In biblical literature, the concept of "leaning" often carries both literal and metaphorical significance. The term can denote physical support or reliance, as well as spiritual dependence or trust. Throughout Scripture, the act of leaning is frequently associated with trust in God, reliance on His strength, and the dangers of misplaced trust in human wisdom or strength.

Physical Leaning

In a literal sense, leaning is depicted in various contexts within the Bible. For instance, in the Song of Solomon, the imagery of leaning is used to convey intimacy and support: "Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?" (Song of Solomon 8:5). This portrays a picture of reliance and affection, symbolizing the close relationship between the beloved and her lover.

Spiritual Leaning

Metaphorically, leaning is often used to describe spiritual reliance. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Here, the admonition is clear: believers are encouraged to place their trust in God rather than relying on their own limited understanding. This passage underscores the importance of faith and submission to divine wisdom.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the theme of leaning in a spiritual context. In Isaiah 10:20 , it is written, "On that day the remnant of Israel and the house of Jacob will no longer lean on him who struck them, but will truly lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel." This verse highlights a shift from reliance on oppressive powers to a genuine dependence on God, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and trust in the divine.

Misplaced Trust

The Bible also warns against misplaced trust or leaning on unreliable sources. In 2 Kings 18:21 , the prophet Isaiah challenges the people of Judah regarding their reliance on Egypt: "Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it." This vivid imagery illustrates the futility and danger of depending on worldly powers instead of God.

Leaning on God’s Strength

The Psalms frequently express the theme of leaning on God's strength. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This verse encapsulates the psalmist's complete reliance on God as a source of strength and protection, illustrating the security found in divine support.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of leaning is less explicitly mentioned but is inherent in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The call to abide in Christ, as found in John 15:4 , "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you," reflects a spiritual leaning on Christ for sustenance and growth. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:13 , "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," emphasizing the believer's dependence on Christ's power.

Overall, the biblical theme of leaning serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of placing one's trust and reliance on God, rather than on human wisdom or strength. Through both Old and New Testament teachings, believers are encouraged to lean on the Lord as their ultimate source of support and guidance.5564. samak -- to lean, lay, rest, support
... root Definition to lean, lay, rest, support NASB Word Usage braced (1), holds (1),
laid (6), laid siege (1), lay (17), lean (1), leans (3), relied (1), rested ...
/hebrew/5564.htm - 6k

8172. shaan -- to lean, support oneself
... root Definition to lean, support oneself NASB Word Usage lean (3), leaned (2), leaning
(2), leans (2), relied (4), rely (4), rest yourselves (1), supported (1 ...
/hebrew/8172.htm - 6k

John xiii. 20 .
... But it is a question worth asking, why when all were distressed, and trembling,
when their leader was afraid, John like one at ease [2031] leans on Jesus' bosom ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxii john xiii 20.htm

Whether Confession is an Act of the virtue of Penance?
... Objection 3: Further, the act of penance leans on Divine mercy. But confession leans
rather on Divine wisdom, by reason of the truth which is required in it. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether confession is an act 3.htm

Whether Hope is a virtue?
... Wherefore, in so far as we hope for anything as being possible to us by means of
the Divine assistance, our hope attains God Himself, on Whose help it leans. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether hope is a virtue.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... For just as a building stands and leans on its foundation, and yet is rendered more
stable when supported by pillars, so faith leans on the word of God as its ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

Fear and Faith
... A man leans upon it, and it runs into the palm of his hand, and makes an ugly festering
wound. Such rotten stays are all our earthly confidences. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm

Preface.
... It will be seen that the style generally leans to the side of freedom; but I believe
that it will be found to be the freedom of the scholar who is really true ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/preface.htm

Father, I Know that all My Life
... There is a cross in every lot,. And an earnest need for prayer; But a lowly heart
that leans on Thee. Is happy anywhere. In a service which Thy will appoints,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/waring/hymns and meditations/father i know that all.htm

The Third Word from the Cross
... Jesus was only thirty-three, and Mary must have reached the age when a mother
most of all leans for support on a strong and loving son. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xvi the third word.htm

Home Influence.
... Like the lily that braves the tempest, and "the Alpine flower that leans its cheek
on the bosom of eternal snows," it is exerted amid the wildest storms of life ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter v home influence.htm

Directions for those who Live Together.
... For from the mouth of the foolish," says the Scripture, "is a staff of insult,"
[1436] "meaning by staff the prop of insult, on which insult leans and rests. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vii directions for those who.htm

Leans (7 Occurrences)
...Leans (7 Occurrences). Numbers 21:15 the slope of the valleys that incline toward
the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab." (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/l/leans.htm - 8k

Lean (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in
Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. ...
/l/lean.htm - 14k

Pierce (30 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS). 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed,
even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. ...
/p/pierce.htm - 15k

Bruised (36 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV). 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed,
even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. ...
/b/bruised.htm - 18k

Leant (7 Occurrences)

/l/leant.htm - 8k

Staff (91 Occurrences)
... Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper,
or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread ...
/s/staff.htm - 38k

Reed (41 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in
Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. ...
/r/reed.htm - 29k

Valleys (38 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:15 the slope of the valleys that incline toward the dwelling
of Ar, leans on the border of Moab." (WEB JPS ASV BBE RSV). ...
/v/valleys.htm - 18k

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)
... Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper,
or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread ...
/j/jo'ab.htm - 34k

Lacks (27 Occurrences)
... Let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper,
or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread ...
/l/lacks.htm - 13k

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