The term "scatterest" is an archaic form of the verb "scatter," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing the dispersal or spreading of people, nations, or objects. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of scattering is frequently associated with divine judgment, the consequences of disobedience, or the sovereign actions of God in the world.

Divine Judgment and Disobedience

One of the primary contexts in which scattering is mentioned in the Bible is as a form of divine judgment against disobedience and rebellion. In the Old Testament, God warns the Israelites that if they turn away from His commandments, they will be scattered among the nations. This is vividly illustrated in Deuteronomy 28:64 : "Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known."

The scattering of the Israelites serves as a tangible consequence of their failure to uphold the covenant with God. It underscores the seriousness of disobedience and the reality of divine retribution. The dispersion of the people is not merely a physical relocation but also a spiritual and cultural disintegration, as they are removed from the land promised to their forefathers.

Sovereign Actions of God

Scattering is also depicted as an expression of God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate the affairs of nations and individuals according to His divine plan. In the account of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:8 , God intervenes to scatter the people across the earth: "So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city." This act of scattering serves to thwart human pride and ambition, reminding humanity of its limitations and the supremacy of God's will.

Restoration and Gathering

While scattering often conveys judgment, the Bible also presents a hopeful counter-narrative of gathering and restoration. The prophets frequently speak of a future time when God will gather His people from the places where they have been scattered. This theme is prominent in the writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah. For instance, Jeremiah 31:10 declares: "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the distant coastlands: 'The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.'"

This promise of gathering reflects God's enduring faithfulness and mercy. Despite the consequences of sin and disobedience, God remains committed to His covenant people, offering hope and redemption. The gathering of the scattered is a powerful image of restoration, unity, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of scattering takes on additional dimensions, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. Persecution led to the scattering of believers, which, paradoxically, contributed to the spread of the Gospel. Acts 8:1 notes: "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, while initially a result of opposition, ultimately served to fulfill Jesus' command to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

The concept of scattering in the Bible, therefore, encompasses both judgment and grace, disobedience and redemption. It highlights the complex interplay between human actions and divine sovereignty, illustrating how God's purposes are ultimately accomplished, even through circumstances that appear adverse.

Seventh Sunday after Trinity. O Lord, How Manifold are Thy Works ...
... The Highest loveth best. I think, Art Thou so good to us,. And scatterest joy and
beauty thus. O'er this poor earth of ours; What nobler glories shall be given. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/seventh sunday after trinity o.htm

Praise and Thanksgiving the Faithfulness of God.
... He comes, ere yet we call. All eyes do wait on Thee, O Lord,. Who keepest us from
dearth,. Who scatterest rich supplies abroad. For all the wants of earth; ...
/.../praise and thanksgiving the faithfulness.htm

Scatterest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scatterest (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 30:22 And ye
have defiled the covering of Thy graven images of silver ...
/s/scatterest.htm - 6k

Scattereth (18 Occurrences)

/s/scattereth.htm - 11k

Scatterer (2 Occurrences)

/s/scatterer.htm - 7k

Sickening (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:22 And ye have defiled the covering of Thy graven images of silver, And
the ephod of thy molten image of gold, Thou scatterest them as a sickening ...
/s/sickening.htm - 7k

Scatter (65 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:22 And ye have defiled the covering of Thy graven images of silver, And
the ephod of thy molten image of gold, Thou scatterest them as a sickening ...
/s/scatter.htm - 28k

Sayest (66 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:22 And ye have defiled the covering of Thy graven images of silver, And
the ephod of thy molten image of gold, Thou scatterest them as a sickening ...
/s/sayest.htm - 26k

Defiled (119 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:22 And ye have defiled the covering of Thy graven images of silver, And
the ephod of thy molten image of gold, Thou scatterest them as a sickening ...
/d/defiled.htm - 38k

Ephod (45 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:22 And ye have defiled the covering of Thy graven images of silver, And
the ephod of thy molten image of gold, Thou scatterest them as a sickening ...
/e/ephod.htm - 27k

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