He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. (Psalm 47:3-4)
As discussed in the previous devotion, there is coming a day when Israel and the people of God will be elevated to a position of power and influence, commissioned by the Messiah to rule over the nations. All nations will come under the authority of King Messiah and those He appoints to govern the nations. All the peoples who had once followed other rulers, good and bad alike, will be guided by the Messiah and His Word. As it is written, “He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).
This is the inheritance of those who have chosen to serve the God of Israel — to dwell in the land with Him and to have dominion over the nations. It should be pointed out that, even though the peoples will be subdued and the nations brought to heel, Messiah’s throne will be established in mercy (Isaiah 16:5). In other words, Messiah’s rule of the people will not be characterized by retaliation and oppression, rather He will administer truth, “seeking justice and hastening righteousness” (Isaiah 16:5). In fact, just as the people of God will dwell safely in their own land, so too will the other nations retain their lands to live in peace as well, albeit under the governance of King Messiah.
In other words, despite Israel’s complete dominance of the nations, God’s people will not harm others or drive the other nations from their land. Rather, “the excellence of Jacob” is to demonstrate an ability to refrain from returning evil with evil. Though abused and falsely accused, Jacob never retaliated against Laban or Esau — he always chose to do what is just and right. We see this same standard of excellence exhibited in its fulness through Messiah’s example — abused and falsely accused but always choosing righteousness. Likewise, it is our solemn duty to uphold that standard even now when God’s people are despised and oppressed. We look to the day when Messiah will return as the Lion and subdue His enemies but, as we do, let us remember that He will rule in mercy and truth. Let us mimic His character that we may display the excellence of Jacob!
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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