Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "heaps" often refers to piles or mounds of materials, such as stones, grain, or other substances, that are gathered together for various purposes. The concept of heaps is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, illustrating themes of abundance, judgment, and remembrance.
Literal Usage1.
Agricultural Abundance: In the context of agricultural prosperity, heaps are often associated with the gathering of grain and produce. For example, in
2 Chronicles 31:6-7, the Israelites brought in the firstfruits and tithes in great abundance, forming heaps: "The Israelites and Judahites living in the cities of Judah also brought a tenth of their herds and flocks, and a tenth of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in heaps. In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month."
2.
Construction and Memorials: Heaps of stones were frequently used as memorials or markers. In
Joshua 7:26, after the sin of Achan was dealt with, a heap of stones was raised over him: "And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day."
3.
Destruction and Judgment: Heaps can also signify destruction, as seen in the aftermath of divine judgment. In
Jeremiah 9:11, God declares, "I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant."
Metaphorical Usage1.
Symbol of Judgment: Heaps are sometimes used metaphorically to describe the accumulation of sin or the impending judgment of God. In
Hosea 12:11, the prophet speaks of the altars of sin as heaps: "Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; even their altars will be heaps in the furrows of the field."
2.
Expression of Vanity: The Preacher in Ecclesiastes reflects on the futility of amassing wealth and possessions, which can be seen as forming heaps that ultimately do not satisfy.
Ecclesiastes 2:26 states, "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and accumulating, only to hand it over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind."
Theological ImplicationsThe imagery of heaps in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision and judgment. Heaps of grain and produce symbolize divine blessing and abundance, while heaps of stones or ruins often signify judgment and the consequences of sin. The use of heaps as memorials underscores the importance of remembering God's acts and the lessons of history. Through these varied uses, the concept of heaps in Scripture invites reflection on the themes of abundance, accountability, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.
Strong's Hebrew
1554. Gallim -- "heaps," a place near Jer.... 1553, 1554. Gallim. 1555 . "
heaps," a place near Jer.
... Word Origin pl. of gal
Definition "
heaps," a place near Jer. NASB Word Usage Gallim (2). Gallim.
...6911. Qibtsayim -- "twoheaps," a city in Ephraim
... 6910, 6911. Qibtsayim. 6912 . "twoheaps," a city in Ephraim. Transliteration:
Qibtsayim Phonetic Spelling: (kib-tsah'-yim) Short Definition: Kibzaim....
8240a. shephattayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ashheaps
... 8240, 8240a. shephattayim. 8240b . perhaps fireplaces, ashheaps.
Transliteration: shephattayim Short Definition: sheepfolds. Word...
4942. mishpethayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ashheaps
... 4941, 4942. mishpethayim. 4943 . perhaps fireplaces, ashheaps. Transliteration:
mishpethayim Phonetic Spelling: (mish-pawth') Short Definition: sheepfolds...
8240. shaphath -- perhaps fireplaces, ashheaps
... 8239, 8240. shaphath. 8240a . perhaps fireplaces, ashheaps. Transliteration:
shaphath Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-fawth') Short Definition: hook. hook, pot...
6652. tsibbur -- a heap
tsibbur or tsibbur. 6651, 6652. tsibbur or tsibbur. 6653 . a heap. Transliteration:
tsibbur or tsibbur Phonetic Spelling: (tsib-boor') Short Definition:heaps...
1530. gal -- a heap, wave, billow
... Word Origin from galal Definition a heap, wave, billow NASB Word Usage billows
(1), heap (13),heaps (2), rock garden (1), rock pile (1), ruins (1), stone...
2563b. chomer -- a heap
... a heap. Transliteration: chomer Short Definition:heaps. Word Origin from an unused
word Definition a heap NASB Word Usageheaps (1), surge (1). 2563a, 2563b...
2565. chamorah -- a heap
chamorah or chamor. 2564, 2565. chamorah or chamor. 2566 . a heap. Transliteration:
chamorah or chamor Phonetic Spelling: (kham-o-raw') Short Definition:heaps...
6194. aremah -- a heap
... 6193, 6194. aremah. 6195 . a heap. Transliteration: aremah Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-rame') Short Definition:heaps. Word Origin from...
Library
The Pearl.
... as they are brought up from the bottom of the sea until a considerable quantity
has been accumulated, disposed in a series of small contiguousheaps, and that...
Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... The Prince searched and searched in every direction, underheaps of costly jewels
and glittering robes, piles of gold and silver, and rich armour; but they had...
The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... All was ruin and desolation;heaps of stones lay where beauteous buildings had been,
and the fields and vineyards lay waste; but glad promises came by the...
Good News
...Heaps uponheaps, with the jawbone of an ass he has slain a thousand men; but the
dust of the conflict, and the heat, and the exhaustion had caused such an...
Independence of Christianity
... Anak, and the destruction of the tribes of Canaan; tell me of Israel's possessing
the promised land; tell me of Philistines routed, and laidheaps onheaps; of...
Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
... Another interprets it ofheaps of earth, thrown up against the wall within, whence
they might more easily get up upon the wall: and when David is said to build...
We must Reserve the Likeness of the virtues in Ourselves. ...
... "Our adversary the devil as a roaring lion seeketh whom he may kill, whom he may
devour." [343] Let him not find desire for gold, norheaps of money, nor the...
Who Can Tell?
... What though he grasp but the jaw-bone of an ass yet is his arm mightier than Samson's,
and not only would it beheaps uponheaps, but city upon city, continent...
Exposition: 1 John 3:1-10
... As often as we worsted them in one battle, they came upon us thick and strong, like
an army of locusts; whenheaps andheaps had been destroyed they seemed as...
Jerome Savonarola (Ad 1452-1498)
... Two greatheaps of fuel were piled up in a public place at Florence. They
were each forty yards long and two yards and a half high...
Thesaurus
Rubble (17 Occurrences)... will they revive the stones out of the
heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?'
(See NAS NIV).
... They have laid Jerusalem in
heaps. (See NIV).
...Drift (1 Occurrence)
... slowly east. 23. (vi) To accumulate inheaps by the force of wind; to be
driven intoheaps; as, snow or sand drifts. 24. (vi) to...
Piles (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:8 A messenger came, and told him, "They have brought the heads of the
king's sons." He said, "Lay them in twoheaps at the entrance of the gate...
Ruins (84 Occurrences)
... ago I made it, in ancient times I fashioned it; now have I brought it to pass, yea,
it is done; that fortified cities should be laid waste into ruinousheaps....
Overgrown (5 Occurrences)
... Judah; and he spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies:
Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall becomeheaps, and the...
On (40792 Occurrences)
... 6. (prep.) In addition to; besides; -- indicating multiplication or succession in
a series; as,heaps onheaps; mischief on mischief; loss on loss; thought on...
Jaw (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:16 Samson said, "With the jawbone of a donkey,heaps onheaps; with the
jawbone of a donkey I have struck a thousand men." (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV...
Jaw-bone (3 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). Judges 15:16 And Samson said, With the jaw-bone of an ass,heaps upon
heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. (WBS YLT)....
Jackals (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:11 I will make Jerusalemheaps, a dwelling place of jackals; and I
will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant....
Jawbone (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:16 Samson said, "With the jawbone of a donkey,heaps onheaps; with the
jawbone of a donkey I have struck a thousand men." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS...
Resources
What is the meaning of Jezreel? | GotQuestions.orgIs hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgHeaps: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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