The term "outspread" is often used to describe something that is extended or stretched out over a wide area. In the context of the Bible, it is frequently associated with God's creation, His protection, and His sovereign rule over the earth. The imagery of outspreading is rich with theological significance, illustrating God's omnipresence, care, and authority.

Creation and Sovereignty

The concept of outspreading is vividly depicted in the creation narrative, where God's handiwork is described as being vast and expansive. In Isaiah 40:22 , it is written, "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." This passage highlights God's supreme power and the grandeur of His creation, emphasizing His role as the Creator who has outspread the heavens.

Similarly, in Psalm 104:2 , the psalmist declares, "He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent." Here, the outspreading of the heavens is a testament to God's majestic and creative power, portraying the universe as a vast expanse under His sovereign control.

Protection and Shelter

The imagery of outspreading is also used to convey God's protective nature. In the Psalms, God's wings are often described as outspread, offering refuge and safety to His people. Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." The outspread wings symbolize God's encompassing protection and His faithfulness in safeguarding those who trust in Him.

This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing His desire to gather its children as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23:37). The outspread wings here reflect Christ's longing to protect and nurture His people, underscoring His compassionate and caring nature.

Divine Presence and Guidance

The outspreading of God's presence is also a recurring theme in Scripture. In Ezekiel 1:22 , the prophet describes a vision of the divine presence: "Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal." This vision of an outspread expanse signifies the glory and majesty of God's presence, which is both awe-inspiring and all-encompassing.

Furthermore, the outspread nature of God's guidance is evident in the way He leads His people. In Exodus 13:21 , it is recorded, "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night." The outspread cloud and fire represent God's constant and guiding presence, leading His people through the wilderness.

Conclusion

The biblical imagery of outspreading serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence, His protective care, and His sovereign rule over creation. Whether through the vastness of the heavens, the shelter of His wings, or the guidance of His presence, the concept of outspread underscores the boundless nature of God's love and authority.(v. t.) To spread out; to expand; -- usually as a past part. / adj.4473. mimshach -- perhaps expanded or far-reaching wings
... anointed. From mashach, in the sense of expansion; outspread (ie With outstretched
wings) -- anointed. see HEBREW mashach. 4472, 4473. mimshach. 4474 . ...
/hebrew/4473.htm - 6k

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... common and, perhaps, the most appropriate lectern is that made in the form of an
eagle, standing often upon a globe, bearing the Bible upon its outspread wings ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/arrangement and furniture of the.htm

The Mission of Little Children
... The flower, and the star, the grass of the field, the outspread ocean, are full
of lessons; they perform a mission to our spiritual nature, if we will receive ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the mission of little children.htm

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
... We find them in the Assyrian sculptures"wheels with a living spirit sitting in each,
a human figure with outspread wings; and these seem to have been the ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

The Group in Matt. xiii.
... growth. II. PROGRESS..... 2. The Leaven; the progress of the { kingdom
under the idea of a { contagious outspread. { 1. The ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/the group in matt xiii.htm

For, Like Some Others, You are under the Delusion that Our God is ...
... For entrance to the holy place was permitted to the priests alone, while
all vision was forbidden to others by an outspread curtain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xvi for like some.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress of 1352
... the heart with God. To a man of God was shown the great wide world, covered
everywhere with an outspread net. And nine rocks were ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlvii the pilgrims progress.htm

A Staircase of Three Steps
... So, as a man in peril runs into a hiding-place or fortress, as the chickens beneath
the outspread wing of the mother bird nestle close in the warm feathers and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a staircase of three steps.htm

Philip and the Desposyni
... They found a delightful meal outspread for them in the cool court, beside a plashing
fountain, and Philip was delighted at the tameness of the white doves ...
/.../chapter lxiv philip and the.htm

Saint Maura. AD 304
... when to-morrow comes Speak to the people, call them home to God, A deacon on the
Cross, as in the Church; And plead from off the tree with outspread arms, To ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/saint maura a d 304.htm

Hid in Light
... love is softened into the likeness of the maternal instinct which leads a hen to
gather her chickens beneath the shelter of her own warm and outspread feathers ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/hid in light.htm

Outspread (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To spread out; to expand; -- usually as a past part. /
adj. Multi-Version Concordance Outspread (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/outspread.htm - 7k

Outstanding (7 Occurrences)

/o/outstanding.htm - 8k

Outspoken (3 Occurrences)

/o/outspoken.htm - 7k

Adoration
... above postures were accompanied by various attitudes of the hands, which were either
lifted up toward heaven (Psalm 63:4 1 Timothy 2:8), or outspread (Exodus 9 ...
/a/adoration.htm - 20k

Ark (212 Occurrences)
... Their outspread wings over the top of the ark formed the throne of God, while the
ark itself was his footstool (Exodus 25:10-22; 37:1-9). The ark was deposited ...
/a/ark.htm - 84k

Comparative
... In Samoa he was said to be the son of two beings, the "Cloudless Heaven" and
the "Outspread Heaven." He originally existed in open space. ...
/c/comparative.htm - 29k

Religion (23 Occurrences)
... In Samoa he was said to be the son of two beings, the "Cloudless Heaven" and
the "Outspread Heaven." He originally existed in open space. ...
/r/religion.htm - 101k

Was Jesus crucified on a cross, pole, or stake? | GotQuestions.org

Outspread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus