Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)

Chair

David M. Maas

Keywords

Book of Revelation, Apocalypse, Deuteronomy, Intertextuality, Biblical Theology, Ancient Near East, Israel, Nations, Divine Judgment, Sovereignty, Second Temple Judaism, Johannine Theology

Disciplines

Philosophy | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This dissertation concludes that John’s imagery of Israel and the nations in the Apokalypsis is distinctly shaped by his interpretation and incorporation of Deuteronomic theology. It employs a canonical and intertextual approach to inductively argue that Deuteronomy presents three pillars, or roles, for biblical nationhood: (1) objects of and instruments for divine judgment, (2) custodians to restrain evil, and (3) revelations of God’s sovereignty. These three Deuteronomic pillars establish the foundation for biblical nationhood and are expressed by John throughout his Apokalypsis. Moreover, this dissertation concludes that John’s imagery for the nations is due to his reliance upon the Deuteronomic pillars for nationhood through five areas of evidence: (1) the thematic correlations, (2) similar motifs and literary patterns, (3) functional role and implementation of the nations, (4) fundamental role of the nations in the eschatological age, and (5) the Deuteronomic lens required to correctly interpret John’s apocalyptic vision. John’s use of the Deuteronomic pillars of nationhood is not an isolated incident, but a deliberate strategy that relies on an OT framework. To accurately interpret John’s Apokalypsis, it is essential to have a strong grasp of Deuteronomic theology, especially regarding the concept of nationhood. This dissertation demonstrates that John’s imagery of the nations is theologically shaped by a Deuteronomic framework, enabling a unified vision and canonical unity in God's interaction with humanity on a collective scale.

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