Topical Encyclopedia Sweeping, in the context of the Bible, often refers to the act of cleaning or clearing away dirt and debris, symbolizing purification, judgment, or the removal of sin. This act can be both literal and metaphorical, representing spiritual cleansing and divine judgment.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, sweeping is sometimes associated with God's judgment and the removal of wickedness. For example, in Isaiah 14:23, God declares His intention to destroy Babylon: "I will make her a possession for the hedgehog and pools of water, and I will sweep her with the broom of destruction," declares the LORD of Hosts . Here, sweeping is a metaphor for the complete and thorough judgment that God will bring upon Babylon, emphasizing the totality of His cleansing action. The act of sweeping can also be seen in the context of household management, as in the parable of the lost coin in the New Testament, which reflects the diligence and care required in maintaining one's home and spiritual life. New Testament References In the New Testament, sweeping is notably mentioned in the Parable of the Lost Coin. In Luke 15:8, Jesus tells the account of a woman who loses one of her ten silver coins: "Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?" . This parable illustrates the diligence and persistence required in seeking what is lost, symbolizing God's relentless pursuit of sinners and the joy in their repentance and return. Symbolism and Spiritual Application Sweeping, as a symbol, often represents the act of purification and the removal of sin. Just as a broom clears away dirt and debris, so does repentance and divine intervention cleanse the believer from sin. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of sanctification, where believers are called to live holy lives, continually seeking to remove sin and impurity from their lives. In a broader spiritual sense, sweeping can also signify the preparation for the coming of the Lord. Just as one would clean a house in anticipation of a guest, believers are encouraged to prepare their hearts and lives for the return of Christ, ensuring that they are found faithful and pure. Practical Implications The concept of sweeping in the Bible encourages believers to engage in regular self-examination and repentance, recognizing the need for ongoing spiritual cleansing. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the call to live a life that reflects His purity and righteousness. Additionally, it underscores the importance of diligence and care in one's spiritual walk, as well as the joy and celebration that accompany the recovery of what was lost, whether it be a coin, a sheep, or a soul. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sweep.2. (a.) Cleaning off surfaces, or cleaning away dust, dirt, or litter, as a broom does; moving with swiftness and force; carrying everything before it; including in its scope many persons or things; as, a sweeping flood; a sweeping majority; a sweeping accusation. Greek 4563. saroo -- to sweep ... to sweep. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: saroo Phonetic Spelling: (sar-o'-o) Short Definition: I sweep Definition: I sweep, cleanse by sweeping. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4563.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5464. sagrir -- steady or persistent rain... very rainy. Probably from cagar in the sense of sweeping away; a pouring rain -- very rainy. see HEBREW cagar. 5463, 5464. sagrir. 5465 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5464.htm - 6k 8429. tevah -- to be startled or alarmed 1641. garar -- to drag, drag away 5477. Suach -- an Asherite Library Six Sweeping Statements. Chapter twenty-eight And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ... The Lessons of the Street. England's Strength The People among whom we Labour. Diamond Became a Great Favourite with all the Men About the Mews. ... The Christ Crowned, the Fact The Carrion and the Vultures The Hand Felt Its Way up his Arm, And... Thesaurus Sweeping (3 Occurrences)... litter, as a broom does; moving with swiftness and force; carrying everything before it; including in its scope many persons or things; as, a sweeping flood; a ... /s/sweeping.htm - 7k Draught (8 Occurrences) Besom (1 Occurrence) Sweepings (2 Occurrences) Sweep (34 Occurrences) Oppresseth (8 Occurrences) Oppressing (11 Occurrences) Gezer (14 Occurrences) Windstorms (1 Occurrence) Whirlwind (33 Occurrences) Resources Who are the New Calvinists, and what are the beliefs of New Calvinism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is seeking God important? | GotQuestions.org What is the Reformed Baptist Church? | GotQuestions.org Sweeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sweeping (3 Occurrences)Proverbs 28:3 Isaiah 21:1 Jeremiah 30:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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