The Bible frequently references people from the four cardinal directions—East, West, North, and South—often symbolizing the entirety of the known world and God's sovereignty over all nations. These directions are used both literally and metaphorically throughout Scripture to convey various theological and historical themes.

East

The East holds significant biblical importance, often associated with beginnings and origins. In Genesis, the Garden of Eden is planted "in the east" (Genesis 2:8). After the fall, humanity's movement eastward symbolizes separation from God (Genesis 3:24; 4:16). The wise men, or Magi, who visited Jesus after His birth came from the East, signifying the recognition of Christ's kingship by Gentile nations (Matthew 2:1-2). The East is also a place of judgment and exile, as seen when Israel is taken captive to Babylon, located to the east of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:15).

West

The West is less frequently mentioned but holds its own significance. In biblical geography, the Mediterranean Sea is often referred to as "the Great Sea toward the west" (Numbers 34:6). The West can symbolize the end of a journey or the setting of the sun, marking the completion of a day. In prophetic literature, the gathering of people from the West signifies the inclusion of distant nations in God's redemptive plan (Isaiah 43:5-6). The Psalmist declares, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12), illustrating the infinite scope of God's forgiveness.

North

The North is often associated with danger and invasion in the Bible. Many of Israel's enemies, such as the Assyrians and Babylonians, came from the north (Jeremiah 1:14-15). The north wind is depicted as powerful and sometimes destructive (Proverbs 25:23). However, the North also holds a place in God's divine plan. In Ezekiel's vision, God's glory comes from the north (Ezekiel 1:4). The Psalmist speaks of Mount Zion, "on the sides of the north, the city of the great King" (Psalm 48:2), indicating a place of divine presence and authority.

South

The South, or Negev, is a region of wilderness and desolation but also a place of refuge and promise. Abraham journeyed southward, and it was in the southern region that he received God's covenant promises (Genesis 12:9; 13:1). The Queen of Sheba, from the South, visited Solomon, bringing gifts and seeking wisdom, symbolizing the reach of Israel's influence and the acknowledgment of God's wisdom by foreign nations (1 Kings 10:1-13). In prophetic visions, the South is included in the gathering of God's people, as seen in Isaiah 43:6: "I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'"

Throughout Scripture, the references to people from the East, West, North, and South underscore the universality of God's kingdom and His plan for all nations. These directions serve as reminders of God's omnipresence and the global scope of His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.