Bible Handbook

The Origin and Purpose of Nations

• Genesis 11:1. Whole earth one language. BHB 113.1

• Genesis 11:1-9. God the author of languages and nations. Patriarchs and Prophets, 120. BHB 113.2

• Acts 17:26. All nations of one blood. Prophets and Kings, 500. BHB 113.3

• Deuteronomy 32:8. God establishes the boundaries of nations. Habakkuk 1:5-11; Prophets and Kings, 499, 500. BHB 113.4

• Job 12:23. He increaseth and destroyeth nations. BHB 113.5

• Daniel 4:13-17. God watches over the nations. Prophets and Kings, 536, 537. BHB 113.6

• Ezekiel 29:17-20. God uses one nation to punish other nations. BHB 113.7

• Jeremiah 25:9-11. God calls even heathen nations His servants to do His bidding. BHB 113.8

• Jeremiah 50:11-20. BHB 113.9

• Daniel 10:20. When the angels of the Lord left the court of Media and Persia, Grecia arose. BHB 113.10

• Jeremiah 46:17. When God forsakes a kingdom, it is but a “noise”; it soon passes. BHB 113.11

• Jeremiah 29:5-7. Seek the peace of the country where you live. BHB 113.12

• Matthew 22:17-21. It is lawful to pay tribute. The Desire of Ages, 601, 602. BHB 113.13

• Matthew 17:24-27. Jesus performed a miracle to pay an unjust tax rather than offend. The Desire of Ages, 432-435. BHB 113.14

• Genesis 39:7-9; 50:24, 25; 41:39-46. Joseph was true to God while filling a high position under the Egyptian government. Patriarchs and Prophets, 210-223. BHB 113.15

• Daniel 6:1-5. Daniel was prime minister of Media and Persia. Prophets and Kings, 487, 488. BHB 113.16

• Daniel 6:16-23. He was always true to God while loyal to his government. BHB 113.17

• Daniel 6:28; 2:48. Daniel was a government official for over 70 years. BHB 114.1

• Esther 4:1-17; 10:3. Mordecai was true to God and at the same time was judge (sat in the gate) under the Medo-Persian empire. Prophets and Kings, 600-606. BHB 114.2

• Titus 3:1. Be subject to the principalities and powers; also be ready for every good work. BHB 114.3

• 1 Peter 2:13-15. The Christians willing obedience to the government will “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” BHB 114.4

• 1 Peter 2:16, 17. The servants of God will honor the ruler of the nation. BHB 114.5

• Daniel 3:1-26. The three Hebrews would not disobey God, but they were faithful servants of the nation in every way where its laws did not conflict with God’s laws. Daniel 2:49; 3:12, 30; Prophets and Kings, 508-513, 548. BHB 114.6

• 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Paul said it “was good and acceptable in the sight of God” to pray for rulers. Nero, who was a synonym for cruelty, was then ruling. If that was pleasing to God, how much more should we pray for the rulers of our own country who fear God. BHB 114.7