The Remnant Returns

Why God Drove Them Out

Throughout Scripture, God makes clear why His people were scattered — and why He later promises to gather them again. The scattering was never random. It carried purpose: to expose the heart of man and to magnify the faithfulness of God.

“I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and will bring them back to their fold; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.” (Jeremiah 23:3)

1. Because of Idolatry and Disobedience

God consistently says He scattered His people because they turned to other gods, ignored His voice, and followed the nations around them.

“I will scatter you among the nations and draw out My sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste.” (Leviticus 26:33)

“They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)

2. Because of Injustice and Corrupt Leadership

The context of Jeremiah 23 is God condemning false shepherds who destroyed and scattered His flock. The exile was not simply about individual sin, but about leaders who failed to walk in righteousness, instead ruling with greed, violence, and oppression.

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! … You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them.” (Jeremiah 23:1–2)

3. As Discipline, Not Abandonment

Exile was never God’s way of casting His people off forever. It was discipline — a purifying fire meant to bring them back to Him. His scattering always carried the promise of return.

“Whom the Lord loves He disciplines, as a father the son He delights in.” (Proverbs 3:12)

“I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate… Then they will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.” (Zechariah 7:14)

4. So That Restoration Would Reveal His Glory

The scattering set the stage for restoration. When God gathers His people back, it is not simply for their comfort — it is to reveal His holiness to the nations. The gathering proves His covenant love, His mercy, and His faithfulness.

“I will sanctify My great name… and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, when through you I vindicate My holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:23–24)

 In short: God drove them out because of sin, idolatry, and corrupt leadership.God gathers them back because of His covenant, mercy, and desire to reveal holiness.

The scattering exposes human unfaithfulness.The gathering magnifies God’s faithfulness.

A Bridge Into Our Journey

In the same way, when we experience seasons of scattering or isolation, it is never to abandon us. It is God’s way of consecrating us — stripping away false foundations, removing unholy leadership, and undoing what cannot remain. Isolation becomes preparation, and preparation becomes gathering. What was empty ground becomes Kingdom ground. And just as He promised to Israel, He gathers us again — not scattered but gathered; not striving, but holy.