In biblical terminology, the concept of "enlargements" often refers to the idea of growth, expansion, or increase, whether in a physical, spiritual, or metaphorical sense. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's provision, blessing, and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.

Old Testament Context

1. Territorial Expansion: One of the most direct applications of "enlargements" in the Old Testament is the promise of territorial expansion. God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit a vast land. In Genesis 15:18 , God says, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates." This promise of enlargement was a significant aspect of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

2. Population Growth: The idea of enlargement also pertains to the growth of the Israelite population. In Exodus 1:7 , it is recorded, "But the Israelites were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them." This multiplication was seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).

3. Spiritual and Moral Enlargement: The Psalms often speak of enlargement in a spiritual or moral sense. Psalm 119:32 states, "I run in the path of Your commandments, for You have set my heart free." Here, the psalmist expresses a sense of spiritual enlargement or freedom that comes from following God's commandments.

New Testament Context

1. Expansion of the Gospel: In the New Testament, the concept of enlargement is prominently seen in the expansion of the Gospel. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive signifies the enlargement of God's kingdom beyond the boundaries of Israel to all nations.

2. Personal Spiritual Growth: The New Testament also emphasizes personal spiritual enlargement. In 2 Corinthians 10:15-16 , Paul speaks of the hope that "as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you." This reflects the idea that as believers grow in faith, their capacity to influence and spread the Gospel enlarges.

3. Enlargement through Suffering: Enlargement can also occur through trials and suffering. James 1:2-4 encourages believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, the enlargement is in the form of spiritual maturity and completeness.

Theological Implications

The theme of enlargement in the Bible underscores God's desire for His people to grow and expand in various dimensions of life. It reflects His blessings, the fulfillment of His promises, and the advancement of His kingdom. Whether through physical territory, population, spiritual growth, or the spread of the Gospel, enlargement is a testament to God's faithfulness and His overarching plan for humanity.

Immortality of the Soul, and a Future State.
... Were a human soul thus at a stand in her accomplishments, were her faculties to
be full blown, and incapable of further enlargements, I could imagine it might ...
/.../sect x immortality of the.htm

Integrity and State of the Text.
... the LXX extra clauses, which are not in Th, scattered throughout the book; three
verses between 14 and 15, one at the end, and considerable enlargements of vv ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/integrity and state of the 2.htm

Classification of Creeds.
... and discipline. Their creeds are modifications and abridgments rather than
enlargements of the old Protestant symbols. The heretical ...
/.../ 5 classification of creeds.htm

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his ...
... But, we talk of the enlargements of divine knowledge, and the breaking up of a clearer
light in the point of religion, in respect of which we look on former ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxviii and hereby we.htm

"But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba ...
... But the determination of what is good for you, whether in spiritual enlargements,
or in the things of this life, you must refer to his wisdom, for his love ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxviii but ye have.htm

Calvin's Work.
... The first edition even contained, in brief outline, all the essential elements of
his system; and the subsequent enlargements to five times the original size ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 57 calvins work.htm

Of the Hidden Time of the Final Persecution.
... For when they saw that it could not be consumed by so many and great persecutions,
but rather drew from them wonderful enlargements, they invented I know not ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 53 of the hidden time.htm

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He ...
... the Roman dominion. The repairs and enlargements then going on in the temple
no doubt supplied an abundance of missiles. The word ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxviii feast of the dedication.htm

Introduction
... The direct re-workings - they are substantial enlargements - are two in number:
one, the Actus beati Francisci et sociorum cius, of which the earliest ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/introduction.htm

Peace
... There is a secret peace which the heart has in serving God; such meltings and
enlargements in duty as revive the soul, and bear it up from sinking. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Enlargements (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enlargements (1 Occurrence). Genesis 26:22 And
he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they ...
/e/enlargements.htm - 6k

Enlargement (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
not striven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For ...
/e/enlargement.htm - 10k

Removeth (27 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
not striven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For ...
/r/removeth.htm - 14k

Enlarger (1 Occurrence)

/e/enlarger.htm - 6k

Diggeth (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
not striven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For ...
/d/diggeth.htm - 8k

Salvation (386 Occurrences)
... 31:34). Such a concept is normal for most of the Old Testament, but there
are several significant enlargements of it. That Israel ...
/s/salvation.htm - 67k

Striven (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
not striven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For ...
/s/striven.htm - 9k

Stomach (40 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An enlargement, or series of enlargements, in the anterior part of the
alimentary canal, in which food is digested; any cavity in which digestion takes ...
/s/stomach.htm - 19k

Plague (142 Occurrences)
... plague, was that which avenged the capture of the ark (1 Samuel 5:6). We read of
the tumors which were probably the glandular enlargements characteristic of ...
/p/plague.htm - 49k

Calleth (261 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
not striven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For ...
/c/calleth.htm - 35k

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