nations

Large political divisions, normally of homogeneous ethnic populations. In the Bible, non-Israelite peoples are often grouped together under the rubric “nations” (Exod 34:24; Deut 11:23; Josh 23:13). The chief problem with the “nations” is their gods (Deut 7:22-26), which are accounted as mere idols (Ps 96:5) and not true gods (Isa 44:12-20; Isa 45:14). Still, both the OT and the NT teach God’s sovereignty over the nations. God appointed them (Deut 32:8) and will be their light (Isa 42:6; Luke 2:32).