The term "Dwellers of the Coastland" refers to the inhabitants of the coastal regions mentioned in the Bible, often associated with the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea. These regions were significant in biblical narratives due to their strategic locations for trade, cultural exchange, and military endeavors. The coastlands are frequently mentioned in the prophetic books, symbolizing distant lands and peoples.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 11:11 · "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 coastlands." This passage highlights the coastlands as part of the regions from which God will gather His people, indicating their inclusion in the divine plan of restoration.

2. Isaiah 42:4 · "He will not grow weak or discouraged until He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope." Here, the coastlands are depicted as places that will ultimately recognize and hope in God's justice and law, suggesting their future participation in God's redemptive purposes.

3. Ezekiel 27:15 · "The men of Dedan were your merchants; many coastlands were your customers; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony." This verse from Ezekiel's lament over Tyre illustrates the economic interactions between Tyre and the coastlands, emphasizing the coastlands' role in ancient trade networks.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The coastlands were home to various peoples and cultures, including the Philistines, Phoenicians, and others who played significant roles in the biblical narrative. The Phoenicians, for example, were renowned for their seafaring skills and established extensive trade routes across the Mediterranean. Their cities, such as Tyre and Sidon, are frequently mentioned in the Bible.

The Philistines, another prominent group among the coastal dwellers, were often in conflict with the Israelites. Their cities, including Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ashdod, were located along the southern coast of Canaan. The interactions between the Israelites and the Philistines are well-documented in the historical books of the Old Testament.

Theological Significance:

In the prophetic literature, the coastlands often symbolize the far reaches of the known world, representing the universality of God's sovereignty and the scope of His salvation. The inclusion of the coastlands in prophecies about the gathering of God's people and the establishment of His justice underscores the biblical theme of God's concern for all nations.

The coastlands' mention in eschatological contexts, such as in Isaiah, points to the future hope that these distant regions will come to acknowledge and worship the God of Israel. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's plan to bless all nations through the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

Conclusion:

The Dwellers of the Coastland, as depicted in the Bible, are integral to understanding the historical, cultural, and theological landscape of the biblical world. Their interactions with Israel and their inclusion in prophetic visions highlight the expansive reach of God's redemptive work throughout history.