In biblical literature, the term "island" is often used to describe a landmass surrounded by water, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. The concept of islands is mentioned both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing isolation, refuge, or distant lands.

Biblical References:

1. Creation and Geography:
· The Bible does not provide a detailed account of the creation of islands, but they are acknowledged as part of God's creation. In Genesis 1:9-10, the gathering of waters and the appearance of dry land can be seen as the formation of various geographical features, including islands.

2. Prophetic Literature:
· Islands are frequently mentioned in the prophetic books, often symbolizing distant nations or peoples. Isaiah 42:10 states, "Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them." Here, islands represent remote regions that are called to worship God.
· In Isaiah 11:11 , the prophet speaks of a future gathering of the remnant of Israel from various places, including islands: "On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea."

3. Judgment and Salvation:
· Islands are sometimes depicted as places that will experience God's judgment or salvation. In Isaiah 24:15 , the islands are called to glorify the Lord: "Therefore glorify the LORD in the east, the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea."
· Jeremiah 31:10 also speaks of the islands in the context of God's redemptive plan: "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.'"

4. New Testament Context:
· In the New Testament, islands are mentioned in the context of missionary journeys and the spread of the Gospel. Acts 13:6 recounts Paul and Barnabas traveling through the island of Cyprus: "They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus."
· The island of Malta is notably mentioned in Acts 28:1 following Paul's shipwreck: "Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta."

Symbolic and Theological Significance:

· Isolation and Refuge: Islands can symbolize isolation due to their separation from the mainland. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual isolation or refuge, where individuals or groups are set apart for divine purposes.
· Distant Lands and Evangelism: The mention of islands often signifies the reach of God's message to the ends of the earth, highlighting the universal scope of the Gospel and the call for all nations, including those in remote locations, to acknowledge and worship the Lord.
· Judgment and Hope: Islands are depicted as places that will witness both God's judgment and His salvation, reflecting the dual themes of divine justice and mercy present throughout Scripture.

In summary, the concept of islands in the Bible serves as a rich metaphorical and literal element, illustrating themes of isolation, outreach, judgment, and redemption. The biblical narrative uses islands to emphasize God's sovereignty over all creation and His desire for all peoples to come to know Him.