In biblical terminology, the term "flanks" refers to the sides of the body, particularly the area between the ribs and the hips. This term is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing strength, vulnerability, or the location of certain actions or events.

Biblical References:

1. Symbol of Strength and Protection:
The flanks are sometimes mentioned in the context of strength and protection. In ancient times, the flanks of an army or a city were considered crucial areas that needed to be defended. The Bible uses this imagery to convey the idea of divine protection and strength. For example, in the context of God's protection over His people, the imagery of covering or guarding the flanks can be seen as a metaphor for comprehensive security.

2. Vulnerability:
Conversely, the flanks can also symbolize vulnerability. In military terms, the flanks of an army are often the most susceptible to attack. This imagery is used in the Bible to describe situations where individuals or nations are exposed to danger or judgment. The vulnerability of the flanks serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection.

3. Sacrificial Context:
In the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, the flanks of animals were sometimes mentioned in the context of offerings. The specific parts of the animal used in sacrifices were significant, and the flanks could be included in the portions designated for burning on the altar or given to the priests. This highlights the importance of offering the best and most valuable parts to God.

4. Metaphorical Usage:
The Bible occasionally uses the term "flanks" metaphorically to describe the inner parts or the hidden aspects of a person or a situation. This can be seen in poetic or prophetic literature, where the flanks may represent the inner workings or the true nature of an individual or a nation.

Example from Scripture:

· In the book of Job, the term "flanks" is used to describe the physical strength and majesty of the behemoth, a creature that exemplifies God's creative power. Job 40:16 states, "See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly." While the term "flanks" is not directly used in this verse, the description of the creature's physical attributes aligns with the concept of strength associated with the flanks.

Theological Implications:

The use of "flanks" in the Bible underscores the themes of strength, protection, and vulnerability. It serves as a reminder of the need for divine protection and the importance of offering one's best to God. The imagery associated with flanks also highlights the balance between human vulnerability and the strength that comes from reliance on God. Through these references, the Bible communicates profound truths about the nature of God's protection and the human condition.3696. Kisloth Tabor -- a place in Issachar
... Chisloth- tabor. From the feminine plural of kecel and Tabowr; flanks of Tabor;
Kisloth-Tabor, a place in Palestine -- Chisloth- tabor. see HEBREW kecel. ...
/hebrew/3696.htm - 6k

The Memphite Empire
... The devastated flanks of the hills, their torn and corroded bases, the accumulated
masses of shingle left by the eddies, the long lines of rocks and sand, mark ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Elegance and Grace
... A horse with slender flanks is considered handsomer than one not framed in that
manner, and the same quality also shows that he excels in swiftness. ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/elegance and grace.htm

Of the Prohibition of Adultery in the Decalogue.
... Enclosed by such flanks, encircled and supported by such ribs, who shall dislocate
her from the corporate mass of coherencies, from the bond of neighbour crimes ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter v of the prohibition of.htm

Things that Accompany Salvation
... it always in every case attended with divers graces and virtues which seemed to
be like troops and soldiers to guard it in the ran, about its flanks, and in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/things that accompany salvation.htm

Writings of Rufinus. Preface to the Commentary on the Benedictions ...
... become in your requests, and the harder become your demands: you treat me as you
would an ox whose laziness you have discovered, and prick his flanks and back ...
/.../writings of rufinus preface to.htm

Against Embellishing the Body.
... This takes away from her height. Has one no flanks? She has something sewed on to
her, so that the spectators. May exclaim on her fine shape behind. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii against embellishing the body.htm

Back to Pilate
... far aloft, in the white and shining heavens, lo, tier on tier and circle upon circle,
with the angels of God hovering above them and on their flanks; and in ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter vi back to pilate.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... let us not mind how few are in the ranks with us, nor be afraid, though the far-
extended front of the enemy threatens to curl around our flanks and enclose us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

The City of Gold
... All these blocks rooted in the soil, suspended, and towering up from the flanks
of the hills, these interminable regiments of columns and pilasters, this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the city of gold.htm

The Battle of Salamis.
... At Salamis they were defended in part by the projections of the land, which protected
their flanks, and prevented their being assailed, except in front, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xi the battle of.htm

Flanks (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Flanks (7 Occurrences). Leviticus 3:4 And the
two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the ...
/f/flanks.htm - 8k

Redundance (11 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:4 and the two kidneys, and the fat which 'is' on them, which 'is' on
the flanks, and the redundance above the liver, (beside the kidneys he doth ...
/r/redundance.htm - 10k

Caul (12 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the
flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. ...
/c/caul.htm - 12k

Net (91 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the
flanks, and the net above the liver which he shall take away as far as the ...
/n/net.htm - 36k

Beside (326 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:4 and the two kidneys, and the fat which 'is' on them, which 'is' on
the flanks, and the redundance above the liver, (beside the kidneys he doth ...
/b/beside.htm - 36k

Aside (416 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:4 and the two kidneys, and the fat which 'is' on them, which 'is' on
the flanks, and the redundance above the liver, (beside the kidneys he doth ...
/a/aside.htm - 37k

Flank (3 Occurrences)

/f/flank.htm - 8k

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)
... only 25 miles distant as the crow flies, show themselves at intervals through the
gorges cut by the rapid streams which have furrowed the western flanks of the ...
/l/lebanon.htm - 45k

Flap (1 Occurrence)

/f/flap.htm - 7k

Drought (20 Occurrences)
... Selah. (KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT). Psalms 38:7 For my flanks have been full of
drought, And soundness is not in my flesh. (YLT). Isaiah ...
/d/drought.htm - 13k

Flanks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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