Topical Bible: Righteousness: Nations Exalted By

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: Nations Exalted By ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, as a divine attribute and moral standard, plays a pivotal role in the elevation and prosperity of nations according to biblical teachings. The concept of righteousness is deeply embedded in the fabric of biblical law and prophecy, serving as a benchmark for both individual and collective conduct. The Bible consistently emphasizes that nations adhering to righteousness are blessed and exalted, while those that deviate from it face decline and judgment.

Biblical Foundation

The principle that righteousness exalts a nation is explicitly stated in Proverbs 14:34: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This verse encapsulates the idea that moral integrity and adherence to God's laws bring honor and prosperity to a nation, while sin leads to shame and downfall. The biblical narrative often illustrates this principle through the history of Israel and other nations.

Israel as a Model

Israel serves as a primary example of a nation whose fortunes were directly tied to its adherence to righteousness. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings that would come upon Israel if they obeyed His commandments, including prosperity, victory over enemies, and a respected position among nations. Conversely, disobedience would result in curses, including defeat, poverty, and disgrace.

The reign of King David is often highlighted as a period when Israel experienced exaltation due to righteousness. David, described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), sought to lead the nation in accordance with God's statutes. Under his leadership, Israel expanded its territory and enjoyed peace and prosperity.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets frequently called nations to righteousness, warning of the consequences of sin and injustice. Isaiah 1:16-17 urges, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Here, righteousness is linked with social justice and care for the vulnerable, indicating that a nation's moral standing is measured by its treatment of the least among them.

Jeremiah 18:7-10 further illustrates God's dealings with nations: "At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation, but it does evil in My sight and does not obey Me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended for it." This passage underscores the conditional nature of national exaltation based on righteousness.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of righteousness for nations. While the focus shifts more towards individual righteousness through faith in Christ, the principles of justice, mercy, and humility remain applicable to national conduct. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls His followers to be the "light of the world," implying that their righteous living should influence and elevate the societies in which they reside.

Historical and Theological Reflections

Throughout history, many Christian theologians and leaders have echoed the biblical call for nations to pursue righteousness. They argue that laws and policies grounded in biblical principles lead to societal flourishing. The moral fabric of a nation, they contend, is strengthened when its leaders and citizens uphold justice, truth, and compassion.

In summary, the Bible presents righteousness as a key factor in the exaltation of nations. Through obedience to God's commands and the pursuit of justice, nations can experience divine favor and prosperity. The biblical narrative, prophetic warnings, and teachings of Jesus collectively affirm that righteousness is integral to the well-being and honor of any people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... He is exalted as a king upon his throne ... made an end of sin, and brought in everlasting
righteousness. ... and it predominates most in those young nations which have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

The Carcass and the Eagles
... trusting in Jehovah was very fanatical and unpractical, just as many in England
and America think that their nations are exalted, not by righteousness, but by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the carcass and the eagles.htm

God is Our Refuge
... nations"that I, not you, will be exalted in the ... government of the world and its nations;
and, therefore ... God, and will make mention of Thy righteousness only. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxii god is our.htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 8, "He Will Convict the ...
... and says; "Wherefore God also hath exalted Him, and ... seed of Abraham, "in whom all
nations shall be ... deem ourselves separated from that righteousness, which the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciv on the same.htm

Solomon
... The name of Jehovah was exalted and held in honor, and the purpose ... The wisdom and
righteousness revealed by the king bore witness to all nations of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

That Christ is God.
... Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: wherefore God, Thy God, hath
anointed Thee with the oil of ... I will be exalted among the nations, and I ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/6 that christ is god.htm

Nor Does Ps. Lxxii. Apply to Solomon, Whose Faults Christians ...
... In His days shall righteousness flourish, and abundance of peace ... shall worship Him,
and all the nations shall serve Him ... on the earth, it shall be exalted on the ...
/.../chapter xxxiv nor does ps lxxii.htm

Psalm XLVII.
... the nations:" and ye see so exalted in Christ's ... nations is the elder, among all nations
the younger ... the Jews, "being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvii.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 39, "Ye Search the Scriptures ...
... 3860] To be ignorant then of God's righteousness, and to ... sea, and in thy seed shall
all nations of the ... of the Resurrection of Christ; "Be Thou exalted, O God ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxix on the words.htm

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call ... shall be called, The Lord our
Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23 ... Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm