God reigns over the nations.
Psalm 47:8-9 NET
God sits on his holy throne.
The nobles of the nations assemble,
along with the people of the God of Abraham,
for God has authority over the rulers of the earth.
He is highly exalted.
The 47th Psalm is a song of praise for the sovereignty of God. The word sovereignty is not used in this psalm, but it is clearly pictured. In addition to the passage above, the psalmist declares that God is the great king who rules the nations (Ps. 47:2), he subdued nations (Ps. 47:3), he chose a home for Israel, he ascended his throne (Ps. 47:5), and he is the king of the whole earth (ps. 47:7).
We often talk about God’s sovereignty concerning individuals, especially our salvation. But the psalmist is looking at a much bigger picture. God is sovereign, not just over individuals, but also over nations.
A phrase in the “Pledge of Allegiance” used in the United States reads, “One nation under God.” This phrase has become controversial in recent decades, with many demanding that it be dropped. But this psalm expresses a truth contained in that statement.
It is not that we as a nation are submissive to God–we certainly are not. But that God is sovereign over our nation, along with every other nation on earth Rom. 13:1-2).
Sovereignty does not imply that God orchestrates everything that happens on the earth. But the Scripture is clear that God raises up rulers (Rom. 9:17, Is. 45:1) and uses nations (Is. 7:17) to accomplish his sovereign purpose for his creation.
How he does that is often a mystery to us since we do not have the perspective God does. But we can rest assured that he is in control and trust that he is working everything out according to his purpose (Eph. 1:11).
The Scripture is also clear that God will hold nations, their rules, and individuals accountable for what we do. There is a blessing when we submit to his sovereign rule and judgment when we rebel against it. But whether we submit or rebel, God is still sovereign over all his creation.
Amen,praise the Lord