Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of "waiting" often carries a profound spiritual significance, particularly in relation to the Gentiles. The prophetic literature of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament reveal that the Gentiles, or non-Jewish nations, are depicted as waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises and the revelation of His salvation.Old Testament Prophecies The anticipation of the Gentiles is notably highlighted in the prophetic books. Isaiah, a major prophet, speaks extensively about the future inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. In Isaiah 42:1-4, the Servant of the Lord is described as one who will bring justice to the nations. Verse 4 states, "He will not grow weak or discouraged until He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope." Here, the "islands" or "coastlands" symbolize distant nations, indicating that the Gentiles will wait for His law and justice. Isaiah 11:10 further emphasizes this theme: "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious." This passage foretells a time when the Gentiles will actively seek the Messiah, the Root of Jesse, and find rest in Him. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament writings affirm and expand upon these Old Testament prophecies. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, references Isaiah's prophecy to illustrate the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvation plan. Romans 15:12 quotes Isaiah, saying, "The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope." The Gospels also reflect this theme. In Matthew 12:18-21, Jesus is identified as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, and it is declared, "In His name the nations will put their hope." This passage underscores the role of Jesus as the awaited Savior for both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the expectation that the Gentiles would wait for and ultimately find hope in Him. Theological Implications The waiting of the Gentiles is not merely a passive anticipation but an active hope and expectation for the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. This waiting is characterized by a longing for justice, peace, and the revelation of God's truth. The inclusion of the Gentiles in the divine plan underscores the universality of the Gospel and God's desire for all nations to come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. The prophetic vision of the Gentiles waiting for the Messiah highlights the expansive reach of God's covenant promises, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass all humanity. This theme serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes through Christ, who is the hope of all nations. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 42:4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 60:9 Library The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38 Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... On the Faith and Piety of Theodosius Augustus. Acts XVII The Doctrine of the Truth Continued. The Epistles of the Captivity. Blair -- the Hour and the Event of all Time The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age. The Woman and Dragon. Resources Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about patience? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
    |