Topical Encyclopedia
The term "roundabout" in the context of the Bible often refers to the concept of encircling or surrounding, whether in a physical, geographical, or metaphorical sense. This term is used to describe various scenarios, from the arrangement of tribes around the Tabernacle to the protective presence of God around His people.
1.
Geographical and Physical Contexts: · In the Old Testament, the term "roundabout" is frequently used to describe the arrangement of the Israelite tribes around the Tabernacle during their wilderness journey.
Numbers 2 provides a detailed account of how the tribes were to camp around the Tabernacle, each in their designated place, creating a sense of order and community centered on worship and the presence of God.
· The term is also used to describe the geographical boundaries and territories surrounding a particular location. For example, in
Joshua 21:11, the city of Hebron is described as having pasturelands "roundabout" it, indicating the surrounding areas that were part of its domain.
2.
Divine Protection and Presence: · The concept of God being "roundabout" His people is a recurring theme in the Psalms, emphasizing His protective and encompassing presence.
Psalm 34:7 states, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This imagery conveys the idea of divine protection that surrounds the faithful, offering security and deliverance.
· Similarly,
Psalm 125:2 declares, "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore." This verse uses the natural geography of Jerusalem to illustrate God's enduring and encompassing protection over His people.
3.
Metaphorical and Spiritual Implications: · The use of "roundabout" can also have metaphorical implications, suggesting a comprehensive or all-encompassing influence or presence. In a spiritual sense, it can refer to the pervasive nature of God's sovereignty and His ability to encompass all aspects of life.
· The idea of being surrounded can also imply a sense of being besieged or under pressure, as seen in various prophetic and historical narratives where enemies encircle a city or people. This usage highlights the need for divine intervention and deliverance.
4.
Cultural and Historical Contexts: · In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the concept of being "roundabout" often had military connotations, as cities were frequently surrounded by walls for protection, and armies would encircle a city during a siege. This historical context provides additional layers of meaning to the biblical use of the term, as it reflects both the physical realities of ancient life and the spiritual truths conveyed through these images.
In summary, the term "roundabout" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from the physical arrangement of people and places to the spiritual and metaphorical implications of divine protection and presence. It serves as a reminder of God's encompassing care and the ordered structure of His covenant community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Circuitous; going round; indirect; as, roundabout speech.
2. (a.) Encircling; enveloping; comprehensive.
3. (n.) A horizontal wheel or frame, commonly with wooden horses, etc., on which children ride; a merry-go-round.
4. (n.) A dance performed in a circle.
5. (n.) A short, close jacket worn by boys, sailors, etc.
6. (n.) A state or scene of constant change, or of recurring labor and vicissitude.
Strong's Hebrew
6128. aqalqal -- crooked... Word Origin from aqal Definition crooked NASB Word Usage crooked ways (1),
roundabout (1). byway, crooked way. From aqal; winding -- by(-way), crooked way.
...Library
Second Missionary Journey
... The first journey was through Cyprus, where Barnabas was well acquainted, and through
that section of Asia Minorroundabout the province of Cilicia, where Paul...
The Glory of the Cross
... though we be, in these very days; forgotten it, most of us, so utterly, that in
order to bring you back to it, I must take a seeminglyroundabout road....
The Kinds and Degrees of Error
... We finally arrived at the place where we were going, but only by aroundabout way,
and upon learning of the ambush, we were glad to have erred and gave thanks...
A Private Enquiry
... God will speak to you; but it will be in warning, and in aroundabout way, and not
face to face, with his lip to your ear, as he has been wont to do while you...
Ambition in Service.
...Roundabout every church is a fringe of deep, sometimes a deep fringe and broad,
of those practically untouched by the warm message of Jesus; and around every...
The New Passover
... The curiouslyroundabout way in which they are directed to the 'upper room' is only
explicable on the supposition that it was intended to keep them in the dark...
Corinthians. God's Yea; Man's Amen
... Everywhere else we have only peradventures, hopes, fears, guesses more or less doubtful,
androundabout inferences as to His disposition and attitude towards us...
A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... Theirroundabout way of going to work by sending a messenger was an insult to their
brother, though it may have been meant as honour to the viceroy....
The Nature of Error. All Error is not Hurtful, Though it is Man's...
... Yet I arrived at the place whither I was bent, though by aroundabout route; and
when I heard of the ambush, I congratulated myself on my mistake, and gave...
Go Forth, O Ye Daughters of Zion, and Behold King Solomon with the...
... in Himself, it would be a more reasonable direction to bid the beginner seek Him
in that way in the first place, instead of sending him theroundabout way of...
Thesaurus
Roundabout (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Circuitous; going round; indirect; as,
roundabout speech.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Roundabout (3 Occurrences).
...Rounded (7 Occurrences)
Circuitous (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Going round in a circuit;roundabout; indirect; as,
a circuitous road; a circuitous manner of accomplishing an end....
Circumlocution (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The use of unnecessarily wordy, indirect or
roundabout language; a paraphrase. Multi-Version Concordance...
Round (664 Occurrences)
Resources
Summary of the Book of Leviticus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is virtue signaling? | GotQuestions.orgRoundabout: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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