The term "Scatterer" in the Bible often refers to an entity or force that disperses, divides, or spreads people or things, typically in a context of judgment or destruction. This concept is seen throughout the Scriptures, where God or His agents act to scatter nations, peoples, or even the enemies of Israel as a form of divine retribution or correction.

Old Testament References

1. Divine Judgment: The notion of scattering is frequently associated with God's judgment against nations or peoples who have acted wickedly. In Genesis 11:8, the Lord scatters the people from Babel across the face of the earth, disrupting their unified rebellion against Him: "So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city."

2. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets often warned Israel and other nations of impending scattering due to disobedience. In Jeremiah 13:24, God declares, "I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind." This scattering serves as a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry.

3. Enemies of Israel: The term is also used to describe the actions of Israel's enemies. In Nahum 2:1, the "scatterer" is identified as an invading force: "One who scatters is advancing against you, guard the ramparts, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength." Here, the scatterer is an instrument of God's judgment against Nineveh.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "scatterer," the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The scattering of the disciples during Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:27) fulfills the prophecy, "I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered."

Theological Implications

1. Divine Sovereignty: The act of scattering underscores God's sovereignty over nations and history. It serves as a reminder that God can disrupt human plans and bring about His purposes, often using scattering as a means to humble and correct.

2. Covenant Faithfulness: For Israel, scattering was a direct result of breaking the covenant with God. It highlights the seriousness of covenantal obligations and the consequences of disobedience.

3. Restoration and Hope: Despite the negative connotations, scattering is not always the final word. The prophets also speak of a future gathering and restoration. Ezekiel 11:17 promises, "Therefore say: ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’"

Conclusion

The concept of the scatterer in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's judgment and sovereignty, while also pointing to His ultimate plan for restoration and redemption. Through scattering, God not only executes justice but also sets the stage for eventual gathering and renewal.4650. mephits -- scatterer, disperser
... 4649, 4650. mephits. 4651 . scatterer, disperser. Transliteration: mephits
Phonetic Spelling: (may-feets') Short Definition: club. ...
/hebrew/4650.htm - 6k

4215. mezareh -- north
... north Apparently from zarah; properly, a scatterer, ie The north wind (as dispersing
clouds; only in plural) -- north. see HEBREW zarah. 4214, 4215. ...
/hebrew/4215.htm - 5k

Letter xi. Dionysius to Apollophanes, Philosopher.
... Further, that Paul, the globe trotter, and a scatterer of words, who was calling
people from things terrestrial to things celestial, you were unwilling to ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter xi dionysius to apollophanes.htm

Epistle xiii. To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) .
... together a scattered one; that so the deserved renown of a shepherd might have
distinguished thee, instead of the blame of being a scatterer lying upon thee. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xiii to serenus bishop.htm

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... patience. You saw that he was a scatterer and yet you followed him; you heard
him directing what was scandalous and yet you obeyed him! ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter ii a d 1126 to.htm

Scatterer (2 Occurrences)
...Scatterer (2 Occurrences). ... Nahum 2:1 Come up hath a scatterer to thy face, Keep the
bulwark, watch the way, Strengthen the loins, strengthen power mightily. ...
/s/scatterer.htm - 7k

Juice (8 Occurrences)
... Amos 9:13 Lo, days are coming -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And come nigh hath the
ploughman to the reaper, And the treader of grapes to the scatterer of seed ...
/j/juice.htm - 9k

Dropt (1 Occurrence)
... Amos 9:13 Lo, days are coming -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And come nigh hath the
ploughman to the reaper, And the treader of grapes to the scatterer of seed ...
/d/dropt.htm - 6k

Scatters (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). Nahum 2:1 Come up hath a scatterer to thy face, Keep the bulwark, watch
the way, Strengthen the loins, strengthen power mightily. (See NAS). ...
/s/scatters.htm - 9k

Scatterest (1 Occurrence)

/s/scatterest.htm - 6k

Bulwark (29 Occurrences)
... Nahum 2:1 Come up hath a scatterer to thy face, Keep the bulwark, watch the
way, Strengthen the loins, strengthen power mightily. (YLT). ...
/b/bulwark.htm - 15k

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

/s/scattered.htm - 39k

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