Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "lifter" is often associated with the concept of elevation, support, or exaltation, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense. The imagery of lifting is frequently used in Scripture to describe God's actions towards His people, as well as the response of the faithful towards God.
God as the Lifter of HeadsOne of the most poignant uses of the term "lifter" in the Bible is found in
Psalm 3:3, where David declares, "But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head." . Here, the phrase "lifts my head" signifies God's role in restoring dignity, hope, and confidence to those who are downtrodden or in distress. In the context of David's flight from Absalom, this lifting is both a literal and metaphorical act of God providing protection and encouragement.
Spiritual ElevationThe concept of lifting is also tied to spiritual elevation and the pursuit of righteousness. In
Psalm 24:3-4, the psalmist asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully." . Here, the lifting of one's soul is contrasted with idolatry, emphasizing the importance of directing one's heart and actions towards God alone.
Exaltation by GodThe theme of God as the lifter is further explored in the context of divine exaltation. In
1 Samuel 2:7-8, Hannah's prayer acknowledges God's sovereign power to elevate individuals: "The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor." . This passage highlights God's ability to transform the status of individuals, lifting them from lowly positions to places of honor.
Moral and Ethical LiftingThe Bible also speaks to the moral and ethical dimensions of lifting. In
Proverbs 4:8, wisdom is personified and described as something to be exalted: "Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you." . Here, the act of lifting is associated with the pursuit of wisdom, which in turn leads to honor and exaltation.
Christ as the Ultimate LifterIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate lifter, offering spiritual elevation and eternal life to believers. In
John 12:32, Jesus states, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." . This refers to His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, through which He provides salvation and draws humanity to God.
The concept of lifting in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from physical and emotional support to spiritual and moral elevation. It underscores the transformative power of God in the lives of individuals and the call for believers to seek and reflect His righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who, or that which, lifts.
2. (n.) A tool for lifting loose sand from the mold; also, a contrivance attached to a cope, to hold the sand together when the cope is lifted.
Library
And yet I, O My God, ThouLifter up of My Humility...
... Book XII Chapter XXVI And yet I, O my God, Thoulifter up of my humility?
And yet I, O my God, Thoulifter up of my humility, and...
Psalm III.
... Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received
it?" [44] "And thelifter up of my head" (ver.3). I think that this should be...
The Spokesman of the City's Conscience
... No mere reformer or "up-lifter" who sees only ugliness and sordidness can effect
very far-reaching changes, and retain his faith. Mr. Nelson succeeded in both....
The Songs of the Fugitive.
... the midst of real peril and the shock of battle Jehovah is his "shield." With bowed
and covered head he had fled from Jerusalem, but "Thou art thelifter up of...
The Conspiracy
... "I would have thee be useful.". "I shall throw away my lordly trappings,"
he said, "and become alifter of the shadoof[1] this day."....
That God's Love is to be Mingled with Ilk Time and Deed nor Fails...
... might come to it. And yet it is not for ilk runner nor willer, but of the
lover,lifter up, and taker of Christ. The smallness of...
That Many Good Gifts are Bestowed Upon those who Communicate...
... For in this Sacrament Thou hast bestowed many good things and still bestowest them
continually on Thine elect who communicate devoutly, O my God,Lifter up of...
That True Solace is to be Sought in God Alone
... Wherefore, O my soul, thou canst be fully comforted and perfectly refreshed, only
in God, the Comforter of the poor, and thelifter up of the humble....
O Jesus, Trust of Needy Souls,
... And we are blest. Our Hope, when earthly hopes have fled,. And, lost in night, we
sink oppressed; Our shield, andLifter of our head,". And we are blest....
The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the...
... Him does He enjoin us to worship in humility, as thelifter-up of the humble,
not in pride, because He brings down [4923] the proud....
Thesaurus
Lifter (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Lifter (3 Occurrences). Psalms 3:3 But thou, O LORD,
art a shield for me; my glory, and the
lifter up of mine head.
...Lifts (26 Occurrences)
... NIV). Psalms 145:14 The Lord is the support of all who are crushed, and
thelifter up of all who are bent down. (See NIV). Psalms...
Liftest (9 Occurrences)
Bent (107 Occurrences)
... iniquity. (See NIV). Psalms 145:14 The Lord is the support of all who are
crushed, and thelifter up of all who are bent down. (BBE)....
Sustains (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Psalms 145:14 The Lord is the support of all who are crushed,
and thelifter up of all who are bent down. (See NAS)....
Lover (55 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 146:8 The Lord makes open the eyes of the blind; the Lord is thelifter
up of those who are bent down; the Lord is a lover of the upright; (BBE)....
Lifted (466 Occurrences)
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