Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and General Description:Upland refers to elevated land or regions that are higher than the surrounding terrain. In biblical contexts, uplands are often associated with hills, mountains, and elevated plateaus. These areas are significant in the biblical narrative for their geographical, agricultural, and spiritual implications.
Biblical References and Significance:1.
Geographical Context: The uplands of ancient Israel and surrounding regions played a crucial role in the daily life and history of the people. These areas were often more fertile and suitable for agriculture compared to the lowlands, which could be marshy or prone to flooding. The uplands provided a strategic advantage for defense and were often the sites of cities and fortresses.
2.
Agricultural Importance: The uplands were vital for agriculture, particularly for growing crops like olives, grapes, and figs, which thrive in well-drained, elevated soils. The Bible frequently mentions the bounty of the land, which includes the produce of the uplands. For example,
Deuteronomy 8:7-8 describes the Promised Land as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey."
3.
Spiritual and Symbolic Significance: Uplands often hold spiritual significance in the Bible. Mountains and hills are frequently depicted as places of divine encounter and revelation. For instance, Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. These elevated places symbolize closeness to God and are often settings for pivotal spiritual events.
4.
Historical and Cultural Context: Throughout biblical history, uplands were often the sites of significant events and settlements. Cities like Jerusalem, which is situated on a series of hills, played central roles in the religious and political life of Israel. The strategic importance of upland cities is evident in various military campaigns and narratives throughout the Old Testament.
5.
Prophetic and Eschatological Imagery: The prophets often used the imagery of mountains and uplands to convey messages of hope and restoration.
Isaiah 2:2 prophesies, "In the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." This imagery underscores the prominence and centrality of God's kingdom.
Conclusion:While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that uplands in the Bible are multifaceted, serving as geographical, agricultural, spiritual, and prophetic symbols. They are integral to understanding the biblical narrative and the life of the people in ancient times.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) High land; ground elevated above the meadows and intervals which lie on the banks of rivers, near the sea, or between hills; land which is generally dry; -- opposed to lowland, meadow, marsh, swamp, interval, and the like.
2. (n.) The country, as distinguished from the neighborhood of towns.
3. (a.) of or pertaining to uplands; being on upland; high in situation; as, upland inhabitants; upland pasturage.
4. (a.) Pertaining to the country, as distinguished from the neighborhood of towns; rustic; rude; unpolished.
Library
Rondelet, {7} the Huguenot Naturalist {8}
... orchards, each one sheet of rose- colour in spring; the mulberry orchards, the
oliveyards, the vineyards, cover every foot of availableupland soil: save where...
Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... On the eastern side of Jordan stretched wide plains,upland valleys, park-like forests,
and almost boundless corn and pasture lands; on the western side were...
The Road to Rome
... He saw the mountain torrents leap and flash, and grow always bigger and stronger.
He saw them slack their speed and widen their beds in theupland valleys....
Barzillai
... The loyal chieftain, notwithstanding his eighty years, had come all the way from
hisupland farm to bid farewell to his king, and see him safely over Jordan....
Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
... Wheat ripens from one to three weeks later than barley, andupland wheat (and
Palestine has many mountain plateaus) is often harvested in June....
February the Eleventh the Hill Country of the Soul
... There should be anupland district, where springs are born, and where rivers of
inspiration have their birth. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills."....
August the Sixth Waters of Contentment
... The evangel is like some clear bugle peal, sounded on some commandingupland, and
which is heard alike in palace and cottage, in school and at the mill, by the...
The Power of Ambition.
... Cyrus, the king of a littleupland province, through a remarkable series of victories
became the undisputed master of south-western Asia and laid the...
The First Discovery of America
... how. Anupland Earl had twa braw sons, My story to begin; The tane was
Light Haldane the strong, The tither was winsome Finn. and...
The First Discovery of America.
... how. Anupland Earl had twa braw sons, My story to begin; The tane was
hight Haldane the strong, The tither was winsome Finn. and...
Thesaurus
Upland (4 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) of or pertaining to uplands; being on
upland; high in situation; as,
upland inhabitants;
upland pasturage.
...Upland (4 Occurrences).
...Uplifted (26 Occurrences)
Northward (41 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:2 and to the kings that were northward in the mountains, and in the plain
south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and on theupland of Dor on the...
Upkeep (2 Occurrences)
Unpeopled (38 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 17:6 For he will be like the brushwood in theupland, and will not see
when good comes; but his living-place will be in the dry places in the waste...
Goim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Goim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 12:23 the king of Dor in
theupland of Dor, one; the king of Goim, at Gilgal, one; (DBY)....
Galilee (73 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Circuit. Solomon rewarded Hiram for certain services rendered
him by the gift of anupland plain among the mountains of Naphtali....
Wastes (33 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 17:6 For he will be like the brushwood in theupland, and will not see
when good comes; but his living-place will be in the dry places in the waste...
Wastelands (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 17:6 For he will be like the brushwood in theupland, and will not see
when good comes; but his living-place will be in the dry places in the waste...
Derbe (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A small town on the eastern part of theupland
plain of Lycaonia, about 20 miles from Lystra. Paul passed...
Resources
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