Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "outdoor" in the Bible encompasses a variety of settings and activities that occur outside the confines of buildings or city walls. The natural world, as created by God, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as both a backdrop and a participant in the unfolding of God's plan.Creation and Nature: The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God forms the heavens and the earth, establishing the outdoors as His handiwork. Genesis 1:1-2 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." The outdoors is depicted as a testament to God's power and creativity, with the natural world reflecting His glory (Psalm 19:1). Wilderness and Desert: The wilderness is a significant outdoor setting in the Bible, often representing a place of testing, transformation, and divine encounter. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt is a pivotal event, where they experience God's provision and guidance (Exodus 16:1-36). Similarly, Jesus spends forty days in the wilderness, where He is tempted by Satan but remains steadfast (Matthew 4:1-11). Mountains and Hills: Mountains are frequently mentioned as places of revelation and divine encounter. Moses receives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:20), and Elijah experiences God's presence on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:11-13). The Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus, is another significant event that takes place outdoors, emphasizing the importance of nature as a setting for teaching and spiritual insight (Matthew 5-7). Fields and Pastures: The pastoral imagery of fields and pastures is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing peace, provision, and God's care. Psalm 23:1-2 illustrates this, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." The fields are also places of labor and harvest, as seen in the parables of Jesus, which often draw on agricultural themes to convey spiritual truths (Matthew 13:1-9). Gardens and Vineyards: Gardens and vineyards are depicted as places of beauty, cultivation, and sometimes temptation. The Garden of Eden is the first garden mentioned, a paradise where Adam and Eve dwell before the Fall (Genesis 2:8-17). Vineyards are used metaphorically to describe Israel and its relationship with God, as in Isaiah 5:1-7, where the vineyard represents God's people and their faithfulness. Outdoor Worship and Altars: Outdoor worship is a recurring theme, with altars often built in open spaces to honor God. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob frequently construct altars outdoors to commemorate encounters with God and to offer sacrifices (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:1-7). The open-air setting of these altars signifies the accessibility of God and the importance of worship in all aspects of life. Outdoor Gatherings and Events: Many significant biblical events occur outdoors, including the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus performs a miracle in an open field (Matthew 14:13-21). The outdoor setting allows for large gatherings and the demonstration of God's power and compassion. In summary, the outdoors in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses creation, revelation, testing, and worship. It serves as a reminder of God's presence in the natural world and His ongoing relationship with humanity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Being, or done, in the open air; being or done outside of certain buildings, as poorhouses, hospitals, etc.; as, outdoor exercise; outdoor relief; outdoor patients.Library Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes 1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ... The Social Challenge to the Church Labors in a New Field The Secondary Division or Teen Age Boys' Crusade The Call Intensified In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ... Letter xviii. --To Flavian . The Boy and the Sunday School 1861-1869. Prayer of Hon. And Rev. Baptist Noel --Residence in ... Thesaurus Outdoor (1 Occurrence)... (a.) Being, or done, in the open air; being or done outside of certain buildings, as poorhouses, hospitals, etc.; as, outdoor exercise; outdoor relief; outdoor... /o/outdoor.htm - 6k Outdone (1 Occurrence) Outdoors (1 Occurrence) Wimple Field (390 Occurrences) Stand (542 Occurrences) Woman (4043 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs Sunday sickness a real thing? | GotQuestions.org What is Easter Monday? | GotQuestions.org Outdoor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Outdoor (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 24:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |