scattered and sent

For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory, and I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.

Isaiah 66:18-19

Most Bible scholars will see this prophecy in reference to the Jewish Diaspora that occurred during and after Babylon’s capture of Jerusalem. Jews scattered all across the Mediterranean as a result of this... the overwhelming majority of survivors heading to Babylon. But this passage also describes the historical distribution of Jews over all the Middle East and Europe. From Libya to Spain to Greece and Turkey, the Jews would be flung into the nations in a dispersion lasting hundreds of years, both in judgment, and in a sovereign move that forced them to true repentance and worship. This would make their scattered remnant populations lights to the nations of the world to proclaim God’s greatness and glory among the peoples!

This judgment of God also prepared a way for the gospel. Nations all around Israel knew of Israel’s God. Jews made new homes in their adopted countries and cities, but eventually the common practice became to travel to Jerusalem for feasts. This practice was very common by the time Jesus came, making Jerusalem an international hub as a natural route of communication was already in place. And after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, Jesus could send His disciples into the world with the best means of preaching the gospel already for them. In each new city they could enter the local Jewish synagogue and proclaim the good news. This scattering in judgment became a means for salvation. It is ultimately how God would make His glory known among all nations and tongues!

Lord,

You gather and You scatter in Your wisdom! You create ways for You to be known even as sinners are disciplined and do not understand why. Help us then to make You known where You have sovereignty sent us.

Amen