Peoples

In the biblical narrative, the term "peoples" refers to the various ethnic groups, nations, and tribes that populate the earth. The Bible presents a comprehensive view of humanity's origins, diversity, and destiny, beginning with the creation of man in Genesis. According to Genesis 1:27 , "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This foundational verse establishes the inherent dignity and worth of all peoples as bearers of God's image.

The division of peoples into different nations and languages is described in Genesis 11 with the account of the Tower of Babel. As humanity sought to make a name for themselves and resist God's command to fill the earth, God confused their language, resulting in the scattering of peoples across the earth (Genesis 11:7-9). This event marks the beginning of the diversity of languages and cultures.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are depicted as God's chosen people, set apart to be a light to the nations. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." Despite this special status, the Israelites were called to be a blessing to all nations, as promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 : "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you."

The prophetic literature often envisions a future where all peoples will come to worship the one true God. Isaiah 2:2 prophesies, "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." This eschatological hope is echoed in the New Testament, where the gospel is proclaimed to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Earth

The earth, as depicted in the Bible, is the creation of God, who is sovereign over all. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This opening statement of Scripture affirms God's authority and ownership over the entire cosmos. The earth is portrayed as a place of beauty and abundance, designed to sustain life and reflect God's glory.

The earth's creation is described in detail in Genesis 1, where God systematically forms and fills the earth over six days. The earth is seen as a stage for God's redemptive plan, with humanity given the mandate to "fill the earth and subdue it" and to "rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground" (Genesis 1:28). This stewardship role underscores humanity's responsibility to care for and manage the earth's resources wisely.

The fall of man in Genesis 3 introduces sin into the world, resulting in a curse upon the earth. Genesis 3:17-18 records God's words to Adam: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field." This curse affects the natural order, leading to a world marked by toil, suffering, and decay.

Despite the fallen state of the earth, the Bible holds out hope for its renewal. The prophets speak of a future restoration, where the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). The New Testament further reveals that creation itself eagerly awaits liberation from its bondage to decay, as described in Romans 8:21 : "That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

In the book of Revelation, the ultimate renewal of the earth is depicted in the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:1-4). This consummation of history reflects God's redemptive purpose for both peoples and the earth, bringing about a restored creation in perfect harmony with its Creator.