In the context of the Bible, the term "caressed" often refers to expressions of love, affection, and intimacy, both in the context of marital relationships and in metaphorical language describing God's love for His people. The concept of caressing is primarily found in the poetic and wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where it is used to convey deep emotional and physical connections.

Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a key biblical text where the theme of caressing is prominent. This book is a poetic dialogue between a bride and her bridegroom, celebrating the beauty and sanctity of marital love. In Song of Solomon 2:6 , the bride speaks of her beloved's embrace: "His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me." This imagery of caressing highlights the tenderness and mutual affection between the couple, symbolizing the ideal of marital intimacy.

Proverbs

In the book of Proverbs, caressing is mentioned in the context of marital fidelity and the joy found in a loving relationship. Proverbs 5:18-19 advises, "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: a loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever." Here, caressing is associated with the satisfaction and delight found in a faithful marriage, serving as a warning against the temptations of infidelity.

Metaphorical Use

Beyond the literal sense, caressing can also be understood metaphorically in Scripture. The intimate language used to describe God's relationship with His people often mirrors the tenderness found in human relationships. While the term "caressed" itself may not be explicitly used, the concept is present in the way God is depicted as nurturing and caring for His people, akin to a shepherd with his flock or a parent with a child.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the notion of caressing in the Bible underscores the importance of love, intimacy, and fidelity within the covenant of marriage. It reflects the belief that physical expressions of love are a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed within the boundaries He has established. Furthermore, the metaphorical use of caressing language in describing God's love for His people serves to illustrate the depth and tenderness of His commitment to them.

In summary, the biblical concept of caressing encompasses both the physical expressions of love within marriage and the metaphorical language used to describe God's intimate relationship with His people. It highlights the beauty of love as designed by God and serves as a reminder of the sacredness of marital bonds.(imp. & p. p.) of Caress.

Elucidations.
... Elucidations. I. (Maintained by consent, and caressed by excuses, p.557.).
The severer discipline of early Christianity must not ...
/.../treatises attributed to cyprian on questionable authority /elucidations.htm

Spiritual Resurrection
... Note, too, that in the case of this maiden, whom we have introduced to you, the
daughter of Jairus, she is yet caressed; she has only been dead a moment or two ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/spiritual resurrection.htm

On the Public Shows.
... For no mischief is put an end to with so much difficulty but that its recurrence
is easy, so long as it is both maintained by the consent, and caressed by the ...
/.../on the public shows.htm

Of Suffering which must be Accepted as from God --Its Fruits.
... They give themselves to be caressed, and take themselves back when they are
crucified; or else they seek for consolation in the creature. ...
/.../chapter vi of suffering which.htm

Of Sufferings
... Be not like those, who give themselves to Him at one season, and withdraw from Him
at another: they give themselves only to be caressed; and wrest themselves ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter vii of sufferings.htm

Of those who Live Between the Two.
... But they who believe in Christ shall be led into a good place, and those to whom
that delight is given are caressed; but to you who are of a double mind ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxiv of those who live between.htm

This is the Month which Brings all Manner of Joy
... the greater light our Light conquered! Joseph caressed the Son as a Babe;
he ministered to Him as God. He rejoiced in Him as in ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iv this is the.htm

Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock
... In 1750 he was invited to Zurich, and was honoured and caressed to the utmost
in what was then the most literary town in Switzerland. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/friedrich gottlieb klopstock.htm

Martin Opitz
... a clever, industrious literary man of the world, with the art of making himself
everywhere agreeable, and he was petted and caressed accordingly, more than was ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/martin opitz.htm

A Forsaken Beauty
... Afterward I visited one that a year or two ago was in high life, an eminent beauty,
adored by her husband, admired and caressed by some of the first men in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a forsaken beauty.htm

Caressed (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Caress. Multi-Version Concordance
Caressed (3 Occurrences). Ezekiel 23:3 and they played ...
/c/caressed.htm - 7k

Cares (28 Occurrences)

/c/cares.htm - 13k

Fondling (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The act of caressing; manifestation of tenderness. 3. (n.) A person or thing
fondled or caressed; one treated with foolish or doting affection. ...
/f/fondling.htm - 7k

Dandle
... DANDLE. dan'-d'-l. (sha`-osha`, a Pulpal form, from root (sha`-a`) with sense of
to "be caressed"). Occurs in Isaiah 66:12, "shall be dandled upon the knees.". ...
/d/dandle.htm - 6k

Caresses (1 Occurrence)

/c/caresses.htm - 6k

Caressed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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