Understanding a Big Idea from the Bible in Everyday Language
If you’ve ever wondered whether God cares about what whole countries do—not just individuals—you’re not alone. The concept of “God judging nations” shows up a lot in religious writings, especially in the Bible. Let’s break down what that really means in simple terms, why it matters, and how it might affect us today.
What Is “God Judging Nations”?
At its core, this idea means that God isn’t just interested in people on their own, but also watches what groups of people—like countries or societies—do together. According to the Bible, God has both the authority and the right to look at the actions of nations and decide whether those actions are good or not. Just like a judge in a courtroom looks at the facts and gives a verdict, God is seen as a judge who holds entire nations responsible for their choices.
This judgment can show up in many ways. In the Bible, it sometimes looks like disasters, internal conflict, or big changes in government. It’s a way of saying that what a country does matters and that there are consequences—good or bad—for those choices.
Where Does the Bible Talk About This?
Both the Old and New Testaments have lots of examples of God judging nations. Here are some well-known ones:
· Adam and Eve: The first humans faced judgment for their disobedience, and their actions affected all of humanity.
· The Flood (Noah’s Time): When people as a group turned away from what’s right, the flood came as a kind of reset.
· Sodom and Gomorrah: These cities were judged and destroyed because of their extreme wrongdoing.
· The Israelites: Even God’s own chosen people were held to account when they strayed from their values.
· Book of Joel: This Old Testament book describes a time when God gathers all the nations to judge them.
· Matthew 25 (Sheep and Goats): Jesus describes a future moment where all nations are brought before God, and people are separated based on how they treated others—like a shepherd sorting sheep from goats.
What Is God’s Judgment Like?
The Bible describes God’s judgment as fair and based on justice. In other words, God looks at whether a nation is doing what’s right—caring for the vulnerable, acting honestly, and following ethical guidelines. When nations ignore these values or go against what God says is right, they are said to be inviting judgment.
Sometimes, what happens is a warning—a chance to change course. Other times, it’s a direct result of poor choices, like a country breaking its own moral codes. Occasionally, it’s a sign that something even bigger is on the horizon if things don’t improve.
What About Individuals?
A big question is: “If God judges nations, do innocent people suffer for what others do?” The Bible recognizes that sometimes, individuals get caught up in what’s happening to their nation. But it also gives hope. God cares about each person, and those who trust and do what’s right aren’t forgotten. In fact, God encourages everyone to focus on their own actions and relationship with Him.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25 highlights this. He says that the way individuals treat others—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, welcoming strangers—matters deeply, both to God and to the community.
Some Practical Examples from Scripture
Let’s look at two passages:
· Isaiah 66:1-5: God says, “Heaven is my throne and the earth is where I rest my feet.” He points out that He made everything and cares for the humble and obedient, not just those going through the motions with rituals. Those who ignore God and do wrong will face consequences, while those who listen and remain faithful are noticed by God—even if others treat them badly.
· Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats): Jesus describes a final judgment where the nations are separated. Those who showed kindness and compassion are rewarded, and those who ignored the needs of others face consequences. The standard isn’t just religious rituals, but real acts of love and justice.
What’s the Takeaway?
To sum it up: The idea of God judging nations is about responsibility, justice, and hope. It’s a reminder that our choices—individually and together—matter. God’s judgment isn’t just about punishment; it’s also about inviting people (and nations) to do what’s right, to care for each other, and to live justly.
If you’re wondering what you can do, focus on living with kindness, standing up for what’s right, and caring for people around you. According to the Bible, these are the things that truly matter to God, on both a personal and national level.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 