Topical Bible: Foundation: Figuratively Applied to Kingdoms

◄ Foundation: Figuratively Applied to Kingdoms ►

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In biblical literature, the term "foundation" is often used metaphorically to describe the underlying principles or core values upon which kingdoms and nations are established. This figurative application underscores the importance of a solid and righteous basis for governance and societal structure, as seen throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References and Context

1. Isaiah 28:16: The prophet Isaiah speaks of a "tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation," which is laid in Zion. This passage, while ultimately pointing to the Messiah, also reflects the necessity of a firm foundation for the kingdom of God. The cornerstone signifies stability and reliability, essential qualities for any enduring kingdom.

2. Psalm 11:3: "When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" This rhetorical question highlights the chaos and instability that ensue when the moral and ethical foundations of a society are compromised. The psalmist emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining justice and righteousness as the bedrock of any kingdom.

3. Proverbs 10:25: "When the storm has passed, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever." This proverb illustrates the enduring nature of a kingdom built on righteousness. The imagery of a storm suggests trials and challenges, yet a kingdom with a righteous foundation will withstand such adversities.

4. Matthew 7:24-27: Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders further elucidates the concept of foundation. The wise man builds his house on the rock, symbolizing obedience to Christ's teachings, which provides a stable foundation. In contrast, the foolish man's house, built on sand, collapses under pressure. This parable extends to the idea of kingdoms, where adherence to divine principles ensures longevity and stability.

Theological Implications

The metaphor of foundation in relation to kingdoms carries significant theological weight. It suggests that the strength and durability of a kingdom are directly tied to its adherence to God's laws and principles. A kingdom founded on justice, truth, and righteousness aligns with divine will and is thus more likely to experience peace and prosperity.

Historical and Prophetic Insights

Throughout biblical history, the rise and fall of kingdoms often correlate with their foundational values. The kingdom of Israel, when aligned with God's commandments, experienced blessings and stability. Conversely, when it strayed from these principles, it faced turmoil and destruction. Prophetic literature frequently warns of the consequences of neglecting a righteous foundation, urging nations to return to God as their cornerstone.

Practical Application

For contemporary readers, the figurative use of "foundation" serves as a reminder of the importance of establishing personal and communal lives on principles that reflect God's character. Just as a kingdom's foundation determines its fate, so too do the values and beliefs that underpin individual lives and communities. The call to build on a solid foundation is an invitation to seek wisdom, justice, and righteousness in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 9:18
Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Then once More Excellently, Appropriately, and Clearly Examines ...
... man which after God is created") are applied to one ... builders of the Faith laid the
foundation of the ... all which the divine Scripture figuratively names, with a ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he then once.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... when he actually appeared had its foundation in a ... to say many things which applied
to himself ... prophecy must clearly be understood figuratively, and therefore ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... God; which is "built upon the foundation of the ... producing spiritual death, 9:5. When
applied to the ... others understand that it is called figuratively by those ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... object of joy is here described, first, figuratively, and then ... plague of locusts
especially, is here applied to the ... is true that there is no foundation for the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

A Discourse
... That Lebanon is used figuratively by the inspired writers there ... their doctrine are
not only a foundation to the ... cannot, I think, be more fitly applied than to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... This doctrine, if well weighed, will be found to be the foundation of Christianity ...
[273] Whence to men in this condition may be fitly applied those scriptures ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... certain Akiamos, which ended in the foundation of Ascalon ... stone, and by this attack
figuratively accomplished their ... The name of Milukhkha, first applied to the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... it by the power of the immortal seed of the word of God: how his name shall be
reverenced from one end of the earth to the other: how the kingdoms of the earth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm