The term "islanders" in the Bible generally refers to the inhabitants of islands or coastal regions. These individuals are often mentioned in the context of trade, prophecy, and the spread of the Gospel. The Bible provides several references to islanders, highlighting their interactions with God's people and their role in biblical narratives.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah's Prophecies:
The prophet Isaiah frequently mentions islands and their inhabitants in his prophecies. In Isaiah 42:10, the prophet calls for praise from the ends of the earth, including the islands: "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." This passage emphasizes the universal call to worship God, extending even to the remote islanders.

2. Ezekiel's Oracles:
In Ezekiel 27:3-6, the prophet speaks of Tyre, a prominent maritime city, and its trade with the islands: "Say to Tyre, who is situated at the entrance of the sea, merchant of the peoples to many coasts: ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: You say, O Tyre, “I am perfect in beauty.” Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders perfected your beauty. They made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of cypress wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory." Here, the islands are depicted as integral to the trade networks of the ancient world, supplying materials and goods.

3. Paul's Missionary Journeys:
The New Testament also records interactions with islanders, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. In Acts 28:1-2, after being shipwrecked, Paul and his companions find themselves on the island of Malta: "Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold." The islanders' hospitality is noted, and this event leads to further opportunities for Paul to share the Gospel.

4. Revelation's Vision:
In the book of Revelation, islands are mentioned in the context of God's final judgment. Revelation 6:14 states, "The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place." This imagery underscores the comprehensive nature of God's power and the coming transformation of the world.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In biblical times, islands were often seen as distant and mysterious places. They were part of the known world but were also considered remote and sometimes difficult to reach. The islanders, therefore, represent the farthest reaches of the earth, symbolizing the extent of God's dominion and the reach of His message.

The mention of islanders in the Bible serves to illustrate the inclusivity of God's plan for salvation. From the prophecies of Isaiah to the missionary journeys of Paul, the islanders are depicted as part of the broader narrative of God's interaction with humanity. They are recipients of God's call to worship and are included in the unfolding account of redemption.

Theological Significance:

The references to islanders in the Bible highlight the theme of God's universal sovereignty and the global scope of His redemptive work. The inclusion of islanders in prophetic visions and missionary endeavors underscores the biblical message that God's love and salvation are available to all people, regardless of their geographical location. This serves as a reminder of the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), encompassing even the most remote islanders.