Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "reels" does not appear directly in the text. However, the concept of "reeling" can be associated with various biblical themes and narratives, particularly those involving movement, instability, or the effects of divine judgment.
Biblical Context and Usage1.
Reeling as a Metaphor for Judgment and Confusion: The imagery of reeling is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the effects of divine judgment or the disorientation that comes from God's wrath. In
Isaiah 24:20 , it is written, "The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a hut. Its transgression weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again." Here, the earth's reeling is a vivid depiction of the chaos and instability resulting from sin and divine punishment.
2.
Reeling in Prophetic Literature: Prophets frequently use the imagery of reeling to convey the overwhelming nature of God's judgment. In
Isaiah 51:17 , the prophet calls Jerusalem to awaken from its stupor: "Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His wrath, you who have drained to the dregs the goblet that makes men stagger." The reeling here symbolizes the severe consequences of turning away from God and the resulting spiritual disorientation.
3.
Reeling as a Consequence of Sin: The Bible often associates reeling with the consequences of sin and moral failure. In
Psalm 107:27 , the psalmist describes those who are lost at sea: "They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless." This passage highlights the helplessness and confusion that result from human limitations and the need for divine intervention.
4.
Reeling in the Context of Warfare: The imagery of reeling is also present in descriptions of warfare and defeat. In
Nahum 2:3-4 , the prophet describes the chaos of battle: "The shields of his warriors are red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of their preparation; the spears of cypress have been brandished. The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning." The frenetic movement and confusion of battle can be likened to reeling, illustrating the turmoil and disorder of conflict.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of reeling in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of sin, the disorientation of divine judgment, and the chaos of human endeavors apart from God. It underscores the need for repentance and reliance on God's guidance to find stability and peace. The imagery of reeling reminds believers of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to avoid the spiritual and moral confusion that comes from turning away from God's path.
Strong's Hebrew
5128. nua -- to quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter... root Definition to quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter NASB Word Usage disturb
(1), moving (1),
reels (1), scatter (1), set trembling (1), shake (4), shaken (4
...8582. taah -- to err
... 1), leading them astray (1), leads them astray (1), leads to ruin (1), led my astray
(2), led them astray (3), led...astray (2), misled (1),reels (1), seduced...
Library
The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Itreels to and fro like a drunkard, it is like to fall and rise no more.' 'It is
the very haunts and walks of the infernal spirits.' 'England shakes and makes...
A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... 'Twixt sky and surge. From this side and from that. Pounded shereels; 'neath each
wave-breaking blow. 60 The forest of her tackling trembles all;...
Continued.
... woods"leaping across the deep valley of Coelo-Syria, and smiting Hermon (for which
Sirion is a Sidonian name), the crest of the Anti Lebanon, till itreels....
A String of Pearls
... The word rendered in Authorised Version 'is deceived,' and in Revised Version 'erreth,'
is literally 'staggers' or 'reels,' and it is more graphic to keep that...
Psalm 107:5. Fourth Part. CM The Mariner's Psalm.
... 3[[Again they climb the watery hills, And plunge in deeps again; Each like
a tottering drunkardreels, And finds his courage vain....
Letter L. (AD 399. )
... Earthreels and heaven trembles at the report of the enormous crime and unprecedented
cruelty which has made your streets and temples run red with blood, and...
Psalm 107 Part 4 the Mariner's Psalm.
... And sink in gaping graves. [Again they climb the wat'ry hills,. And plunge in deeps
again; Each like a tott'ring drunkardreels,. And finds his courage vain....
During or after a Great Storm.
... 2 Though earth upon its axisreels, And heaven is veiled in wrath; Not one of nature's
million wheels Breaks its appointed path; Fixed in thy grasp, the...
The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... At home a stranger,. Thought wanders up and down, surprised, aghast, 83. And wondering
at her own: how reasonreels! O what a miracle to man is man,....
How to Preach the Gospel.
... Hereels and almost swoons with horror; turns and walks slowly to the public house;
you follow him; the manifest agitation in his countenance calls numbers...
Thesaurus
Reels (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Reels (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 21:4 My mind is
wandering, fear has overcome me: the evening of my desire
...Reem (5 Occurrences)
Reeling (2 Occurrences)
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