The term "hindermost" is used in the Bible to describe something that is last or at the rear. It is often employed in a military or strategic context, referring to the position of troops or individuals in a formation. The concept of "hindermost" can also carry symbolic meaning, representing those who are least or last in a given order or hierarchy.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 33:2 : In the account of Jacob's reunion with Esau, Jacob strategically arranges his family and possessions. "He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear." Here, the term "hindermost" is implied in the positioning of Rachel and Joseph, indicating a place of protection and priority, as they were most dear to Jacob.

2. Deuteronomy 25:17-18 : "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, how they met you on your journey and attacked all your stragglers at the rear, when you were tired and weary." The Amalekites' attack on the "hindermost" of the Israelites highlights a tactic of preying on the vulnerable and weary, those who lagged behind the main group.

3. Jeremiah 50:12 : "Your mother will be greatly ashamed; she who bore you will be disgraced. She will be the least of the nations—a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert." The term "least" here is akin to "hindermost," suggesting a position of disgrace and desolation for Babylon, once a powerful nation.

Theological Implications:

The use of "hindermost" in Scripture often underscores themes of protection, vulnerability, and divine justice. In Genesis, Jacob's arrangement of his family reflects his protective instincts and the value he places on Rachel and Joseph. In Deuteronomy, the attack on the hindermost by the Amalekites is condemned, illustrating God's concern for justice and the protection of the weak. Jeremiah's prophecy against Babylon uses the concept of being "least" or "hindermost" to signify a reversal of fortunes, where the proud and powerful are brought low.

Symbolic Meaning:

In a broader spiritual sense, the "hindermost" can represent those who are marginalized or overlooked. The Bible frequently emphasizes God's care for the least and the last, as seen in Jesus' teachings about the first being last and the last being first (Matthew 19:30). This inversion of worldly hierarchies is a recurring theme, encouraging believers to value humility and service over power and prestige.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of "hindermost" serves as a reminder to care for those who are vulnerable or marginalized in society. It challenges Christians to adopt a posture of humility and to prioritize the needs of others, reflecting the character of Christ who came to serve and uplift the least among us.(a.) Alt. of Hindmost.

The Death of Joseph [Herod's Brother] which had Been Signified to ...
... all; so that a great slaughter was made, while some were forced back into that village
whence they came out; he also pressed hard upon the hindermost, and slew ...
/.../chapter 17 the death of.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Garnock.
... The rest fled off. Robert Garnock was hindermost, being the last on the place of
action, and says, he intended not to have been taken, but rather killed. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 7.htm

O Thou that Bringest Good Tidings
... cruel hosts, it is 'Thy land, O Emanuel!' And in His time He will sweep them before
His presence, as the north wind drives the locusts into the hindermost sea. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/o thou that bringest good.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... to God. But the text says, He is able to save to the uttermost, to the
very hindermost, them that come to God by him. Two sorts ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Hindermost (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Hindmost. Multi-Version Concordance
Hindermost (2 Occurrences). Genesis 33:2 And he put the ...
/h/hindermost.htm - 7k

Foremost (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and
her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/f/foremost.htm - 10k

Hinder-part (1 Occurrence)
Hinder-part. Hindermost, Hinder-part. Hinders . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(YLT). Hindermost, Hinder-part. Hinders . Reference Bible.
/h/hinder-part.htm - 6k

Hindering (2 Occurrences)

/h/hindering.htm - 7k

Hinderest (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Hindermost; -- superl. of Hind, a.
Multi-Version Concordance Hinderest (1 Occurrence). Job 15:4 Yea ...
/h/hinderest.htm - 6k

Shamed (91 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 50:12 Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be
ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations shall be a wilderness, a dry land ...
/s/shamed.htm - 33k

Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... He put them hindermost at the dangerous meeting with Esau, and now he puts on Joseph
a coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3). The appearance of such a coat a ...
/j/joseph.htm - 91k

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