Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Desire of All Nations" is a profound and evocative designation for Christ, found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. This title is primarily derived from the book of Haggai, where the prophet speaks of a future glory that will surpass the former splendor of the temple.
Haggai 2:7 states, "I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts."
Context and InterpretationIn the context of Haggai's prophecy, the "Desire of All Nations" is understood as a messianic reference, pointing to the coming of the Messiah who would fulfill the deepest longings and aspirations of all peoples. The shaking of the nations signifies a divine intervention that prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the world.
The phrase "they will come with all their treasures" can be interpreted as the nations bringing their wealth and honor to the Messiah, acknowledging His sovereignty and glory. This imagery aligns with the eschatological vision of the nations recognizing and worshiping the one true God, as seen in other prophetic writings such as
Isaiah 60:5 and
Psalm 72:10-11.
Theological SignificanceThe title "Desire of All Nations" encapsulates the universal scope of Christ's mission and the inclusivity of the gospel message. It underscores the truth that Christ is not only the hope of Israel but also the hope and desire of all humanity. This title reflects the anticipation of a Savior who would bring peace, justice, and reconciliation to a broken world.
In the New Testament, the fulfillment of this prophecy is seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God, drawing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. The apostle Paul echoes this theme in
Ephesians 2:14 , stating, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."
Christ as the FulfillmentThe title "Desire of All Nations" is further illuminated by the New Testament's portrayal of Christ as the one who fulfills the deepest spiritual needs of humanity. In
John 12:32 , Jesus declares, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." This statement highlights the magnetic and universal appeal of Christ, who draws people to Himself through His sacrificial love and redemptive power.
Moreover, the book of Revelation envisions the ultimate fulfillment of this title, where the nations are gathered before the throne of God, worshiping the Lamb who was slain (
Revelation 7:9-10). This eschatological vision affirms that Christ is indeed the "Desire of All Nations," as He brings to completion God's redemptive plan for the world.
ConclusionThe title "Desire of All Nations" serves as a powerful reminder of the universal and transformative impact of Christ's coming. It invites believers to reflect on the comprehensive scope of the gospel and the hope that Christ offers to all people, transcending cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries. As the "Desire of All Nations," Christ stands as the ultimate fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings and the embodiment of God's promise to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Haggai 2:7And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, said the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... HYMN 146 Characters of Christ; borrowed from inanimate things in Scripture. HYMN
147 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/
The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... contrast between Christ and the Anti-christ in their several names and titles but
the ... lion: and the Dragon (the Devil) gave him (the Anti-christ) his power ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm
Letter Xcviii. From the Synod of Chalcedon to Leo.
... For we duly regarding our most devout and Christ loving Emperors, who delight therein,
and ... [443] One of the Latin versions adds the names and titles of the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xcviii from the synod.htm
Antichrist.
... her weeds of widowhood, is become the desire of the ... have invented so many places,
offices, names, titles, orders, vows ... like it upon the church of Christ, yet we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... have the majority; the kingdom
of Christ shall have ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
In How Many Ways "Throughwhom" is Used; and in what Sense "With ...
... Among these titles, it is when He is styled Door ... valuable note, compares Origen's
teaching on the Names of our ... so account of us as of the ministers of Christ.". ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter viii in how many.htm
Psalm LXXIII.
... So many Psalms we have on the titles whereof is ... and Jacob, and not to mention many
names, through Mary was ... a man, nevertheless not yet Christ, nevertheless not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiii.htm
The Gospel of Matthew
... WL Tucker has pointed out, these titles correspond exactly ... those who reigned over
Israel whose names are here ... out a characteristic of the Kingdom of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm
Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... but she is honoured with the highest titles on account ... But if the Christ is both
God and man and was ... naturally anxious to use the most august names; then, not ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm
The Fourth Book
... 181] Once the Jews bore both these titles, now they ... else is the prefecture of certain
men, whose names I suppress ... the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm
Resources
What are the different names and titles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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