Topical Encyclopedia
The term "uninhabited" in the Bible often refers to areas that are devoid of human presence, either naturally or as a result of divine judgment. These areas can be literal, physical locations or symbolic representations of desolation and abandonment. The concept of uninhabited places is significant in understanding the biblical narrative of judgment, restoration, and the sovereignty of God over creation.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, uninhabited places are frequently mentioned in the context of divine judgment. For example, in the prophetic literature, cities and nations that have turned away from God are often described as becoming desolate and uninhabited.
Isaiah 13:20, speaking of Babylon, states, "It will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there." This prophecy highlights the totality of God's judgment, rendering a once-thriving city completely deserted.
Similarly, in
Jeremiah 50:39, the prophet declares concerning Babylon, "So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and the ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or settled from generation to generation." The imagery of wild animals inhabiting the ruins underscores the complete abandonment and desolation decreed by God.
Symbolic and Theological ImplicationsUninhabited places also carry symbolic meaning in the biblical text. They often represent spiritual barrenness and the consequences of sin. The wilderness, for instance, is frequently depicted as an uninhabited place where individuals encounter God or face trials. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness for forty years is a prime example, serving as a period of testing and reliance on God's provision.
Moreover, the concept of uninhabited places can symbolize the absence of God's presence. In
Ezekiel 33:28, God warns, "I will make the land a desolate waste, and its proud strength will come to an end, and the mountains of Israel will be so desolate that no one will pass through." Here, the desolation signifies the withdrawal of God's favor and protection due to the people's disobedience.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "uninhabited," the concept is present in the broader theme of spiritual desolation. Jesus' parables and teachings often contrast the fruitful life of those who abide in Him with the barren existence of those who do not. The imagery of desolation serves as a warning against spiritual neglect and the importance of remaining in communion with God.
ConclusionThe biblical portrayal of uninhabited places serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the desolation that follows. It also emphasizes God's ultimate authority over creation, as He alone has the power to bring about both judgment and restoration. Through the lens of uninhabited places, believers are called to reflect on their spiritual state and the importance of dwelling in the presence of the Lord.
Greek
2047. eremia -- a solitude, a wilderness... Feminine Transliteration: eremia Phonetic Spelling: (er-ay-mee'-ah) Short Definition:
a desert place Definition: a desert place, desert,
uninhabited region.
...Library
And after Three Days we Reached Land, and for Twenty-Eight Days...
... Section 19. And after three days we reached land, and for twenty-eight
days journeyed throughuninhabited? 19. And after three...
He Then once More Excellently, Appropriately, and Clearly Examines...
... First it is created, and after that it is set up, and then it is begotten. "The
Lord made," she says, "lands, evenuninhabited, and the inhabited extremes of...
Trinidad
... The shore was low anduninhabited: but the country rose in the interior, and was
cultivated in many places, and enlivened by hamlets and scattered habitations....
The Confession of St. Patrick
... And on the same day that I arrived? Section 19. And after three days we reached
land, and for twenty-eight days journeyed throughuninhabited? Section 20....
The Memphite Empire
... The almostuninhabited country which connects Africa with Asia is flanked towards
the south by two chains of hills which unite at right angles, and together...
Dr. Beardsley's Address.
... were forbidden to officiate except in private houses, and then only for four persons
besides those of the household, or if in anuninhabited building for a...
Degeneration
... every variety of marking. He takes them to anuninhabited island and allows
them to fly off wild into the woods. They found a colony...
The Way to the Sea
... West of it the army would approach. South only could it flee, into a torrid,
arid,uninhabited desert. The slaves were entrapped....
"Peace, be Still"
... The eastern shore of Gennesaret was notuninhabited, for there were towns here and
there beside the lake; yet it was a desolate region when compared with the...
To Olympias. Nothing Strange or Unnatural Has Befallen Your Piety...
... But you know how to dwell in great and populous cities as if they wereuninhabited,
spending the whole of your time in quietness and rest, and treading worldly...
Thesaurus
Uninhabited (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Uninhabited (8 Occurrences). Matthew 14:13 Upon
receiving these tidings, Jesus went away by boat to an
...Secluded (7 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:13 Upon receiving these tidings, Jesus went away by boat to anuninhabited
and secluded district; but the people heard of it and followed Him in...
District (59 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:13 Upon receiving these tidings, Jesus went away by boat to anuninhabited
and secluded district; but the people heard of it and followed Him in...
Ziph (9 Occurrences)
... (3.) A city in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:55), identified with theuninhabited
ruins of Tell ez-Zif, about 5 miles south-east of Hebron....
Uninformed (4 Occurrences)
Uninstructed (2 Occurrences)
Lonely (14 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:42 When it was day, he departed and went into anuninhabited place, and the
multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he...
Lodging (24 Occurrences)
... away, that they may go to the villages and farms round about and find lodging and
a supply of food; because here we are in anuninhabited district." (WEY NAS...
Wilderness (304 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A tract of land, or a region, uncultivated anduninhabited by human beings,
whether a forest or a wide, barren plain; a wild; a waste; a desert; a...
Wouldn't (67 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:42 When it was day, he departed and went into anuninhabited place, and the
multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he...
Resources
What is the Messianic Secret? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the city of Petra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Gap Theory? Did anything happen between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2? | GotQuestions.orgUninhabited: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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