Topical Encyclopedia
The term "rearward" in the Bible often refers to the position or role of protection and support at the back of a moving group, such as an army or a traveling company. This concept is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society, where the arrangement and movement of people, especially during journeys or military campaigns, were of great importance.
Biblical Usage:1.
Military Context: In the context of military formations, the rearward is the part of the army that follows behind the main body. This position is crucial for protecting the group from attacks from behind and ensuring that no stragglers are left vulnerable. In the Bible, God is often depicted as the protector of Israel, including serving as their rear guard. For example, in
Isaiah 52:12 , it is written, "For you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard."
2.
Journeying and Processions: During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, the arrangement of the tribes was divinely ordained, with specific tribes assigned to different positions. The rearward position was essential for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the entire group.
Numbers 10:25 describes the order of march: "Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out, under their banner, serving as the rear guard for all the camps, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command."
3.
Symbolic Protection: The concept of God as the rearward or rear guard symbolizes His comprehensive protection over His people. It reassures believers that God not only leads them but also guards them from behind, ensuring their safety from unforeseen dangers. This dual role of God as both leader and protector is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His omnipresence and omnipotence.
Theological Implications:The idea of God as the rearward underscores His role as a divine protector who is always present with His people. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to safeguard His followers from all sides. This assurance of divine protection is a source of comfort and strength for believers, encouraging them to trust in God's providence and care.
In summary, the concept of the rearward in the Bible highlights the importance of protection and order, both in physical and spiritual journeys. It serves as a reminder of God's unwavering presence and His commitment to the safety and well-being of His people.
ATS Bible Dictionary
RearwardThe strong battalion that closed and guarded the rear of an army,Joshua 6:13;Isaiah 52:12; 58:8.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard. Also used figuratively.
2. (a. & adv.) At or toward the rear.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REARWARDrer'-word ('acaph, "to gather,"Numbers 10:25Joshua 6:9 (the King James Version margin "gathering host");Isaiah 52:12).
SeeARMY;DAN, TRIBE OF; WAR, 3.
Library
The First Evangelists
... His righteousness went before Him, and the glory of the Lord was Hisrearward.
Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him....
Be for Thou Art'
... 'The God of Israel shall be yourrearward,' and he who has 'made the Most High his
habitation' is sheltered from 'the pestilence that walketh in darkness,' as...
Clean Carriers
... is to be no precipitate flight, but calmly, as those who are guided by God for their
leader, and shielded from all pursuit by God as theirrearward, the men of...
A Path in the Sea
... deliverance,"which should repeat in fresh experience the ancient victory, 'The Lord
will go before you; and the God of Israel will be yourrearward,' In the...
The Apostasy in Two Days.
... as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness
shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thyrearward." Isa.58:8...
Zion Awakened
... For ye shall not go out in haste, Neither shall ye go by flight; For the LORD
will go before you, And the God of Israel will be yourrearward....
Stones Crying Out
... God's ark 'goes before us,' and 'is ourrearward.' He besets us behind and before,
and all dangerous service is safe if begun and ended in Him....
"The House of Israel"
... the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness
shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thyrearward." Isaiah 58:7...
Down the Islands
... Between them is the loveliest little bay; and behind them green wooded slopes
rise toward therearward mountain of the Souffriere....
The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <....
Thesaurus
Rearward (6 Occurrences)...REARWARD. rer'-word ('acaph, "to gather," Numbers 10:25 Joshua 6:9 (the King James
Version margin "gathering host"); Isaiah 52:12).
...Rearward (6 Occurrences).
...Rear (46 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Numbers 10:25 The standard of the camp of the children of Dan, which was
therearward of all the camps, set forward according to their armies....
Units (14 Occurrences)
... Numbers 10:25 The standard of the camp of the children of Dan, which was therearward
of all the camps, set forward according to their armies....
Blowing (31 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets,
and therearward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with...
Continued (148 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew the horns, and the
rearward went after the ark, the priests blowing with the horns continually....
Blow (124 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets,
and therearward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with...
Rear-ward (3 Occurrences)
Rear-ward.Rearward, Rear-ward. Re-ascend . Multi-Version Concordance
Rear-ward (3 Occurrences).... (WBS).Rearward, Rear-ward. Re-ascend . Reference
Rearing (2 Occurrences)
Marching (17 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Samuel 29:2 The lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and
by thousands; and David and his men passed on in therearward with Achish....
Proceeding (18 Occurrences)
... (WBS). 1 Samuel 29:2 The lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by
thousands; and David and his men passed on in therearward with Achish....
Resources
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