Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Rustling, in a biblical context, refers to the act of stealing livestock, particularly cattle or sheep. This act is considered a form of theft and is addressed in the broader biblical teachings on stealing and property rights. While the specific term "rustling" is not used in the Bible, the principles surrounding theft and the protection of one's property are clearly outlined.
Biblical References and Principles:The Bible provides numerous teachings on the sanctity of property and the sinfulness of theft. In the Mosaic Law, the Eighth Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not steal" (
Exodus 20:15). This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property, which would include livestock.
In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance. Therefore, the theft of animals was a serious offense.
Exodus 22:1-4 provides specific laws regarding the theft of livestock: "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep" (
Exodus 22:1). This restitution law highlights the gravity of the crime and the need for justice and restoration.
Moral and Ethical Implications:The act of rustling violates the biblical principles of honesty, respect for others, and justice. The Bible consistently teaches that God's people are to live with integrity and to treat others as they would want to be treated. The Golden Rule, as stated by Jesus, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you" (
Matthew 7:12), reinforces the ethical standard against theft, including rustling.
Historical and Cultural Background:In biblical times, livestock was not only a measure of wealth but also a critical component of daily life, providing food, clothing, and labor. The loss of livestock through theft could have devastating effects on a family's livelihood. This cultural context helps to explain the severe penalties prescribed for rustling and other forms of theft.
Spiritual Lessons:The Bible's teachings on theft, including rustling, serve as a reminder of the importance of stewardship and the responsible management of resources. Believers are called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them, recognizing that all possessions ultimately belong to Him. The parable of the talents (
Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the principle of stewardship and the expectation that God's people will use their resources wisely and ethically.
Conclusion:While the specific act of rustling is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the principles surrounding theft and property rights are clear. The biblical teachings emphasize the importance of honesty, restitution, and respect for others' property, reflecting God's desire for justice and righteousness among His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rustle.
Strong's Hebrew
5287. naar -- to shake, shake out or off... A primitive root (probably identical with na'ar, through the idea of the
rustling of mane, which usually accompanies the lion's roar); to tumble about -- shake
...Library
Petilianus Said: "For Although There is Only one Baptism...
... We too might use the expression, "Withrustling flames;" but to me an expression
never sounds in any way eloquent which is inappropriate in its use....
A Funeral Oration.
... When an unbeliever speaks at his brother's grave of the "rustling of wings," I
intuitively think of the old trite saying, "It is but one step from the sublime...
My Readers Will not Wonder That, after This, I did My Very Best to...
... "I'm coming," he returned. "I've got all the moon I want to-night.". I
heard arustling and arustling drawing nearer and nearer....
His Earliest Oracles. (ii. 2-iv. 4. )
... From of old thou hast broken thy yoke, 20 Hast burst thy bonds, Saying, "I will
not serve!" While upon every high hill, And under eachrustling tree, Harlot...
The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... David was not to go to battle, until he heard a sound of arustling in
the tons of the mulberry trees. There was a calm, perhaps...
The Home-Parlor.
... ease among companions there, but also by teaching them the dangers and corruptions
which lurk in their midst and follow in the train ofrustling silks and...
Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... In the serenity of such an hour, with the white tents reposing in the distance,
and the "soul-like sound" of therustling forest alone breaking the stillness...
The Domain or Province of Science.
... Here Colonel Ingersoll's "night birds""for angels he has no use"move with "rustling
of wings." When such men reason themselves back to the germ cells and...
Early School Days
... The broad corn leavesrustling in the wind seemed to whisper, "Winter is coming
with his cold, bleak storms to rob the earth of her summer splendor; but he...
Early Training.
... She was just about to take her little sister back to the house, when she heard a
rustling among the branches of a tall tree directly above the path over which...
Thesaurus
Rustling (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rustling (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 18:1 Ah, the land of
the
rustling of wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; (WEB ASV).
...Rustle (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) A quick succession or confusion of small sounds, like those made by shaking
leaves or straw, by rubbing silk, or the like; arustling....
Religion (23 Occurrences)
... Prayer was offered facing eastward. Omens were taken from therustling of the leaves
of the sacred Sonean forest. Armavir was the religious capital....
Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... By "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees" we are to understand
arustling among the trees like the marching of an army....
Buzzing (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Buzzing (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 18:1 Ah, the land of the
rustling of wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; (See JPS)....
Aryan
... Prayer was offered facing eastward. Omens were taken from therustling of the leaves
of the sacred Sonean forest. Armavir was the religious capital....
Shadow (72 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) has "of therustling of wings" for
"shadowing with wings" in Isaiah 18:1; the American Standard Revised Version has...
Shade (67 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) has "of therustling of wings" for
"shadowing with wings" in Isaiah 18:1; the American Standard Revised Version has...
Shadowing (3 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) has "of therustling of wings" for
"shadowing with wings" in Isaiah 18:1; the American Standard Revised Version has...
Ah (43 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE RSV). Isaiah 18:1 Ah, the land of therustling of wings,
which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; (WEB JPS ASV RSV)....
Resources
What is the World Council of Churches (WCC)? | GotQuestions.orgRustling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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Bible Thesuarus
