Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "flag" refers to a type of plant commonly associated with marshy or aquatic environments. The Hebrew word often translated as "flag" is "אָחוּ" (achuw), which can denote a variety of water plants, including reeds and rushes. These plants are frequently mentioned in the context of the Nile River and its surrounding areas, highlighting their significance in the daily life and economy of ancient Egypt and the Near East.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 2:3-5 : The account of Moses' infancy includes a reference to the flags of the Nile. When Moses' mother placed him in a basket among the reeds, she utilized the natural vegetation of the riverbank for concealment. "But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile." 2. Job 8:11 : The book of Job uses the imagery of the flag to illustrate the transient nature of life and prosperity. "Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the dependence of certain plants on specific environmental conditions, drawing a parallel to human reliance on divine providence. 3. Isaiah 19:6-7 : In a prophecy concerning Egypt, Isaiah describes the drying up of the Nile and the subsequent withering of the plants that depend on it, including the flags. "The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither. The bulrushes by the Nile, by the mouth of the river, and all the sown land along the Nile will wither, blow away, and be no more." Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Flags, or water plants, held practical and symbolic importance in biblical times. They were used for making baskets, mats, and even writing materials, such as papyrus. The presence of these plants was a sign of fertile land and abundant water, essential for agriculture and sustaining life. In a symbolic sense, flags often represent the fragility and fleeting nature of human endeavors when disconnected from their life source, much like the plants that wither without water. This symbolism is consistent with the broader biblical theme of reliance on God for sustenance and prosperity. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the mention of flags in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's provision and the natural order He established. The imagery of flourishing and withering plants is used to teach lessons about faith, dependence, and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance. The narratives and prophecies involving flags underscore the importance of remaining rooted in God's word and trusting in His plan for sustenance and growth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 2:3And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 8:11 Library Of the Loving Recollection of the Soul in Contemplation. Naaman the Syrian The Resurrection of the Dead The City of Benares. The Treasure Cave Love's Complaining Striking Similes The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Fourth Commandment Resources What is gall in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about applied kinesiology? | GotQuestions.org What is Epiphany / Three Kings' Day and should Christians celebrate it? | GotQuestions.org Herbs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Herbs were Sometimes Used Instead of Animal Food by Weak Saints Herbs: (Dew On) of Grace Given to Saints Herbs: Bitter, Used at Passover Herbs: Destroyed by Hail and Lightning Herbs: Destroyed by Tithable Among the Jews Herbs: Each Kind of, Contains Its own Seed Herbs: Mode of Watering, Alluded To Herbs: Poisonous, not Fit for Man's Use Related Terms |
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