Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, ravines are often depicted as deep, narrow valleys with steep sides, typically formed by the erosive activity of water. These geographical features are significant in the biblical narrative, serving as both literal and metaphorical elements within the text.
Geographical and Symbolic SignificanceRavines are frequently mentioned in the context of the rugged terrain of the ancient Near East, particularly in the land of Israel. The topography of the region includes numerous ravines, which are often dry riverbeds known as wadis. These ravines can become torrents during the rainy season, illustrating the dramatic and sometimes perilous nature of the landscape.
In the Bible, ravines are often associated with isolation and refuge. For instance, the prophet Elijah sought refuge in the Kerith Ravine east of the Jordan River during a time of drought and famine. In
1 Kings 17:3-4 , God instructs Elijah, "Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." This passage highlights the ravine as a place of divine provision and protection.
Metaphorical UsageRavines also carry metaphorical weight in Scripture, symbolizing the depths of despair or the challenges faced by individuals. The imagery of a ravine can evoke feelings of being trapped or overwhelmed, yet it also serves as a reminder of God's presence and deliverance in times of trouble. The psalmist often uses similar imagery to describe God's protection and guidance through difficult circumstances.
Historical and Cultural ContextIn the historical and cultural context of the Bible, ravines were significant for their strategic and defensive advantages. They provided natural fortifications and were often used as hiding places during times of conflict. The rugged terrain of ravines made them difficult to navigate, offering a measure of security to those seeking refuge.
Biblical ReferencesSeveral biblical passages reference ravines, underscoring their importance in the narrative. In addition to Elijah's experience, the ravine of Zered is mentioned in
Deuteronomy 2:13-14 as a significant landmark during the Israelites' wilderness journey: "Now get up and cross the Zered Valley. So we crossed the Zered Valley. The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley was thirty-eight years, until the entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them."
The imagery of ravines is also present in the prophetic literature, where it is used to convey messages of judgment and restoration. For example, in
Isaiah 40:4 , the prophet declares, "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain." This passage speaks to the transformative power of God, who can alter the landscape of human experience.
ConclusionRavines in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of both physical and spiritual realities. They represent the challenges and trials faced by God's people, as well as the divine provision and protection available to them. Through the imagery of ravines, the biblical narrative communicates themes of refuge, deliverance, and the transformative power of God's presence in the midst of adversity.
Strong's Hebrew
650. aphiq -- a channel... 649, 650. aphiq. 651 . a channel. Transliteration: aphiq Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-feek') Short Definition:
ravines. Word Origin from
... 5158a. nachal -- torrent, torrent-valley, wadi
... Origin of uncertain derivation Definition torrent, torrent-valley, wadi NASB Word
Usage brook (44), brooks (5), flowing (1), ravine (2), ravines (2), river (13 ...
798. Ashdoth Happisgah -- Ashdoth-pisgah
... From the plural of 'ashedah and Picgah with the article interposed; ravines of the
Pisgah; Ashdoth- Pisgah, a place east of the Jordan -- Ashdoth-pisgah. ...
Library
The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... frontier war for the sake of becoming possessed of or of retaining a glorious
sovereignty over a few acres of corn in the plains, or some wooded ravines in the ...
Kumaon.
... From what I have said about the peculiarities of Kumaon scenery, its mountains,
valleys, and ravines, my readers are prepared to hear it has a great variety of ...
The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*]
... There are, however, among these barren hills many small fertile spots, situated
in the ravines and along the watercourses, which on account of their high state ...
One Fold and one Shepherd
... kingdom. Jerusalem was more central, and, from its position, surrounded on
three sides with steep ravines, was a strong military post. ...
The Long, Rough Road He Trod
... Do you know how, as you go down the deep mountain ravines, with the wild rushing
torrent far below, where a single misstep would mean so much, how the breeze ...
The Battle of Thermopylae.
... in the distance, and on the other dark and inaccessible mountains rose, covered
with forests, indented with mysterious and unexplored ravines, and frowning in ...
The Memphite Empire
... In a few moments streams of muddy water rushing down the ravines, through the gulleys
and along the slightest depressions, hurry to the low grounds, and ...
Shall we Abandon Our Religion?
... us remember and talk of the many mistakes that have been made in both science and
religion, like the man "who visits the shadows in the deep ravines, in order ...
The Power of Ambition.
... From a few copious springs there issue clear, refreshing brooks, which run rippling
through the deep ravines, but soon lose themselves in their hot, gravelly ...
The Valleys --Experiences of Suffering and Sacrifice
... It runs sharply down, and on, through some wild gulches and ravines thick with lurking
danger, with the upper-lights almost lost in the deep black darkness. ...
Thesaurus
Ravines (17 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Ravines (17 Occurrences). Numbers 21:14 Therefore
it is said in the book of the Wars of Yahweh, "Vaheb
...Cherith (2 Occurrences)
... Travellers have described it as one of the wildest ravines of this wild region,
and peculiarly fitted to afford a secure asylum to the persecuted. ...
Ravine (26 Occurrences)
Raving (4 Occurrences)
Dove (27 Occurrences)
... lustrous feathers. The rock dove swarmed over, through, and among the cliffs
of mountains and the fissures of caves and ravines. The ...
Moab (162 Occurrences)
... The sides of the mountain sink sharply into these deep ravines, which unite immediately
to the West, and, as Wady el-Kerak, the great hollow runs northwestward ...
Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... wind, unites with the willow and the oak to overshadow the watercourses of the Lebanon,
and with the oleander and the acacia to adorn the ravines of Southern ...
Pisgah (8 Occurrences)
... King James Version for the Revised Version (British and American) "The slopes (the
Revised Version, margin springs) of Pisgah." The spurs and ravines, or the ...
Battle (282 Occurrences)
... But, coming up from Gilgal by the ravines in the neighborhood of Jerusalem, he was
exposed to a great danger, for the Amorites might have caught him before he ...
Bithron (1 Occurrence)
... It was probably the designation of the region in general, which is broken and
intersected by ravines. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BITHRON. ...
Resources
What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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