Topical Encyclopedia The term "heathen" in biblical context often refers to nations or peoples who do not worship the God of Israel, typically those outside the covenant community of Israel. Throughout Scripture, there is a recurring theme that God will be exalted among these nations, demonstrating His sovereignty and the universal scope of His divine plan.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms that God's glory and sovereignty will be recognized among the heathen. In Psalm 46:10, the psalmist declares, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse underscores the certainty of God's exaltation among all peoples, not just Israel. The use of "nations" here is synonymous with "heathen," indicating those outside the covenant community. Similarly, in Psalm 96:3, the psalmist exhorts, "Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples." This call to proclaim God's glory among the heathen reflects the missional aspect of Israel's faith, anticipating a time when all nations will recognize and worship the one true God. Prophetic Vision The prophets also envision a future where God is exalted among the heathen. Isaiah 2:2-3 prophesies, "In the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains... and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob.'" This vision portrays a time when the nations, including the heathen, will seek the Lord and acknowledge His supremacy. In Malachi 1:11, the Lord declares, "For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of Hosts." This prophetic statement emphasizes the global recognition and worship of God, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament continues this theme, affirming that through Jesus Christ, God's plan to be exalted among the heathen is being fulfilled. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples, "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." This Great Commission underscores the mandate to bring the message of God's salvation to all peoples, including the heathen. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 15:9-12, cites several Old Testament passages to demonstrate that the inclusion of the Gentiles (heathen) in God's redemptive plan was always intended. He writes, "Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name." This inclusion of the Gentiles is a testament to God's desire to be exalted among all nations. Theological Implications The exaltation of God among the heathen highlights His universal sovereignty and the inclusivity of His redemptive plan. It affirms that God's glory is not confined to a single nation or people but is intended to be recognized and worshiped by all humanity. This theme encourages believers to participate in God's mission, proclaiming His glory and salvation to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the divine promise that He will indeed be exalted among the nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 46:10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 102:15 Library God is Our Refuge "Behold Your God!" Jehoshaphat Psalm XLVI. Psalm 46 Psalm LXXXIX. God's Purpose for his Church The Self-Communication of God The Letter of Saint Polycarp, "In the Spirit and Power of Elias" 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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