In biblical literature, the term "heaps" often refers to piles or mounds of materials, such as stones, grain, or other substances, that are gathered together for various purposes. The concept of heaps is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, illustrating themes of abundance, judgment, and remembrance.

Literal Usage

1. Agricultural Abundance: In the context of agricultural prosperity, heaps are often associated with the gathering of grain and produce. For example, in 2 Chronicles 31:6-7, the Israelites brought in the firstfruits and tithes in great abundance, forming heaps: "The Israelites and Judahites living in the cities of Judah also brought a tenth of their herds and flocks, and a tenth of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in heaps. In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month."

2. Construction and Memorials: Heaps of stones were frequently used as memorials or markers. In Joshua 7:26, after the sin of Achan was dealt with, a heap of stones was raised over him: "And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day."

3. Destruction and Judgment: Heaps can also signify destruction, as seen in the aftermath of divine judgment. In Jeremiah 9:11, God declares, "I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant."

Metaphorical Usage

1. Symbol of Judgment: Heaps are sometimes used metaphorically to describe the accumulation of sin or the impending judgment of God. In Hosea 12:11, the prophet speaks of the altars of sin as heaps: "Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; even their altars will be heaps in the furrows of the field."

2. Expression of Vanity: The Preacher in Ecclesiastes reflects on the futility of amassing wealth and possessions, which can be seen as forming heaps that ultimately do not satisfy. Ecclesiastes 2:26 states, "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and accumulating, only to hand it over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind."

Theological Implications

The imagery of heaps in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision and judgment. Heaps of grain and produce symbolize divine blessing and abundance, while heaps of stones or ruins often signify judgment and the consequences of sin. The use of heaps as memorials underscores the importance of remembering God's acts and the lessons of history. Through these varied uses, the concept of heaps in Scripture invites reflection on the themes of abundance, accountability, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.1554. Gallim -- "heaps," a place near Jer.
... 1553, 1554. Gallim. 1555 . "heaps," a place near Jer. ... Word Origin pl. of gal
Definition "heaps," a place near Jer. NASB Word Usage Gallim (2). Gallim. ...
/hebrew/1554.htm - 6k

6911. Qibtsayim -- "two heaps," a city in Ephraim
... 6910, 6911. Qibtsayim. 6912 . "two heaps," a city in Ephraim. Transliteration:
Qibtsayim Phonetic Spelling: (kib-tsah'-yim) Short Definition: Kibzaim. ...
/hebrew/6911.htm - 6k

8240a. shephattayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps
... 8240, 8240a. shephattayim. 8240b . perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps.
Transliteration: shephattayim Short Definition: sheepfolds. Word ...
/hebrew/8240a.htm - 5k

4942. mishpethayim -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps
... 4941, 4942. mishpethayim. 4943 . perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps. Transliteration:
mishpethayim Phonetic Spelling: (mish-pawth') Short Definition: sheepfolds ...
/hebrew/4942.htm - 6k

8240. shaphath -- perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps
... 8239, 8240. shaphath. 8240a . perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps. Transliteration:
shaphath Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-fawth') Short Definition: hook. hook, pot ...
/hebrew/8240.htm - 5k

6652. tsibbur -- a heap
tsibbur or tsibbur. 6651, 6652. tsibbur or tsibbur. 6653 . a heap. Transliteration:
tsibbur or tsibbur Phonetic Spelling: (tsib-boor') Short Definition: heaps ...
/hebrew/6652.htm - 6k

1530. gal -- a heap, wave, billow
... Word Origin from galal Definition a heap, wave, billow NASB Word Usage billows
(1), heap (13), heaps (2), rock garden (1), rock pile (1), ruins (1), stone ...
/hebrew/1530.htm - 6k

2563b. chomer -- a heap
... a heap. Transliteration: chomer Short Definition: heaps. Word Origin from an unused
word Definition a heap NASB Word Usage heaps (1), surge (1). 2563a, 2563b ...
/hebrew/2563b.htm - 5k

