The Bible speaks to many aspects of life, including the concept of borders. When considering national boundaries, migration, and the idea of nations, it’s worth exploring what Scripture has to say. Throughout its pages, there are moments where borders are established, both literally and spiritually. So, what lessons or principles can we glean from the Bible on this topic?
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What Does The Bible Say About Borders
Genesis 10:25
“To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.”
This verse refers to the division of the earth during the time of Peleg. It highlights the concept of borders and divisions that were established in ancient times.
Borders serve as boundaries between different regions or nations and are meant to establish order and regulate the movement of people and goods.
Genesis 11:4
“Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'”
This verse narrates the construction of the Tower of Babel and the desire of the people to remain united and centralized rather than scattered across the earth.
The Tower of Babel story highlights the potential pitfalls of unchecked human ambition and the need for boundaries and diversity among nations.
Genesis 12:1
“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.'”
In this verse, God instructs Abram (later renamed Abraham) to leave his homeland and go to a new land that God would show him.
This demonstrates the idea of borders as God directs Abraham to leave the familiar and embark on a journey to a specific land that would become the promised land for his descendants.
Exodus 19:5
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.”
God speaks to the Israelites through Moses, emphasizing their covenant and unique relationship with Him.
This verse highlights God’s ownership of the entire earth and His establishment of a special relationship with the Israelites, which includes boundaries and guidelines for their conduct.
Numbers 20:16
“But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our cry and sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now here we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your border.”
Here, Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the city of Kadesh, at the border of the land of Edom.
This verse illustrates the significance of borders, as the Israelites recognize their location and proximity to the land beyond their own borders.
Deuteronomy 1:7
“Turn and take your journey, and go to the mountains of the Amorites, to all the neighboring places in the plain, on the mountains and in the lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the River Euphrates.”
Moses instructs the Israelites to journey through various regions and territories, highlighting the geographical boundaries and diversity of the promised land.
This verse underscores the importance of borders in demarcating different lands and territories.
Deuteronomy 19:14
“You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting and maintaining the established boundaries set by previous generations.
By not removing the landmarks, the Israelites were expected to honor the property rights and territorial divisions within the land of Canaan.
Judges 11:18
“Then they went along through the wilderness and bypassed the land of Edom and the land of Moab, came to the east side of the land of Moab, and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the border of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab.”
This verse recounts the journey of the Israelites, highlighting their adherence to the established borders and their respect for the boundaries of the land of Moab.
The Israelites demonstrate the importance of respecting the borders of other nations and not encroaching upon their territory.
Ruth 1:15
“And she said, ‘Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’”
Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, encourages her to return to her own people and land after the death of her husband.
This verse shows the recognition of the cultural connections and ties that people have to their homeland and the importance of preserving those borders and identification.
2 Samuel 8:3
“David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his territory at the River Euphrates.”
This verse recounts King David’s victory over a neighboring king who sought to restore his territory.
It highlights the historical importance of borders and lands being claimed and disputed by different rulers and nations.
2 Kings 14:25
“He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.”
This verse describes how King Jeroboam II of Israel managed to regain territories that were previously lost.
It emphasizes the significance of the restoration of borders and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.
1 Chronicles 4:9
“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.'”
This verse introduces Jabez and explains the origin of his name, which means “pain.”
While not directly related to borders, this verse demonstrates the significance of names and identities tied to personal experiences and emotions associated with one’s origins and heritage.
Nehemiah 9:22
“Moreover, You gave them kingdoms and nations, and divided them into districts. So they took possession of the land of Sihon, the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.”
The Israelites acknowledge God’s provision of kingdoms and lands, including the division of territories among different nations and peoples.
This verse underscores God’s involvement in establishing borders and assigning territories to different nations.
Psalm 74:17
“You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter.”
This verse praises God for His control over the entire earth, including the establishment of its borders and the seasons.
This reminds believers of God’s sovereignty and His role in shaping the world and its boundaries.
Proverbs 22:28
“Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.”
The proverb advises against trespassing or tampering with the property boundaries that were established by previous generations.
This verse reinforces the importance of respecting and honoring the borders and possessions of others.
Isaiah 54:2
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.”
This verse encourages the people to expand and strengthen their dwellings, suggesting the idea of territorial growth and advancement.
While metaphorical, this verse conveys the concept of borders and territorial boundaries even in the context of personal and collective spaces.
Ezekiel 47:13
“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘These are the boundaries by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.’
God instructs Ezekiel on how to divide the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel, specifying the borders and portions allotted to each tribe.
This verse highlights the importance of borders in the distribution and allocation of land to ensure equity and order among the tribes.
Amos 1:5
“I will also break the gate bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven, and the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden. The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,” says the LORD.”
Here, God proclaims judgment against Damascus, indicating that their borders and the ruling power will be forcibly removed.
This verse illustrates that borders and positions of authority are not infallible and can be subject to divine judgment.
Matthew 17:25
“He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?'”
In this conversation, Jesus questions Simon Peter about the payment of customs and taxes, invoking the distinct boundaries between kings and their subjects.
This verse highlights the existence of borders even in terms of governmental authority and financial transactions.
Mark 7:31
“Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee.”
Here, Jesus travels through different regions, demonstrating the presence of borders and distinct territories.
His movement from one region to another is a reminder of the geographical divisions and boundaries that exist.
Acts 17:26
“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.”
The apostle Paul speaks to the people of Athens, highlighting God’s role in establishing the nations and determining the boundaries of their dwellings.
This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty in shaping the world and the existence of borders as part of His divine plan.
Revelation 7:1
“After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.”
In a vision, John sees four angels positioned at the corners of the earth, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of God’s control over every part of the world.
While not directly tied to physical borders, this verse highlights the vastness and global reach of God’s dominion.
Revelation 21:12-13
“Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.”
John’s vision of the New Jerusalem describes a city with walls and gates, showcasing the existence of borders and controlled entry points.
This final verse reinforces the idea that even in the ideal and perfected state, borders and boundaries still have a significant role in separating and organizing different spaces and peoples.
Borders play a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as physical and metaphorical markers of division, identity, ownership, and God’s providence. From the division of the earth in Genesis to the borders of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the Bible acknowledges and addresses the importance of boundaries in establishing order and structure in the world.
While borders often bring about conflict and division among nations, the biblical passages also highlight the need to respect and honor the established borders of others. The Israelites, for example, were commanded not to remove their neighbors’ landmarks and were instructed to respect the territories of other nations.
Moreover, the concept of borders extends beyond physical land divisions. Names and identities are tied to specific places and experiences, reflecting the importance of personal and cultural origins. The Bible reveals that even God has set the boundaries of the earth, assigning territories to different nations according to His divine wisdom.
Understanding the biblical perspective on borders helps believers navigate the complex discussions surrounding immigration, territorial disputes, and cultural sensitivity. While borders can be a source of tension and conflict, the Scriptures remind us of the significance of respecting and honoring the established boundaries and possessions of others. At the same time, they emphasize the overarching sovereignty of God, who ultimately determines the territories and boundaries of the nations.