Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Soar, also known as Zoar, is a biblical city mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Soar" means "small" or "insignificant" in Hebrew. It is one of the five cities of the plain, along with Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which were subject to divine judgment due to their wickedness.
Biblical References:Soar is first mentioned in the context of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In
Genesis 19, Lot, Abraham's nephew, is instructed by angels to flee Sodom to avoid its impending destruction. Lot pleads to escape to Soar, a small city, instead of fleeing to the mountains. The angels grant his request, and Soar is spared from the destruction that befalls the other cities.
Genesis 19:20-22 states: "Look, this town is near enough for me to flee to, and it is small. Let me flee there—is it not small? Then my life will be saved.” And he said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request as well, and will not overthrow the town you speak of. Hurry, flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” That is why the town was called Zoar."
Historical and Geographical Context:Soar is traditionally identified with a location near the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea. Its exact location remains uncertain, but it is often associated with the archaeological site of modern-day Safi in Jordan. The city was part of the fertile plain region, which was well-watered and suitable for agriculture before its destruction.
Theological Significance:Soar's sparing from destruction highlights God's mercy and willingness to listen to the pleas of the righteous. Lot's escape to Soar serves as a testament to divine grace, even amidst judgment. The narrative underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of sin, as seen in the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Later References and Legacy:Soar is mentioned again in the context of the Moabite territory. In
Isaiah 15:5 , the prophet laments the destruction of Moab, mentioning Soar: "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. For they go up the ascent of Luhith weeping; they utter cries of destruction on the road to Horonaim." This reference indicates that Soar continued to exist as a city beyond the time of Lot.
Cultural and Religious Impact:Soar's account is often used in sermons and teachings to illustrate themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the importance of righteous living. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the hope of salvation for those who seek refuge in God's provision.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To fly aloft, as a bird; to mount upward on wings, or as on wings.
2. (v. i.) Fig.: To rise in thought, spirits, or imagination; to be exalted in mood.
3. (n.) The act of soaring; upward flight.
4. (a.) See 3d Sore.
5. (a.) See Sore, reddish brown.
Strong's Hebrew
82. abar -- to fly... Word Origin from an unused word Definition to fly NASB Word Usage soars (1). fly.
A primitive root; to
soar -- fly. 81, 82. abar. 83 . Strong's Numbers.
1361. gabahh -- locust
... A primitive root; tosoar, ie Be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty -- exalt, be
haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great...
Library
Sometimes I ShouldSoar Above the Stars
... THE THIRD CENTURY 18 Sometimes I shouldsoar above the stars. Sometimes
I shouldsoar above the stars, and enquire how the Heavens...
The Brightest and the Fairest,
... Now let our songs of blessingsoar. To Thee, O Christ, for evermore.... And joy
with joy the truest; To Thee, O Christ, our praisessoar,....
God.
... the Prophet's imagination. His native powers of vision were not such as
soar, or at any rate easilysoar, to the sublime. He was...
Feeding on Ashes
... osteology"the science of bones"you will see, in the very make of its breast-bone
and its wing-bones, the declaration that its destiny was tosoar into the...
That God is to be Found Neither from the Powers of the Body nor of...
... By my soul itself will I mount up unto Him. I willsoar beyond that power of mine
whereby I cling to the body, and fill the whole structure of it with life....
Origin of the World; Basilides' Account of the "Sonship. "
... He confers benefits, because, as a wing of a bird, when removed from the bird, would
not of itselfsoar high up and aloft; nor, again, would a bird, when...
The Secret of Immortal Youth
... there are three forms of unwearied strength lying ready for you, young men and women,
to take for your very own if you like: strength tosoar, strength to run...
Unfailing Stabs and Fainting Men
... What are the consequences that the prophet traces to this restoring power? 'They
shall mount up with wings as eagles.' Power tosoar, to lift our heavy selves...
The Altar of Incense
... weather, to the place whence it came. Ah! brethren, let us ask ourselves if
our spirits thus aspire andsoar. Do we know what it is to...
Love
... open wide thine eyes, and look full in the Sun's face, andsoar upward, upward,
upward, far above the heights of this world's creation, upwards, till thou art...
Thesaurus
Soar (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Soar (5 Occurrences). Job 39:26 "Is it by your wisdom
that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?
...Tower (74 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) High flight; elevation. 7. (vi) To rise and overtop other objects; to be
lofty or very high; hence, tosoar. 8. (vt) Tosoar into. Int....
Soap (4 Occurrences)
Aspire (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To rise; to ascend; to tower; tosoar. 3. (vt) To aspire to; to long for;
to try to reach; to mount to. 4. (n.) Aspiration. Multi-Version Concordance...
Soared (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofSoar. Multi-Version Concordance Soared
(2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 22:11 He rode on a cherub, and flew....
Fly (33 Occurrences)
... For "fly" the Revised Version (British and American) has "soar" (Job 39:26) "fly
down" (Isaiah 11:14); for "flying" (Isaiah 31:5) the American Standard Revised...
Hawk (6 Occurrences)
... falconry. 3. (vi) To make an attack while on the wing; tosoar and strike
like a hawk; -- generally with at; as, to hawk at flies. 4...
Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... power of flight that enables a bird to hang as if frozen in the sky, for long periods
appearing to our sight immovable, or to sail andsoar directly into the...
Resources
What are the greatest promises in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Obadiah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to mount up with wings like eagles? | GotQuestions.orgSoar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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