By Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute
This regular feature in our magazine endorses the nation-state economic model as the Biblical framework for a nation’s foreign policy as opposed to the globalism and multi-culturalism espoused by so many today. At least twelve economic factors seen in Scripture can also be seen in history and are applicable to modern decision making. These are excerpted from Dr. Levesque’s “The Design and Destiny of Nations.”
Factor Two-Lines
Psalm 74:14 “Thou hast set all the borders of the earth:”
The lines on the map tell us about the sovereign control a nation claims over its space. This space well occupied and rightly exploited can allow a country to define itself, becoming prosperous or pitiful by virtue of its borders.
Borders are rarely superficial but seem to be created by the hand of natural boundaries such as water or mountain ranges. These boundaries place two or more countries apart from each other even though they are only inches apart. Such lines are often scoffed at as artificial or spurious, but without them there are no nations. The shape of earth itself directed the formation of nations by spilling people out along rivers and valleys, and dividing them by mountains and oceans. When lines are not well defined, controlled and defended, they often are the reason for conflict or war. Properly governed, they become the very bond of friendships and alliances.
When a society united by language and boundaries is fully encapsulated it has tended to bring about a satisfaction of circumstances rather than a seeking of conquest. For instance, where China’s borders are well defined (i.e. the Pacific ocean) it seems content to leave neighbors alone (i.e. Japan); however, where there is common language (Taiwan) it becomes discontent with the separation. Boundary lines then, rather than being touted as Machiavellian or barbaric, are the very factors that prevent aggressive behavior. A nation then like New Zealand is clearly defined, at rest with its space and control thereof, and free to focus on prosperity whereas what was once Yugoslavia must be in constant turmoil by virtue of undefined spaces and blending of languages.
The thoughtful king or controlling body of any nation, therefore, must be considerate of the following applications of this factor:
a. Examine the national boundaries of your space and embrace them. Exert your influence over the entire space.
b. Mark the lines physically with a road, fence, sign, flag, etc. This does not imply isolation, but allows for a welcoming sense.
c. Where there are disputed lines, give and take. Give liberally, but take unquestionable control once ownership is established. Arbitration takes time but can produce great results.
d. Give a friendly hand and first rate status to neighbors and nearby nations. Form coalitions in trade, defense, and culture.
e. Educate your citizenry of the geography. Name mountains, rivers, forests, and valleys. Develop that which the natural lines dictate (beaches, resorts border crossings, etc).
f. A vibrant border guard and regimen is not a sign of militancy but certainly does not allow the militant to view you as timid.
g. Immigration of labor should be controlled. Foreigners desiring citizenship should have requirements such as language and loyalty.
Medieval Europe or Japan with their feudal systems fostered constant fear and regional warfare because of lack of leadership, cohesion, and defined lines of space. North America has been relatively peaceful even though there are several nations with multiple states within them. The American Civil War was fought over issues of slavery and states rights, but also included the question of “Was slavery to be included in the colonization of western space?”, and, “within what boundaries?” West Virginia separated from Virginia and redefined its space. That line has stood well ever since.
Should then Israel build a wall? Or should U.S. enforce southern border control? Trouble arises when there are no lines or the lines are not defined and controlled. The Palestinian or Northern Mexican populations only grow more restless as they have no clear lines providing them with security and a future.
Scripture endorses borders and provides parameters for God’s blessing.
Psalm 147:14 “He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.”
Scripture also endorses the nation state and provides parameters for God’s judgment.
Jeremiah 25:32 “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.”
