The concept of nations perishing is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the transient nature of earthly powers and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation. The Scriptures often depict the rise and fall of nations as part of God's divine plan, emphasizing that no earthly power can endure apart from His will.

In the Old Testament, the fate of nations is frequently tied to their relationship with God and their moral conduct. The prophet Isaiah declares, "For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined" (Isaiah 60:12). This passage underscores the idea that nations that reject God and His people are destined for destruction. Similarly, the psalmist writes, "The wicked will return to Sheol—all the nations who forget God" (Psalm 9:17), highlighting the spiritual consequences of national apostasy.

The prophetic books often contain oracles against specific nations, illustrating how their downfall serves as a testament to God's justice. For instance, the book of Jeremiah contains prophecies against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, and Babylon, each foretelling their eventual demise due to their opposition to God's purposes (Jeremiah 46-51). These prophecies serve as a reminder that no nation, regardless of its might, can withstand the judgment of God.

In the New Testament, the theme of nations perishing is expanded to include the eschatological vision of the end times. Jesus speaks of the coming judgment, stating, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7). This apocalyptic imagery points to a future where earthly powers will be shaken, and only the kingdom of God will endure.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the temporal nature of nations in his epistles. In his letter to the Corinthians, he writes, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness'" (1 Corinthians 3:19). This passage suggests that human endeavors, including the establishment and maintenance of nations, are ultimately futile without divine guidance.

The book of Revelation provides a vivid portrayal of the final judgment of nations. John describes a vision where the nations are gathered before the throne of God, and those who have opposed Him face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15). This apocalyptic scene reinforces the message that all nations are accountable to God and that their ultimate fate rests in His hands.

Throughout the Bible, the perishing of nations serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the transient nature of human power. It calls believers to place their trust not in earthly kingdoms but in the eternal kingdom of God, which will never perish.Psalm 9:17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 60:12
For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted.
Nave's Topical Index

684. apoleia -- destruction, loss
... derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal) --
damnable(-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/684.htm - 7k

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
... them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor do ye account that it is expedient for you
that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciv retiring before the sanhedrins.htm

Priestly Plottings
... Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should
die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." Even if Jesus ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 59 priestly plottings.htm

Liii. Repentance Enjoined. Parable of the Barren Fig-Tree.
... It is significant that the Jewish people did, as a nation, perish and lie buried
under the falling walls of their cities, and the debris of their temple ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/liii repentance enjoined parable of.htm

The Decision of the Council.
... them, "Ye know nothing at all, nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you
that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the decision of the council.htm

Caiaphas
... them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one
man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.'"John 11 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/caiaphas.htm

John xi. 49, 50
... said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient that one
man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not," &c. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxv john xi 49.htm

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... argument, and ended him and his mutiny on the spot; by the sound rule that it is
expedient that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiii korah dathan and.htm

Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Die?
... the people . . . that the whole nation perish not": which words were spoken
prophetically by Caiphas, as the Evangelist testifies. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was fitting that 11.htm

Strange Fire
... It was better that two men should die, and the whole nation perish not,
as it would have done if their example had been followed. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... rulers of the people." "It is expedient for us," said the wily Caiaphas, "that one
man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."(1055 ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

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