In biblical terms, "overtaking" often refers to the act of catching up with or surpassing someone or something, whether in a physical, spiritual, or metaphorical sense. The concept can be found throughout Scripture, illustrating both divine intervention and human action.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, overtaking is frequently associated with God's judgment or blessing. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and curses pronounced upon Israel are described in terms of overtaking. Deuteronomy 28:2 states, "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 inevitable and overwhelming nature of God's blessings for obedience.

Conversely, the curses for disobedience are also described as overtaking the people. Deuteronomy 28:15 warns, "But if you do not obey the voice of 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 usage underscores the certainty and inescapability of divine retribution for disobedience.

Narratives of Pursuit

The theme of overtaking is also present in narratives of pursuit and deliverance. In Exodus 14, as the Israelites flee Egypt, Pharaoh's army overtakes them by the Red Sea. Exodus 14:9 records, "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 sets the stage for God's miraculous deliverance, highlighting His power to save His people even when overtaken by their enemies.

Prophetic and Poetic Literature

In the prophetic and poetic books, overtaking often conveys the swiftness and certainty of God's actions. In Isaiah 59:9 , the prophet laments, "Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom." Here, the absence of overtaking righteousness reflects the people's spiritual condition and need for divine intervention.

New Testament Application

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "overtake," the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Galatians 6:1 , Paul advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." The idea of being "caught" in sin parallels the notion of being overtaken, emphasizing the need for vigilance and restoration within the Christian community.

Spiritual Implications

Spiritually, overtaking can symbolize the believer's pursuit of holiness and the relentless nature of God's grace. The Christian life is often depicted as a race, where believers are encouraged to "press on" and "lay hold" of the prize (Philippians 3:12-14). This pursuit involves overtaking the obstacles of sin and worldly distractions, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the biblical concept of overtaking encompasses themes of divine blessing, judgment, pursuit, and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the believer's call to faithful obedience and perseverance.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overtake.

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... The blessed Paul dreads the night, [340] lest overtaking in solitude him that was
wronged, still burning with anger, it should again kindle up the fire. ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

Just Going to do It.
... JUST GOING TO DO IT. EVERY man has some little defect of character, some
easily-besetting sin that is always overtaking him, unless he be ever on the alert. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/just going to do it.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... me, I rent it like a dog. I encountered the wild boar, and overtaking it
in the chase, I tore it. A leopard in Hebron leaped upon ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Accordingly, as this Man's Fame was Becoming Always the More ...
... This adherent accordingly received the letter, and carried it to the person to whom
he had been commissioned by Manes to deliver it, overtaking the whole ...
/.../4 accordingly as this mans.htm

The Means of Obtaining Peace Internal, is not the Delight of Sense ...
... while they keep the sweet relish of their primitive Fervour; but this sweetness
and sensible delight is scarce done, but presently, upon the overtaking of a ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iii the means of.htm

Hezekiah
... Hezekiah came to the throne determined to do all in his power to save Judah
from the fate that was overtaking the northern kingdom. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

The Life of Mr. William Row.
... man, I have stroked cream on his mouth, and he will procure me a good number of
voters, I warrant you." This said, Mr. Row got off, and overtaking Mr. Melvil ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william.htm

Saved by Saving.
... the little cripple unable to get along fast enough, the woman's heart touched, her
arm thrown about the boy to aid his escape; then the overtaking fire-flood ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/saved by saving.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... the book, the book.' Upon overtaking me he delivered me the three reals in copper,
and seizing the Testament, ran back to her, who I suppose was his sister ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 56.htm

The Emperor Gratian is Slain by the Treachery of the Usurper ...
... Andragathius is simply said to have pursued Gratian, and overtaking him near the
bridge to have slain him. Cf. Zosimus, IV. 35 end. [724] 383 ad. ...
/.../chapter xi the emperor gratian is.htm

Overtaking (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overtake. Multi-Version
Concordance Overtaking (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 21:12 ...
/o/overtaking.htm - 7k

Overthrew (17 Occurrences)

/o/overthrew.htm - 12k

Overtaketh (6 Occurrences)

/o/overtaketh.htm - 8k

Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... Laban was angry when he heard that Jacob had set out on his journey, and pursued
after him, overtaking him in seven days. The meeting was of a painful kind. ...
/j/jacob.htm - 77k

Refuge (111 Occurrences)
... done to facilitate the flight of the manslayer, lest the avenger of blood, ie the
nearest of kin, should pursue him with hot heart, and, overtaking him, should ...
/r/refuge.htm - 41k

Meet (281 Occurrences)
... come in contact with by approach from an opposite direction; to come upon or against,
front to front, as distinguished from contact by following and overtaking...
/m/meet.htm - 41k

Succoth (18 Occurrences)
... Gilboa. After overtaking and routing this band at Karkor, Gideon on his return
visited the rulers of the city with severe punishment. ...
/s/succoth.htm - 16k

Punishment (417 Occurrences)
... with their own interpretations of "death," "destruction," "perishing," seeing that
in Scripture this doom is uniformly represented as overtaking the ungodly at ...
/p/punishment.htm - 62k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... Nature-pictures in Psalm 104, the Psalmist finds a place for the sea and ships
(104:25;), and in Psalm 107 there is a picture of the storm overtaking them that ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Everlasting (192 Occurrences)
... with their own interpretations of "death," "destruction," "perishing," seeing that
in Scripture this doom is uniformly represented as overtaking the ungodly at ...
/e/everlasting.htm - 68k

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