In biblical contexts, the term "flats" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept can be related to flat lands or plains, which are often referenced in the Bible. These geographical features play significant roles in various biblical narratives and symbolize different spiritual and historical themes.

Geographical Significance

Flat lands or plains are often depicted as areas of settlement, battle, and divine intervention. For instance, the "plain of Shinar" is mentioned in Genesis 11:2, where the people settled and began to build the Tower of Babel. This area, known for its flat terrain, became a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God.

In the narrative of Lot and Abram, the "plain of the Jordan" is described as well-watered and fertile, akin to the "garden of the LORD" (Genesis 13:10). This area attracted Lot due to its prosperity, yet it was also near the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the moral dangers that can accompany material abundance.

Spiritual Symbolism

Flats or plains can symbolize both opportunity and temptation. The fertile plains of the Jordan offered Lot the chance for prosperity but also led him into moral compromise. This duality serves as a reminder of the choices believers face between spiritual integrity and worldly allurements.

The plains are also sites of divine encounters and deliverance. In 1 Samuel 17, the Valley of Elah, a flat area, becomes the setting for David's victory over Goliath. This event underscores God's power to deliver His people, regardless of the physical or spiritual terrain.

Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts

In prophetic literature, flat lands or plains often serve as metaphors for judgment and restoration. Isaiah 40:4 states, "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground shall become smooth, and the rugged land a plain." This imagery conveys the idea of God's transformative power, leveling the obstacles and preparing the way for His glory to be revealed.

Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) occurs in a flat area, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. The flatness of the valley emphasizes the desolation and hopelessness that only God's Spirit can revive.

Historical and Cultural Contexts

In ancient Near Eastern culture, flat lands were often associated with agriculture and trade. The fertile plains provided sustenance and economic stability, which were crucial for the survival and growth of communities. This agricultural abundance is reflected in the biblical descriptions of the Promised Land, "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8).

The strategic importance of flat lands is also evident in military contexts. Armies often engaged in battle on plains, where chariots and infantry could maneuver effectively. The Bible records several significant battles on flat terrains, such as the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines in the Valley of Jezreel (Judges 6-7).

Conclusion

While the term "flats" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept of flat lands or plains is rich with spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. These areas serve as backdrops for key biblical events and teachings, offering insights into God's interaction with His people and the choices they face in their spiritual journey.243. Aznoth Tabor -- a place in Naphtali
... Aznoth-tabor. From 'azan and Tabowr; flats (ie Tops) of Tabor (ie Situated on it);
Aznoth-Tabor, a place in Palestine -- Aznoth-tabor. see HEBREW 'azan. ...
/hebrew/243.htm - 6k

7708. Siddim -- a valley near the Dead Sea
... Siddim. Plural from the same as sadeh; flats; Siddim, a valley in Palestine -- Siddim.
see HEBREW sadeh. 7707, 7708. Siddim. 7709 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7708.htm - 6k

Rondelet, {7} the Huguenot Naturalist {8}
... downs of the Cevennes on the north-west, the Herault slopes gently down towards
the "Etangs," or great salt-water lagoons, and the vast alluvial flats of the ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/rondelet 7 the huguenot naturalist.htm

The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother.
... little comfort in the grey dawn, so long must we regard God as one to be seen or
believed in"cried unto at least"across all the dreary flats of distress or ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/iii the cure of simons.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... for as fast as the upper layer is impoverished, it will be swept over by the tropic
rains, to mingle with the vegas, or alluvial flats below, and thus enriched ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Voyage to Benares.
... the transmission of passengers and goods. Passengers were accommodated
in flats drawn by steamers. As the Ganges enters Bengal it ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter ii voyage to benares.htm

Babylon.
... caused to be raised by heaping up earth, and planted with trees, to please his Median
queen, whose eye pined for her native mountains in the flats of Babylon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

Pen-Y-Gwrydd: to Tom Hughes, Esq.
... almost a bob a day, And arterwards toward the sea make tracks and cut away, All
for to catch the salmon bold in Aberglaslyn pool, And work the flats in Traeth ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/pen-y-gwrydd to tom hughes esq.htm

River and Rock
... slow travelling of the scenes of some moveable panorama which glide along, even
as the eye looks upon them, and are concealed behind the side flats before the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/river and rock.htm

Popularity
... The man who tries to lean on it is simply swept by the rising tide into self-conceit,
and then stranded by the ebb of that same tide on the flats of despair. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lx popularity.htm

The Unknown To-Morrow
... cloud conceal the path in front of the portion which we are actually traversing,
but when it climbs, it comes out clear from the fogs that hang about the flats ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the unknown to-morrow.htm

Stiff-Necked Idolaters and Pliable Christians
... weary of their toil and be distressed with the difficulty of breathing the thin
air up there, and should give up climbing and drop down to the flats once more. ...
/.../stiff-necked idolaters and pliable christians.htm

Flats (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Flats (1 Occurrence). Job 39:6 Whose home I have made
the wilderness, and the salt land his dwelling place? (See NIV). ...
/f/flats.htm - 6k

Flat (33 Occurrences)
... relief, or prominences; an extended plain; specifically, in the United States, a
level tract along the along the banks of a river; as, the Mohawk Flats. 14. ...
/f/flat.htm - 21k

Flattens (1 Occurrence)

/f/flattens.htm - 6k

Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
... It is probable, however, that in ancient times the sea covered a considerable stretch
of the mud flats at the South end of Wady el-`Arabah, and the site of ...
/e/ezion-geber.htm - 10k

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... It is probable, however, that in ancient times the sea covered a considerable stretch
of the mud flats at the South end of Wady el-`Arabah, and the site of ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Course (87 Occurrences)
... 17. (vi) To run as in a race, or in hunting; to pursue the sport of coursing;
as, the sportsmen coursed over the flats of Lancashire. 18. ...
/c/course.htm - 38k

Signature (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (n.) The designation of the key (when not C major, or its relative, A minor)
by means of one or more sharps or flats at the beginning of the staff ...
/s/signature.htm - 8k

Flats: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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