In biblical contexts, the term "gorges" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures; however, the concept can be related to the geographical and topographical features found within the biblical lands. Gorges, as deep valleys or ravines typically with a river running through them, are significant in understanding the landscape of the regions where biblical events took place.

Geographical Significance

The terrain of the ancient Near East, particularly in regions such as Israel, Jordan, and surrounding areas, is characterized by a variety of geographical features, including mountains, valleys, and gorges. These features often played crucial roles in the narratives and historical accounts found in the Bible. For instance, the rugged terrain of the Judean wilderness, with its steep cliffs and deep ravines, provided refuge for figures such as David when he fled from King Saul (1 Samuel 23:29).

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

Gorges and similar landscapes are sometimes used metaphorically in the Bible to describe spiritual or emotional states. The imagery of deep valleys or gorges can symbolize despair, trials, or the depths of human experience. Conversely, the lifting out of such depths can represent deliverance and salvation. For example, Psalm 23:4 states, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Here, the "valley of the shadow of death" can be likened to a gorge, representing a place of danger and fear, yet also a place where God's presence and protection are assured.

Historical Context

In the historical context of the Bible, gorges and valleys often served as strategic locations for battles and settlements. The Valley of Elah, where David famously defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17), is an example of a valley that could be considered a gorge-like feature. Such locations were significant for military tactics, providing natural defenses and influencing the outcomes of conflicts.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Gorges and valleys were also vital for the economic activities of ancient peoples. They often contained fertile land for agriculture due to the presence of water sources, such as rivers or streams running through them. This made them ideal locations for settlements and contributed to the sustenance and growth of communities. The presence of water in these areas is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of life and prosperity.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the imagery of gorges can be seen as a reflection of the human journey. Just as gorges are part of the natural landscape, the spiritual journey includes both high and low points. The Bible often uses the physical landscape to teach spiritual truths, reminding believers of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to guide them through life's challenges.

In summary, while the term "gorges" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in the geographical, historical, and spiritual narratives of the Scriptures. Understanding these features enhances the comprehension of biblical events and the profound lessons they convey.6367. Pi Hachiroth -- a place on the E. border of Egypt
... From peh and the feminine plural of a noun (from the same root as chowr), with the
article interpolated; mouth of the gorges; Pi-ha-Chiroth, a place in Egypt ...
/hebrew/6367.htm - 6k

The Shepherd King of Israel
... through which we have to pass. Such sunless gorges we have all to traverse
at some time or other. It is striking that the Psalmist ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

The Northern Mountains
... exceed three thousand feet in height, and I could hope at most to see among them
what my fancy had pictured among the serrated chines and green gorges of St. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The First Ministry of the Baptist.
... One day, as a caravan of pilgrims was slowly climbing the mountain gorges threaded
by the road between Jerusalem and Jericho, or halted for a moment in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/v the first ministry of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... They wandered on till they began to ascend, amid narrow defiles and dark gorges,
the rugged ranges of the mighty Caucasus, high above which Elborus towers with ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... It is about four hundred miles long and from seventy-five to one hundred miles wide
and is made up of plains, valleys, plateaus, gorges and mountains fashioned ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

The Puritan Beginnings of the Church in virginia ---Its Decline ...
... and sometimes tragical failure, in like attempts"the enterprises of Humphrey Gilbert,
of Raleigh, of John White, of Gosnold himself, and of Popham and Gorges ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter v the puritan beginnings.htm

Watching for the King
... From the mountain top, the eye travels over great stretches of country, but does
not see the gorges, separating points which seem close together, foreshortened ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/watching for the king.htm

"Peace, be Still"
... had been calm and pleasant, and quiet rested upon the lake; but suddenly darkness
overspread the sky, the wind swept wildly down the mountain gorges along the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 35 peace be still.htm

The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
... It is perhaps not without significance that the place of the one event was on the
uplands or in some of the rocky gorges beyond Jordan, and that of the other ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the translation of elijah and.htm

Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo
... lake. In these savage gorges Saul's three thousand men would be of little
use against the light-footed outlaw and his troop. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love for hate the true.htm

Gorges (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gorges (1 Occurrence). Job 30:6 To dwell in gloomy
gorges, in caves of the earth and the rocks: (DBY). ...
/g/gorges.htm - 6k

En-gedi (6 Occurrences)
... Two streams, Wady Sugeir and Wady el-Areyeh, descend on either side through precipitous
rocky gorges from the uninhabitable wilderness separating it from ...
/e/en-gedi.htm - 10k

Engedi (6 Occurrences)
... Two streams, Wady Sugeir and Wady el-Areyeh, descend on either side through precipitous
rocky gorges from the uninhabitable wilderness separating it from ...
/e/engedi.htm - 11k

Gorget

/g/gorget.htm - 8k

Gorgeously (3 Occurrences)

/g/gorgeously.htm - 8k

Ossifrage (2 Occurrences)
... lambs, kids and hares. It is not numerous and does not flock, but pairs live
in deep gorges and rocky crevices. It builds an enormous ...
/o/ossifrage.htm - 10k

Gloomy (10 Occurrences)
... desolation and waste, (YLT). Job 30:6 To dwell in gloomy gorges, in caves
of the earth and the rocks: (DBY). Isaiah 49:21 And thou ...
/g/gloomy.htm - 9k

Tigris (2 Occurrences)
... deep. Passing through numerous mountain gorges for another 150 miles, it emerges
into the region of low hills about Nineveh, and a little below into the great ...
/t/tigris.htm - 9k

Tikvath (1 Occurrence)
... deep. Passing through numerous mountain gorges for another 150 miles, it emerges
into the region of low hills about Nineveh, and a little below into the great ...
/t/tikvath.htm - 9k

Tikvah (2 Occurrences)
... deep. Passing through numerous mountain gorges for another 150 miles, it emerges
into the region of low hills about Nineveh, and a little below into the great ...
/t/tikvah.htm - 10k

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