The term "overtaketh" is an archaic form of the verb "overtake," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of overtaking is often associated with pursuit, judgment, and divine retribution, as well as with blessings and promises. The term is used to describe both physical and metaphorical pursuits, reflecting the broader spiritual and moral themes present in Scripture.

1. Divine Judgment and Retribution

In the context of divine judgment, "overtaketh" is used to describe the inevitable consequences of sin and disobedience. Deuteronomy 28:15 warns the Israelites of the curses that will overtake them if they fail to obey God's commandments: "But if you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you." This passage underscores the certainty of divine retribution for those who turn away from God's laws.

Similarly, in the prophetic literature, the theme of overtaking is used to convey the inescapability of God's judgment. Jeremiah 42:16 states, "then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there." Here, the imagery of overtaking emphasizes the futility of attempting to escape God's decreed outcomes.

2. Pursuit and Capture

The term is also used in narratives involving physical pursuit and capture. In Genesis 31:23 , Laban pursues Jacob: "So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead." This account illustrates the determination and urgency in Laban's pursuit, ultimately leading to a confrontation.

In the account of the Exodus, the Egyptians' pursuit of the Israelites is another example. Exodus 14:9 recounts, "The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen, and troops—pursued and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon." This narrative highlights the tension and drama of the Israelites' escape and God's subsequent deliverance.

3. Blessings and Promises

Conversely, the concept of overtaking is also used positively in the context of blessings. Deuteronomy 28:2 promises, "And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God." Here, overtaking signifies the abundance and certainty of God's blessings for those who live in obedience to His will.

The use of "overtaketh" in this context serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. It reflects the principle that divine favor and prosperity will pursue and reach those who align themselves with God's purposes.

4. Spiritual and Moral Implications

The broader spiritual and moral implications of "overtaketh" in Scripture emphasize the themes of accountability, divine justice, and the rewards of faithfulness. The term serves as a vivid reminder of the consequences of human actions, both positive and negative, and the overarching sovereignty of God in the affairs of humanity.

In summary, "overtaketh" in the Bible conveys a sense of pursuit and inevitability, whether in the context of judgment, physical pursuit, or the fulfillment of divine promises. It reflects the biblical themes of justice, obedience, and the faithfulness of God in His dealings with humanity.

The Best of All, God is with Us
... the LORD, Choose thee either three years famine; or three months to be destroyed
before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

Overtaketh (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Overtaketh (6 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Genesis 44:6 And
he overtaketh them, and speaketh unto them these words, (YLT). ...
/o/overtaketh.htm - 8k

Overtaking (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 21:12 either three years of famine; or three months to be swept away
before thy foes, while the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else ...
/o/overtaking.htm - 7k

Pursueth (28 Occurrences)
... Genesis 31:23 and he taketh his brethren with him, and pursueth after him a journey
of seven days, and overtaketh him in the mount of Gilead. (YLT). ...
/p/pursueth.htm - 14k

Overtakest (1 Occurrence)

/o/overtakest.htm - 6k

Treadeth (25 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 7:5 An enemy pursueth my soul, and overtaketh, And
treadeth down to the earth my life, And my honour placeth in the dust. Selah. ...
/t/treadeth.htm - 14k

Advise (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before
thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else ...
/a/advise.htm - 12k

Swept (43 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 21:12 either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed
before thy foes, while the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else ...
/s/swept.htm - 18k

Placeth (28 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 7:5 An enemy pursueth my soul, and overtaketh, And treadeth down to
the earth my life, And my honour placeth in the dust. Selah. (YLT). ...
/p/placeth.htm - 14k

Theirs (96 Occurrences)
... Genesis 31:25 And Laban overtaketh Jacob; and Jacob hath fixed his tent in the mount;
and Laban with his brethren have fixed 'theirs' in the mount of Gilead. ...
/t/theirs.htm - 37k

Swords (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 21:12 either three years of famine; or three months to be swept away
before thy foes, while the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else ...
/s/swords.htm - 22k

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