Nationalism, as a concept, refers to the identification with and devotion to one's nation, often placing it above other nations or groups. In the context of the Bible, nationalism can be examined through the lens of the relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the broader human community. The Bible provides insights into the tension between national identity and the universal call of God's kingdom.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is central to God's redemptive plan. God establishes Israel as His chosen people, setting them apart from other nations. This is evident in Deuteronomy 7:6 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." Here, the concept of a divinely chosen nation is clear, with Israel being called to a unique covenant relationship with God.

The national identity of Israel is further emphasized through the covenant with Abraham, where God promises to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:2): "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." This promise underscores the importance of national identity in God's plan, yet it also hints at a broader purpose—Israel is to be a blessing to all nations.

Prophetic Writings

The prophets often address the tension between national pride and the call to righteousness. In Amos 9:7 , God challenges Israel's sense of exceptionalism: "Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel? declares the LORD. Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?" This verse suggests that while Israel holds a special place in God's plan, other nations are also under His sovereign care.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from a single nation to the universal church. Jesus' ministry breaks down national and ethnic barriers, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19): "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." Here, the call is to transcend national boundaries and bring the message of salvation to all people.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of national or ethnic identity, emphasizing the spiritual kingdom over earthly nations.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, nationalism must be balanced with the biblical call to love and serve all people. While the Bible acknowledges the existence and significance of nations, it also calls believers to prioritize their identity in Christ above national allegiance. The church is depicted as a diverse body of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue, united in worship and mission (Revelation 7:9).

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, Christians are called to engage with their national context while maintaining a kingdom perspective. This involves advocating for justice, peace, and righteousness within their nation, while also recognizing the global nature of God's redemptive work. Believers are encouraged to pray for their leaders and seek the welfare of their nation (1 Timothy 2:1-2), yet their ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God.

In summary, while nationalism is a significant aspect of human identity, the Bible calls believers to a higher allegiance to God's kingdom, transcending national boundaries and embracing the global mission of the church.Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Topicalbible.org

The New Covenant.
... Nationalism is the distinctive feature of the old world, within the precincts of
Judaism and among the peoples of heathendom. ... Nationalism dwarfs their growth. ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of ...
... Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental
characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the jewish dispersion.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... national aspirations. No one understood the meaning of Jewish Nationalism so
well as he; no one ever opposed it so sytematically. There ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Faith of Moses.
... Standing as he did at the fountain-head of nationalism, the prominence assigned
to his act of individual choice and rejection is very significant. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

Preface
... society as expounded by the canonists and lawyers of an earlier period was forced
into the background by the appearance of nationalism and individualism, which ...
/.../history of the catholic church renaissance to french revolution/preface.htm

Source
... him the father of the "small is beautiful" movement and a newspaper article by him
is credited with provoking Gandhi to seek a "genuine" nationalism for India ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/source.htm

Jonah
... boundaries. It may have been as the representative of an intense and exclusive
nationalism that he was chosen as the hero of this book. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/jonah.htm

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ...
... in such times and circumstances, perhaps in many respects much better - always bearing
in mind the particular standpoint of narrow nationalism, without which ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the sermon on.htm

The City of Gold
... Some of these great lords, who were not always themselves sprung from old Roman
families, prided themselves upon their uncompromising nationalism, and made a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the city of gold.htm

The New Sinai
... Of course, such a kingdom as could be so inherited was the opposite of that which
the narrow and fleshly nationalism of the Jews wanted, and these first words ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the new sinai.htm

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