Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical narratives, the act of circling often signifies a divine strategy or a symbolic act of faith and obedience. This concept is most prominently illustrated in the account of the fall of Jericho, where circling becomes a pivotal act of trust in God's plan.
Jericho and the IsraelitesThe most notable instance of circling in the Bible is found in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, they faced the fortified city of Jericho. God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to circle the city seven times, and upon the priests' blowing of the trumpets, the people were to shout loudly.
Joshua 6:3-5 records God's command: "March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns."
This act of circling was not a military tactic but a demonstration of faith and obedience to God's instructions. The Israelites' compliance resulted in the miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls, as described in
Joshua 6:20 : "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."
Symbolism and FaithThe act of circling Jericho symbolizes the importance of faith and obedience in the believer's life. It underscores the principle that God's ways are often beyond human understanding and that victory comes through reliance on His power rather than human strength or strategy. The repetitive circling also signifies perseverance and the importance of following God's instructions fully, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.
Other Biblical ReferencesWhile the account of Jericho is the most explicit example, the concept of circling can also be seen metaphorically in other biblical contexts. For instance, the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness can be viewed as a form of circling, representing a period of testing, purification, and preparation before entering the Promised Land. This wandering was a result of disobedience and lack of faith, contrasting with the faithful circling of Jericho.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, circling in the Bible can be seen as a test of faith and a call to trust in God's promises. It challenges believers to act in obedience, even when the path seems illogical or the outcome uncertain. The account of Jericho serves as a reminder that God's plans often require patience and perseverance, and that His timing and methods are perfect.
In summary, the act of circling in the Bible, particularly in the account of Jericho, serves as a powerful illustration of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to follow His instructions, knowing that His ways lead to victory and fulfillment of His purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Circle.
Strong's Hebrew
5437. sabab -- to turn about, go around, surround... 1), brought (2), brought around (2), brought about (1), change (1), changed (5),
circle around (2), circled (2), circled around (1),
circling (1), circuit (1
...5362b. naqaph -- to go around
... root Definition to go around NASB Word Usagecircling (2), closed around (1), completed
cycle (1), encircling (1), encompassed (3), go around (1), gone around...
Library
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <. My Daily Meditation
for theCircling Year John Henry Jowett. E-text prepared...
Joy Because theCircling Year
... VII. CAROLS Carols 561. Joy because thecircling year. Four 7's, with Alleluia... Latin;
Tr. John Ellerton and Fenton JA Hort, 1871. Joy because thecircling year....
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <.... Title Page. My Daily
Meditation for theCircling Year. by. John Henry Jowett....
The God of the Seasons. 1 Great God! Let all Our Tuneful Powers...
... The God of the Seasons. 1 Great God! let all our tuneful powers Awake and sing thy
mighty name; Thy hand rolls on ourcircling hours. 851. LM Heginbotham....
Daily Meditation
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <.... Cloth, net 75c Leather, net
[USD]1.00. * * * * *. MY DAILY MEDITATION FOR THECIRCLING YEAR. by....
January the First the Unknown Journey
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <....
January the Second the Larger Outlook
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <....
January the Third the Never-Failing Springs
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <....
January the Fourth the God of their Succeeding Race
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <....
January the Fifth the Flowers that Never Fade
My Daily Meditation for theCircling Year. <....
Thesaurus
Circling (11 Occurrences)...Circling (11 Occurrences).
... (See NAS). Joshua 6:7 And he said to the people, Go forward,
circling the town, and let the armed men go before the ark of the Lord.
...Liquid (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:24 And under the edge of it,circling it all round for ten cubits, were
two lines of flower buds, made together with it from liquid metal. (BBE)....
Lines (42 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 7:24 And under the edge of it,circling it all round for ten cubits,
were two lines of flower buds, made together with it from liquid metal....
Metal (69 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:24 And under the edge of it,circling it all round for ten cubits, were
two lines of flower buds, made together with it from liquid metal. (BBE)....
Circuit (27 Occurrences)
Gale (8 Occurrences)
... and make them go in flight far away, driving them like the waste of the grain on
the tops of the mountains before the wind, and like thecircling dust before...
Water-vessel (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 4:3 And under it was a design of flowers all round it, ten to a cubit,
circling the water-vessel in two lines; they were made from liquid metal at...
Tumbleweed (2 Occurrences)
... and make them go in flight far away, driving them like the waste of the grain on
the tops of the mountains before the wind, and like thecircling dust before...
Rumble (3 Occurrences)
... and make them go in flight far away, driving them like the waste of the grain on
the tops of the mountains before the wind, and like thecircling dust before...
Rumbling (7 Occurrences)
... and make them go in flight far away, driving them like the waste of the grain on
the tops of the mountains before the wind, and like thecircling dust before...
Resources
Is Satan in hell? Where is Satan? | GotQuestions.orgCircling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
