Topical Encyclopedia The concept of having power over the nations is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with divine authority, judgment, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This theme is intricately linked with the idea of war, both physical and spiritual, as a means through which God's sovereignty and justice are manifested.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the notion of having power over the nations is frequently connected to God's covenant with Israel. The Israelites were chosen to be a nation set apart, and through them, God intended to demonstrate His power and authority over all nations. In Deuteronomy 28:1, God promises Israel that if they obey His commandments, He will set them "high above all the nations of the earth." This elevation is not merely for their benefit but serves as a testament to God's supremacy. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a prime example of this theme. The Israelites, under divine command, waged war against the Canaanite nations to claim the land promised to them by God. This military campaign was not just a territorial expansion but a divine mandate to establish God's rule and demonstrate His power over the nations (Joshua 1:2-6). Prophetic Literature The prophetic books often speak of God's judgment upon the nations, emphasizing His ultimate authority. In Isaiah 14:26-27, the prophet declares, "This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?" Here, the imagery of God's hand stretched over the nations signifies His control and the inevitability of His will being accomplished. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the theme of having power over the nations is further developed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 2:26-27, Jesus promises, "To the one who is victorious and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father." This passage highlights the eschatological fulfillment of God's promise, where believers, through Christ, will share in His authority over the nations. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) also reflects this theme, as Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. This spiritual mandate underscores the expansion of God's kingdom through the proclamation of the Gospel, a form of spiritual warfare that transcends physical boundaries. Spiritual Warfare The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to engage in battle against spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage emphasizes that the true battle for power over the nations is spiritual, requiring believers to be equipped with the armor of God. Conclusion The theme of having power over the nations is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, encompassing divine authority, judgment, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. Through both physical and spiritual warfare, God's sovereignty is established, and His purposes are accomplished among the nations. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 2:26And he that overcomes, and keeps my works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations: Nave's Topical Index Library Of the Wickedness of the War Waged by the Romans against the ... In the Meantime, those Jews, Who, as we have Said Above... Southcotters. A Woman on a Scarlet-Colored Beast. The Final Conflict. Argument: Then He Shows that C??cilius had Been Wrong in Asserting ... The Meaning The Nations of the South-East The Supposed Effects of Christianity. Introduction Resources What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about holy war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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