86. That repetitions of the same thing occur in the Word on account of the marriage of good and truth, may be seen quite clearly from passages where "nations" and "peoples" are mentioned:
Woe to the sinful nation, to a people laden with iniquity (Isa. 1:4). The peoples that walk in darkness have seen a great light: Thou hast multiplied the nation (Isa. 9:2-3). Asshur, the rod of Mine anger, I will send him against a hypocritical nation, and against the people of My wrath will I give him a charge (Isa. 10:5-6). It shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, which standeth for an ensign of the peoples, shall the nations seek (Isa. 11:10). Jehovah that smiteth the peoples with an incurable stroke, that ruleth the nations with anger (Isa. 14:6). In that day shall a present be brought unto Jehovah of armies of a people scattered and peeled, and a nation meted out and trodden down (Isa. 18:7). The mighty people shall honor Thee, the city of the powerful nations shall fear Thee (Isa. 25:3). Jehovah will swallow up the covering over all peoples, and the veil over all nations (Isa. 25:7). Come near ye nations, and hearken ye peoples (Isa. 34:1). I have called thee for a covenant for the people, for a light of the nations (Isa. 42:6). Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples assemble (Isa. 43:9). Behold, I will lift up My hand toward the nations, and My standard toward the peoples (Isa. 49:22). I have given Him for a witness to the peoples, a prince and a lawgiver to the nations (Isa. 55:4-5). Behold, a people cometh from the land of the north; and a great nation from the sides of the earth (Jer. 6:22). I will not make thee hear the calumny of the nations any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the peoples any more (Ezek. 36:15). All peoples and nations shall worship Him (Dan 7:14). Let not the nations make a byword of them, and say among the peoples, Where is their God? (Joel 2:17). The remnant of My people shall spoil them, and the residue of My nation shall inherit them (Zeph. 2:9). Many peoples and numerous nations shall come to seek Jehovah Zebaoth in Jerusalem (Zech. 8:22). Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples, a light for revelation to the nations (Luke 2:30-32). Thou hast redeemed us by Thy blood out of every people and nation (Rev. 5:9). Thou must prophesy again concerning peoples and nations (Rev. 10:11). Thou shalt set me for a head of the nations: a people whom I have not known shall serve me (Ps. 18:43). Jehovah bringeth the counsel of the nations to nought, He overturneth the thoughts of the peoples (Ps. 33:10). Thou makest us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the peoples (Ps. 44:14). Jehovah shall subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. Jehovah hath reigned over the nations; the willing ones of the peoples are gathered together (Ps. 47:3, 8-9). Let the people confess unto Thee; let the nations be glad and shout for joy; for Thou shalt judge the peoples with equity, and lead the nations upon earth (Ps. 67:3-4). Remember me, O Jehovah, in the good pleasure of Thy people; that I may rejoice in the joy of Thy nations (Ps. 106:4-5). The reason "nations" and "peoples" are mentioned together is that "nations" mean those in good, and in the opposite sense in evil; and "peoples" those in truths, and in the opposite sense in falsities. For this reason those of the Lord's spiritual kingdom are called "peoples," and those of his celestial kingdom "nations"; for in the spiritual kingdom all are in truths and consequently in wisdom, and in the celestial kingdom all are in good and consequently in love.