Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "covert" refers to a place of shelter, protection, or hiding. It is often used metaphorically to describe God's protection over His people. The concept of a covert is significant in understanding the nature of divine refuge and the assurance of safety provided by God to those who trust in Him.Old Testament Usage The Hebrew word often translated as "covert" is "סֵ֫תֶר" (seter), which means a hiding place or shelter. This term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament to describe both physical and spiritual protection. One notable instance is found in Isaiah 4:6, which states, "There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain." Here, the covert is depicted as a divine provision, offering protection from the elements, symbolizing God's care and provision for His people. In Isaiah 32:2, the prophet describes a righteous leader as "a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shade of a great rock in a thirsty land." This imagery emphasizes the protective and sustaining role of a godly leader, akin to the protection God provides. Psalms and Wisdom Literature The Psalms frequently employ the imagery of a covert to express trust in God's protection. Psalm 61:4 declares, "Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings." This verse uses the metaphor of a bird's wings to convey the safety and security found in God's presence. Similarly, Psalm 91:1-2 states, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" This passage highlights the covert as a place of divine refuge, emphasizing the believer's confidence in God's protection. Prophetic Literature In the prophetic books, the concept of a covert is often associated with the messianic hope and the restoration of Israel. Ezekiel 34:25-26 speaks of a future covenant of peace, where God promises to provide a secure and prosperous environment for His people: "I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forests." New Testament Implications While the specific term "covert" is not commonly used in the New Testament, the concept of divine protection and refuge is prevalent. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate source of spiritual shelter and salvation. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling." This imagery echoes the Old Testament theme of God as a protective shelter. Theological Significance The idea of a covert in the Bible underscores the assurance of God's protection and care for His people. It serves as a reminder of the security found in a relationship with God, who is depicted as a refuge and fortress. This theme resonates with believers who seek comfort and safety in the midst of life's challenges, trusting in God's unwavering presence and protection. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Concealed; private; secret; disguised; as, covert actions.2. (v. t.) Sheltered; not open or exposed; retired; protected; as, a covert nook. 3. (v. t.) Under cover, authority or protection; as, a feme covert, a married woman who is considered as being under the protection and control of her husband. 4. (n.) A place that covers and protects; a shelter; a defense. 5. (a.) One of the special feathers covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COVERTkuv'-ert: Now seldom used, except for game, and then generally spelt "cover." "A covered way" (2 Kings 16:18 the King James Version); also a shelter of any kind (Isaiah 4:6); "a hiding place," "a lair," "a hut" (Job 38:40); "a place of secrecy," "a secret way" (1 Samuel 25:20 Job 40:21 Psalm 61:4 Isaiah 16:4; Isaiah 32:2); "a den," "a lair" (Jeremiah 25:38). Strong's Hebrew 5520. sok -- a thicket, covert, lair... 5519, 5520. sok. 5521 . a thicket, covert, lair. Transliteration: sok Phonetic Spelling: (soke) Short Definition: tabernacle. Word ... /hebrew/5520.htm - 6k 695. ereb -- a lying in wait, a covert, lair 5521. sukkah -- a thicket, booth 5643. cether -- a covering, hiding place, secrecy 2665. chephes -- a device, plot 4329. mesak -- portico 3858. lahat -- a flame 4679. metsad -- fastness, a stronghold 4563. mistor -- place of shelter 4565. mistar -- a secret place, hiding place Library John Chapter viii. 12 December 1 Morning Accession of Cyrus to the Throne. The Hiding-Place Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom. Letter C Tennessee Justifying Her Procedure. A Prince's Bride Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses. The Revolt of Babylon. Thesaurus Covert (18 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Concealed; private; secret; disguised; as, covert actions. 2. (vt) Sheltered; not open or exposed; retired; protected; as, a covert nook. ...COVERT. ... /c/covert.htm - 12k Lair (8 Occurrences) Den (19 Occurrences) Marsh (4 Occurrences) Spring (122 Occurrences) Reed (41 Occurrences) Covers (50 Occurrences) Shadow (72 Occurrences) Hiding (53 Occurrences) Oppressing (11 Occurrences) Resources Is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) compatible with the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual abuse? | GotQuestions.org What is post-theism? | GotQuestions.org Covert: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Covert (18 Occurrences)1 Samuel 25:20 2 Kings 16:18 Job 37:8 Job 38:40 Job 40:21 Psalms 10:9 Psalms 27:5 Psalms 31:20 Psalms 61:4 Psalms 91:1 Psalms 119:114 Song of Songs 2:14 Isaiah 4:6 Isaiah 16:4 Isaiah 32:2 Jeremiah 4:6 Jeremiah 6:1 Jeremiah 25:38 Subtopics Related Terms |