Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of peace given by God to a nation is a recurring theme that underscores the divine origin of true peace and prosperity. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, security, and harmony that God bestows upon His people when they live in accordance with His will.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament frequently associates peace with God's covenantal promises. In Leviticus 26:6, God promises Israel, "I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with no one to make you afraid. I will remove wild beasts from the land, and no sword will pass through your land." Here, peace is depicted as a divine gift contingent upon Israel's obedience to God's statutes and commandments. The reign of Solomon is often highlighted as a period of peace given by God. In 1 Kings 4:24-25, it is recorded, "For he had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—from Tiphsah to Gaza—and over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides. Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely, each man under his own vine and fig tree, from Dan to Beersheba." Solomon's peace is attributed to God's favor and the fulfillment of His promise to David. Prophetic Visions of Peace The prophets also speak of a future peace that God will establish. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when God will judge between nations and settle disputes, leading to a cessation of war: "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 peace is characterized by justice and righteousness, hallmarks of God's kingdom. Jeremiah 29:7 encourages the exiled Israelites to "seek the peace of the city to which I have exiled you. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its peace you will have peace." This instruction highlights the role of prayer and divine intervention in securing peace, even in foreign lands. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the peace given by God is personified in Jesus Christ, the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus' birth heralds peace on earth, as proclaimed by the angels in Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" This peace is not limited to national boundaries but extends to all who accept Christ's lordship. Jesus Himself speaks of a peace that transcends worldly understanding. In John 14:27, He assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is rooted in the reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. The Role of the Church The early church is called to be an agent of God's peace. In Ephesians 2:14-17, Paul explains that Christ "is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." The church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with embodying and promoting this peace, breaking down barriers and fostering unity among believers and nations. Eschatological Peace The ultimate fulfillment of God's peace is eschatological, as depicted in Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This vision of a new heaven and a new earth represents the consummation of God's peace, a reality where His presence dwells fully with His people. Throughout Scripture, the peace given by God to a nation is a profound testament to His sovereignty, faithfulness, and desire for His creation to live in harmony with Him and one another. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 21:44And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he swore to their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 22:18 1 Chronicles 23:25 Psalm 147:13,14 Ecclesiastes 3:8 Isaiah 45:7 Library Monday in Whitsun-Week. Would God that all the Lord's People were ... Peace on Earth through Righteousness Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory The God of Peace The Substance of Some Discourse had Between the Clerk of the Peace ... A Bright Gleam of Light. It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period. The Kingdom and the King Easter Tuesday Resources Why did God sometimes judge the entire nation for the actions of its king? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the consequences of nations turning away from God? | GotQuestions.org Will the generation that saw Israel re-formed as a nation still be alive for the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.org Nation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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