People (nation)
The Bible generally uses two different terms for large groups: “people” and “nations.” When it uses “nation,” it is talking about a group with the desire for good as its ultimate underlying motivation; when it uses the term “people” it is talking about a group whose deep motivation is to seek true ideas and concepts. As with all symbolism in the Bible, this can be also used in a negative sense, to describe groups with the lust for evil or those driven by false concepts. It can also be used in the abstract, with “nation” representing desires for good themselves and “people” representing true ideas themselves. In a way, these meanings make sense if we look at the two words themselves. “People” brings to mind a collection of individuals, and that is somewhat how it is with ideas -- you can have many of them that inter-relate, but also stand somewhat on their own, individually. “Nation” is a more unified term, reflecting the way that a desire for good tends to unify other feelings.
Psalms 140
1
Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man;
2
those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.
3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper's poison is under their lips. Selah.
4
Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
5
The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.
6
I said to Yahweh, "You are my God." Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.
7
Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8
Yahweh, don't grant the desires of the wicked. Don't let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.
9
As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10
Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.
11
An evil speaker won't be established in the earth. evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12
I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
13
Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence. A Psalm by David.
