In the biblical narrative, the concept of nations and enemies is deeply intertwined with the history of Israel and God's overarching plan for humanity. The term "nations" often refers to the various peoples and ethnic groups surrounding Israel, while "enemies" typically denotes those who oppose God's people and His purposes.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the nations surrounding Israel frequently played significant roles in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. The Hebrew word "goyim" is often translated as "nations" and can refer to both the people of Israel and the Gentile nations. God's relationship with these nations is complex, as He uses them both as instruments of judgment and as recipients of His eventual blessing.

The nations are often depicted as adversaries of Israel, with God commanding the Israelites to conquer and dispossess them from the Promised Land. For instance, in Deuteronomy 7:1-2 , God instructs Israel: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction."

Despite this, the Old Testament also contains promises of blessing for the nations. In Genesis 12:3 , God tells Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This indicates a future hope where the nations will be included in God's redemptive plan.

Enemies of Israel

Throughout the Old Testament, Israel faces numerous enemies, both external and internal. External enemies include the Egyptians, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, and others who threaten Israel's existence and sovereignty. These enemies often serve as instruments of God's judgment when Israel falls into idolatry and disobedience. For example, the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles are seen as divine punishment for Israel's unfaithfulness.

Internal enemies are those within Israel who lead the people astray, such as false prophets and corrupt leaders. These figures are often condemned by the prophets for their role in turning the nation away from God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of nations and enemies takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus' teachings emphasize love for enemies and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 expands the mission of God's people to include all nations: "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 command underscores the inclusion of all peoples in the redemptive work of Christ.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme, emphasizing the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. In Ephesians 2:14 , he writes, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."

Spiritual Warfare

The New Testament also introduces the concept of spiritual enemies, with Satan and his forces depicted as the ultimate adversaries of God's people. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, faith, and the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:13-18 .

Eschatological Hope

The Bible concludes with a vision of the ultimate defeat of all enemies and the unification of all nations under God's reign. Revelation 7:9 presents a picture of this future reality: "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 eschatological hope reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom.