The phrase "lands they rule" refers to the territories governed by various leaders, kings, and rulers mentioned throughout the Bible. These lands often hold significant historical, theological, and prophetic importance within the biblical narrative. The governance of these lands is frequently depicted as being under divine sovereignty, with God ultimately orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His purposes.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of ruling lands is closely tied to the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham. Genesis 15:18 records God's promise to Abraham: "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates." This promise establishes the foundational claim of the Israelites to the land of Canaan, a central theme throughout the biblical narrative.

The conquest and settlement of Canaan under Joshua's leadership mark a significant fulfillment of this promise. Joshua 21:43 states, "So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled there." The division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel is detailed in the book of Joshua, emphasizing the importance of land as a divine inheritance.

Throughout the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy, the lands ruled by Israelite leaders expanded and contracted based on their faithfulness to God. Under King David, the kingdom reached its zenith, encompassing a vast territory. 2 Samuel 8:11-12 notes David's victories over surrounding nations, highlighting the extent of his rule: "King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued—from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and the Philistines, and from Amalek."

Prophetic Significance

The prophets often spoke of the lands ruled by foreign powers as instruments of God's judgment or blessing. For instance, the Babylonian exile is depicted as a divine punishment for Israel's unfaithfulness, with Babylon ruling over the land as a tool of God's discipline. Jeremiah 27:6 declares, "Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and I have even given him the beasts of the field to serve him."

Conversely, the restoration of Israel and the return to their land is a recurring prophetic theme, symbolizing God's enduring covenant and mercy. Ezekiel 36:24 promises, "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all the countries, and bring you back into your own land."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of ruling lands takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is portrayed as the ultimate ruler whose kingdom transcends earthly boundaries. In John 18:36 , Jesus states, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm."

The apostolic writings further emphasize the spiritual nature of Christ's rule. Colossians 1:13 speaks of believers being transferred "from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son." This kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Eschatological Perspective

The eschatological vision of the Bible culminates in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where Christ reigns supreme over all lands and peoples. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

This ultimate fulfillment underscores the biblical theme that all lands and rulers are subject to God's sovereign will, and His divine plan will be accomplished in the fullness of time.