Topical Bible: Israel, Prophecies Concerning: Captivity of One-Tenth of the People

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The prophetic literature of the Old Testament contains numerous references to the fate of Israel, including prophecies concerning the captivity of a portion of its people. One significant aspect of these prophecies is the foretelling of the captivity of one-tenth of the population, a remnant that would face exile due to the nation's disobedience and idolatry.

Isaiah's Prophecy

The prophet Isaiah provides a vivid depiction of this future event. In Isaiah 6:13, the prophet speaks of a remnant that will remain after the land has been laid waste: "And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land" . This passage suggests that even after severe judgment, a small portion of the people, symbolized by the "holy seed," will endure. The imagery of the terebinth and oak stumps indicates that while the nation will be cut down, it will not be utterly destroyed, as the remnant holds the promise of future restoration.

Amos and the Tenth

The prophet Amos also alludes to the concept of a remnant in his warnings to Israel. In Amos 5:3, the prophet declares, "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'The city that marches out a thousand strong will have only a hundred left, and the town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left to the house of Israel.'" . Here, the reduction to one-tenth is a metaphor for the severe judgment that will befall the nation, emphasizing the drastic consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.

Theological Implications

The prophecy concerning the captivity of one-tenth of the people underscores the theme of divine judgment tempered by mercy. While the majority of the nation would face the consequences of their rebellion, the preservation of a remnant reflects God's enduring covenant with Israel. This remnant serves as a beacon of hope, pointing to the eventual restoration and redemption of the nation.

Historical Context

Historically, these prophecies were fulfilled during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, when large portions of the population were taken captive. The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and the Babylonian exile of the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 BC resulted in significant population displacement. However, true to the prophetic word, a remnant returned to the land, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which recount the return from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Symbolism and Hope

The concept of a tenth being preserved is symbolic of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the nation's repeated failures, the preservation of a remnant signifies that God's purposes for Israel remain intact. This remnant is often seen as a precursor to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the Messiah, who would come from the line of David, a descendant of this faithful remnant.

In summary, the prophecies concerning the captivity of one-tenth of Israel's people highlight the dual themes of judgment and hope. They serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 11:1
And the rulers of the people dwelled at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
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Library

Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age.
... English translation of the History of Israel by R ... concluded with them the peaceful
concordat concerning the division ... The passage refers to the prophecies of the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 20 sources and literature.htm