'Nations' in the Bible

And many nations shall come and say,“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,To the house of the God of Jacob,That He may teach us about His waysAnd that we may walk in His paths.”For the law shall go forward from Zion,And the word of the Lord [the revelation about Him and His truth] from Jerusalem.

And He will judge between many peoplesAnd render decisions for strong and distant nations.Then they shall hammer their swords into plowsharesAnd their spears into pruning hooks [so that the implements of war may become the tools of agriculture];Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,Nor shall they ever again train for war.

“Now many [conquering] nations are assembled against you,Who say, ‘Let her be profaned [through Gentile presence and the temple’s destruction],And let our eyes gaze on and gloat over Zion.’

The remnant of JacobShall be among the nations,In the midst of many peoplesLike a lion among the beasts of the forest,Like a young lion [suddenly appearing] among the flocks of sheepWhich, if he passes through,Tramples down and tears into pieces [the nations in judgment],And there is no one to rescue.

“And in anger and wrath I shall execute vengeanceOn the nations which have not obeyed [such vengeance as they have not known before].”

The [pagan] nations shall see [God’s omnipotence in delivering Israel] and be ashamedOf all their might [which cannot be compared to His].They shall put their hand on their mouth [in silent astonishment];Their ears shall be deaf.