Definition and Overview:
The term "scatterings" in the biblical context refers to the dispersal or dispersion of people, often as a result of divine judgment or as part of God's sovereign plan. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both physical and spiritual dispersions. The scatterings often serve as a means of discipline, purification, or fulfillment of God's promises.

Old Testament Instances:
The theme of scattering is prominent in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the nation of Israel. One of the earliest instances is found in the Tower of Babel narrative, where God confuses the language of the people and scatters them over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:8-9). This act prevented humanity from uniting in prideful rebellion against God.

The scattering of Israel is a recurring theme, often linked to disobedience and idolatry. In Leviticus 26:33 , God warns the Israelites, "I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste." This prophecy finds fulfillment in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah were respectively scattered among foreign nations due to their persistent sin and rebellion (2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 25:21).

Prophetic Significance:
The prophets frequently spoke of scattering as both a judgment and a precursor to eventual restoration. For instance, Ezekiel 36:19 states, "I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered throughout the lands. I judged them according to their ways and their deeds." Yet, the prophets also foretold a regathering, a promise of hope and restoration for the scattered people of God (Ezekiel 36:24).

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, the concept of scattering takes on additional dimensions. Jesus speaks of the scattering of His disciples in the context of His arrest and crucifixion: "You will all fall away, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered'" (Mark 14:27). This scattering, however, is temporary and leads to a greater gathering through the resurrection and the establishment of the Church.

The early Church experienced a form of scattering 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, rather than hindering the spread of the Gospel, facilitated it, as believers carried the message of Christ to new regions.

Theological Implications:
Scatterings in the Bible often serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. They underscore the consequences of disobedience while simultaneously pointing to God's redemptive purposes. The scattering of Israel and the early Church illustrates how God can use dispersion to fulfill His divine plans, ultimately leading to the spread of His glory and the fulfillment of His promises.

Conclusion:
The biblical theme of scatterings is multifaceted, encompassing judgment, discipline, and divine strategy. It highlights the tension between human rebellion and divine sovereignty, while also offering hope through the promise of regathering and restoration.Scatterings (2 Occurrences)

Job 37:9
From the inner chamber cometh a hurricane, And from scatterings winds -- cold,
(YLT)

Jeremiah 25:34
Howl, ye shepherds, and cry, And roll yourselves, ye honourable of the flock, For full have been your days, For slaughtering, and 'for' your scatterings, And ye have fallen as a desirable vessel.
(YLT)

Scatterings (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scatterings (2 Occurrences). Job 37:9 From the inner chamber
cometh a hurricane, And from scatterings winds -- cold, (YLT). ...
/s/scatterings.htm - 7k

Scattering (18 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Job 37:9 From the inner chamber cometh a hurricane, And from
scatterings winds -- cold, (Root in YLT RSV). Psalms 106:27 ...
/s/scattering.htm - 11k

Scatterreth (1 Occurrence)

/s/scatterreth.htm - 6k

Slaughtering (14 Occurrences)
... ye shepherds, and cry, And roll yourselves, ye honourable of the flock, For full
have been your days, For slaughtering, and 'for' your scatterings, And ye have ...
/s/slaughtering.htm - 11k

Desirable (49 Occurrences)
... ye shepherds, and cry, And roll yourselves, ye honourable of the flock, For full
have been your days, For slaughtering, and 'for' your scatterings, And ye have ...
/d/desirable.htm - 21k

Honourable (72 Occurrences)
... ye shepherds, and cry, And roll yourselves, ye honourable of the flock, For full
have been your days, For slaughtering, and 'for' your scatterings, And ye have ...
/h/honourable.htm - 28k

Hurricane (14 Occurrences)
... stolen away, (YLT). Job 37:9 From the inner chamber cometh a hurricane,
And from scatterings winds -- cold, (YLT). Psalms 83:15 So ...
/h/hurricane.htm - 10k

Inner (141 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 37:9 From the inner chamber cometh a hurricane, And from scatterings
winds -- cold, (YLT). Job 41:13 Who has ever taken off his outer skin? ...
/i/inner.htm - 37k

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