In biblical literature, the term "spreadings" is often associated with the act of spreading out or extending something, whether it be physical objects, actions, or metaphorical concepts. This term appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both literal and figurative meanings.

Old Testament Usage

1. Tabernacle and Temple Imagery: The concept of "spreadings" is vividly illustrated in the construction and description of sacred spaces such as the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 26:7, the instructions for the Tabernacle include the spreading of curtains made of goat hair: "You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all." This spreading of curtains symbolizes the covering and protection provided by God’s dwelling place among His people.

2. Divine Protection and Shelter: The imagery of spreading is also used to describe God's protective nature. In Psalm 91:4, the psalmist writes, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Here, the spreading of wings conveys a sense of divine shelter and security, akin to a bird protecting its young.

3. Judgment and Consequence: In some instances, "spreadings" are associated with judgment. For example, in Isaiah 25:7, the prophet speaks of God’s action against the nations: "On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations." The spreading of a shroud or sheet signifies the pervasive nature of sin and death, which God promises to remove.

New Testament Usage

While the specific term "spreadings" is less frequently used in the New Testament, the concept is present in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

1. The Spread of the Gospel: The New Testament emphasizes the spreading of the Gospel message. In Acts 6:7, it is recorded, "So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith." The spread of the Gospel signifies the expansion of God’s kingdom and the transformative power of His Word.

2. Metaphorical Spreadings: The teachings of Jesus often use metaphors that imply spreading, such as the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." This parable illustrates the expansive and inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.

Theological Implications

The concept of "spreadings" in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It reflects God’s desire to extend His presence, protection, and message to all creation. The act of spreading, whether it be through the physical construction of sacred spaces, the protective imagery of wings, or the dissemination of the Gospel, underscores the dynamic and far-reaching nature of God’s interaction with the world. Through these spreadings, believers are reminded of God’s omnipresence, His protective care, and the call to participate in the mission of spreading His Word to the ends of the earth.

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Spreadings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Spreadings (1 Occurrence). Job 36:29 Also can any understand
the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? ...
/s/spreadings.htm - 6k

Noises (4 Occurrences)
... the thorns. (BBE). Job 36:29 Yea, doth 'any' understand The spreadings out
of a cloud? The noises of His tabernacle? (YLT). Isaiah ...
/n/noises.htm - 7k

Balancings (1 Occurrence)
... The balancings of the clouds" (Job 37:16), the manner in which they are poised and
supported in the air, alike with their mysterious spreadings and motions ...
/b/balancings.htm - 7k

Crashings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Crashings (1 Occurrence). Job 36:29 Yea, can any understand
the spreadings of the clouds, The thunderings of his pavilion? (See JPS). ...
/c/crashings.htm - 6k

Crashing (4 Occurrences)
... Crashing (4 Occurrences). Job 36:29 Yea, can any understand the spreadings of
the clouds, the crashings of His pavilion? (Root in JPS DBY). ...
/c/crashing.htm - 8k

Spreads (31 Occurrences)
... it. free (WEB NAS RSV). Job 36:29 Yea, can any understand the spreadings
of the clouds, the crashings of His pavilion? (See NIV). ...
/s/spreads.htm - 14k

Spread-out (1 Occurrence)
Spread-out. Spreadings, Spread-out. Spreads . Multi-Version Concordance
Spread-out (1 Occurrence). ... Spreadings, Spread-out. Spreads . Reference Bible.
/s/spread-out.htm - 6k

Spreading-place (1 Occurrence)
Spreading-place. Spreading, Spreading-place. Spreadings . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (YLT). Spreading, Spreading-place. Spreadings . Reference Bible.
/s/spreading-place.htm - 6k

Cloud (119 Occurrences)
... commands the clouds that they rain no rain" (Isaiah 5:6), but as for man, "who can
number the clouds?" (Job 38:37); "Can any understand the spreadings of the ...
/c/cloud.htm - 51k

Noise (126 Occurrences)
... weeping. (BBE). Job 36:29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the
clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? (KJV WBS YLT). Job ...
/n/noise.htm - 41k

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