Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the term "heathen" often refers to nations or peoples who do not acknowledge the God of Israel, engaging instead in idolatry and practices contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Throughout Scripture, there is a recurring theme of God thwarting the plans and counsels of these nations, demonstrating His sovereignty and ultimate authority over all creation.Divine Sovereignty Over Nations The Bible consistently affirms that God is sovereign over all nations, including those considered heathen. In Psalm 33:10-11 , it is written: "The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations." This passage underscores the futility of human plans when they stand in opposition to God's eternal purposes. Examples of God Thwarting Heathen Plans 1. The Tower of Babel: In Genesis 11, humanity, united in language and purpose, sought to build a tower reaching the heavens, symbolizing their pride and self-sufficiency. God intervened by confusing their language, scattering them across the earth, and halting their project. This act demonstrated God's power to disrupt human schemes that defy His will. 2. The Exodus: The Egyptian Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites, despite numerous plagues, exemplifies the futility of resisting God's commands. In Exodus 14:27-28 , God ultimately brings Pharaoh's plans to nought by parting the Red Sea for the Israelites and then allowing the waters to return, destroying the Egyptian army. 3. Assyrian Invasion: In 2 Kings 19, the Assyrian King Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem, boasting of his conquests and defying the God of Israel. In response, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, demonstrating His power to protect His people and nullify the threats of heathen nations. Prophetic Declarations The prophets frequently declared God's intention to bring the counsels of heathen nations to nought. Isaiah 8:10 states: "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us." This assurance to Israel highlights the certainty of God's intervention against the plans of those who oppose Him. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues this theme, affirming God's authority over all earthly powers. In Acts 4:25-26 , the early Christians, quoting Psalm 2, recognize the futility of the nations' rage against the Lord and His Anointed: "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One." Despite opposition, God's redemptive plan through Christ prevails. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that God, in His omnipotence, brings to nought the counsels of the heathen. This divine intervention serves as a testament to His unwavering commitment to His purposes and His people, ensuring that His will ultimately prevails over all human endeavors. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 33:10The LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nothing: he makes the devices of the people of none effect. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God's Restraining Power. The Cry of the Heathen A Treatise of the Fear of God; Prosperity under Persecution Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Preface. Resources What is the Gathering of Christ Church? | GotQuestions.orgCults and Religions Basics ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Balaam Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Belshazzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cornelius Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cyrus Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Nebuchadnezzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Excluded from the Temple Heathen: Nebuchadnezzar, After his Restoration Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Their Land Given to Israel The Heathen are Without God and Christ The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To The Heathen: Cautions Against Imitating The Heathen: Conversion of, Acceptable to God The Heathen: Danger of Intercourse With The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church The Heathen: Evil of Imitating The Heathen: God: Brings to Nought the Counsels of The Heathen: God: Will be Exalted Among The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Goodness of God The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Power of God The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience The Heathen: Necessity for Preaching To The Heathen: Praise God for Success of the Gospel Among The Heathen: Salvation of, Foretold The Heathen: Salvation Provided For The Heathen: Scoffing at Saints The Heathen: Strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Heathen: The Church Shall be Avenged of The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among The Heathen: The Gospel Received By The Heathen: The Gospel to be Preached To The Heathen: The Holy Spirit Poured out Upon The Heathen: Worshippers of the Devil Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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