The term "outlying" refers to areas or regions that are distant from the central or main parts, often considered remote or peripheral. In biblical contexts, outlying regions can be both literal and metaphorical, representing physical distance from central locations such as Jerusalem or spiritual distance from God.

Geographical Context

In the Bible, outlying regions often refer to areas beyond the central hubs of Israelite life, such as Jerusalem or Samaria. These areas were sometimes inhabited by non-Israelite peoples or tribes that had not been fully integrated into the nation of Israel. For example, the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest was composed of various outlying regions inhabited by different tribes and peoples (Joshua 12:7-24).

The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into the geographical significance of outlying areas. In Joshua 13:2-6, the text lists territories that remained to be conquered, including "all the regions of the Philistines and the Geshurites," which were considered outlying territories at the time.

Spiritual Implications

Outlying regions can also symbolize spiritual distance or separation from God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often warned against adopting the practices of the peoples in outlying regions, which were seen as leading them away from the worship of Yahweh. Deuteronomy 12:29-31 cautions the Israelites not to be ensnared by the customs of the nations they dispossess, highlighting the spiritual dangers associated with outlying influences.

The New Testament also addresses the concept of spiritual outlying. Jesus' ministry often reached out to those considered outcasts or distant from the religious center, such as the Samaritans. In John 4:4-42 , Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well, demonstrating that the message of salvation extends beyond the central Jewish community to those in outlying areas.

Cultural and Historical Context

Historically, outlying regions were often less developed and more vulnerable to external influences and invasions. This is evident in the repeated conflicts with neighboring peoples such as the Philistines, Moabites, and Edomites, who occupied outlying territories. Judges 3:1-6 describes how God left certain nations in the land to test Israel, many of which were in outlying areas.

The cultural diversity of outlying regions also presented challenges and opportunities for the Israelites. While these areas were sources of potential idolatry and syncretism, they also provided opportunities for the expansion of God's covenantal promises. The inclusion of Gentiles into the faith, as seen in the New Testament, reflects the breaking down of barriers between central and outlying regions, both geographically and spiritually.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

Prophets often spoke of outlying regions in terms of judgment and redemption. Isaiah 11:11-12 prophesies the gathering of the dispersed of Israel from the four corners of the earth, including outlying regions, indicating a future restoration and unification under God's reign.

Eschatologically, the inclusion of outlying regions in the kingdom of God is a recurring theme. Revelation 7:9 envisions a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne, symbolizing the ultimate gathering of all peoples, including those from outlying areas, into the worship of God.

Conclusion

The concept of outlying regions in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the challenges and opportunities associated with distance from the central places of worship and community. Through the narrative of Scripture, outlying areas are transformed from places of potential danger and separation to regions of inclusion and redemption under God's sovereign plan.(a.) Lying or being at a distance from the central part, or the main body; being on, or beyond, the frontier; exterior; remote; detached.

Outlying or Rural Parishes Shall in Every Province Remain Subject ...
... Canon XVII. Outlying or rural parishes shall in every province remain subject
to the bishops who now? Outlying or rural parishes ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xvii outlying or rural.htm

Sixth Tractate. Perception and Memory.
... It includes with the object the interval, for it tells at what distance the vision
takes place: how could it see as outlying an impression within itself ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate perception and memory.htm

The King's Potters
... sacred city. Perhaps now and then he came to visit them on his outlying
domains, but they were always parts of his household. And ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the kings potters.htm

Nepos and his Schism.
... theology of the third century had made itself felt, it still continued to maintain
its sway in other parts of the Church, especially in outlying districts in ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxiv nepos and his schism.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... was Gentile. A brief notice of the religious state of the outlying districts
of the country may place this in a clearer light. In ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

Take Ye Away the Stone.
... routine. We have got our churches, it is true, but we want to make an effort
to reach the outlying masses who will not go to them. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter i take ye away.htm

Faith and Courage.
... We are all of us seeking a blessing on our friends. We want God to revive
us, and also that the outlying masses may be reached. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... the boa of rebellion was stretching itself across the heart of the empire a whole
brood of little serpents were poisoning and devouring other outlying provinces ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm

A Break to Canada
... The Salvation Army officers at the various centres throughout the Dominion, at which
individual settlers were to arrive for distribution in outlying districts. ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/viii a break to canada.htm

The Corn of Wheat.
... Possibly they may even have wished to ascertain His purposes regarding the
outlying nations, how the Messianic reign was to affect them. ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/iii the corn of wheat.htm

Outlying (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Outlying (4 Occurrences). Romans 15:19 with power manifested
in signs and marvels, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. ...
/o/outlying.htm - 7k

Outmost (7 Occurrences)

/o/outmost.htm - 8k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... 6. Khorsabad: Taking the outlying ruins from North to South, we begin with Khorsabad
(Dur-Sarru-kin or Dur-Sargina), 12 miles Northeast of Kouyunjik, the great ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

Outlay (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A laying out or expending. 3. (n.) That which is expended; expenditure.
4. (n.) An outlying haunt. Multi-Version Concordance Outlay (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/outlay.htm - 7k

Outlived (2 Occurrences)

/o/outlived.htm - 7k

Labours (19 Occurrences)
... But--to speak simply of my own labours--beginning in Jerusalem and the outlying
districts, I have proclaimed without reserve, even as far as Illyricum, the ...
/l/labours.htm - 12k

Reserve (15 Occurrences)
... But--to speak simply of my own labours--beginning in Jerusalem and the outlying
districts, I have proclaimed without reserve, even as far as Illyricum, the ...
/r/reserve.htm - 11k

Districts (22 Occurrences)
... But--to speak simply of my own labours--beginning in Jerusalem and the outlying
districts, I have proclaimed without reserve, even as far as Illyricum, the ...
/d/districts.htm - 13k

Manifested (48 Occurrences)
... But--to speak simply of my own labours--beginning in Jerusalem and the outlying
districts, I have proclaimed without reserve, even as far as Illyricum, the ...
/m/manifested.htm - 20k

Midianite (11 Occurrences)
... After the Exodus, the Midianites were friendly to the Israelites so long as they
traversed only their outlying pasture-ground on the west of the Arabah; but ...
/m/midianite.htm - 13k

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