The phrase "all the earth" is a recurring theme in the Bible, signifying the entirety of the world and its inhabitants. It is often used to express the universality of God's sovereignty, the reach of His creation, and the scope of His redemptive plan. This entry explores the various contexts in which "all the earth" appears in Scripture, highlighting its theological significance.

Creation and Sovereignty

The concept of "all the earth" is first introduced in the context of creation. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse establishes God's authority over the entire world. The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord, as affirmed in Psalm 24:1: "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein."

Throughout the Old Testament, God's sovereignty over all the earth is a recurring theme. In Exodus 9:29, Moses declares to Pharaoh, "When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s." This statement underscores God's control over natural phenomena and His authority over all nations.

Worship and Praise

The call for all the earth to worship and praise God is a significant aspect of biblical teaching. Psalm 66:1-2 exhorts, "Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious." Similarly, Psalm 96:1-3 invites, "Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples."

These passages reflect the belief that all creation is called to recognize and honor the Creator. The universal call to worship emphasizes the inclusivity of God's invitation to all peoples and nations.

Judgment and Justice

The phrase "all the earth" is also used in the context of divine judgment and justice. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham appeals to God's justice, saying, "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" This appeal highlights God's role as the ultimate judge who administers justice across the entire world.

The prophetic literature often speaks of God's judgment upon all the earth. Isaiah 24:4-5 declares, "The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and withers; the exalted of the earth languish. The earth is defiled by its inhabitants, for they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant." Such passages serve as a reminder of the moral accountability of all humanity before God.

Redemption and Restoration

The theme of redemption and restoration for all the earth is central to the biblical narrative. In the New Testament, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This commission underscores the global scope of the Gospel message and God's desire for all the earth to come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:1-4 envisions the ultimate restoration of all creation: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

In summary, "all the earth" in the Bible encompasses God's creation, His call to worship, His righteous judgment, and His redemptive plan for humanity. It serves as a reminder of God's universal authority and His desire for all people to know Him and experience His love and justice.