Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "mended" in the Bible often relates to themes of restoration, healing, and reconciliation. While the specific term "mended" may not frequently appear in the text, the underlying principles are woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's redemptive work in the lives of individuals and communities.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of mending is closely associated with God's covenant relationship with Israel. The nation of Israel frequently strayed from God's commandments, leading to periods of judgment and exile. However, God consistently promised restoration and healing. For instance, in
Jeremiah 30:17 , God declares, "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," emphasizing His commitment to mend the brokenness of His people.
The prophetic books often speak of a future restoration where God will mend the hearts of His people and bring them back to Himself.
Ezekiel 36:26 states, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This promise of spiritual renewal highlights the transformative power of God's mending work.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the theme of mending is vividly illustrated in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus' healing miracles serve as tangible expressions of His power to mend physical and spiritual brokenness. In
Matthew 4:23 , it is recorded, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." These acts of healing are symbolic of the greater spiritual restoration Jesus offers.
The apostle Paul also speaks to the concept of mending in the context of reconciliation. In
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 , Paul writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's trespasses against them." Here, the mending of the broken relationship between humanity and God is achieved through Christ's atoning work.
Practical ApplicationThe theme of mending extends to the life of the believer, who is called to participate in God's restorative work. In
Galatians 6:1 , Paul instructs, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness." This call to restore, or mend, relationships within the Christian community reflects the heart of God, who desires unity and healing among His people.
Furthermore, the process of sanctification in the believer's life can be seen as a continual mending, where God works to heal and restore the broken areas of one's character and conduct.
Philippians 1:6 assures believers of this ongoing work: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
ConclusionThe biblical theme of mending encompasses God's redemptive work in healing physical, emotional, and spiritual brokenness. Through His covenant promises, the ministry of Jesus, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, God is actively involved in restoring His creation to its intended wholeness. Believers are called to participate in this divine work, extending grace and reconciliation to others as they themselves are continually mended by God's love and power.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Mend.
Strong's Hebrew
6887a. tsarar -- to bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or...... 1), bound (3), bring distress (1), cause them distress (1), cramped (2), distress
(6), distressed (6), frustrated (1), impeded (1),
mended (1), oppressed (1
...Library
When Lord Morley Said that the House of Lords must be Either...
... Chapter 43 When Lord Morley said that the House of Lords must be either
mended or ended? When Lord Morley said that the House...
This Spectacle once Seen
... and perfect rest. All things were well in their proper places, I alone
was out of frame and had need to bemended. For all things...
The New Heart
... No, the promise is that he will give us new hearts and right spirits. Human nature
is too far gone ever to bemended.... It is too far gone, I say, to bemended....
The Pilgrim's Progress
... out, and said, "Sir, wherefore, since over this place is the way from the City of
Destruction to yonder gate, is it, that this plat is notmended, that poor...
Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... him out, and said, Sir, wherefore (since over this place is the way from the City
of Destruction, to yonder gate) is it that this plat is notmended, that poor...
What's Wrong With the World
... in a gay moment? Chapter 43 When Lord Morley said that the House of
Lords must be eithermended or ended? Chapter 44 In the...
Prefatory Notice
... Dr. Barrow said, "His practical writings were nevermended, and his controversial
ones seldom confuted." With a view to his casuistical writings, the honorable...
Receiving and Rejecting.
... when Christ will no more call sinners to Him, and bring them to His Church, but
will examine those who are in His Church, and unless they havemended their ways...
Christmas Peace
... months ago, as soon as each quarrel happened: and, perhaps, he found us in the wrong
as well as our neighbours; and, if so, the least said the soonestmended....
Jesus Christus Unser Heiland. Christ, who Freed Our Souls from...
... 5. Trust God's Word; it is intended For the sick who would bemended; Those
whose heavy-laden breast Groans with sin, and is seeking rest....
Thesaurus
Mended (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Mend. Multi-Version Concordance
Mended (2 Occurrences). Joshua 9:4 they also resorted to
...Mend (7 Occurrences)
Mending (2 Occurrences)
Botch (3 Occurrences)
... boil; an eruptive disease. 2. (n.) A patch put on, or a part of a garment
patched ormended in a clumsy manner. 3. (n.) Work done...
Bottle (28 Occurrences)
... Harmer tells of carrying liquids in smoked skin-bottles, which when rent "weremended
by putting in a new piece, or by gathering up the piece, or by inserting...
Resources
Who were the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.orgMended: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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