Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of an enclosure often referred to a space that was set apart or protected by a boundary, such as a wall, fence, or hedge. Enclosures served various purposes, including protection, separation, and sanctification. The idea of an enclosure is significant in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the Scriptures.1. Enclosures for Protection: Enclosures were commonly used for protection against external threats. Cities were often surrounded by walls to safeguard inhabitants from invaders. For instance, the city of Jericho was famously enclosed by walls, which the Israelites, led by Joshua, brought down through divine intervention (Joshua 6:1-20). Similarly, Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem highlight the importance of enclosures for the security and identity of the people (Nehemiah 2:17-18). 2. Enclosures for Livestock: Sheepfolds or pens were enclosures used to protect livestock, particularly sheep, from predators and theft. In John 10:1-16 , Jesus uses the imagery of a sheepfold to describe His relationship with His followers, emphasizing His role as the Good Shepherd who enters by the gate and cares for His sheep. This metaphor underscores the protective and nurturing aspects of enclosures. 3. Sacred Enclosures: The concept of sacred space is evident in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, both of which had specific enclosures to demarcate holy areas. The Tabernacle, described in Exodus, was surrounded by a courtyard with a fence, separating the sacred from the common (Exodus 27:9-19). The Temple in Jerusalem also had distinct courts and enclosures, such as the Court of the Gentiles and the Holy of Holies, each with varying degrees of sanctity and access (1 Kings 6:36). 4. Metaphorical Enclosures: Enclosures are also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual realities. In Psalm 91:1-2 , the psalmist speaks of dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" and abiding in the "shadow of the Almighty," conveying a sense of divine protection and refuge. Similarly, the hedge of protection mentioned in Job 1:10 symbolizes God's safeguarding presence around His faithful servant. 5. Enclosures and Boundaries: The concept of boundaries is closely related to enclosures. In Proverbs 22:28 , the admonition to "not move an ancient boundary stone" reflects the importance of respecting established limits, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. Boundaries serve to maintain order and justice within the community, as seen in the allocation of land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 13-21). 6. Enclosures in Eschatological Contexts: In eschatological visions, enclosures often symbolize the ultimate protection and separation of God's people. Revelation 21:12 describes the New Jerusalem with "a great, high wall with twelve gates," signifying the secure and holy nature of the eternal city where God's presence dwells with His people. Throughout the Bible, enclosures serve as powerful symbols of protection, sanctity, and divine order. They illustrate the ways in which God provides for and separates His people, both physically and spiritually, in accordance with His purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Inclosure. See Inclosure.Greek 3857. paradeisos -- a park, a garden, a paradise ... 3857 -- an ancient Persian word meaning "enclosure, garden, park.". ... origin (enclosure) Definition a park, a garden, a paradise NASB Word Usage Paradise (3). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3857.htm - 6k 3727. horkos -- an oath Strong's Hebrew 1223. botsrah -- an enclosure, a fold (for sheep)... 1222, 1223. botsrah. 1224 . an enclosure, a fold (for sheep). Transliteration: botsrah Phonetic Spelling: (bots-raw') Short Definition: fold. ... /hebrew/1223.htm - 6k 4692. matsor -- siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment 2691a. chatser -- enclosure, court 1588. gan -- an enclosure, garden 5458. segor -- an enclosure, encasement 5835. azarah -- probably enclosure 4356. miklaah -- an enclosure, fold 2691. chatser -- enclosure, court 1448. gederah -- a wall 2695. Chetsro -- one of David's heroes Library Psalm LXXX. In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Concerning Things Accomplished in the Synaxis. What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace The Meaning Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ... First Attempts on Jerusalem. In his Temple Thesaurus Enclosure (6 Occurrences)...Enclosure (6 Occurrences). Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of enclosure, (DBY YLT). ... /e/enclosure.htm - 8k Mamre (10 Occurrences) Court (172 Occurrences) Sanctuary (250 Occurrences) Machpelah (6 Occurrences) Partition (4 Occurrences) Yard (8 Occurrences) Kir (11 Occurrences) Orchard (3 Occurrences) Fold (23 Occurrences) Resources What was the Holy of Holies? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the purpose of Stonehenge? | GotQuestions.org Who is the Artemis mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Enclosure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Enclosure (6 Occurrences)Ephesians 2:14 Isaiah 34:13 Isaiah 35:7 Lamentations 2:6 Ezekiel 42:15 Hosea 13:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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