Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "raving" is often associated with madness, irrational behavior, or a state of frenzy. This term can be linked to instances where individuals are described as being out of their senses, often due to spiritual or psychological disturbances. The Bible provides several examples of such behavior, typically illustrating the consequences of turning away from God or being under the influence of evil spirits.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most notable examples of raving in the Old Testament is King Saul. After disobeying God, Saul is tormented by an evil spirit. In
1 Samuel 18:10 , it is written, "The next day a spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he began to prophesy inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul was holding a spear." Here, the term "prophesy" is understood by many scholars to mean that Saul was in a frenzied or raving state, as he later attempts to harm David.
Another instance is found in the account of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king. In
Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar experiences a period of madness as a divine judgment for his pride.
Daniel 4:33 states, "At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind, ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird." This description of Nebuchadnezzar's condition reflects a state of raving madness.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, raving is often associated with demonic possession. The Gospels recount several instances where Jesus encounters individuals possessed by demons, leading to behaviors that could be described as raving. In
Mark 5:2-5 , Jesus meets a man possessed by an unclean spirit: "As soon as Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who came from the tombs. This man had been living in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with chains. Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains, he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones." The man's uncontrollable behavior and self-harm are indicative of a raving state.
Spiritual ImplicationsFrom a spiritual perspective, raving is often seen as a manifestation of being disconnected from God or under the influence of malevolent forces. The Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the power of God to restore peace and order to those afflicted by such conditions. In
2 Timothy 1:7 , Paul writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse highlights the contrast between the chaos of raving and the peace that comes from a relationship with God.
ConclusionIn summary, raving in the Bible is depicted as a state of madness or frenzy often resulting from spiritual disobedience or demonic influence. The biblical narrative consistently points to the power of God to heal and restore those who are afflicted, offering a path back to sanity and spiritual wholeness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rave.
2. (a.) Talking irrationally and wildly; as, a raving lunatic.
Greek
3130. mania -- frenzy, madness... frenzy, madness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: mania Phonetic
Spelling: (man-ee'-ah) Short Definition:
raving madness Definition:
raving...3105. mainomai -- to rage, be mad
... to rage, be mad. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mainomai Phonetic Spelling:
(mah'-ee-nom-ahee) Short Definition: I amraving mad Definition: I amraving...
Library
Through the Red Sea
... After these several litters, borne by young men, proceeded in imposing order. Except
for theraving of the tempest there was no sound in Israel....
How Saints May Help the Devil
... Why, it says""Ah, this is the kind of religion we like," says the worldling; "we
don't like thoseraving Methodists; we can't stand them; we don't like those...
Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My...
... Paul brags against his madlyraving saints, I will brag over these asses of mine!...
Yet why should I be concerned about their ranting andraving?...
Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the...
... But the dramas and theraving poets, now quite intoxicated, let us crown with ivy;
and distracted outright as they are, in Bacchic fashion, with the satyrs...
The Flag of the World
... it could be. Both these statements being obviouslyraving nonsense, one
had to cast about for other explanations. An optimist could...
The Nativity
... Rocks, lofty mountains, caverns dark and deep,. And torrentsraving down the rugged
steep; Smooth downs, whose fragrant herbs the spirits cheer;...
Beware of False Teachers.
... for ever; but the destruction of the ungodly is sudden, and a subject of rejoicing."
[535] For "they are dumb dogs, that cannot bark," [536]raving mad, and...
As the Foam Upon Water
... at him with brilliant threatening eyes and cried in loud voices so that the things
each mad mind put into expression were lost in a great unintelligibleraving...
Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... 26] The Lord hath appointed thee priest, instead of Jehoiada the priest, to be overseer
in the House of the Lord for every man that israving and takes on...
Argument. --Novatian
... should seize upon a foreign element at the expense of its human possessor, He has
enclosed its limits with shores; [5018] so that when theraving billow and...
Thesaurus
Raving (4 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rave. 2. (a.) Talking irrationally and wildly; as, a
raving lunatic. Multi-Version Concordance
Raving (4 Occurrences).
...Maniac (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A personraving with intense enthusiasm; an insane
person. 2. (n.) Araving lunatic; a madman. Multi-Version Concordance...
Ravines (17 Occurrences)
Frantic (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Mad;raving; frenzied; violent; wild and disorderly;
distracted. Multi-Version Concordance Frantic (2 Occurrences)....
Rage (43 Occurrences)
... will. 2. (n.) Especially, anger accompanied withraving; overmastering wrath;
violent anger; fury. 3. (n.) A violent or raging wind....
Ravish (2 Occurrences)
Defence (48 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:24 As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You
areraving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad." (WEY DBY YLT)....
Maker (55 Occurrences)
... British and American) "fulfil"); doxazo "to make honorable or glorious" (2 Corinthians
3:10); of peritrepo (eis manian), "to turn round toraving" (Acts 26:24...
Exclaimed (45 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:24 As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You
areraving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad." (WEY)....
Make (12882 Occurrences)
... British and American) "fulfil"); doxazo "to make honorable or glorious" (2 Corinthians
3:10); of peritrepo (eis manian), "to turn round toraving" (Acts 26:24...
Resources
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