2565. chamorah -- a heap
chamorah or chamor. 2564, 2565. chamorah or chamor. 2566 . a heap. Transliteration:
chamorah or chamor Phonetic Spelling: (kham-o-raw') Short Definition: heaps ...
/hebrew/2565.htm - 6k

6194. aremah -- a heap
... 6193, 6194. aremah. 6195 . a heap. Transliteration: aremah Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-rame') Short Definition: heaps. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/6194.htm - 6k

The Pearl.
... as they are brought up from the bottom of the sea until a considerable quantity
has been accumulated, disposed in a series of small contiguous heaps, and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vi the pearl.htm

Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... The Prince searched and searched in every direction, under heaps of costly jewels
and glittering robes, piles of gold and silver, and rich armour; but they had ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter two saint george releases.htm

The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... All was ruin and desolation; heaps of stones lay where beauteous buildings had been,
and the fields and vineyards lay waste; but glad promises came by the ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiii the rebuilding of.htm

Good News
... Heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of an ass he has slain a thousand men; but the
dust of the conflict, and the heat, and the exhaustion had caused such an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/good news.htm

Independence of Christianity
... Anak, and the destruction of the tribes of Canaan; tell me of Israel's possessing
the promised land; tell me of Philistines routed, and laid heaps on heaps; of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/independence of christianity.htm

Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
... Another interprets it of heaps of earth, thrown up against the wall within, whence
they might more easily get up upon the wall: and when David is said to build ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 24 some buildings in.htm

We must Reserve the Likeness of the virtues in Ourselves. ...
... "Our adversary the devil as a roaring lion seeketh whom he may kill, whom he may
devour." [343] Let him not find desire for gold, nor heaps of money, nor the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xlix we must reserve.htm

Who Can Tell?
... What though he grasp but the jaw-bone of an ass yet is his arm mightier than Samson's,
and not only would it be heaps upon heaps, but city upon city, continent ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/who can tell.htm

Exposition: 1 John 3:1-10
... As often as we worsted them in one battle, they came upon us thick and strong, like
an army of locusts; when heaps and heaps had been destroyed they seemed as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/exposition 1 john 3 1-10.htm

Jerome Savonarola (Ad 1452-1498)
... Two great heaps of fuel were piled up in a public place at Florence. They
were each forty yards long and two yards and a half high ...
/.../chapter xxviii jerome savonarola ad.htm

Rubble (17 Occurrences)
... will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?'
(See NAS NIV). ... They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. (See NIV). ...
/r/rubble.htm - 12k

Drift (1 Occurrence)
... slowly east. 23. (vi) To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be
driven into heaps; as, snow or sand drifts. 24. (vi) to ...
/d/drift.htm - 9k

Piles (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:8 A messenger came, and told him, "They have brought the heads of the
king's sons." He said, "Lay them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate ...
/p/piles.htm - 9k

Ruins (84 Occurrences)
... ago I made it, in ancient times I fashioned it; now have I brought it to pass, yea,
it is done; that fortified cities should be laid waste into ruinous heaps. ...
/r/ruins.htm - 31k

Overgrown (5 Occurrences)
... Judah; and he spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies:
Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the ...
/o/overgrown.htm - 8k

On (40792 Occurrences)
... 6. (prep.) In addition to; besides; -- indicating multiplication or succession in
a series; as, heaps on heaps; mischief on mischief; loss on loss; thought on ...
/o/on.htm - 17k

Jaw (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:16 Samson said, "With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps on heaps; with the
jawbone of a donkey I have struck a thousand men." (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/j/jaw.htm - 11k

Jaw-bone (3 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). Judges 15:16 And Samson said, With the jaw-bone of an ass, heaps upon
heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. (WBS YLT). ...
/j/jaw-bone.htm - 7k

Jackals (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 9:11 I will make Jerusalem heaps, a dwelling place of jackals; and I
will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant. ...
/j/jackals.htm - 12k

Jawbone (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:16 Samson said, "With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps on heaps; with the
jawbone of a donkey I have struck a thousand men." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS ...
/j/jawbone.htm - 10k

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