Clifts
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The term "clifts" refers to the clefts or fissures in rock formations, often used in the Bible to describe places of refuge, divine revelation, or symbolic imagery. The word "clift" is an archaic form of "cleft," and it appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is often conveyed through terms like "cleft" or "rock."

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 33:22 · One of the most significant mentions of a cleft in the rock is found in the account of Moses on Mount Sinai. 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." This passage highlights the cleft as a place of divine protection and revelation, where Moses is shielded by God’s hand as His glory passes by.

2. Song of Solomon 2:14 · The imagery of the cleft is also used in the Song of Solomon, where the beloved calls out, "O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places of the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Here, the cleft symbolizes intimacy and the desire for closeness, as the lover seeks the presence and voice of the beloved.

3. Isaiah 2:21 · In a prophetic context, Isaiah speaks of a time when people will "flee to caverns in the rocks and clefts in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth." This usage underscores the cleft as a place of refuge during divine judgment, emphasizing the awe and fear of the Lord’s power.

Symbolic Significance:

In biblical literature, clifts or clefts often symbolize safety and protection. They are natural fortresses where individuals can find shelter from danger or divine wrath. The imagery of a cleft in the rock is also associated with spiritual refuge, where believers can experience the presence and protection of God.

Theological Implications:

The use of clifts in the Bible carries deep theological implications. It reflects the idea of God as a refuge and fortress for His people, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The cleft in the rock where Moses stands is a powerful metaphor for the believer's secure position in Christ, who is often referred to as the Rock of Salvation. This imagery reassures believers of God’s protective care and His willingness to reveal Himself to those who seek Him earnestly.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, rocky landscapes with clefts and caves were common. These natural formations provided shelter for travelers, shepherds, and those seeking refuge from enemies. The biblical authors, familiar with such terrain, used the imagery of clifts to convey messages of safety, intimacy, and divine encounter, resonating with the lived experiences of their audience.

In summary, the concept of clifts in the Bible serves as a rich metaphor for divine protection, revelation, and intimacy with God. It invites believers to seek refuge in the Lord, who is their rock and fortress amidst the trials and tribulations of life.
Concordance
Clifts (2 Occurrences)

Isaiah 57:5
Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
(KJV)

Obadiah 1:3
The pride of thy heart hath lifted thee up, O dweller in clifts of a rock, (A high place 'is' his habitation, He is saying in his heart, 'Who doth bring me down 'to' earth?')
(YLT)

Thesaurus
Clifts (2 Occurrences)
...Clifts (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 57:5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every
green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? ...
/c/clifts.htm - 6k

Ophel (6 Occurrences)
... King James Version adds in margin "the tower"; in Isaiah 32:14, "the hill" with
margin "Ophel," but the King James Version "the forts," margin "clifts"; Micah 4 ...
/o/ophel.htm - 14k

Enflaming (1 Occurrence)
... Enflaming (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 57:5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every
green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? ...
/e/enflaming.htm - 6k

Dweller (13 Occurrences)
... Obadiah 1:3 The pride of thy heart hath lifted thee up, O dweller in clifts of a
rock, (A high place 'is' his habitation, He is saying in his heart, 'Who doth ...
/d/dweller.htm - 10k

Clift

/c/clift.htm - 7k

Climax (3 Occurrences)

/c/climax.htm - 7k

Slaying (21 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 57:5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying
the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/s/slaying.htm - 13k

Rocks (48 Occurrences)
... Obadiah 1:3 The pride of thy heart hath lifted thee up, O dweller in clifts of a
rock, (A high place 'is' his habitation, He is saying in his heart, 'Who doth ...
/r/rocks.htm - 21k

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