The term "far-scattered" is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible as a specific phrase, but the concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often relating to the dispersion of people, particularly the Israelites, due to divine judgment or as part of God's sovereign plan.

Biblical Context

The idea of being "far-scattered" is closely associated with the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 28:64 , God warns the Israelites of the repercussions of turning away from Him: "Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other." This scattering is depicted as a form of divine discipline intended to bring about repentance and eventual restoration.

Historical Instances

1. The Assyrian and Babylonian Exiles: The Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, leading to the scattering of the ten tribes. Similarly, the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced exile to Babylon in 586 BC. These events are seen as fulfillments of the warnings given in the Law and the Prophets, where God allowed foreign nations to conquer and disperse His people due to their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

2. The Diaspora: Following the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70 by the Romans, the Jewish people were further scattered across the Roman Empire and beyond. This dispersion, known as the Diaspora, continued the theme of scattering as both a judgment and a means of spreading the knowledge of God among the nations.

Theological Significance

The scattering of God's people serves multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. It acts as a corrective measure, urging the people to return to God with sincere hearts. Moreover, it fulfills God's promise to Abraham that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The dispersion allowed for the spread of monotheism and the eventual proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Prophetic Hope and Restoration

Despite the scattering, the Bible consistently offers hope for regathering and restoration. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah speak of a future time when God will gather His people from the ends of the earth. Isaiah 11:12 declares, "He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth."

Ezekiel 37:21 also promises, "I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land." This regathering is often associated with the Messianic age, where peace and righteousness will prevail under the reign of the Messiah.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of scattering takes on a spiritual dimension. The early Christians, initially centered in Jerusalem, were scattered due to persecution, as seen in Acts 8:1 : "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." This scattering led to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries, fulfilling Jesus' command to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

The theme of being "far-scattered" thus serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy, as well as His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ.

The Letter of the Synod to Pope Celestine.
... the orders of the most pious and Christ-loving Emperors, we assembled together in
the Metropolis of the Ephesians from many and far scattered regions, being in ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of the synod.htm

Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ...
... of new life in the religious world, the breaking down of the apathy of half a century
that had been indicated by revivals in places far scattered, not only ...
/.../chapter xiv political parties in.htm

Far-scattered (1 Occurrence)
Far-scattered. Far-off, Far-scattered. Far-seeing . Multi-Version
Concordance Far-scattered (1 Occurrence). John 11:52 ...
/f/far-scattered.htm - 6k

Far-off (14 Occurrences)
Far-off. Farms, Far-off. Far-scattered . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a ... back.
(YLT). Farms, Far-off. Far-scattered . Reference Bible.
/f/far-off.htm - 10k

Unite (10 Occurrences)
... Unite (10 Occurrences). John 11:52 and not for the nation only, but in order to
unite into one body all the far-scattered children of God. (WEY). ...
/u/unite.htm - 10k

Far-seeing (3 Occurrences)
Far-seeing. Far-scattered, Far-seeing. Far-stretching . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Far-scattered, Far-seeing. Far-stretching . Reference Bible.
/f/far-seeing.htm - 7k

Order (809 Occurrences)
... But let us go to him." (WEY DBY). John 11:52 and not for the nation only, but in
order to unite into one body all the far-scattered children of God. (WEY NAS). ...
/o/order.htm - 48k

Body (562 Occurrences)
... (ASV BBE WBS). John 11:52 and not for the nation only, but in order to unite
into one body all the far-scattered children of God. (WEY BBE). ...
/b/body.htm - 59k

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