The term "forefront" in the Bible typically refers to the most forward position or the leading part of something, often used in a military or architectural context. It signifies prominence, leadership, or the most visible part of a structure or group. In the biblical narrative, the concept of the forefront can be both literal and metaphorical, representing physical positions in battle or leadership roles within the community.

Military Context

In the Old Testament, the term is frequently used in military settings. For example, in 1 Samuel 17:21, the armies of Israel and the Philistines are described as being "drawn up in battle array, army against army." The forefront of the battle would be the front lines where the fiercest fighting occurred. This position was often occupied by the strongest and most valiant warriors, as seen in the account of David and Goliath, where David steps into the forefront to confront the Philistine giant.

Leadership and Prominence

The concept of the forefront also extends to leadership and prominence within the community. Leaders and prophets often stood at the forefront of the people, guiding and directing them according to God's will. Moses, for instance, stood at the forefront of the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, serving as their leader and mediator with God.

Architectural Significance

In architectural terms, the forefront can refer to the most visible or prominent part of a building. In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, specific instructions were given for the design and placement of various elements, ensuring that the most sacred parts were at the forefront, visible and accessible to the priests and the people. This architectural prominence underscored the importance of worship and the centrality of God's presence among His people.

Spiritual Implications

Spiritually, being at the forefront can imply a position of responsibility and influence. Believers are often called to stand at the forefront of spiritual battles, equipped with the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. This passage emphasizes the need for readiness and vigilance, as those at the forefront are often the first to encounter challenges and opposition.

Biblical Examples

· David and Goliath: David's confrontation with Goliath places him at the forefront of Israel's battle against the Philistines, demonstrating faith and courage (1 Samuel 17).
· Moses: As a leader, Moses stood at the forefront of the Israelite community, guiding them through the wilderness and interceding on their behalf (Exodus 32:11-14).
· Joshua: Leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua was at the forefront of military campaigns and spiritual leadership (Joshua 1:6-9).

In summary, the concept of the forefront in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, highlighting positions of leadership, prominence, and responsibility. Whether in battle, community leadership, or spiritual warfare, those at the forefront are called to act with courage, faith, and integrity.FOREFRONT

for'-frunt (panim):

For "forefront," "front" is now generally used, since "back-front" has gone out of use. "Forefront" is the translation of panim, "face" (2 Kings 16:14 Ezekiel 40:19; Ezekiel 47:1); of mul panim, "over against the face" (Exodus 26:9 Leviticus 8:9, "And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate"; for "upon his forefront" the Revised Version (British and American) has "in front; 2 Samuel 11:15, "in the forefront of the hottest battle"); of ro'sh, "head" (2 Chronicles 20:27); of shen, "tooth" (1 Samuel 14:5, "The forefront (The King James Version, margin "Hebrew tooth") of the one was situated northward over against Michmash," the Revised Version (British and American) "The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash"); in APC 1Macc 4:57 margin it is the translation of prosopon, "face": "They decked the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold."

The Revised Version (British and American) has "forefront" for "face" (Ezekiel 40:15), "in the forefront of" for "over against" (Joshua 22:11).

W. L. Walker

8127. shen -- tooth, ivory
... 2), teeth (30), three-pronged* (1), tooth (9). crag, forefront, ivory, sharp,
tooth. From shanan; a tooth (as sharp); specifically ...
/hebrew/8127.htm - 6k

7218. rosh -- head
... time, rank, itc.) -- band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man,
things), company, end, X every (man), excellent, first, forefront, ((be-))head ...
/hebrew/7218.htm - 6k

4136. mul -- front, in front of
... opposite* (2), over against (1), toward* (2). over against, before, forefront,
from, Godward, toward, with. Or mowl (Deuteronomy 1:1) {mole ...
/hebrew/4136.htm - 6k

6440. panim -- face, faces
... X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of), + beseech, countenance, edge, + employ,
endure, + enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er ...
/hebrew/6440.htm - 8k

Chapter xliii
... Several substantial reasons may be advanced why Judah stands in the forefront. ...
On the positive side several factors put Judah in the forefront. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliii.htm

Some Time Ago, Macarius, a Man of Distinction from his Faith, his ...
... to each of these works, and in both, but especially in the Preface to the work of
Pamphilus, which was translated first, I set in the forefront an exposition ...
/.../11 some time ago macarius.htm

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
... There was to be placed on the forefront of the miter of the high priest, when he
stood before God, a plate of pure gold, and graven upon it as with a signet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/i mr moody and rev marcus.htm

Concerning the Tyrants Simon and John. How Also as Titus was Going ...
... side tried hard to set them on fire, and the other side to prevent it; on both sides
there was a confused cry made, and many of those in the forefront of the ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning the tyrants.htm

Things that Accompany Salvation
... Before Salvation came into this world, Election marched in the very forefront,
and it had for its work the billeting of Salvation. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/things that accompany salvation.htm

Chapter l
... We must remember, too, that the very close relationship existing between Joseph
and his father has stood in the forefront of the narrative especially since ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

His Name --The Mighty God
... We will write this on the forefront of our banner,"Christ is God; co-equal and
co-eternal with his Father; very God of very God, who counted it not robbery ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/his namethe mighty god.htm

Immeasurable Love
... This is all the more singular, because I can truly say that it might be put in the
forefront of all my volumes of discourses as the sole topic of my life's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/immeasurable love.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... position. Those who must be placed in the forefront of the Church's business,
must be, first of all, men who know how to pray. God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

Letter of Origen to Gregory.
... and Basil of C??sarea. It is printed by Delarue and Lommatzsch in the
forefront of their editions of the works. It forms a good ...
/.../unknown/the passion of the scillitan martyrs/letter of origen to gregory.htm

Forefront (11 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia FOREFRONT. for'-frunt (panim): For "forefront,"
"front" is now generally used, since "back-front" has gone out of use. ...
/f/forefront.htm - 11k

Mitre (10 Occurrences)
... On the forefront of the mitre was a "plate of pure gold" with the words "Holy
to Yahweh" (ie consecrated to Yahweh) inscribed upon it. ...
/m/mitre.htm - 12k

Northward (41 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash,
and the other southward over against Gibeah. (KJV WBS). ...
/n/northward.htm - 21k

Vestibule (36 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Ezekiel 40:15 From the forefront of the gate at the entrance to the
forefront of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits. (See RSV). ...
/v/vestibule.htm - 16k

Exterior (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 40:19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate
to the forefront of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the ...
/e/exterior.htm - 7k

Width (58 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate
to the forefront of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the ...
/w/width.htm - 22k

Eastward (72 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate
unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and ...
/e/eastward.htm - 30k

Porch (37 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:15 From the forefront of the gate at the entrance to the forefront
of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits. ...
/p/porch.htm - 22k

Cubits (156 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:15 From the forefront of the gate at the entrance to the forefront
of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits. ...
/c/cubits.htm - 40k

Measured (91 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate
to the forefront of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the ...
/m/measured.htm - 35k

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