In the biblical narrative, foreign kingdoms play a significant role in the unfolding of God's plan for His people, Israel. These kingdoms often serve as instruments of divine judgment, testing, and refinement for the Israelites, as well as foreshadowing the ultimate sovereignty of God's eternal kingdom.

Egypt
Egypt is one of the earliest and most prominent foreign kingdoms mentioned in the Bible. It is the land where the Israelites were enslaved for centuries before God delivered them through Moses. The account of the Exodus, where God demonstrates His power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, is a foundational event in Israel's history. In Genesis 15:13-14, God foretells to Abraham that his descendants will be strangers in a land not their own and will be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years, but He will judge the nation they serve. Egypt is also a place of refuge, as seen when Joseph rises to power and his family comes to live there during a famine (Genesis 41-47).

Assyria
Assyria is another significant foreign power, known for its military might and cruelty. It is the kingdom that conquers the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, leading to the exile of the ten tribes. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Hosea, frequently speak of Assyria as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel for their idolatry and disobedience. Isaiah 10:5-6 describes Assyria as the rod of God's anger, used to punish a godless nation.

Babylon
Babylon is perhaps the most famous foreign kingdom in the Bible, known for its grandeur and its role in the exile of Judah. Under King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon conquers Jerusalem in 586 BC, destroys the Temple, and takes many Jews into captivity. This period of exile is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to significant theological reflection and the eventual return and rebuilding of Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah warns of Babylon's rise and the coming judgment (Jeremiah 25:11-12), while Daniel serves in the Babylonian court, maintaining his faith amidst a pagan culture (Daniel 1-6).

Persia
The Persian Empire, under King Cyrus, is notable for its more benevolent approach to conquered peoples. Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4. This act is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy, as Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1-4 speak of Cyrus as God's anointed, chosen to facilitate the restoration of Israel.

Greece
While not as prominently featured in the Old Testament, the Greek Empire's influence is felt in the intertestamental period and the New Testament. The spread of Hellenistic culture and language under Alexander the Great sets the stage for the New Testament world. The Maccabean Revolt, recorded in the books of the Maccabees, is a response to Greek oppression and the desecration of the Jewish Temple.

Rome
The Roman Empire is the dominant foreign power during the New Testament period. It is under Roman rule that Jesus is born, lives, and is crucified. The Pax Romana, or Roman peace, facilitates the spread of the Gospel throughout the known world. The New Testament writers often navigate the complexities of living under Roman authority, as seen in passages like Romans 13:1-7, where Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities.

Throughout the biblical narrative, foreign kingdoms serve as both adversaries and agents of God's purposes. They highlight the tension between earthly powers and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who uses even pagan nations to accomplish His divine will.