SEVENTY NATIONS
The Biblical Concept of Nations
According to the Bible, the concept of seventy nations originates from the descendants of Noah’s three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth, as detailed in Genesis 10, often referred to as the “Table of Nations.” This chapter enumerates the progeny of Noah’s sons and their subsequent nations, symbolizing the repopulation of the earth after the Great Flood. Jewish tradition holds that these seventy nations represent the totality of humanity, each with its own language and culture, as derived from the dispersion at the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9).
The Scattering of Israel
The children of Israel, originally united as one nation, experienced significant scattering due to historical events, notably the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel began around 740 BC and culminated in 722 BC with the fall of Samaria. This led to the deportation of many Israelites to Assyria, as recorded in 2 Kings 17:5-6 and 1 Chronicles 5:26. The Assyrians also repopulated the land with people from other conquered nations, resulting in a mixed population known as the Samaritans.
The southern kingdom of Judah faced a similar fate with the Babylonian captivity, which began in 598/7 BC and included multiple deportations, the most significant occurring after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This exile lasted until 538 BC when Cyrus the Great of Persia allowed the Jews to return to their homeland (2 Chr 36:22-23). Despite the hardships, the Jewish people maintained their religious identity and community structure, which included the establishment of synagogues and the observance of religious practices.
Catholic Teachings and Reflections
In Catholic teaching, the unity of humanity under God is a central theme. The dispersion of nations and the scattering of Israel serve as reminders of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God’s commandments. The Catholic Church views the seventy nations as a symbol of the universality of God’s covenant, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ sending of seventy disciples (Lk 10:1) to preach the Gospel signifies the mission to bring the Good News to all nations, reflecting the inclusivity of God’s salvation plan. This mission continues with the Church’s evangelization efforts, emphasizing that the message of Christ is for all people, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.
REFLECTION
For Christians today, the story of the seventy nations and the scattering of Israel offers several important lessons:
– Unity in Diversity: The concept of seventy nations reminds us that while humanity is diverse, we share a common origin and destiny in God. This calls for respect and understanding across different cultures and languages.
– Faithfulness to God: The exiles of Israel highlight the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments. Disobedience leads to dispersion and suffering, but repentance and faithfulness bring restoration and blessing.
– Missionary Zeal: Just as Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, Christians are called to spread the Gospel to all corners of the earth. This mission requires dedication, compassion, and a willingness to reach out to all people, regardless of their background.
In conclusion, the biblical concept of nations and the historical experiences of Israel underscore the universal scope of God’s plan and the ongoing mission of the Church to proclaim His love and salvation to all humanity. As Christians, we are called to embrace this mission with fervor, striving to build a world where all nations know and love the Lord.