Topical Encyclopedia
The term "strewed" refers to the act of scattering or spreading something over a surface. In biblical contexts, it often describes the spreading of materials such as branches, garments, or other items, typically as a sign of honor, celebration, or preparation.
Biblical References:1.
Palm Sunday and the Triumphal Entry: One of the most notable instances of "strewed" in the Bible occurs during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event commemorated on Palm Sunday. As Jesus entered the city, the crowds spread their cloaks and branches on the road as a gesture of honor and recognition of His messianic kingship. This act is recorded in the Gospels, illustrating the people's acknowledgment of Jesus as the promised Messiah. In
Matthew 21:8 , it is written: "A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road."
2.
Old Testament Practices: The act of strewing is also seen in the Old Testament, often associated with rituals and celebrations. For example, in the context of feasts and offerings, materials might be strewed as part of the ceremonial practices. While specific instances of the word "strewed" may not be directly quoted in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is present in the descriptions of various religious observances.
Symbolism and Significance:·
Honor and Reverence: The act of strewing garments or branches before someone was a traditional way to show honor and reverence. In the case of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, it symbolized the recognition of His authority and the fulfillment of prophecy, as the people hailed Him as the Son of David.
·
Preparation and Celebration: Strewing can also signify preparation for a significant event or celebration. In biblical times, it was customary to prepare paths or spaces for important figures or occasions by spreading materials to create a welcoming and festive environment.
·
Prophetic Fulfillment: The strewing of branches during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly
Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of a king coming to Jerusalem "righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey." The people's actions were a spontaneous expression of their hope and expectation for deliverance and salvation.
Cultural Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of strewing was not unique to Israel but was a common practice in various societies to honor dignitaries and prepare for significant events. This cultural backdrop helps to illuminate the biblical narratives where strewing is mentioned, providing a richer understanding of the actions and their implications.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the act of strewing during Jesus' triumphal entry is rich with meaning. It underscores the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and King, fulfilling the hopes and prophecies of the Old Testament. It also serves as a prelude to the events of Holy Week, where Jesus' path leads to the cross, highlighting the contrast between the people's expectations and the nature of His kingdom.
In summary, "strewed" in the Bible is a term that conveys honor, preparation, and fulfillment of prophecy, particularly in the context of Jesus' ministry and the acknowledgment of His divine role.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Strew.
Greek
3038. lithostrotos -- stone pavement, mosaic... stone pavement. From lithos and a derivative of stronnumi; stone-
strewed, ie A
tessellated mosaic on which the Roman tribunal was placed -- Pavement.
...Library
He Made the Pillars Thereof of Silver, the Couch of Gold, the...
... 10. He made the pillars thereof of silver, the couch of gold, the ascent thereto
of purple; and the midst thereof hestrewed with love for the daughters of...
John xii. 8
... And another Evangelist saith, that theystrewed their garments under His feet [1867] (
Matthew 21:8 ), and that "the whole city was moved" ( Matthew 21:10...
Weighed, and Found Wanting
... He had enticed them into His trap, as a hunter might some foolish animal, by dainties
strewed along the path, and now they were in the toils, and their only...
Pagans.
... deceased husband:""We found," says M. Stavorinus, "the body of the deceased lying
upon a couch, covered with a piece of white cotton, andstrewed with betel...
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... You must not imagine that all those whostrewed the branches in the way and
cried "Hosanna" cared about Christ as a spiritual prince....
The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of...
... and inhabited. But oh, how different from of old! Its Sabbath-boundaries
would bestrewed with pearls and precious gems. The City...
Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
... I might have spoken to you of two roads"of which one is narrow, rugged, and the
path of a very small number; the other broad, open, andstrewed with flowers...
The Nativity
... While havoc floats on all thy swelling tides,. Thy shores a scene of ruinstrewed
around. With vessels bulged, and bodies of the drowned!...
Precious Deaths
... To win a victory, or subdue a province, it mattered not though hestrewed the ground
with corpses thick as autumn leaves, nor did it signify though in every...
He that Cometh in the Name of the Lord
... And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the
trees, and strawed [Transcriber's note:strewed?] them in the way....
Thesaurus
Strewed (8 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Strew. Multi-Version Concordance
Strewed (8 Occurrences). Matthew 21:8 But a very great
...Strew (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To cover more or less thickly by scattering something over or upon; to cover,
or lie upon, by having been scattered; as, theystrewed the ground with...
Strewing (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act of scattering or spreading. 3. (n.) Anything that is, or may be,
strewed; -- used chiefly in the plural. Multi-Version Concordance...
Groats (4 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). 2 Samuel 17:19 And the woman took and spread the covering over the well's
mouth, andstrewed bruised grain thereon; and nothing was known. (See JPS)....
Erech (2 Occurrences)
... It appears to have been the necropolis of the Assyrian kings, as the whole
region isstrewed with bricks and the remains of coffins....
Powder (14 Occurrences)
... on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the
molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them, andstrewed it on...
Baals (18 Occurrences)
... on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the
molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them, andstrewed it on...
Baalim (18 Occurrences)
... on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the
molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, andstrewed it upon...
Ba'als (19 Occurrences)
... on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the
molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them, andstrewed it on...
Chopped (3 Occurrences)
... on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the
molten images, he broke in pieces, and made dust of them, andstrewed it on...
Resources
What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.orgStrewed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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