Topical Bible: The Jews: Scattered Among the Nations

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The scattering of the Jewish people among the nations, often referred to as the Diaspora, is a significant theme in biblical history and prophecy. This dispersion has its roots in both divine judgment and providential purposes, as outlined in the Scriptures.

Biblical Background

The initial scattering of the Jews can be traced back to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the deportation of many Israelites (2 Kings 17:6). Later, in 586 BC, the southern kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonians, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon (2 Kings 25:8-12).

The Bible presents this scattering as a consequence of Israel's disobedience to God's covenant. In Deuteronomy 28:64, Moses warns the Israelites, "Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other." This dispersion was both a punishment for idolatry and a means to preserve a remnant that would eventually return to the land.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets spoke extensively about the scattering and regathering of the Jewish people. Jeremiah prophesied, "I will scatter them also among the nations, whom neither they nor their fathers have known" (Jeremiah 9:16). Yet, he also foretold a future restoration: "I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety" (Jeremiah 32:37).

Ezekiel echoed this dual theme of dispersion and restoration. In Ezekiel 11:16, God declares, "Though I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone." This indicates God's continued presence and protection even in exile.

Historical Developments

The Jewish Diaspora expanded significantly after the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70 by the Romans. This event marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to widespread dispersion throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Jewish communities established themselves in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, maintaining their distinct identity and religious practices despite external pressures.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced persecution and displacement, yet they have also contributed significantly to the cultures and societies in which they lived. The resilience of the Jewish identity and faith amidst dispersion is a testament to their enduring covenant with God.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the scattering of the Jews serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the judgment of exile, God promised to preserve a remnant and ultimately restore His people. This theme is encapsulated in the prophetic vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, symbolizing the revival and regathering of Israel.

The New Testament also reflects on the scattering of the Jews. In Acts 2, Jews from various nations were present in Jerusalem during Pentecost, highlighting the widespread nature of the Diaspora. The Apostle Paul, himself a Jew of the Diaspora, emphasized the inclusion of Gentiles into the promises of God, while affirming the irrevocable calling of Israel (Romans 11:29).

Modern Implications

The modern state of Israel, established in 1948, is often seen as a partial fulfillment of the prophetic promises of regathering. The return of Jews to their ancestral homeland after centuries of dispersion is viewed by many as a significant event in redemptive history.

The scattering and regathering of the Jewish people continue to be subjects of theological reflection and eschatological expectation. The enduring presence of the Jewish people among the nations serves as a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His unfolding plan for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 28:64
And the LORD shall scatter you among all people, from the one end of the earth even to the other; and there you shall serve other gods, which neither you nor your fathers have known, even wood and stone.
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Ezekiel 6:8
Yet will I leave a remnant, that you may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when you shall be scattered through the countries.
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Ezekiel 36:19
And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.
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Library

Salvation to the Jews
... Like wrecks on a desert shore they were scattered among the nations. For eighteen
hundred years the Jews have wandered from land to land throughout the world ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

The Giving up of Pontius Pilate.
... East, Licianus, obeying from fear of the decree, seized all the nation of the Jews;
and those that were left in Jud??a he scattered among the nations, and sold ...
/.../unknown/the giving up of pontius pilate/the giving up of pontius.htm

There was at that Time at Babylon one Nehemiah...
... had previously been carried away being scattered among the Parthians ... this day held
under the sway of barbarous nations. ... of the captivity of the Jews until the ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xi there was at.htm

John Chapter viii. 13, 14
... We produce books written by the Jews, and reply: Doubtless both you and they are
enemies of our faith. Hence are they scattered among the nations, that we may ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxv john chapter viii.htm

In the Days of Queen Esther
... the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled ... decree providing for the
massacre of all the Jews "scattered abroad and dispersed among the people ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 49 in the days.htm

The Chosen People
... were brought into subjection to Babylon, and scattered through the ... a knowledge of
God was spread among the nations ... The Jews looked upon Jerusalem as their heaven ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... and never disappoints], in peace [to the living the Jews said, "Go in ... of all peoples
[The Jewish Scriptures were then scattered among all nations, and all ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch.
... after that deportation the Jews were scattered abroad in ... And the Jews were dispersed
over the whole earth ... among the Gentiles, and disperse you among the nations ...
/.../doubtful fragments on the pentateuch.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries ...
The Jews were not in those days like the English, who colonize and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

The Completion of Our Saviour's Prophecies Confirmed Pagans in ...
... which preserved the church of Christ among all the ... their religious rites and solemnities,
and scattered over the ... years before his own time, the Jews had made ...
/.../sect viii the completion of.htm