Should a country have borders, according to the Bible?

Borders are boundary lines that demarcate a country’s domain. The question of whether countries should have borders is complex and multilayered. Differing perspectives on the necessity and impact of borders challenge us to think critically as we consider what the Bible says.

Some contend that borders are essential for defining national identity and political jurisdiction, while others consider them subjective divisions that create social and economic problems. Border challenges in the United States involve illegal immigration, drug and human trafficking, asylum seeking, and the exploitation, criminalization, and neglect of certain groups of immigrants. Additional concerns include resource shortages, job scarcity, economic drain, and depletion of medical resources. Despite these challenges, many believe the country should have more open, flexible, and welcoming borders for those seeking refuge, as most refugees would prefer to remain in their homeland if living conditions were not so deplorable.

In Acts 17:26, the apostle Paul states, “From one man [God] made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” This verse reveals God’s role in establishing the nations and their geographical boundaries, offering compelling support for the idea that a country’s borders serve a purpose in God’s plan for humanity.

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God laid out explicit boundaries and territories of the land (see Numbers 34:1–12). God continued throughout the Old Testament to mark out specific lands for His people with well-defined political and territorial borders (see Joshua 1:4; 13:2; Isaiah 19:19).

The establishment of borders in Scripture was important and necessary for several purposes. In the case of Israel, borders helped maintain the nation’s identity, ensuring its distinctiveness as a people set apart for God (Deuteronomy 7:6; 26:18–19; Leviticus 20:26). Territorial boundaries defined the jurisdiction and authority of a country’s leaders (such as kings or tribal leaders) and played a crucial role in maintaining governance, economic control, and taxation.

Borders were designed to preserve peaceful relations between neighboring entities and resolve legal conflicts. Throughout Israel’s history, borders were often contested, leading to many conflicts with foreign armies such as those of Egypt (Exodus 14:5–9; Exodus 14:23–25), Philistia (1 Samuel 13:5; 14:20–23; 17:1–3; 1 Chronicles 10:7), Assyria (2 Kings 15:29; 17:5–6; Isaiah 36:1), and Babylon (2 Kings 24:1; 25:10–11; Jeremiah 39:1). In Amos 1:13, God pronounced judgment on the Ammonites for violently expanding their borders.

The erecting of borders also symbolized the Lord’s provision and protection of His people. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in the book of Nehemiah was crucial for protecting Israel from external threats (see Nehemiah 1—7). This episode presents a biblical principle, validating the need for borders for the protection and security of a nation.

While the Bible supports the concept of national borders, it also calls believers to act compassionately toward foreigners and immigrants. The Lord commanded Israel, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Leviticus 19:33–34; see also Leviticus 19:10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 10:19; 14:29; Zechariah 7:10).

Israel’s identity was profoundly shaped by its interactions with foreigners and surrounding nations. Non-nationals played a significant role in Israel’s life and history. Rahab and Ruth are examples (see Joshua 6:22–27 and Ruth 4:13–22). Foreigners could live freely among the Israelites. They had the right to share in the Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:10), receive a fair trial (Deuteronomy 1:16), participate in festivals and ceremonies (Deuteronomy 16:11,14; 26:11; 29:10–11; 31:12; 2 Chronicles 30:25), and receive inheritances (Ezekiel 47:22–23). Nevertheless, a distinct separation was to be maintained, particularly concerning worship and consecration to God (see Leviticus 20:26; Deuteronomy 7:1–4). With her mission to fulfill as the bearer of God’s law, Israel needed to distinguish herself from pagan nations and individuals (see Leviticus 18:1–5).

Unmistakable biblical support exists for establishing national boundaries for order, protection, and identity. At the same time, Scripture emphasizes a balance between maintaining a country’s borders and showing love, care and compassion for outsiders who come to reside within those borders. The appropriate biblical approach to the question of borders would be to uphold both a nation’s sovereignty and its moral responsibility to treat non-nationals with empathy, kindness, and dignity.