Topical Encyclopedia The term "untended" refers to something that is neglected, not cared for, or left without supervision. In the context of the Bible, the concept of being untended can be applied to various aspects of spiritual and communal life, often highlighting the consequences of neglect and the importance of stewardship and vigilance.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 24:30-34 : This passage provides a vivid illustration of the consequences of neglect. The writer observes the field of a sluggard, noting that it is overgrown with thorns and its stone wall is broken down. The imagery of an untended field serves as a metaphor for the life of a person who lacks diligence and discipline. The passage concludes with a warning about poverty coming upon the lazy person like a thief. "I passed by the field of a sluggard and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." (Proverbs 24:30-34) 2. Ezekiel 34:2-6 : In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from God against the shepherds of Israel who have failed to care for their flock. The shepherds are accused of neglecting their duties, allowing the sheep to become scattered and vulnerable. This serves as a powerful indictment of leaders who fail to tend to the spiritual and physical needs of their people. "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered, they became food for all the wild beasts. My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of the earth, and no one searched or looked for them.'" (Ezekiel 34:2-6) 3. Song of Solomon 1:6 : The Shulammite woman laments that her own vineyard has been neglected because she has been forced to care for the vineyards of others. This verse highlights the personal cost of neglecting one's own responsibilities and the importance of self-care and attention to one's own spiritual and personal growth. "Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected." (Song of Solomon 1:6) Theological Implications: The concept of being untended in the Bible often serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of neglect, whether it be in personal life, spiritual duties, or leadership responsibilities. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of diligence, stewardship, and care. Believers are called to be vigilant in their spiritual lives, to tend to their own growth and the well-being of others, and to fulfill their God-given responsibilities with faithfulness and integrity. Neglect can lead to spiritual decay, vulnerability to sin, and a breakdown of community and relationships. The biblical call to tend to one's life and responsibilities is a reminder of the importance of living a disciplined and purposeful life in accordance with God's will. Library The Scattering of the People The Eccentricity of Religion Christ Crucified and Buried. Keeping and Kept Epistle xxxiii. To Romanus, Patrician, and Exarch of Italy. On the Question of Baptism, Then, I Think that I have Argued At... 1 Cor. Iv. 10 On his Sister Gorgonia. The Baptism in Fire Eutyches and Philip in Profundis Thesaurus Untended (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Untended (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt ... /u/untended.htm - 7k Untempered (5 Occurrences) Untested (3 Occurrences) Resources What is a sabbatical year? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org Untended: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Untended (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 25:5 Leviticus 25:11 Subtopics Related Terms |