Topical Encyclopedia
The term "levelled" in a biblical context often refers to the act of making something even or straight, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. This concept is frequently associated with the preparation of a path or way, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the establishment of righteousness and justice.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the idea of leveling is closely tied to the prophetic imagery of preparing the way for the Lord.
Isaiah 40:3-4 states, "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.'" This passage emphasizes the removal of physical and spiritual barriers, symbolizing the coming of God's salvation and the establishment of His kingdom.
The leveling of paths is also seen in the context of justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 4:26 advises, "Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure." Here, the leveling of one's path is a metaphor for living a life of integrity and wisdom, ensuring stability and security in one's spiritual journey.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the concept of leveling is echoed in the ministry of John the Baptist, who is described as the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.
Luke 3:4-5 quotes Isaiah, saying, "As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, and every mountain and hill made low. The crooked ways shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth."'" This passage highlights the role of John the Baptist in preparing the hearts of the people for the coming of Jesus Christ, emphasizing repentance and the removal of spiritual obstacles.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of leveling is significant in understanding the nature of God's kingdom. It represents the divine intervention that removes barriers between God and humanity, facilitating a direct and unobstructed relationship with the Creator. The leveling of paths is symbolic of the transformative power of God's grace, which makes the way for salvation accessible to all.
In a broader sense, leveling can also be seen as a call to social justice, where inequalities and injustices are addressed and rectified. The biblical mandate to "make straight paths" serves as a reminder of the Christian responsibility to work towards a just and equitable society, reflecting the values of God's kingdom on earth.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of leveling encourages a life of preparation and readiness for the Lord's coming. It calls for self-examination, repentance, and the removal of any hindrances that may obstruct one's spiritual walk. By striving to "make a level path," Christians are urged to live lives marked by righteousness, justice, and integrity, aligning their actions with the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. p.) of Level.
Library
The Whole Fabric of GentilismLevelled at a Blow by Christ...
... On the Incarnation of the Word. Section 53. The whole fabric of Gentilismlevelled
at a blow by Christ secretly addressing the conscience of Man....
In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... 530] was now the priests' quarter, Ophel, and the old royal palace and stables had
been thrown into the Temple area - now completelylevelled - where they...
Baptism unto Repentance
... There are mountains and hills of pride and self-will that have to belevelled; crooked
and devious ways that have to be straightened; ruggednesses that have to...
Judged by Fruit
... Do not say the standard is too high, for it is simply a case of your experience
being too low. We want the whole thing not 'levelled down', but 'levelled up'....
Introduction
... it is with pain that his ears are assailed with charges which he knows to be as
lacking in truth as they would be if they werelevelled against ourselves....
Introduction
... That charge might belevelled, with more excuse, at the view that sin only incurs
an external penalty, from which we can be cheaply delivered by the sufferings...
The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... for, besides the common dispositions inclining thereto, there are conceits newly
coined, and greedily entertained by many, which seem purposelylevelled at the...
Extracts No. V.
... You havelevelled an arrow at the very seat of life of what is considered orthodoxy
in divinity, it is impossible but that the wound should be severly felt....
Lights and Shadows.
... This family blank"why permitted? Why the most treasured and useful life
taken"the blow aimed where it cut most severely andlevelled lowest?...
Hymn for those who Fast
... This was the messenger's great task Who for God's advent zealously Prepared the
way, the rough made smooth, The mountainlevelled to the sea; That, when Truth...
Thesaurus
Levelled (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Levelled (5 Occurrences).
... Psalms 89:44 You have put an
end to his glory: the seat of his kingdom has been
levelled to the earth. (BBE).
...Leveled (4 Occurrences)
... Psalms 78:50 Helevelled a path for His anger; He spared not their soul from
death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; (See NAS)....
Levellest (1 Occurrence)
Rye (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:25 Doth he not, when he hathlevelled the face thereof, cast abroad dill,
and scatter cummin, and set the wheat in rows, and the barley in an...
Ravine (26 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:5 Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hilllevelled down,
the crooked places shall be turned into straight roads, and the rugged...
Rugged (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:5 Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hilllevelled down,
the crooked places shall be turned into straight roads, and the rugged...
Roads (34 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:5 Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hilllevelled down,
the crooked places shall be turned into straight roads, and the rugged...
Caraway (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:25 When the face of the earth has beenlevelled, does he not put in the
different sorts of seed, and the grain in lines, and the barley in its place...
Captivity (141 Occurrences)
... The temple and palaces were consumed, and the walls of the city werelevelled with
the ground (BC 586), and all that remained of the people, except a number of...
Places (610 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:5 Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hilllevelled down,
the crooked places shall be turned into straight roads, and the rugged...
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