With many countries today focusing on border security, does the Bible provide any perspective on this issue? From ancient Israel’s territorial concerns to broader principles of safety and peace, scripture offers valuable insight into this topic.
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What Does The Bible Say About Secure Borders
Deuteronomy 32:8
“When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel.”
This verse reminds us that it is God who establishes boundaries and borders among nations. It signifies His divine sovereignty and wisdom in allocating land and territory to different peoples. Recognizing and respecting borders is an important aspect of maintaining order and peace among nations.
Numbers 34:12
“And the border shall go down to the Jordan, and its limit shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land as defined by its borders all around.”
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on the specific borders of the land He has allocated to them. Borders serve as markers for land ownership and territorial sovereignty, ensuring each nation has its designated space.
Acts 17:26
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”
This verse reminds us that God created all nations and determined the boundaries where they would dwell. It highlights the divine purpose behind the establishment of borders, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving them.
Exodus 23:31
“And I will set your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.”
Here, God promises to set the borders of the land that He will give to the Israelites. This verse reinforces the idea that borders are not arbitrary but are established by God Himself to define the land of His chosen people.
Psalms 74:17
“You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”
God is the ultimate authority who has established the boundaries of the earth. This includes both geographical features and political borders. Recognizing and respecting these boundaries is a way of acknowledging and honoring God’s sovereignty.
Genesis 10:32
“These are the clans of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, in their nations, and from these the nations spread abroad on the earth after the flood.”
This verse highlights how nations and people groups spread across the earth after the flood during Noah’s time. As they migrated and settled, borders naturally formed to distinguish between different groups and establish territorial divisions.
Joshua 1:3
“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.”
As Joshua and the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, God assured them that the territories they would possess were promised to them. Borders demarcate the land that God ordained for His people, solidifying their claim to it.
Proverbs 22:28
“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting established boundaries and landmarks. It discourages the displacement or manipulation of borders that previous generations have set, recognizing the wisdom and stability in maintaining the integrity of borders.
Isaiah 54:2
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.”
While not directly addressing borders, this verse encourages expanding one’s territory and securing one’s dwelling place. It signifies the idea that man has the right to establish his own boundaries and fortify them for security and growth.
Leviticus 19:34
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of treating foreigners with love and respect. While it doesn’t directly address borders, it reinforces the need for compassion in how we handle immigration and strangers within our own territories.
Psalm 78:54
“And he brought them to his holy land, to the mountain which his right hand had won.”
God brought the Israelites to the holy land that He had promised them. This verse underscores the significance of borders as it relates to the promised and sacred territories assigned by God.
Zechariah 9:12
“Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.”
While not explicitly about borders, this verse speaks to the importance of maintaining a stronghold or secure defense. Secure borders create strongholds, protecting a nation or people group, and allowing for the fulfillment of God’s promises and blessings.
Romans 13:1
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
This verse highlights the importance of respecting the authority of the governing authorities, including the establishment and enforcement of borders. It encourages believers to honor and obey the laws regarding borders and be subject to the authorities God has allowed to exist.
1 Timothy 2:2
“For kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
This verse underlines the significance of praying for those in leadership positions, including those responsible for the security and maintenance of borders. Maintaining peaceful and secure borders allows individuals to lead peaceful, godly, and dignified lives.
Jeremiah 29:7
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
This verse encourages believers to seek the welfare and flourishing of the city or nation they reside in. This includes respecting and supporting the nation’s border policies and praying for its well-being as it directly affects the well-being of its inhabitants.
Genesis 15:18
“On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
This verse denotes the covenant between God and Abram, including the establishment of specific borders for the land promised to Abram’s descendants. It signifies the divine ownership and allocation of land, affirming the significance of borders.
Nehemiah 9:22
“Moreover, you gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner. So, they took possession of the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and the land of Og king of Bashan.”
This verse acknowledges God’s providence in granting kingdoms, peoples, and territories to the Israelites. It reinforces the idea that secure borders are a result of God’s sovereign will, ensuring the possession of land by His chosen people.
Psalm 147:14
“He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.”
This verse acknowledges God’s role in establishing peace within established borders. It reveals that securing borders not only provides safety and protection but also opens the way for His abundant blessings and provisions to flow.
Isaiah 60:18
“Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.”
This verse prophesies a time when violence and destruction will cease within the borders. It speaks of a future of peace and security, where borders become symbols of salvation and cause for praise.
Proverbs 14:28
“In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people, a prince is ruined.”
This verse highlights the importance of maintaining population stability within borders. Secure borders allow for the flourishing of a nation, where a multitude of people contributes to its strength and prosperity.
Genesis 31:21
“So he fled with all that he had and arose and crossed the Euphrates, and set his face toward the hill country of Gilead.”
This verse demonstrates the act of crossing a border and seeking refuge in a different land. It recognizes the historical reality of migration and the movement of people across borders in search of safety or a better life.
Isaiah 10:13
“For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I remove the boundaries of peoples, and plunder their treasures; like a bull, I bring down those who sit on thrones.”
This verse describes the arrogant attitude of a conqueror who takes pride in removing the boundaries of peoples and seizing their treasures. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the destructive consequences that can arise from disregarding and violating the established borders of other nations.
Genesis 4:16
“Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”
This verse references one of the earliest accounts of migration and settlement. After Cain was banished from the presence of the Lord, he crossed borders and settled in a different land, ultimately establishing a new territory.
Isaiah 26:15
“But you have increased the nation, O LORD, you have increased the nation; you are glorified; you have enlarged all the borders of the land.”
This verse acknowledges God’s hand in expanding the borders of a nation. It highlights that the enlargement of borders is not solely a human endeavor but ultimately a result of God’s intervention and providence.