Government and Nations—The word nation or nations is found 481 times in scripture. The word government or governments is found only five times.
Variations: government, governments, nation, nations, plus a whole host of other words that depict the concept of nations, governments, and their rulers
First usage of nation: Genesis 10:5 (nations)
Last usage of nation: Revelation 22:2 (nations)
First usage of government: Isaiah 9:6 (government)
Last usage of government: 2 Peter 2:10 (government)
Interesting fact: Historically, even heathen kingdoms had greater insights into the identity and power of God than many in our society today. Too many teachers want to discount this fact because they want to think that society today without the knowledge of God is superior to so-called heathen societies. In the days of Abraham, the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house because he had taken Sarah away from her husband. When Pharaoh understood from the Lord what had taken place, he rebuked Abraham for putting him in that predicament (Genesis 12:14-20). When put in the same position, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, understood God’s commandment to restore Sarah and even received healing from the Lord for his obedience (Genesis 20:1-18). Much later, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, proclaimed his understanding that God had a Son (Daniel 3:25). Evolution teaches that societies are evolving, but the Bible teaches quite the opposite.
Bible study tip: According to the rules of English, a pronoun must agree in number (singular or plural) with the subject to which it refers. At times, the Bible breaks from these rules in order to present unity. For example, Isaiah 29:13 says, “Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me.” While the pronoun “their” matches the subject “this people,” it is interesting to note the unity demonstrated in the Bible’s use of “mouth” (singular) and “heart” (singular). When the Bible strays from generally accepted English rules, two possibilities exist: (1) the English rule is inferior to the scripture, or (2) the scripture deviates for an intended purpose. Either way, the Bible is always right and true.
Sunday, Day 204—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 205—The Most High Over All the Earth
Tuesday, Day 206—All Inhabitants Are Reputed as Nothing
Wednesday, Day 207—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 208—The Downfall of a Nation
Friday, Day 209—Blessed Is the Nation
Saturday, Day 210—Given the Chance
Day 204: Church Day
Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: