Topical Encyclopedia
Revolutions, in the context of biblical and historical analysis, refer to significant and often violent changes in political power or organizational structures. These events are characterized by the overthrow of existing authorities and the establishment of new governance. The Bible, while not explicitly detailing modern political revolutions, provides numerous accounts of upheavals and shifts in power that can be seen as precursors or analogs to later revolutionary movements.
Biblical ContextThe Bible contains several narratives that involve the overthrow of rulers and the establishment of new leadership, often under divine guidance or judgment. These accounts illustrate the sovereignty of God over nations and His ability to raise and depose leaders according to His will.
1.
The Exodus: One of the most significant revolutionary events in the Bible is the Exodus, where the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were liberated from Egyptian bondage. This event is marked by a series of divine interventions, including the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, leading to the overthrow of Pharaoh's oppressive regime (Exodus 7-14). The Exodus is a foundational narrative of liberation and divine justice.
2.
The Fall of Jericho: In the conquest of Canaan, the fall of Jericho represents a divinely orchestrated revolution. The Israelites, led by Joshua, followed God's instructions to march around the city, resulting in its miraculous collapse (
Joshua 6:1-20). This event signifies the transfer of power and the establishment of Israelite control over the Promised Land.
3.
The Reign of King Saul and David: The transition from Saul to David as king of Israel is another example of a revolutionary change in leadership. Saul's disobedience led to God's rejection of his kingship, and David, a man after God's own heart, was anointed as the new king (
1 Samuel 15:26-28; 16:1-13). This shift highlights the divine prerogative in appointing leaders.
4.
The Babylonian Exile: The conquest of Jerusalem by Babylon and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people represent a significant upheaval. This event was seen as a judgment from God due to the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 24-25). The exile and eventual return under Persian rule (
Ezra 1:1-4) illustrate God's control over international affairs and His plan for restoration.
Theological ImplicationsRevolutions in the biblical narrative often underscore the themes of divine justice, judgment, and redemption. They serve as reminders of God's ultimate authority over human history and His ability to use even tumultuous events to fulfill His purposes. The Bible teaches that while human leaders may rise and fall, God's kingdom is eternal and unshakeable (
Daniel 2:21;
Psalm 22:28).
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsFrom a biblical perspective, revolutions raise questions about the morality of rebellion and the legitimacy of authority.
Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, as they are established by God. However, the Bible also acknowledges instances where civil disobedience is warranted, particularly when human laws conflict with God's commands (
Acts 5:29).
Historical ReflectionsThroughout history, Christian thought has grappled with the concept of revolution. The Protestant Reformation, for example, was a religious revolution that challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and led to significant theological and political changes. Similarly, the American Revolution was influenced by biblical principles of liberty and justice, as articulated by many of its leaders.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly address modern political revolutions, its narratives provide insight into the dynamics of power, authority, and divine sovereignty. These accounts encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and to seek His guidance in times of political and social upheaval.
Library
Of the Impiety of those who Assert that the Souls which Enjoy True...
... Of the Impiety of Those Who Assert that the Souls Which Enjoy True and Perfect
Blessedness, Must Yet Again and Again in These PeriodicRevolutions Return to...
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2
... children: their position in the State; rivalry among them during the old age and
at the death of their father; succession to the throne, consequentrevolutions...
Introduction
... details of the great political movements that have changed the map of continents,
there remains the question: What was the cause of theserevolutions in human...
St. Luke xxi. 36
... We might see how it had escaped all these things that were to come to pass: tracing
its course amidst the manifoldrevolutions of the world, inward and outward...
Appendix.
... Turner's History of England; Burnett's History of his own Times; Robertson's History
of Scotland; Robertson's Charles V.; Vertot'sRevolutions of Sweden...
Two Households
... Intellectualrevolutions begin at the top and filter down; religiousrevolutions
begin at the bottom and rise; and it is always the 'lower orders' that are...
That Time is a Certain Extension.
... What if the lights of heaven should cease, and a potter's wheel run round, would
there be no time by which we might measure thoserevolutions, and say either...
What Defence is Made by Sound Faith Regarding God's Unchangeable...
... there never had been a man at all, neither this same man himself recurring by I
know not what cycles, and having made I know not how manyrevolutions, nor any...
Pythagoras Taught, Accordingly, that He had Himself Been...
... and then Callides, thirdly Hermotimus, fourthly Pyrrhus, and lastly Pythagoras;
and that those things which had existed, after certainrevolutions of time...
Open the History of America, the History of England...
... We see, we feel, we hear God, above all, in theserevolutions, in these great popular
movements, and in the souls of the great citizens of these nations....
Thesaurus
Revolutions (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Revolutions (1 Occurrence). Luke 21:9 When you
hear of wars and disturbances, don't be terrified, for these
...Nadab (21 Occurrences)
... This event is typical of the entire history of the Northern Kingdom, characterized
byrevolutions and counter-revolutions. John A. Lees....
Revolving (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Making a revolution orrevolutions; rotating; -- used also figuratively
of time, seasons, etc., depending on the revolution of the earth....
Revolution (6 Occurrences)
Elah (17 Occurrences)
... The government had no stability. Theserevolutions illustrate the truth that "they
who take the sword shall perish with the sword." SK Mosiman. ELAH, VALE OF....
King (25505 Occurrences)
... and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land" (23:5). Ezekiel, dwelling
amid his wheels, sees in the course of Providence manyrevolutions, but they...
Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)
... died, in the 22nd year of his reign, having "bequeathed to posterity the reputation
of an apostate and a succession of endlessrevolutions." SK Mosiman (2...
Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... Hence too, the militaryrevolutions, which, as in the kingdom of Israel, resulted
in changes of dynasty and the seizure of the throne by successful generals....
Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... There were no spectacularrevolutions, only the effect of a long steady ministry.
His career resembled the latter portion of Elijah's more than the earlier....
Resources
What was the Enlightenment, and what impact did it have on Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgIs religion the cause of most wars? | GotQuestions.orgRevolutions: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus