Topical Encyclopedia
The term "isles" in the Bible often refers to distant lands or coastlands, typically those across the sea from the perspective of the ancient Israelites. The Hebrew word most commonly translated as "isles" is "אִי" (i), which can also mean "coastlands" or "islands." This term is used to describe regions that are remote or separated by water, emphasizing their distance from the central lands of Israel and Judah.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 10:5 · In the Table of Nations, the descendants of Japheth are described as spreading out into the "isles of the nations." This passage suggests the early understanding of the isles as regions inhabited by various peoples, indicating the geographical expansion and diversity of human settlement. "From these the coastlands of the nations spread out into their lands, each with its own language, by their clans within their nations."
2.
Isaiah 42:4 · The prophet Isaiah speaks of the isles in the context of the coming justice and law of the Messiah, indicating that even distant lands will await His teaching. "He will not grow weak or discouraged until He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope."
3.
Isaiah 66:19 · Here, the isles are mentioned as part of the far-reaching proclamation of God's glory among the nations. This reflects the universal scope of God's salvation plan, extending even to the most remote regions. "I will set a sign among them, and I will send survivors from them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the distant islands that have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. And they will proclaim My glory among the nations."
4.
Jeremiah 31:10 · The prophet Jeremiah calls upon the isles to hear the word of the Lord, emphasizing the global reach of God's message and His sovereignty over all lands. "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the distant coastlands: ‘The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.’"
5.
Ezekiel 27:15 · In the lament over Tyre, the isles are depicted as trading partners, highlighting their role in the ancient economic networks. "The men of Dedan were your clients; many coastlands were your market; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony."
Theological Significance:The mention of isles in the Bible underscores the inclusivity of God's covenant and His concern for all nations, not just Israel. The prophetic literature often uses the term to illustrate the reach of God's justice, mercy, and salvation. The isles symbolize the farthest corners of the earth, which will ultimately be drawn into the knowledge and worship of the one true God.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near Eastern context, the isles would have been understood as the lands across the Mediterranean Sea, possibly including regions like Cyprus, Crete, and other parts of the Aegean and beyond. These areas were known for their trade and cultural exchanges, which brought them into contact with the biblical world.
Conclusion:The concept of isles in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the expansive reach of God's kingdom. It reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all creation and His desire for all peoples to come to know Him. The isles, as distant lands, remind readers of the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISLES OF THE GENTILES(Genesis 10:5): the American Standard Revised Version "isles (margin "coast-lands") of the nations," said of the territories of the sons of Japheth. The reference is to the coasts of the Western Mediterranean, with their islands (compare "isles of the sea,"Esther 10:1Ezekiel 26:18, etc.).
SeeTABLE OF NATIONS.
GENTILES, ISLES OF THE
SeeISLES OF THE GENTILES.
Library
In the ScillyIsles
... Chapter 5. Wesley Refused Sacraments at Epworth; Cornwall and the ScillyIsles;
Natural Amphitheater at Gwennap; Wesley in Danger In the ScillyIsles....
Psalm XCVII.
... 3. ..."The Lord is King, let the earth be glad: yea, let the multitude of theisles
be joyous" (ver.1). It is so indeed, because the word of God hath been...
Ezekiel's Discourse
... up a lamentation for Tyre; and say unto Tyre, O thou that dwellest at the entry
of the sea, which art the merchant of the peoples unto manyisles: thus saith...
The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out...
... "You seeisles in the sea; and if a line were drawn from the mountains of Amana
to the river... Whatisles? Let the authors of the maps well weigh these passages....
The Saviour's Last Command.
... Let us suppose that all kindreds and people of the earth are assembled, and that
the inhabitants of Africa, Asia, theIsles of the Pacific and the wilds of...
The Journal of John Wesley
... Chapter 5. Wesley Refused Sacraments at Epworth; Cornwall and the ScillyIsles;
Natural Amphitheater at Gwennap; Wesley in Danger.... In the ScillyIsles....
The Life of Mr. John Scrimzeor.
... Andrews, Glasgow and theisles, and Mr. Walter Whiteford, they were dismissed at
that time; but were warned to compear again on the first of March....
The World Compared to the Sea.
... Footnotes: [579] Literally, synagogues. [580] [The ports and happy havens beautifully
contrasted with rocks and shoals and barren or inhospitableisles.]....
London Missionary Society.
... SOUTH SEA ISLANDS."The society commenced their labors among theseisles by sending
out thirty-six missionaries, in 1796, who arrived safely, and commenced...
Wesleyan or English Methodist Missionary Society.
... benighted land. MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH SEAS."These missions include the
FriendlyIsles, New Zealand, New South Wales, &c. They...
Thesaurus
Isles (32 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISLES OF THE GENTILES.
... See TABLE OF NATIONS. GENTILES,
ISLES OF THE. See
ISLES OF THE GENTILES. Multi-Version Concordance
...Island (16 Occurrences)
... 27:6, 7). (see CHITTIM.) The shores of the Mediterranean are called the "islands
of the sea" (Isaiah 11:11), or the "isles of the Gentiles" (Genesis 10:5), and...
Isle (15 Occurrences)
... 1:7 Isaiah 23:1, 12 Jeremiah 2:10 Ezekiel 27:6 Daniel 11:30); to Elisha, perhaps
Carthage (Genesis 10:4 1 Chronicles 1:7 Ezekiel 27:7); to "isles of the nations...
Gentiles (150 Occurrences)
... On any reasonable reading of the narrative this is unnecessary. W. Ewing.ISLES
OF THE GENTILES.... See TEMPLE. GENTILES,ISLES OF THE. SeeISLES OF THE GENTILES....
Kittites (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 2:10 For pass over to theisles of Kittim, and see; and send unto Kedar,
and consider diligently; and see if there hath been such a thing. (See JPS)....
Kittim (8 Occurrences)
... In its narrower sense Kittim appears simply to have stood for the island of
Cyprus-it is mentioned between Bashan (= Pal) and theisles of Elisha in Ezekiel...
Tyrus (18 Occurrences)
... Tyrus (18 Occurrences). Jeremiah 25:22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings
of Zidon, and the kings of theisles which are beyond the sea, (KJV)....
Chittim (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS YLT). Jeremiah 2:10 For pass over theisles of Chittim, and see; and
send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing....
Disturbed (30 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 26:18 Now shall theisles tremble in the day of thy fall; yes,
theisles that are in the sea shall be disturbed at thy departure. (WBS)....
Affrighted (60 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 26:18 Now shall theisles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, theisles
that are in the sea shall be dismayed at thy departure. (See JPS)....
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