Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "scattering" in the Bible often conveys themes of judgment, dispersion, and divine sovereignty. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe the dispersal of people, nations, and even spiritual forces. The term appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, illustrating God's power to disperse and gather according to His will.Old Testament Usage 1. Judgment and Dispersion: One of the most prominent uses of "scatter" in the Old Testament is in the context of divine judgment. God warns Israel that disobedience will lead to their scattering among the nations. In Leviticus 26:33, God declares, "But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, and your land will become desolate and your cities will become waste." This scattering serves as a consequence of Israel's failure to uphold the covenant. 2. Tower of Babel: The scattering of people at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:8-9) is a foundational narrative illustrating God's intervention to disperse humanity across the earth. "So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city." This act of scattering was a response to human pride and an attempt to centralize power and glory apart from God. 3. Prophetic Imagery: Prophets often use the imagery of scattering to describe the fate of Israel and other nations. In Ezekiel 12:15, God says, "Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries." This scattering is both a punishment and a means to reveal God's sovereignty and holiness. New Testament Usage 1. Spiritual Warfare: In the New Testament, scattering is sometimes used in the context of spiritual warfare. Jesus speaks of the scattering of the sheep when the shepherd is struck, a prophecy concerning His own disciples during His crucifixion (Matthew 26:31). "Then Jesus said to them, 'This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’" 2. The Church and Persecution: The early church experienced scattering due to persecution, which paradoxically led 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 fulfilled Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). 3. Gathering and Restoration: While scattering often signifies judgment, it is also accompanied by promises of gathering and restoration. In John 11:52, Jesus' death is said to gather "the scattered children of God, to make them one." This reflects the redemptive purpose of God to unite His people through Christ. Theological Implications The theme of scattering underscores God's control over human history and His ability to use dispersion as a means of judgment, correction, and ultimately, redemption. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the hope of restoration through divine intervention. The scattering and gathering of God's people highlight His covenant faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout Scripture. Greek 4650. skorpizo -- to scatter ... alms. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to scatter NASB Word Usage scattered (2), scatters (3). scatter, disperse abroad. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4650.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6340. pazar -- to scatter... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to scatter NASB Word Usage freely (1), scattered (7), scatters (2). disperse, scatter abroad. ... /hebrew/6340.htm - 5k 4650. mephits -- scatterer, disperser 6327a. puts -- to be dispersed or scattered Library The Word that Scatters Fear You Observe How New and Terrible a Form of Oath this is which He ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks ... On Dissipation Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ... The Political Constitution of Egypt God Himself an Example of Patience. To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield. On Fruit Bearing. Fragrance. Thesaurus Scatters (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Scatters (12 Occurrences). Matthew 12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn't gather with me, scatters. ... /s/scatters.htm - 9k Scatter (65 Occurrences) Doesn't (300 Occurrences) Gathers (27 Occurrences) Scene (3 Occurrences) Gather (251 Occurrences) Upside (7 Occurrences) Jezreel (37 Occurrences) Leaves (55 Occurrences) Gains (19 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? | GotQuestions.org Why should we want God to teach us to number our days (Psalm 90:12)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scatters (12 Occurrences)Matthew 12:30 Mark 4:26 Luke 11:23 John 10:12 2 Corinthians 9:9 Job 36:30 Job 37:11 Psalms 147:16 Proverbs 11:24 Proverbs 20:8 Isaiah 24:1 Nahum 2:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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