Topical Encyclopedia Prostrating, in biblical terms, refers to the act of lying face down on the ground in a gesture of deep reverence, worship, submission, or supplication before God or a person of authority. This physical posture is a profound expression of humility and acknowledgment of one's own lowliness in the presence of divine or royal majesty. Throughout the Bible, prostration is depicted as a common practice among the faithful, signifying their devotion and earnestness in prayer and worship.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, prostration is frequently associated with worship and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. One of the earliest instances is found in Genesis 17:3, where Abram falls facedown as God speaks to him, illustrating his reverence and submission to God's covenant. Similarly, in Exodus 34:8, Moses quickly bows down to the ground and worships after God reveals His glory and proclaims His name. Prostration is also seen in the context of supplication and repentance. In 2 Samuel 12:16, David pleads with God for the life of his child, fasting and lying on the ground all night. This act of prostration underscores his earnestness and desperation in seeking God's mercy. New Testament Context In the New Testament, prostration continues to be a significant expression of worship and reverence. The Magi, upon finding the Christ child, "fell down and worshiped Him" (Matthew 2:11), demonstrating their recognition of Jesus' divine kingship. Similarly, in Revelation 7:11, the angels, elders, and living creatures fall on their faces before the throne of God, worshiping Him in a heavenly vision. Prostration is also depicted in moments of intense prayer. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Himself "fell facedown and prayed" (Matthew 26:39), expressing His submission to the Father's will even in the face of impending suffering. Symbolism and Significance Prostration in the Bible symbolizes a total surrender to God's authority and an acknowledgment of His holiness and power. It is an outward manifestation of an inward attitude of humility and devotion. By prostrating, individuals demonstrate their recognition of God's greatness and their own need for His grace and guidance. The act of prostration also serves as a reminder of the proper posture of the heart in worship and prayer. It calls believers to approach God with reverence, acknowledging His majesty and submitting to His will. In a broader sense, prostration reflects the biblical principle of humbling oneself before God, as echoed in James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" . Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, prostration was a common practice not only in religious contexts but also in social and political settings. It was a gesture of respect and submission to kings and rulers, reflecting the hierarchical nature of society. This cultural backdrop provides insight into the biblical use of prostration as a means of expressing honor and allegiance to God as the ultimate King and authority. Conclusion Prostration remains a powerful symbol of worship and humility in the biblical narrative. It invites believers to adopt a posture of reverence and submission, both physically and spiritually, as they seek to honor God and align their lives with His purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prostrate.Greek 4352. proskuneo -- to do reverence to ... 4352 (from 4314 , "towards" and , ""-- properly, to kiss the ground when prostrating before a superior; to , ready "to fall down/prostrate oneself to adore on ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4352.htm - 10k Strong's Hebrew 5307. naphal -- to fall, lie... lay (1), lay down (1), lay flat (1), lie down (1), look (1), lost (2), lying (5), making (1), perish (1), present (1), presenting (3), prostrating (1), remains ... /hebrew/5307.htm - 7k 7812. shachah -- to bow down Library The Second Commandment Confession and Penance. Christ Crucified Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church. A Great Question and Its Answer How Humility is the Foundation of all Other virtues Of one that was Cured of a Palsy at his Tomb. "In the Meantime, those Bishops with whom Martin Would not Hold ... After the Banishment of Athanasius, Arius Having Been Sent for by ... How we Ought Also to Offer Our Firstfruits to the Lord. Thesaurus Prostrating (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prostrate. Multi-Version Concordance Prostrating (2 Occurrences). Ezra 10:1 Now while ... /p/prostrating.htm - 7k Prostration Prostrated (29 Occurrences) Knee (12 Occurrences) Kneel (10 Occurrences) Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgProstrating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Prostrating (2 Occurrences)Ezra 10:1 Ezekiel 8:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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