The phrase "The Nations Will Know" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's desire for His glory, power, and sovereignty to be recognized by all peoples of the earth. This concept is deeply rooted in the narrative of Scripture, where God's interactions with Israel and the surrounding nations serve as a testament to His divine authority and purpose.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the phrase often appears in the context of God's judgment and deliverance. A prominent example is found in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet repeatedly declares that God's actions are intended so "the nations will know that I am the LORD." This is seen in passages such as Ezekiel 36:23 : "I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes."

The context of these declarations often involves God's judgment upon Israel for their disobedience, as well as His subsequent restoration of the nation. Through these acts, God demonstrates His holiness and faithfulness, not only to Israel but also to the surrounding nations. The purpose is to reveal His character and establish His reputation among all peoples.

The Role of Israel

Israel's role as God's chosen people is central to this theme. They are intended to be a light to the nations, a living testimony of God's covenantal relationship with humanity. In Isaiah 49:6 , God speaks of His servant, saying, "It is not enough for you to be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth."

Through Israel's history, including their exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law, and their eventual exile and return, God uses His people to demonstrate His power and righteousness. The nations are to witness these events and recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the theme of "The Nations Will Know" is expanded through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 commands the disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations," signifying the extension of God's salvation to all peoples. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's love and authority, intended to draw all nations to Him.

The apostle Paul further emphasizes this in Romans 15:9-12 , where he cites Old Testament prophecies to show that the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan was always intended: "Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name." Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people." And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples." And once more, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope."

Eschatological Vision

The ultimate fulfillment of "The Nations Will Know" is eschatological, pointing to the end times when God's kingdom will be fully realized. Revelation 7:9 provides a vision of this future reality: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands."

This vision underscores the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where people from every nation will acknowledge His lordship and worship Him. The theme of "The Nations Will Know" thus encapsulates God's overarching purpose to reveal Himself to all humanity, inviting them into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.