In the context of biblical themes and narratives, "blocking" can be understood as the act of hindering or obstructing a path, plan, or purpose. This concept is evident in various scriptural accounts where individuals or groups face obstacles that impede their progress or divine mission. The Bible provides numerous examples of both physical and spiritual blocking, illustrating the challenges faced by God's people and the divine interventions that often accompany such situations.

Physical Blocking

One of the most prominent examples of physical blocking in the Bible is the parting of the Red Sea. In Exodus 14, the Israelites, led by Moses, find themselves trapped between the advancing Egyptian army and the Red Sea. The sea serves as a physical barrier, blocking their escape. However, God intervenes by parting the waters, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground. This miraculous event demonstrates God's power to remove physical obstacles in the path of His people.

Another instance of physical blocking is found in the account of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 22. As Balaam sets out to curse the Israelites, an angel of the Lord stands in the road to block his way. Balaam's donkey sees the angel and refuses to move forward, ultimately saving Balaam from divine wrath. This account highlights how God can use physical barriers to prevent individuals from pursuing harmful or sinful actions.

Spiritual Blocking

Spiritual blocking often involves hindrances to faith, understanding, or spiritual growth. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently encounters spiritual blocking in the form of unbelief and hard-heartedness. In Matthew 13:58, it is noted that Jesus "did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief." Here, the lack of faith among the people serves as a spiritual block to the manifestation of God's power.

The Apostle Paul also addresses spiritual blocking in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, he writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This verse illustrates how spiritual forces can block individuals from perceiving and accepting the truth of the Gospel.

Divine Intervention and Overcoming Blocks

Throughout the Bible, divine intervention is a recurring theme in overcoming both physical and spiritual blocks. God's sovereignty and power are often displayed in His ability to remove obstacles and fulfill His purposes. In Isaiah 45:2, God promises, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron." This assurance reflects God's commitment to clearing the path for His chosen people.

In the New Testament, Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate overcoming of a spiritual block. Death, the greatest barrier to eternal life, is conquered through Christ's victory, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57: "Death has been swallowed up in victory... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Practical Implications

For believers, the concept of blocking serves as a reminder of the challenges that may arise in their spiritual journey. It encourages reliance on God's power to overcome obstacles and emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance. Ephesians 6:12-13 advises believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against spiritual blocks, underscoring the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on divine strength.

In summary, blocking in the biblical context encompasses both physical and spiritual hindrances that can impede the fulfillment of God's plans. Through divine intervention and faith, believers are called to overcome these obstacles, trusting in God's ability to clear the way for His purposes to be realized.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Block.

2. (n.) The act of obstructing, supporting, shaping, or stamping with a block or blocks.

3. (n.) Blocks used to support (a building, etc.) temporarily.

5420. phrasso -- to fence in, to stop
... obstruct. 5420 -- properly, fence in, enclose; (figuratively) to stop, blocking
something off so it can not spread ("get out-of-hand"). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5420.htm - 6k

1465. egkopto -- to cut into, ie fig. impede, detain
... 1465 (from 1722 , "in" and 2875 , "cut") -- properly, cut to (like blocking off
a road); () by "introducing an obstacle that stands " (Souter); (figuratively ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1465.htm - 7k

Wary Walking.
... You are just blocking up the way to eternal life with your bales of goods,
your manufactures, your business books. Some of you are ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lv wary walking.htm

Last Years
... In 1931-1932 he suffered from a blocking off of the blood vessels that drain
the leg, a condition which has very serious possibilities. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/last years.htm

The Sixth Book
... But my argument is not limited by this consideration, for we do not need to assume
that one man blocks the way of all, since all are blocking each other; it is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

The Influence of Tradition.
... Thus they stand before Christ, blocking His path, the very embodiment of that power
which closes the soul against those inspiring and purifying influences that ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/iv the influence of tradition.htm

Review
... long lost all sense of any kind;" (p.297;) so that the Prayer-book "is on the way
to become a useless encumbrance, the rubbish of the past, blocking the road ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/review.htm

Christ's Authority to Forgive
... Mark paints vividly the crowd flocking to the humble home, overflowing its modest
capacity, blocking the doorway, and clustering round it outside as far as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs authority to forgive.htm

Early Mentions of Christianity in Britain. --King Lucius. --Origin ...
... Standing on the narrow bridge across the little stream, you realise the blocking
of the bridge by the crowd of spectators nearly 1,600 years ago: and you can ...
/.../lecture ii early mentions of.htm

Egyptian Idolatry.
... who thought that they had discovered the theory of the heavenly revolutions and
the nature of the stars, nevertheless, through the demon's blocking up their ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xx egyptian idolatry.htm

The Martyrdom of James
... To us it frowns like a black cliff blocking the upper end of our valley, but there
is a path round its base, and though the throat of the pass be narrow, it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the martyrdom of james.htm

The Growth and Power of Sin
... that it is vain to pray and to love evil. Sin has the awful power of blocking
our way to God. 3. Note in one word that we have here ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

Blocking (1 Occurrence)
... blocks. 3. (n.) Blocks used to support (a building, etc.) temporarily.
Multi-Version Concordance Blocking (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles ...
/b/blocking.htm - 7k

Blocks (9 Occurrences)

/b/blocks.htm - 9k

Open (586 Occurrences)
... 7. (a.) Not of a quality to prevent communication, as by closing water ways, blocking
roads, etc.; hence, not frosty or inclement; mild; -- used of the weather ...
/o/open.htm - 41k

Investment (1 Occurrence)
... vestment. 3. (n.) The act of surrounding, blocking up, or besieging by
an armed force, or the state of being so surrounded. 4. (n ...
/i/investment.htm - 7k

Blocked (5 Occurrences)

/b/blocked.htm - 7k

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