The concept of "The Whole Earth" in the Bible encompasses the entirety of God's creation, reflecting His sovereignty, majesty, and divine plan. The term is often used to emphasize God's omnipresence and His authority over all creation, as well as to highlight the universal scope of His covenant and salvation.

Creation and Ownership

The Bible begins with the declaration of God's creation of the whole earth. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God's ownership and authority over the entire world. Psalm 24:1 further affirms, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."

God's Sovereignty

Throughout Scripture, the whole earth is depicted as under God's sovereign rule. In Isaiah 66:1, the Lord declares, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool." This imagery underscores God's supreme authority and His intimate involvement with His creation. Similarly, Daniel 4:35 proclaims, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth."

The Earth and Humanity

The Bible also addresses the relationship between the earth and humanity. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This mandate establishes humanity's role as stewards of God's creation, responsible for its care and management. However, the fall of man introduced sin into the world, affecting the whole earth. Romans 8:22 states, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time."

The Earth in Prophecy

Prophetic literature often speaks of the whole earth in the context of God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 11:9 envisions a future where "the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water." This prophecy points to a time of restoration and peace under the Messiah's reign. Similarly, Habakkuk 2:14 declares, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea."

The Great Commission

The New Testament expands the concept of the whole earth to include the global mission of the Church. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands His followers, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This directive underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and God's desire for all people to know Him.

The New Earth

The Bible concludes with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:1 describes John's vision: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away." This new creation will be free from sin and death, where God will dwell with His people forever. Revelation 21:3-4 promises, "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 there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

In summary, the whole earth in the Bible is a testament to God's creative power, His sovereign rule, and His redemptive purposes. It serves as a reminder of humanity's responsibility to steward creation and the hope of a restored world under God's eternal reign.