Overview
Throughout Scripture, "the heathen" designates unreached peoples and nations separated from God's revelation. The Old Testament prophets anticipated God's plan to make His salvation known to all peoples, not merely to Israel. God's sovereignty extends over all nations, and His redemptive purposes ultimately encompass the entire earth.
Key Scriptures
"Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you" (Habakkuk 1:5, NKJV).
"Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations" (Psalm 98:1-2, NKJV).
"God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations" (Psalm 67:2, NKJV).
Application
Believers are called to participate in God's mission to make the Gospel known among all nations through prayer, giving, and witness.