Topical Bible: God: Preserver in Giving Peace With Other Nations

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In the biblical narrative, God is frequently depicted as the ultimate preserver of peace, not only within the nation of Israel but also in its relations with other nations. This aspect of God's character is evident throughout the Scriptures, where He is shown to orchestrate circumstances and influence the hearts of leaders to bring about peace and stability.

Divine Sovereignty and Peace

The sovereignty of God over the nations is a recurring theme in the Bible. Proverbs 21:1 states, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." This verse underscores the belief that God holds ultimate control over the affairs of nations, guiding their leaders to fulfill His purposes, including the establishment of peace.

Peace as a Blessing from God

Peace is often portrayed as a divine blessing bestowed upon those who follow God's commandments. In Leviticus 26:6 , God promises Israel, "And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with no one to frighten you. I will remove dangerous beasts from the land, and no sword will pass through your land." Here, peace is contingent upon Israel's obedience, illustrating the conditional nature of divine peace as a reward for faithfulness.

God's Role in International Peace

Throughout the Old Testament, God intervenes in the affairs of nations to bring about peace. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah faces a coalition of enemy forces. In response to his prayer, God assures him of victory without the need for battle, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s" (2 Chronicles 20:15). The subsequent divine intervention leads to confusion among the enemy forces, resulting in their self-destruction and peace for Judah.

Prophetic Promises of Peace

The prophets often speak of a future time when God will establish peace among the nations. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when "He will judge between the nations and will mediate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This prophetic vision highlights God's ultimate plan for global peace, transcending the immediate historical context.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the theme of peace extends beyond national boundaries to encompass a spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9:6, embodies God's peace. Ephesians 2:14 declares, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." Through Christ, God reconciles not only individuals but also peoples, breaking down barriers and fostering peace among diverse groups.

Prayer and Peace

Believers are encouraged to pray for peace, trusting in God's ability to influence international relations. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 , Paul urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." This exhortation reflects the belief that God, as the preserver of peace, responds to the prayers of His people, affecting the course of nations.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of God as the preserver of peace with other nations is multifaceted, encompassing His sovereignty, the conditional nature of peace as a blessing, His direct intervention in international affairs, prophetic promises, and the transformative work of Christ. Through these narratives, the Bible presents a vision of God actively working to establish peace among nations, both in historical contexts and in the eschatological future.

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2 Chronicles 17:1
And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.
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And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things...
... of the enemy the salutary and life-giving Sign, as ... strength, but to acknowledge the
Supreme God as the ... as the Author of victory, their preserver, guardian, and ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter ix and now we.htm

God's Restraining Power.
... of the Highest Himself, the Creator and Preserver of the ... often even making the wonderful
life-giving fountains of ... one Spirit, one baptism, one God and Father ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... that will not cost you so much of giving up sin ... He is your Maker and Preserver; every
argument we can use ... you remember that, for you to contend with God, is for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
... Saviour of our souls, and the secure preserver of our life ... of Thy grace, O our Lord
and God, gives us access to these renowned, holy, life-giving, and divine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the liturgy of the blessed.htm

Watkinson -- the Transfigured Sackcloth
... shall I do unto thee, O thou Preserver of men ... us how, under the redemptive government
of God, suffering has ... the fruit of disobedience, and by giving us purity ...
/.../the worlds great sermons volume 8/watkinson the transfigured sackcloth.htm

Protest of the Princes.
... thus spoken, he withdrew from the assembly, giving the Reformers no ... "We protest by
these presents, before God, our only Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /11 protest of the princes.htm

Protest of the Princes
... thus spoken, he withdrew from the assembly, giving the Reformers no ... "We protest by
these presents, before God, our only Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 11 protest of the.htm

The Psalter of Solomon.
... so called, are an interesting monument of later Judaism, giving glimpses of ... Psalter
ends with a hymn of praise to God as the Creator, Preserver, and Ruler ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the psalter of solomon.htm

The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross.
... Canon of the venerated and life-giving Cross " the ... the greatly desired One, Who hath
ascended unto God. ... and all-powerful cross; hail, the preserver of our ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iii the general service.htm

The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... Whilst giving the Athenians full credit for their devotional ... His authority as the
Maker and Preserver of the ... and six months teaching the Word of God among them ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vii the ministry of.htm