Topical Encyclopedia
The term "encompassed" in the Bible often conveys the idea of being surrounded, encircled, or enclosed. This concept appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, illustrating both physical and metaphorical situations where individuals or groups find themselves surrounded by circumstances, enemies, or divine presence.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "encompassed" frequently describes the physical encirclement by enemies or adversaries. For instance, in
Psalm 17:9, David speaks of being surrounded by the wicked: "from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me." Here, the psalmist expresses a plea for divine protection against those who seek his harm.
Similarly, in
Psalm 22:12-13, David uses vivid imagery to describe his distress: "Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul." This passage, often seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ's suffering, highlights the intense pressure and threat posed by those who encompass the psalmist.
The concept of being encompassed is not limited to adversaries. In
2 Kings 6:15-17, the prophet Elisha's servant is initially terrified when he sees the city surrounded by an enemy army. However, Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, revealing a heavenly host of horses and chariots of fire encompassing them, signifying divine protection and presence.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the idea of being encompassed can also be seen in spiritual and metaphorical contexts.
Hebrews 12:1 uses the imagery of being surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses," encouraging believers to persevere in their faith journey by looking to the examples of those who have gone before them: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us."
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of being encompassed can reflect both peril and protection. When encompassed by enemies, it serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations faced by God's people throughout history. Yet, it also underscores the assurance of God's presence and deliverance, as seen in the protective encirclement by divine forces or the encouragement from the faithful who have preceded us.
In a broader sense, being encompassed by God's love and faithfulness is a recurring theme in Scripture.
Psalm 32:10 states, "Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD." This verse reassures believers of the encompassing nature of God's steadfast love, providing comfort and security amidst life's challenges.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of being encompassed serves as a powerful reminder of the realities of spiritual warfare, the presence of divine protection, and the encouragement found in the community of faith. Whether facing adversaries or drawing strength from the faithful, believers are called to trust in the Lord's encompassing presence and love.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Encompass.
Greek
4029. perikeimai -- to lie around ... Phonetic Spelling: (per-ik'-i-mahee) Short Definition: I surround, am surrounded
with Definition: I lie about, surround; I am
encompassed, surrounded, or
... Strong's Hebrew
661. aphaph -- to surround, encompass... 660, 661. aphaph. 662 . to surround, encompass. Transliteration: aphaph Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-faf') Short Definition:
encompassed. Word Origin a prim.
... 5362b. naqaph -- to go around
... 5362a, 5362b. naqaph. 5363 . to go around. Transliteration: naqaph Short
Definition: encompassed. Word Origin a prim. root Definition ...
Library
Now this World is Encompassed by Seven Heavens, in which Dwell ...
... THE DEMONSTRATION OF THE APOSTOLIC PREACHING Chapter 9 Now this world is encompassed
by seven heavens, in which dwell powers and angels and? ...
This Estate Wherein I am Placed is the Best for Me Tho' ...
... THE FOURTH CENTURY 89 This estate wherein I am placed is the best for me
tho' encompassed with difficulties. This estate wherein ...
The Soul is not to Afflict it Self, nor Intermit Prayer, Because ...
... Recollection. CHAP. IV. The Soul is not to afflict it self, nor intermit Prayer,
because it sees it self encompassed with dryness. 25. Thou ...
The Soul is not to be Disquieted, that is Sees it Self Encompassed ...
... CHAP. VI. The Soul is not to be disquieted, that is sees it self encompassed with
darkness, because that is an instrument of its greater felicity. 39. ...
The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three walls, on such parts as were not
encompassed with unpassable valleys; for in such places it had but one wall. ...
How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... the city, which was strong on every side, excepting the north, which was not so
well fortified, for there was a broad and deep ditch that encompassed the city ...
How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... be hard to overcome them; and that the valley before the walls was terrible; and
that the temple, which was within that valley, was itself encompassed with a ...
Titus Thought Fit to Encompass the City Round with a Wall; after ...
... the lower parts of Cenopolis; thence it went along the valley of Cedron, to the
Mount of Olives; it then bent towards the south, and encompassed the mountain ...
How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And
... the law for resting on that day]: but he exhorted his companions [to fight]; and
told them that their lives were at stake, since they were encompassed by the ...
A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of ...
... when they had the sight of that terrible slaughter that was made of them; but they
went round about, and got upon those cloisters which encompassed the outer ...
Thesaurus
Encompassed (34 Occurrences)...Encompassed (34 Occurrences). Luke 21:20 But when ye see Jerusalem
encompassed with armies, then know that its desolation is drawn nigh. (DBY).
...Encompass (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:15 And he formed the two pillars of brass; the height of one pillar was
eighteen cubits, and a line of twelve cubits encompassed the second pillar. ...
Torrents (17 Occurrences)
... the fall." (WEY). 2 Samuel 22:5 For the waves of death encompassed me, Torrents
of Belial made me afraid. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Kings ...
Belial (23 Occurrences)
... Belial: (KJV DBY WBS). 2 Samuel 22:5 For the waves of death encompassed me,
Torrents of Belial made me afraid. (DBY JPS). 2 Samuel 23 ...
Seized (118 Occurrences)
... and sent them away. (See NIV). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell encompassed
me; the snares of death seized me; (WBS). 1 Kings 11:30 ...
Kir-har'eseth (2 Occurrences)
... of water, and felled all the good trees; until there was left only Kir-hareseth
with the stones of the wall thereof; so the slingers encompassed it, and smote ...
Offset (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:7 The side chambers were broader as they encompassed the house higher
and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher around ...
Inclosed (12 Occurrences)
... (ASV JPS). Jonah 2:5 The waters encompassed me, even to the soul: the depth inclosed
me on every side, the weeds were wrapped about my head. (WBS). ...
Enlargement (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:7 The side chambers were broader as they encompassed the house higher
and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher around ...
Encircled (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). Psalms 22:16 For dogs have encompassed me; a company of evil-doers have
inclosed me; like a lion, they are at my hands and my feet. (See NIV). ...
Resources
Has Israel's territory ever encompassed the promise in Joshua 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Merovingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.orgEncompassed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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