{
  "id": "dict_002155",
  "term": "Gentiles in the OT",
  "slug": "gentiles-in-the-ot",
  "letter": "G",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "In the Old Testament, “Gentiles” are the nations other than Israel. They are often portrayed as outside Israel’s covenant life, yet still under God’s rule and included in His larger redemptive purposes.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "In the Old Testament, the Gentiles are the non-Israelite peoples and nations. Scripture often distinguishes Israel from the nations because of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants, but it also shows that the Lord is God over all peoples. The Old Testament includes both judgment on rebellious nations and promises that the nations will one day worship the true God.",
  "description_academic_full": "In the Old Testament, “Gentiles” refers broadly to the nations apart from Israel. This distinction matters because God chose Israel for a special covenant role in history, giving her His law, promises, and worship. At the same time, the Old Testament never presents the nations as outside God’s sovereign concern or beyond His saving purpose. The nations are accountable to Him, sometimes used by Him as instruments of judgment, and often judged for idolatry, violence, and pride. Yet the Old Testament also contains clear signs of God’s mercy toward non-Israelites and repeated promises that the nations will come to know, fear, and worship the Lord. A careful summary, then, is that the Gentiles in the Old Testament are distinguished from Israel covenantally, but not excluded from God’s authority, moral concern, or redemptive plan.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "In the Old Testament, “Gentiles” are the nations other than Israel. They are often portrayed as outside Israel’s covenant life, yet still under God’s rule and included in His larger redemptive purposes.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/gentiles-in-the-ot/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/gentiles-in-the-ot.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}