While the Ten Commandments addressed the Israelite nation’s internal affairs, international policies were also necessary. Foreign policy expression was no easy task; it became further confounded when the Israelite nation splintered into Northern and Southern Kingdoms. As with the Decalogue, was foreign policy also influenced by divine input? The Hebrew Bible contains scripture in which Prophets expressed a vision of world affairs. Were these expressions in made concert with the Monarchies?
The Torah offers the earliest expression of international affairs. Abraham’s covenant with the Lord includes that he will be made into a big nation. and “I’ll bless you and make your name great. And be a blessing! And I’ll bless those who bless you, and those who affront you I’ll curse. And all of the families of the world will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3. As expressed, arguably, the Abrahamic nation’s mission statement is to make the entire world a better place. Was this is to be achieved by creating positive relationships?
After the Monarchy formation, however, the Children of Israel splintered off of their unified kingdom. This action also created a Ten Commandments’ dilemma; the Decalogue specifically does not address the matters of two nations bound to the deity of the Decalogue- Hashem. Could there be two nations under one God? Further, did the Israelite God serve a role in the re-unification of the Israelite Kingdom? If so, what is the significance of it?
As documented in the Bible, the Israelite nations became embroiled in international politics. With powerful nations and eventually superpower empires emerging, relationships with other nations became an existential issue. Political alliances impacted the health of each Israelite nation.
During the political turmoil, the Hebrew Bible recorded the words of the Prophets. Some Prophets expressed a world vision and the Israelite nations’ roles. One of these expressions is as follows:
“It will be in the End of Days that the mountain of the Temple of the Lord will be firmly established as the most prominent of mountains, and it will be exhalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will go and say, “Come, let up go up to the Mountain of The Lord and to the Temple of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us His ways and we will walk in His paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples, and will settle the arguments of the mighty nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning knifes; nation will not lift sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore.
They will sit, each man under his vine and under his tree, and none will make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord, Master of Legions, has spoken. For all the peoples will go forth with the Name of the Lord, our God, for ever and ever. “
While this passage sounds like something from the Prophet Isaiah, it actually comes from the Prophet Micah. Micah 4:1-5.
It would appear that the expression “end of days” pertains to a time of peace. In this period, the Torah would serve to resolve disputes. Further, in this period of peace, the individual would not be abandoned and replaced by government. It was envisioned that individuals would be capable of owning their own property to reside and be able to provide for themselves.
Micah’s broad stroke of the Torah leads to the bigger question. What are the concepts from the Torah which are to be applied to resolve disputes? This is a question that will be subject to another post, however.
With this exercise, we appreciate that the Ten Commandments, while a national covenant, is focused upon individual conduct. Thus, there was a need to to address the conduct and responsibilities of the nation. Thus, an exploration through the Prophets offers some insight as to what is believed to the divine expression of international affairs. Whether or not these Prophets’ visions have been implemented is something left for debate.
In modernity, however, there is acknowledgement of the Prophets’ vision. This evidence comes from the United Nations. The language of Isaiah, which is similar to Michah, has been referenced by the UN. Ejiltalk.org The vision of turning swords into plowshares has been appreciated.
Be well!!
Please like, follow, comment & share.
The Ten Commandments Project 