The term "wilds" in the Bible often refers to wilderness areas, desolate places, or uninhabited regions. These areas are frequently depicted as places of testing, refuge, or divine encounter. The concept of the wilds is significant in biblical narratives, symbolizing both physical and spiritual landscapes.

Wilderness as a Place of Testing and Transformation

The wilderness is prominently featured in the journey of the Israelites. After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years. This period was a time of testing and transformation, where God provided for their needs and taught them reliance on Him. In Deuteronomy 8:2 , it is written, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments."

Wilderness as a Place of Refuge

The wilds also serve as a place of refuge for individuals fleeing danger. David, before becoming king, sought refuge in the wilderness to escape King Saul's pursuit. In 1 Samuel 23:14 , it states, "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands." The wilderness provided David with protection and a place to seek God's guidance.

Wilderness as a Place of Divine Encounter

The wilderness is often depicted as a setting for divine encounters and revelations. Moses encountered God in the burning bush in the wilderness of Sinai, as described in Exodus 3:1-2 : "Now Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush." This encounter marked the beginning of Moses' mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Similarly, the wilderness is where John the Baptist preached repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. In Matthew 3:1-3 , it is recorded, "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.' This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'"

Symbolism of the Wilderness

The wilderness symbolizes both desolation and divine presence. It is a place where human strength is insufficient, and reliance on God becomes paramount. The wilds are often associated with spiritual renewal and preparation, as seen in Jesus' own experience. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan. Mark 1:12-13 states, "At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him."

Conclusion

The wilds in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing both physical landscapes and spiritual journeys. They are places of testing, refuge, and divine encounter, where individuals are often brought closer to God and prepared for their roles in His divine plan.

The Saviour's Last Command.
... us suppose that all kindreds and people of the earth are assembled, and that the
inhabitants of Africa, Asia, the Isles of the Pacific and the wilds of America ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

Removing the Veil
... The interior journey of the soul from the wilds of sin into the enjoyed Presence
of God is beautifully illustrated in the Old Testament tabernacle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/iii removing the veil.htm

Prayer and the Word of God (Continued)
... PRAYER AND THE WORD OF GOD (Continued). "Some years ago a man was travelling in
the wilds of Kentucky. He had with him a large sum of money and was well armed. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiii prayer and the word.htm

In Judaea
... These limestone caves had been the hiding-place of David and his followers;
and many a band had since found shelter in these wilds. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

By the Wayside
... Julian dismounted, shaking his head. "What a savage appetite this travel
in the untaught wilds of Judea hath bred in you, my cousin! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter v by the wayside.htm

Self-Love and Truth Incompatible
... Self-love and Truth Incompatible. From thorny wilds a monster came, That filled
my soul with fear and shame; The birds, forgetful of their mirth,. ...
/.../self-love and truth incompatible.htm

Rest, Rest
... sweetness itself. When as a sinner, you roamed at midnight like a traveller
lost on the wilds, how sweetly did they call you home! But ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/rest rest.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... These men, aided by fanatic justices and clergymen, reduced many pious families
to the severest sufferings, while thousands fled to the wilds of America for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Scenes Favourable to Meditation
... Scenes Favourable to Meditation. Wilds horrid and dark with o'er shadowing
trees, Rocks that ivy and briers infold,. Scenes nature ...
/.../scenes favourable to meditation.htm

The Footsteps
... For thou with Me shalt scorned and martyred be,. Betrayed by envy, tempted
in the wilds,. And seized by hate, and bound by calumny; ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/the footsteps.htm

Wilds (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wilds (1 Occurrence). Job 39:4 Their young ones become
strong. They grow up in the open field. They go forth, and don't return again. ...
/w/wilds.htm - 6k

Wild (147 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) An uninhabited and uncultivated tract or region; a forest or desert; a
wilderness; a waste; as, the wilds of America; the wilds of Africa. 10. ...
/w/wild.htm - 50k

Wiles (3 Occurrences)

/w/wiles.htm - 7k

Wild-oxen (2 Occurrences)
Wild-oxen. Wild-ox, Wild-oxen. Wilds . Multi-Version Concordance Wild-oxen
(2 Occurrences). ... (See JPS ASV). Wild-ox, Wild-oxen. Wilds . Reference Bible.
/w/wild-oxen.htm - 6k

Dedan (10 Occurrences)
... In Isaiah 21:13 allusion is made to the "caravans of Dedanites" in the wilds of
Arabia, and Ezekiel mentions them as supplying Tyre with precious things ...
/d/dedan.htm - 11k

Dedanites (1 Occurrence)
... In Isaiah 21:13 allusion is made to the "caravans of Dedanites" in the wilds of
Arabia, and Ezekiel mentions them as supplying Tyre with precious things ...
/d/dedanites.htm - 7k

Ishmael (44 Occurrences)
... 16:12). These nomads are, indeed, roaming the wilds of the desert, jealous
of their independence, quarrelsome and adventurous. We ...
/i/ishmael.htm - 38k

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