Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:Pales is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the term is often associated with the pastoral and agricultural life of ancient Israel. The concept of pastoralism is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the agrarian society in which the Israelites lived. The Bible frequently uses pastoral imagery to convey spiritual truths, drawing on the experiences of shepherds and farmers to illustrate God's relationship with His people.
Biblical Context:The pastoral life is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, with many key figures, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David, having been shepherds. This background provides a rich tapestry of imagery and metaphor that is woven into the biblical text. The life of a shepherd, tending to flocks and caring for the land, is emblematic of God's care and guidance for His people.
Key Themes and Imagery:1.
Shepherd Imagery: · The role of a shepherd is a powerful metaphor for leadership and care. In
Psalm 23, David famously declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (
Psalm 23:1). This psalm highlights God's provision, guidance, and protection, drawing on the intimate relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.
2.
Agricultural Parables: · Jesus frequently used agricultural parables to teach spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Sower (
Matthew 13:3-9), the different types of soil represent the varied responses to the Gospel message. This parable underscores the importance of a receptive heart to the Word of God.
3.
Harvest Imagery: · The concept of harvest is used to describe the gathering of believers into God's kingdom. Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (
Matthew 9:37), urging His followers to pray for laborers to bring in the spiritual harvest.
4.
Pastoral Leadership: · The New Testament emphasizes the role of church leaders as shepherds of God's flock. Peter exhorts elders to "shepherd the flock of God among you" (
1 Peter 5:2), highlighting the responsibility of spiritual oversight and care.
Cultural and Historical Background:In ancient Israel, pastoralism was a common way of life. The land of Canaan, with its fertile valleys and rolling hills, was well-suited for grazing livestock. Shepherds played a crucial role in the economy and society, providing wool, milk, and meat. The nomadic lifestyle of shepherds also influenced the Israelites' understanding of their relationship with God, who led them through the wilderness and provided for their needs.
Theological Significance:The pastoral and agricultural imagery in the Bible serves to illustrate God's character and His relationship with humanity. As a shepherd cares for his sheep, so God cares for His people, guiding them, providing for them, and protecting them from harm. This imagery also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God's provision.
Conclusion:While the term "Pales" itself does not appear in the biblical text, the themes associated with pastoral life are deeply embedded in the Scriptures. These themes provide rich insights into the nature of God's care and the responsibilities of His people. Through the lens of pastoral imagery, believers are called to recognize God's sovereignty, trust in His provision, and follow His guidance in their lives.
Library
But You Will, Perhaps, Say that the Gods are not Artificers...
...Pales and Inuus [3986] are set as guardians over the flocks and herds; why do they,
with hurtful laziness, [3987] not take care to avert from the herds in...
Publishers' Preface to the Second Revised Edition.
... forth its beauties, its loveliness, its thousandfold bliss in a manner so clear,
so winning, so unconquerably attractive, that earthpales into insignificance...
Author's Introduction,
... of Asia Minor originated by John. Everythingpales by the side of that
marvellous first century. By a peculiarity rare in history...
Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... Whatever point in her character I choose to treat of first,pales into insignificance
compared with those which follow after. Shall I praise her fasts?...
Nigidius Taught that the Dii Penates were Neptune and Apollo...
... C??sius himself, also, following this teaching, thinks that they are Fortune, and
Ceres, the genius Jovialis, [4056] andPales, but not the female deity...
For if this Deity Requires a Black, that a White Skin...
... these evils, by which I am annoyed, [4074] troubled, and tormented: will there be
any hope that I shall receive help from them, if Ceres,Pales, Fortune, or...
Our Hope is not the Conversion of the World.
... More than half of professing Christendom is found within thepales of the Greek
and Roman Catholic Churches! And what of Protestantism itself?...
The Apostolic Experience
... hearts. Praise God for this glorious, vivid, and living reality which by
its divine powerpales every theory into utter obscurity....
Christianity a Light.
... A certain writer speaks thus of the beauties of Christian character: "Live as we
may, age dims the luster of the eye, andpales the flush of the cheek, while...
Home Occupations and Travels in England and Wales.
... The road toPales is over the moors; we scarcely saw a house for miles, except here
and there a little cot, on a plot of ground obtained as a grant to...
Thesaurus
Pales (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pales (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 3:10 For,
in fact, that which was once resplendent in glory has no
...Pale (16 Occurrences)
... 13. (vt) To enclose withpales, or as withpales; to encircle; to encompass;
to fence off. Multi-Version Concordance Pale (16 Occurrences)....
Impalement (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of impaling, or the state of being impaled.
2. (n.) An inclosing by stakes orpales, or the space so enclosed....
Resplendent (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:10 For, in fact, that which was once resplendent in glory has no
glory at all in this respect, that itpales before the glory which surpasses it...
Paler (1 Occurrence)
Palestina (3 Occurrences)
Splendor (87 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:10 For, in fact, that which was once resplendent in glory has no
glory at all in this respect, that itpales before the glory which surpasses it...
Fact (98 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:10 For, in fact, that which was once resplendent in glory has no
glory at all in this respect, that itpales before the glory which surpasses it...
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