Topical Encyclopedia
The term "enveloped" in a biblical context often refers to being surrounded or covered completely, either physically or metaphorically. This concept can be seen throughout Scripture, where individuals, nations, or even the divine presence are described as being enveloped in various ways.
1.
Divine Presence and Protection: The imagery of being enveloped is frequently associated with God's protective presence. In
Psalm 91:4, the psalmist writes, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Here, the idea of being enveloped by God's wings conveys a sense of safety and security, emphasizing His role as a protector.
2.
Clouds and Darkness: The Bible often uses the imagery of clouds and darkness to describe God's enveloping presence during significant events. In
Exodus 19:9, the LORD says to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear Me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you." The dense cloud envelops Mount Sinai, signifying God's majestic and awe-inspiring presence.
3.
Judgment and Wrath: Envelopment can also symbolize judgment or divine wrath. In
Lamentations 3:43-44, the prophet Jeremiah laments, "You have covered Yourself with anger and pursued us; You have slain without pity. You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through." Here, the enveloping cloud represents God's judgment, creating a barrier between Him and the people.
4.
Mystery and Revelation: The concept of being enveloped is also used to describe the mystery of God's ways and His revelation to humanity. In
Job 38:9, God speaks to Job out of the storm, saying, "when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness." This passage highlights the mystery of creation and God's sovereign control over the universe, enveloping it in His wisdom and power.
5.
Spiritual Envelopment: The New Testament also speaks of spiritual envelopment, particularly in the context of being clothed with Christ. In
Galatians 3:27, Paul writes, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." This metaphorical envelopment signifies the believer's new identity and unity with Christ, emphasizing transformation and sanctification.
6.
Envelopment in Prophecy: Prophetic literature often uses the imagery of envelopment to describe future events. In
Isaiah 60:2, the prophet declares, "For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you." The enveloping darkness contrasts with the promise of God's illuminating glory, offering hope and redemption.
Throughout Scripture, the concept of being enveloped serves as a powerful metaphor for God's presence, protection, judgment, and revelation. It underscores the comprehensive nature of His interaction with the world and His people, whether in blessing or in discipline.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Envelop.
Strong's Hebrew
8040. semovl -- the left... a primitive word (rather perhaps from the same as simlah (by insertion of the aleph)
through the idea of wrapping up); properly, dark (as
enveloped), ie The
...Library
The Brachmans; their Mode of Life; Ideas of Deity; Different Sorts...
... And this discourse which [140] they name God they assert to be corporeal, andenveloped
in a body outside himself, just as if one were wearing a sheep's skin...
Our Friends Take it Amiss that I have Spoken of the Origenists as...
... care at once that the dignity of truth should be preserved and yet that what would
be hurtful if produced nakedly before the crowd should beenveloped in a...
Their Dangerous Errors.
... a body? [1005] But he who does not acknowledge this, has in fact altogether
denied Him, beingenveloped in death. [1006] I have...
The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... the outside of the tomb. The linen cloth in which Mary hadenveloped the
sacred head of her Son was still there. I saw the holy...
The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty...
... should allow; while a gloomy darkness, far more oppressive than the ninth plague
of Egypt, the darkness which might be felt, [4292]enveloped and concealed...
That Every Divine Illumination, Whilst Going Forth Lovingly to the...
... For it is not possible that the supremely Divine Ray should otherwise illuminate
us, except so far as it isenveloped, for the purpose of instruction, in...
Introduction
... can sum up the doctrines of the Church readily, but the principles which we must
understand if we are to follow Jesus in the way of life, seemenveloped in a...
Concerning Sacerdotal Consecrations.
... by faint images of the true, and copies far from the Archetypes, and enigmas hard
to understand, and types having the contemplationenveloped within, as an...
section ii.
... corruption. For it is also thus in nature: the greatest Balsomes do lie
enveloped in the bodies of most powerful Corrosives. [168...
Modern Examples of Prayer
... He was a living example of the truth that he who prays always, will beenveloped
in devotion and joined to Christ in bonds of holy union....
Thesaurus
Enveloped (6 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Envelop. Multi-Version Concordance
Enveloped (6 Occurrences). Matthew
17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them.
...Envelop (1 Occurrence)
Vulture (16 Occurrences)
... months old before they took wing. The young were white at first, then
black feathersenveloped them. On account of their steady...
Enviable (1 Occurrence)
Dress (38 Occurrences)
... 14). In 1 Samuel 28:14 it is the mantle in which Samuel wasenveloped;
in 1 Samuel 24:4 it is the "robe" under which Saul slept....
Pekahiah (4 Occurrences)
... 2. Regicide in Israel: Pekahiah came to the throneenveloped in the danger which
always accompanies the successor of an exceptionally strong ruler, in a...
Blackness (13 Occurrences)
... The fearful judgment against sin under the old dispensation is illustrated by the
appalling blackness thatenveloped smoking, burning, quaking Sinai at the...
Black (52 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) In a less literal sense:Enveloped or shrouded in darkness; very dark
or gloomy; as, a black night; the heavens black with clouds....
Light (2869 Occurrences)
... When the appalling plague of "thick darkness," for three days,enveloped the Egyptians,
terrified and rendered them helpless, "all the children of Israel had...
Birds (125 Occurrences)
... The legs are used in walking or swimming, the thigh joint being soenveloped
in the body that the true leg is often mistaken for it....
Resources
What is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual darkness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and importance of the transfiguration? | GotQuestions.orgEnveloped: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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