Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, islands often symbolize distant lands and peoples, representing the far reaches of the earth. The prophetic writings in the Bible frequently mention islands in the context of God's sovereign plans and purposes for the nations. These references highlight both judgment and blessing, underscoring the universal scope of God's dominion.Judgment and Accountability The prophets often speak of islands in the context of divine judgment. Isaiah, for instance, proclaims God's authority over the islands, indicating that they are not exempt from His righteous judgment. In Isaiah 41:1, the prophet calls the islands to listen and renew their strength, suggesting that they too are accountable to God: "Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us go together to judgment." Similarly, in Jeremiah 47:4, the islands are included in the scope of God's judgment against the Philistines: "For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off every remaining ally who could help Tyre and Sidon. For the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor." Hope and Salvation Conversely, the prophetic texts also speak of islands as recipients of God's salvation and blessing. Isaiah 42:10-12 envisions a time when the islands will join in the praise of the Lord: "Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them. Let the desert and its cities raise their voices, the villages of Kedar. Let the dwellers of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands." This theme is echoed in Isaiah 49:1, where the Servant of the Lord calls the islands to listen, indicating their inclusion in God's redemptive plan: "Listen to Me, O islands, pay attention, you distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me." Universal Worship The prophetic vision extends to a future where the islands participate in the universal worship of God. Isaiah 66:19 speaks of a time when God's glory will be declared among the nations, including the islands: "I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and Lud (who draw the bow), to Tubal and Javan, to the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations." Conclusion The prophetic references to islands in the Bible underscore the comprehensive reach of God's plans for judgment and salvation. They serve as a reminder of the inclusivity of God's covenant promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom purposes across the entire earth. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 97:1The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 11:11 Isaiah 41:1,5 Isaiah 49:1 Zephaniah 2:11 Revelation 16:20 Library Heralds of the Gospel The Progress of the Gospel The Prophecies Jacob Boehme's Influence in England The Sixth vision "On Earth" The Deists. The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom Book 8 Footnotes A Great Religious Awakening. A Great Religious Awakening Resources How does my personal, private sin affect others? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of the New Testament? | GotQuestions.org Island: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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