with His call to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 : "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'" Israel's identity as a nation is intricately linked to its covenant relationship with God, its laws, and its land. Surrounding Israel were various nations, each with its own interactions with God's people. The Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians are among the many nationalities mentioned. These nations often served as instruments of God's judgment or blessing, as seen in the Exodus from Egypt and the Babylonian Exile. Prophetic Visions of Nations The prophets frequently addressed the nations, pronouncing judgments and blessings. Isaiah 2:2 envisions a future where "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 prophetic vision underscores the eschatological hope that all nations will ultimately recognize the sovereignty of God. The New Testament and the Nations In the New Testament, the concept of nationalities 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 mandate reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. The early church grappled with the inclusion of Gentiles, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). The apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of believers from all nationalities in Christ, stating in Galatians 3:28 , "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Eschatological Fulfillment The book of Revelation presents a vision of the ultimate gathering of all nationalities in worship before God. 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 highlights the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where diversity among nationalities is celebrated in unity before the throne of God. Throughout the Bible, nationalities are integral to the narrative of God's interaction with humanity. They serve as both the backdrop and the participants in the divine account, illustrating the breadth of God's sovereignty and the inclusivity of His salvation plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Nationality.Library Persis Divided Worship Phoebe Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War. Prefatory Note. Christ, the Great Teacher Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Hymns of Suffering and Trust. The Wonderful Unity of the Bible Attests Its Divine Authorship Quotations from the Lxx. In the New Testament. Thesaurus Nationalities (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Nationality. Multi-Version Concordance Nationalities (2 Occurrences). Esther 8:17 In every ... /n/nationalities.htm - 7k Lud (10 Occurrences) Ludim (3 Occurrences) Nationality (5 Occurrences) Ham (16 Occurrences) National (1 Occurrence) Longevity Girgashite (7 Occurrences) Simeon (48 Occurrences) Sabaeans Resources What does the Bible say about prejudice? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the seed of Abraham? | GotQuestions.org Is Christianity a white man's religion? | GotQuestions.org Nationalities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Nationalities (2 Occurrences)Esther 8:17 Esther 9:2 Subtopics Related Terms |