The term "overspread" is used in the Bible to describe the act of covering or spreading over something. This concept is often associated with God's presence, protection, and judgment. The imagery of overspreading can be found in various contexts throughout Scripture, illustrating both divine benevolence and the consequences of sin.

1. Divine Protection and Presence: The idea of God overspreading His people is a powerful image of divine protection and care. In the Old Testament, the wings of God are often depicted as a place of refuge. 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." This verse uses the metaphor of a bird protecting its young to convey God's protective nature, suggesting that His presence overspreads His people, offering them safety and security.

2. Judgment and Consequences: The concept of overspreading is also used in the context of judgment. In Daniel 9:27 , the prophecy concerning the abomination of desolation includes the phrase, "And on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him." Here, the overspreading of abominations signifies the extent and impact of sin and rebellion, leading to desolation and divine judgment.

3. Symbolism in Prophecy: The overspreading of wings or other elements can symbolize the reach and influence of certain powers or events. In Ezekiel 17:23 , the imagery of a tree overspreading its branches is used to describe the growth and influence of a kingdom: "On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it, and it will bear branches and produce fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches." This prophetic vision illustrates the expansive nature of God's kingdom and His sovereign plan.

4. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of overspreading could also relate to the practice of spreading a garment over someone as a sign of protection or marriage, as seen in the account of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth 3:9 records Ruth's request to Boaz: "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer." This act symbolized Boaz's role as a protector and redeemer, reflecting God's covenant relationship with His people.

5. Theological Implications: Theologically, the concept of overspreading underscores God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the world. Whether through protection, judgment, or the fulfillment of His promises, God's presence is depicted as encompassing and pervasive. This imagery reassures believers of God's constant oversight and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine purposes.

In summary, the term "overspread" in the Bible conveys a rich tapestry of meanings, from divine protection and care to judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy. It serves as a reminder of God's encompassing presence and His active role in the lives of His people and the unfolding of history.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Overspread.

2. (v. t.) To spread over; to cover; as, the deluge overspread the earth.

3. (v. i.) To be spread or scattered over.

2902. tuach -- to overspread, overlay, coat, besmear
... tuach. 2903 . to overspread, overlay, coat, besmear. Transliteration: tuach Phonetic
Spelling: (too'-akh) Short Definition: over. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/2902.htm - 6k

5310. naphats -- to shatter
... be beaten in sunder, break in pieces, broken, dash in pieces, dispersed,
be overspread, scatter A primitive root; to dash to pieces ...
/hebrew/5310.htm - 5k

5259. nasak -- to weave
... interweave. A primitive root (probably identical with nacak through the idea of
fusion); to interweave, ie (figuratively) to overspread -- that is spread. ...
/hebrew/5259.htm - 6k

This is the Great Delusion which Has Long Overspread the Christian ...
... [Way-2-61] This is the great delusion which has long overspread the Christian
world? This is the great delusion which has long ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-61 this is the great.htm

The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.
... of the thousands upon whom he had lavished benefits was near to offer him the slightest
alleviation in his bitter agony,"his soul was overspread with an ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xliv the fear felt.htm

Diversity of Dreams and visions Epicurus Thought Lightly of Them ...
... inundated Asia; and again, in the year which followed her marriage, he saw a vine
growing out from the same part of her person, which overspread the whole of ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xlvi diversity of dreams and.htm

That the Eyes of the Soul must be Purged Ere God Can be Seen.
... For God is seen by those who are enabled to see Him when they have the eyes of their
soul opened: for all have eyes; but in some they are overspread, [528] and ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter ii that the eyes of.htm

That Astrology, Soothsaying, and Similar Arts are the Invention of ...
... Moreover, these impure and wandering spirits, that they may throw all things into
confusion, and overspread the minds of men with errors, interweave and mingle ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvii that astrology soothsaying and.htm

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.
... be silent. The hour of our Lord was at last come; his death-struggle had
commenced; a cold sweat overspread every limb. John stood ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlv fifth sixth and.htm

The Wisdom of God's Counsels
... Augustine said it.". 10. But to return: When iniquity had overspread the Church
as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifted up a standard against it. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 68 the wisdom of.htm

John Chapter xii. 27-36
... The world is so spoken of in respect of wicked men, who have overspread the whole
earth; just as a house is spoken of in respect to its inhabitants, and we ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lii john chapter xii.htm

The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth.
... Thus from the general tenor of prophecy it appears that infidelity will have overspread
the world when the Son of man shall come to reign upon it: And as this ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon iv the declensions of.htm

Of Divine and Human Wisdom.
... On which account we have need of some light to dispel the darkness by which the
reflection of man is overspread, since, while we live in mortal flesh, we are ...
/.../chap i of divine and human.htm

Overspread (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Overspread. 2. (vt) To spread over; to cover; as, the deluge
overspread the earth. ... Multi-Version Concordance Overspread (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/overspread.htm - 7k

Oversight (23 Occurrences)

/o/oversight.htm - 14k

Overspreading (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overspread. Multi-Version
Concordance Overspreading (1 Occurrence). Daniel 9:27 And ...
/o/overspreading.htm - 7k

Giants (18 Occurrences)
... subsequently described as the offspring of the unlawful marriages, of "the sons
of God" and "the daughters of men." It is told that they overspread the earth ...
/g/giants.htm - 19k

Induce (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To lead in; to introduce. 2. (vt) To draw
on; to overspread. 3. (vt) To lead on; to influence; to ...
/i/induce.htm - 7k

Turtle (5 Occurrences)
... They overspread the whole face of the land." "Immediately on its arrival it pours
forth from every garden, grove, and wooded hill its melancholy yet soothing ...
/t/turtle.htm - 9k

Turtledove (5 Occurrences)
... They overspread the whole face of the land." "Immediately on its arrival it pours
forth from every garden, grove, and wooded hill its melancholy yet soothing ...
/t/turtledove.htm - 10k

Turtle-dove (5 Occurrences)
... They overspread the whole face of the land." "Immediately on its arrival it pours
forth from every garden, grove, and wooded hill its melancholy yet soothing ...
/t/turtle-dove.htm - 9k

Dash (30 Occurrences)
... vt) To throw in or on in a rapid, careless manner; to mix, reduce, or adulterate,
by throwing in something of an inferior quality; to overspread partially; to ...
/d/dash.htm - 19k

Deluge (17 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To overwhelm, as with a deluge; to cover; to overspread; to overpower; to
submerge; to destroy; as, the northern nations deluged the Roman empire with ...
/d/deluge.htm - 47k

Overspread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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