Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. Within comprehensive judgment, grace appears—"Yet will I leave a remnant" (vehotarti, וְהוֹתַרְתִּי). God sovereignly preserves some who "escape the sword" despite deserving death like their countrymen. This remnant theology pervades Scripture (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:5)—God always maintains faithful few through whom covenant purposes continue. Their scattering "among the nations" serves missional purposes—dispersed witnesses carry knowledge of the true God internationally. Judgment that scatters simultaneously creates opportunities for wider gospel proclamation.
Historical Context
The Babylonian exile created a diaspora throughout the ancient Near East—communities in Babylon, Egypt, and beyond. This dispersion, though rooted in judgment, providentially positioned Jews to influence Gentile nations and later receive the gospel in their own locations (Acts 2:5-11). The remnant's faithfulness in exile (Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah) testified to Yahweh's reality among pagans. Some exiles returned to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra-Nehemiah); others remained scattered, forming synagogues throughout the Roman Empire that became Christianity's initial missionary base (Acts 13:5, 14; 14:1; 17:1-2, 10; 18:4).
Questions for Reflection
How does God's preservation of a remnant reveal His faithfulness to covenant promises despite deserved judgment?
What does the scattering of the remnant teach about God using judgment for missional purposes?
In what ways can believers today serve as faithful remnant witnesses in secular culture?
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Analysis & Commentary
Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. Within comprehensive judgment, grace appears—"Yet will I leave a remnant" (vehotarti, וְהוֹתַרְתִּי). God sovereignly preserves some who "escape the sword" despite deserving death like their countrymen. This remnant theology pervades Scripture (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:5)—God always maintains faithful few through whom covenant purposes continue. Their scattering "among the nations" serves missional purposes—dispersed witnesses carry knowledge of the true God internationally. Judgment that scatters simultaneously creates opportunities for wider gospel proclamation.