The phrase "those who dwell on the earth" is a significant term found primarily in the Book of Revelation, and it carries a distinct theological and eschatological meaning. This term is used to describe a group of people who are often in opposition to God and His purposes, particularly in the context of the end times.

Biblical References:

1. Revelation 3:10 : "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." Here, "those who dwell on the earth" are contrasted with the faithful believers who are promised protection from the coming trials.

2. Revelation 6:10 : "And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell on the earth?'" This verse highlights the cry of the martyrs for justice against those who have persecuted them, indicating that "those who dwell on the earth" are often seen as persecutors of the faithful.

3. Revelation 8:13 : "Then I looked and heard an eagle flying in midair, calling out in a loud voice: 'Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'" The woes pronounced upon "those who dwell on the earth" suggest impending judgment and calamity.

4. Revelation 11:10 : "And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate and send each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them." This passage describes the reaction of "those who dwell on the earth" to the death of God's prophets, indicating their opposition to God's messengers.

5. Revelation 13:8 : "And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain." This verse underscores the allegiance of "those who dwell on the earth" to the beast, contrasting them with those whose names are in the book of life.

Theological Implications:

The term "those who dwell on the earth" is often used to describe individuals who are entrenched in worldly systems and values, in contrast to those who are spiritually aligned with God. In the eschatological context of Revelation, these individuals are depicted as being subject to divine judgment due to their rebellion against God and their alignment with the forces of evil.

Eschatological Context:

In the apocalyptic narrative of Revelation, "those who dwell on the earth" are frequently portrayed as recipients of God's wrath and judgment. They are depicted as being deceived by the beast and false prophets, participating in idolatry, and opposing God's people. This group is often seen as representative of humanity's rebellion against God, particularly in the last days.

Contrast with Believers:

Throughout Revelation, there is a clear distinction between "those who dwell on the earth" and the faithful followers of Christ. Believers are described as those who overcome, whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, and who are ultimately victorious through their faith in Jesus Christ. This contrast serves to highlight the spiritual divide between those who are aligned with God's kingdom and those who are not.

In summary, "those who dwell on the earth" is a term that encapsulates the opposition to God's kingdom and the impending judgment upon those who reject His authority, as depicted in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation.