THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY

WORLD EMPIRE

World Empires

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term “empire” refers to a large political unit or state, usually under a single sovereign authority, that extends its dominion over diverse peoples and territories. Throughout the Bible, several empires play significant roles in the unfolding of God’s redemptive history, serving as instruments of His divine will, whether for judgment, discipline, or the fulfillment of prophecy.

Egyptian Empire

The Egyptian Empire is one of the earliest and most prominent empires mentioned in the Bible. It is depicted as a place of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites. Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43) and the subsequent settlement of his family there (Genesis 47:11) highlight Egypt’s role as a place of provision during famine. However, the narrative shifts as Egypt becomes a house of bondage for the Israelites, leading to their eventual deliverance through the Exodus (Exodus 1:8-14; 12:31-42).

Assyrian Empire

The Assyrian Empire is noted for its military prowess and its role as an instrument of God’s judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Assyrians conquered Samaria in 722 B.C., leading to the exile of the ten tribes (2 Kings 17:6). The prophet Isaiah speaks of Assyria as the “rod of My anger” (Isaiah 10:5), emphasizing that God used this empire to execute His judgment on a rebellious people.

Babylonian Empire

The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, is central to the narrative of the Southern Kingdom of Judah’s exile. The fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and the destruction of Solomon’s Temple marked a significant period of judgment and reflection for the Jewish people (2 Kings 25:8-12). The prophet Jeremiah had foretold this captivity, urging repentance (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The Babylonian Empire is also the setting for the accounts of Daniel and his companions, who remained faithful to God amidst pagan rule (Daniel 1-6).

Persian Empire

The Persian Empire, under King Cyrus, is portrayed as a beacon of hope and restoration for the Jewish exiles. Cyrus’s decree allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4), fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that God would use Cyrus as His “shepherd” (Isaiah 44:28). The Persian period is marked by the leadership of figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who played crucial roles in the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of Jewish worship.

Roman Empire

The Roman Empire is the backdrop for the New Testament narrative, providing the political and cultural context for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Roman occupation of Judea is evident in the Gospels, with figures like Herod the Great and Pontius Pilate representing Roman authority (Matthew 2:1; 27:2). The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, facilitated the spread of the Gospel, as the apostles traveled extensively throughout the empire (Acts 1:8; 13:1-4). The apostle Paul, a Roman citizen, utilized the empire’s infrastructure to proclaim the message of Christ (Acts 22:25-29).

Symbolism and Prophecy

Empires in the Bible often symbolize human pride and rebellion against God, as seen in the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the prophetic visions of Daniel, where empires are depicted as beasts (Daniel 7:1-8). The Book of Revelation also uses empire imagery to describe the final opposition to God’s kingdom, culminating in the ultimate victory of Christ (Revelation 17-19).

Throughout Scripture, empires serve as both historical realities and symbolic representations of the spiritual battle between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. They remind believers of God’s sovereignty over human history and His ultimate plan to establish His eternal kingdom.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) Supreme power; sovereignty; sway; dominion.

2. (n.) The dominion of an emperor; the territory or countries under the jurisdiction and dominion of an emperor (rarely of a king), usually of greater extent than a kingdom, always comprising a variety in the nationality of, or the forms of administration in, constituent and subordinate portions; as, the Austrian empire.

3. (n.) Any dominion; supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as, the empire of mind or of reason.