Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "cleft" often refers to a split or opening in a rock or mountain, serving as a place of refuge or divine encounter. The imagery of a cleft is rich with theological significance, symbolizing protection, revelation, and the presence of God.Protection and Refuge The cleft in the rock is frequently associated with safety and protection. In Exodus 33:22, God tells Moses, "When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by" . Here, the cleft serves as a protective space where Moses is shielded from the full glory of God, which no man can see and live. This passage underscores the idea that God provides a safe haven for His people, sheltering them from overwhelming forces. Similarly, the cleft is a metaphor for divine refuge in the Psalms. In Psalm 27:5, David writes, "For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock" . The imagery of being set upon a rock suggests stability and security, with the cleft providing a hidden place of safety. Revelation and Divine Encounter The cleft is also a place of divine revelation. In the account of Elijah on Mount Horeb, God instructs him to stand on the mountain as the Lord passes by. Although the text does not explicitly mention a cleft, the setting is reminiscent of Moses' experience, suggesting a place where God reveals Himself in a profound way (1 Kings 19:11-13). The cleft, therefore, becomes a symbol of encountering God in moments of solitude and vulnerability. Symbolism in Christian Hymnody The imagery of the cleft has permeated Christian hymnody, most notably in the hymn "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me." This hymn draws on the biblical symbolism of the cleft as a place of refuge and salvation, emphasizing the believer's reliance on Christ as the ultimate source of protection and grace. Theological Implications The concept of the cleft in the rock carries deep theological implications. It highlights God's dual nature as both transcendent and immanent—His glory is beyond human comprehension, yet He provides a means for His people to experience His presence safely. The cleft serves as a reminder of God's provision and care, offering a place of refuge in times of trouble and a space for intimate encounter with the Divine. In summary, the biblical motif of the cleft in the rock is a powerful symbol of God's protection, revelation, and presence. It invites believers to seek refuge in God and to anticipate His self-revelation in the hidden and quiet places of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp.) of Cleave.2. (p. p.) of Cleave. 3. (v.) imp. & p. p. from Cleave. 4. (a.) Divided; split; partly divided or split. 5. (a.) Incised nearly to the midrib; as, a cleft leaf. 6. (n.) A space or opening made by splitting; a crack; a crevice; as, the cleft of a rock. 7. (n.) A piece made by splitting; as, a cleft of wood. 8. (n.) A disease in horses; a crack on the band of the pastern. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLEFT; CLIFF; CLIFTkleft, klif, klift: The first of these words, from cleave, "to split," is a crevice or narrow opening, as "of the ragged rocks" (Isaiah 2:21); "under the clefts of the rocks" (Isaiah 57:5). "Clift" is an obsolete form of cleft, found in the King James Version Exodus 33:22 Isaiah 57:5, but not in the Revised Version (British and American). "Cliff," an abrupt, precipitous, towering rock, is not in the Revised Version (British and American), but is found in the King James Version 2 Chronicles 20:16, the Revised Version (British and American) "ascent," Job 30:6. Greek 5327. pharagx -- a chasm, ravine ... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pharagx Phonetic Spelling: (far'-anx) Short Definition: a valley, ravine Definition: a valley, ravine, chasm, cleft. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5327.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 8157. shesa -- cleft... cleft. Transliteration: shesa Phonetic Spelling: (sheh'-sah) Short Definition: hoof. Word Origin from shasa Definition cleft NASB Word Usage hoof (1). ... /hebrew/8157.htm - 6k 6449. Pisgah -- "cleft," a mountain in Moab 5357. naqiq -- cleft (of a rock) 5585. saiph -- a cleft, branch 5366. neqarah -- a hole, crevice 2288. chagavim -- places of concealment, retreats 1233. beqia -- fissure, breach 1412. Gudgodah -- a place in the desert 2735. Chor Haggidgad -- "hollow of Gidgad," a place in the S. ... 6385. palag -- to split, divide Library "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me. " Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me. " Toplady. 7S, 6. Rock of Ages. Place of S. Cyril's Lectures. A Collection of Gospel Hymns in Ojibway and English Moses --Making Haste That Divine Love Makes the virtues Immeasurably More Agreeable to ... AM Toplady A view of God's Glory Thesaurus Cleft (15 Occurrences)... 5. (a.) Incised nearly to the midrib; as, a cleft leaf. 6. (n.) A space or opening made by splitting; a crack; a crevice; as, the cleft of a rock. ... /c/cleft.htm - 12k Etam (5 Occurrences) Cleaving (10 Occurrences) Clift Dividing (23 Occurrences) Cliff (11 Occurrences) Divides (9 Occurrences) Cave (40 Occurrences) Split (36 Occurrences) Clefts (10 Occurrences) Resources What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a believer respond to the characteristics of God? | GotQuestions.org If Moses met face to face with God, why, later, was he not allowed to see God's face? | GotQuestions.org Cleft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cleft (15 Occurrences)Genesis 22:3 Exodus 33:22 Leviticus 11:3 Leviticus 11:7 Deuteronomy 14:6 Judges 15:8 Judges 15:11 Job 38:25 Psalms 60:2 Psalms 78:13 Psalms 78:15 Isaiah 48:21 Jeremiah 13:4 Micah 1:4 Zechariah 14:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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