There is no question that America is a great and powerful nation. Most politicians and national leaders refer to America as the most exceptional nation in the free world. Actually, isn’t the term ‘free world’ oxymoronic?
The next several columns will address the issue of America as a nation based on Scripture. Each reader will be able to assess for themselves the place and future of America in the big picture based on Biblical teachings.
The concept of ‘nations’ was first mentioned in the Bible in the early chapters of Genesis with reference to the sons of Noah.
“These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood.” Genesis 10:32
The Hebrew for ‘nations’ is goy which originally meant ‘people’ with similar identity factors such as political, ethnical, or territorial. The word was also used later to describe heathen or gentile.
Two chapters later in Genesis the word nation was used to describe a particular family who would be the instrument by which God would offer redemption to all the families of the earth.
“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great… I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:1-3
As stated previously in this column, the remainder of the Bible is based on the fulfillment of that promise made to Abram (Abraham).
Abraham’s physical descendants would be the beginning of national Israel, and his spiritual descendants would be the Church. Both national Israel and the Church would subsequently be redeemed by Abraham’s descendant Jesus Christ.
But let’s confine the present discussion to national Israel and the other nations. We’ll list several Scripture passages of chronological history that confirm that Israel was/is God’s chosen nation which would serve as the model for all other nations.
God’s immutable favor towards Israel should cause all people and nations to reevaluate their foreign policy towards that small nation.
Of particular significance is America’s making treaties with nations that vow to destroy God’s chosen people/nation.
“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6
The above message was given to the Israelites just prior to entering the land of Canaan. The passage is straight forward and requires no further explanation. The Hebrew for ‘people’ is synonymous with ‘nation’ as previously stated.
Approximately 450 years later the prophet Nathan revealed to David God’s promises concerning David, his descendants, and the future of Israel.
“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said… ‘And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people – to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds…For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever…’” 1 Chronicles 17:16a, 21-22
David acknowledged that there was no other nation on earth like Israel that God had redeemed from Egypt. God’s purpose was to make Himself known by the things He did and would do for Israel. Israel was, is, and will be God’s chosen nation forever.
All nations, are you listening?
The prophet Isaiah continued the theme of Israel’s treasured status with her God.
“Yet hear me now, O Jacob My servant, and Israel whom I have chosen…‘I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God…for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified Himself in Israel.’” Isaiah 44:1, 6, 23
Significant points confirmed in the above passage:
· Israel was/is God’s chosen nation
· There was/is nothing before or after God
· God was/is/will be glorified in Israel
To be continued.
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