Topical Encyclopedia
The term "countryside" in the biblical context often refers to rural areas, fields, and open lands that are distinct from urban centers or cities. The countryside is frequently depicted as a place of agriculture, pastoral life, and natural beauty, serving as the backdrop for many biblical narratives and teachings.
Agricultural SignificanceThe countryside is primarily associated with agriculture, which was the backbone of ancient Israelite society. The land was seen as a divine gift, and its fertility was a sign of God's blessing. In
Genesis 26:12, Isaac's prosperity is highlighted through his agricultural success: "Isaac sowed seed in that land, and that year he reaped a hundredfold. The LORD blessed him." The countryside provided the necessary resources for sustenance and economic stability, with fields of grain, vineyards, and olive groves being common features.
Pastoral LifeThe pastoral aspect of the countryside is vividly portrayed through the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, who were shepherds. The image of the shepherd is a powerful biblical motif, symbolizing guidance, provision, and care.
Psalm 23:1-2 reflects this pastoral imagery: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters."
Place of Solitude and ReflectionThe countryside also serves as a place of solitude and reflection, where individuals encounter God and experience spiritual renewal. Jesus often withdrew to the countryside to pray and teach. In
Mark 1:35, it is recorded, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." The natural setting of the countryside provided a conducive environment for communion with God, away from the distractions of urban life.
Symbol of Abundance and PeaceIn prophetic literature, the countryside is sometimes depicted as a symbol of abundance and peace, representing the ideal state of the land under God's rule.
Isaiah 32:15-16 speaks of a future transformation: "until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field."
Contrast with Urban CentersThe countryside is often contrasted with cities, which are sometimes portrayed as places of moral decay and judgment. The rural setting is seen as more aligned with God's creation and order. This contrast is evident in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot chooses the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, reminiscent of the countryside, over the wickedness of the cities (
Genesis 13:10-12).
Role in Parables and TeachingsJesus frequently used countryside imagery in His parables and teachings to convey spiritual truths. The Parable of the Sower (
Matthew 13:3-9) uses the imagery of a farmer sowing seeds in different types of soil to illustrate the reception of God's word. The countryside setting makes these teachings relatable to the agrarian society of His audience.
ConclusionThe countryside in the Bible is a multifaceted concept, rich with agricultural, pastoral, and spiritual significance. It serves as a setting for divine encounters, a symbol of God's provision, and a backdrop for Jesus' teachings. Through its depiction, the countryside underscores themes of abundance, peace, and the simplicity of life in harmony with God's creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A particular rural district; a country neighborhood.
Greek
68. agros -- a field, the country... word Definition a field, the country NASB Word Usage country (5),
countryside (3),
farm (1), farms (3), field (21), fields (2), piece of land (1), tract of
...Strong's Hebrew
7704. sadeh -- field, land... Word Origin from the same as saday Definition field, land NASB Word Usage agricultural
(1), battlefield* (1), country (14),
countryside (1),
countryside* (1
...776. erets -- earth, land
... root Definition earth, land NASB Word Usage common (1), countries (15), countries
and their lands (1), country (44),countryside (1), distance* (3), dust (1...
3605. kol -- the whole, all
... anyone* (2), anything (31), anything* (6), anywhere (3), anywhere* (1), both (2),
complete (2), completely (5), continually* (15),countryside* (1), during (1...
Library
There is a Presumption in Favor of the Bible
... In the spring of the year, when nature puts on her loveliest robes and we see the
beautiful foliage of thecountryside and listen to the happy songs of the...
The Right to Privacy
... The flatcountryside was dotted with villages, and crisscrossed with paths.... I mentally
searched the familiarcountryside for a place of refuge....
Behind the Door
... After our return from Dohnavur we found that the long-closed villages of this eastern
countryside had opened again, and the people were willing to allow us to...
Chapter seventeen
... And the day of rest ascended. Upon church andcountryside.... The world of his songs
is as peaceful and idyllic as the quietcountryside around his beloved Sor??....
The First Ministry of the Baptist.
... Nazarite. The story of his miraculous birth, and the expectations it had aroused,
had almost died out of the memory of thecountryside....
The Prince Returns
... of war had passed over Palestine, there were scores of such hovels, vacant and
abandoned to the bats and the small wild life about thecountryside, and the boy...
The Big Road
... function of guarding Hwochow from flood, and so successfully does it accomplish
its task that dryness and drought are the normal condition of thecountryside!...
The Builders
... Our helpers searched thecountryside for likely trees, which were felled and
in a few days made their reappearance as pillars and beams....
The Prey of the Terrible
... He was a very intelligent boy, well known all over thecountryside, because he had
studied the Tamil classics, and also because of his connection with one of...
Introduction
... who had seen God walking in person among the hills of Umbria and believed He had
rebegotten His Only Begotten in the guise of a lad of that humblecountryside....
Thesaurus
Countryside (19 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A particular rural district; a country neighborhood.
Multi-Version Concordance
Countryside (19 Occurrences).
...Vicinity (18 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Kill (310 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Killed (352 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Learned (70 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Wise (422 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Region (96 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Exact (31 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Exceedingly (167 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Exceeding (101 Occurrences)
... by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children
who were in Bethlehem and in all the surroundingcountryside, from two...
Resources
Why, when, and for how long was the apostle Paul in Arabia? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ahijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgCountryside: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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