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Yes, of course they are. I assume by your response then you distinguish between the word nation and the word country. Not sure how ...

Setting aside the obvious distinctions like language and customs, I would focus on authority structures and the laws created to govern the people groups living in subjection under them. The boundaries between people groups are there to define which ones you will be held accountable to, as the power of the State does not bear the sword for nothing ...

Anyway, I have read briefly again through your post. So ... I'll thank you for your responses here. And wish you well going forward! 😊 👍

In fairness, Nation is also a social construct. We can't discern what the nation of Israel weighs, for example. If the bible were limited to only discussing things which physically exist; it'd read like a 7 year old's diary. Concepts like marriage, kingship, etc don't physically exist, but are still important.