Topical Encyclopedia The term "scattered abroad" is used in the Bible to describe the dispersion of people, often as a result of divine intervention or judgment. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating themes of judgment, mercy, and the spread of the Gospel.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the scattering of people is frequently associated with God's judgment. One of the earliest examples is the Tower of Babel incident in Genesis 11:8-9, where God confuses the language of the people and scatters them over the face of the earth: "So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth" . The scattering of Israel and Judah is another prominent theme. Due to their disobedience and idolatry, God allowed foreign nations to conquer and disperse them. In Deuteronomy 28:64, Moses warns the Israelites of this consequence: "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" . This prophecy was fulfilled during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being "scattered abroad" takes on a new dimension with the early Christian church. The persecution of believers in Jerusalem led to their dispersion, which, rather than hindering the spread of the Gospel, facilitated it. Acts 8:1-4 describes this event: "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria... Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" . This scattering was instrumental in fulfilling Jesus' command in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . The dispersion of believers helped to spread Christianity beyond the confines of Jerusalem, reaching Gentile communities and establishing the church in diverse regions. Theological Implications Theologically, the scattering of people in the Bible serves as both a judgment and a means of grace. In the Old Testament, it often signifies God's judgment on sin and disobedience. However, it also sets the stage for redemption and restoration, as seen in the promises of regathering and renewal for Israel (e.g., Ezekiel 11:17). In the New Testament, the scattering of believers is a catalyst for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. It demonstrates God's sovereignty in using even adverse circumstances to accomplish His purposes. The dispersion of the early church illustrates how God can turn persecution into an opportunity for the Gospel to reach new territories and peoples. Conclusion The concept of being "scattered abroad" in the Bible underscores the themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom. Whether through judgment or mission, the scattering of people serves God's ultimate purpose of redemption and the proclamation of His glory to all nations. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Scattered AbroadSCATTERED ABROAD skat'-erd a-brod'. Greek 1290. diaspora -- a dispersion (Isr. in Gentile countries) ... From diaspeiro; dispersion, ie (specially and concretely) the (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile countries -- (which are) scattered (abroad). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1290.htm - 7k 1287. diaskorpizo -- generally to separate, spec. to winnow, fig. ... 4650. skorpizo -- to scatter 1289. diaspeiro -- to sow throughout, ie fig. disperse (in foreign ... Strong's Hebrew 6327. puwts -- to be dispersed or scattered... dispersed or scattered. Transliteration: puwts Phonetic Spelling: (poots) Short Definition: pieces. break dash, shake in to pieces, cast abroad, disperse selves ... /hebrew/6327.htm - 5k 7849. shatach -- to spread, spread abroad 6340. pazar -- to scatter 6566. paras -- to spread out, spread 6504. parad -- to divide Library Seed Scattered and Taking Root The History of Simon Magus. Acts VIII The Shepherd of Our Souls. But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ... Appendix 4 1 John 2:2 That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon Made War with the Adjoining ... A Christlike Judgment of Men Acts xi. 19 Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Resources How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God, and not the Apocrypha, the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, etc.? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it says that we will receive a new heart? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Saul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Scattered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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