Topical Encyclopedia Ethiopia, known in biblical times as Cush, holds a significant place in the prophetic literature of the Bible. The ancient kingdom, located in the region of modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, often symbolizing distant lands and peoples. The prophecies concerning Ethiopia's conversion are seen as part of the broader biblical theme of the inclusion of Gentile nations into the covenant blessings of Israel.Isaiah's Vision of Ethiopia's Conversion The prophet Isaiah speaks of Ethiopia in a manner that suggests its future inclusion in the worship of the God of Israel. In Isaiah 18:7 , it is written: "At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people feared far and wide, a nation powerful and oppressive, whose land the rivers divide—to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD of Hosts." This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of Ethiopia's acknowledgment of the God of Israel, bringing gifts to Mount Zion, symbolizing their conversion and worship. Zephaniah's Prophetic Declaration The prophet Zephaniah also speaks of Ethiopia in the context of God's redemptive plan. In Zephaniah 3:10 , it is declared: "From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, the daughter of My dispersed people, will bring Me an offering." This prophecy envisions a time when the people of Ethiopia, referred to as Cush, will participate in the worship of the LORD, bringing offerings as a sign of their devotion and inclusion among God's people. The Psalmist's Anticipation The Psalms also contain references to Ethiopia's future conversion. Psalm 68:31 states: "Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God." This imagery of Ethiopia stretching out her hands to God is a powerful symbol of submission and worship, indicating a future turning to the LORD. The Broader Context of Gentile Inclusion The prophecies concerning Ethiopia's conversion are part of a larger biblical narrative that anticipates the inclusion of all nations in the worship of the one true God. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where the gospel is proclaimed to all nations, fulfilling the prophetic vision of the Old Testament. The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion in Acts 8:26-39 is often seen as a fulfillment of these prophecies, symbolizing the beginning of Ethiopia's spiritual journey towards the God of Israel. In summary, the prophetic literature of the Bible envisions a time when Ethiopia, along with other Gentile nations, will turn to the LORD in worship and devotion. These prophecies highlight the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate fulfillment of His promise to bless all the families of the earth through the seed of Abraham. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 68:31Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 87:4 Isaiah 45:14 Daniel 11:43 Library Acts viii. 26, 27 Hope for the Heathen Questions. Matthew. General Index. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) And ii. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Resources What does selah mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs the Rastafarian / Rasta god “Jah” the same as the Christian God? | GotQuestions.org What is glossolalia? | GotQuestions.org Ethiopia: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ethiopia was Called the Land of Cush, Mentioned In Ethiopia: A Eunuch From, Becomes a Disciple Beause of the Preaching of Philip Ethiopia: Bordered Egypt on the South Ethiopia: Moses Marries a Woman of Ethiopia: Prophecies Concerning the Conversion of Ethiopia: The Inhabitants of, Black Ethiopia: Treats Jeremiah Kindly Ethiopia: Within the Babylonian Empire Related Terms |