In biblical terms, "holdings" often refer to possessions, property, or assets that individuals or groups own. These can include land, livestock, wealth, and other material goods. The concept of holdings is significant in the Bible as it relates to themes of stewardship, inheritance, and divine blessing.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, holdings are frequently associated with the land and livestock, which were primary indicators of wealth and status. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are often described in terms of their extensive holdings. For example, Genesis 13:2 states, "Now Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold." These holdings were seen as blessings from God, reflecting His favor and covenant promises.

The division and inheritance of land were central to the Israelites' understanding of holdings. The Promised Land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, with each family receiving a portion as their inheritance (Joshua 13-21). This distribution was not merely a matter of economic necessity but was deeply tied to the covenant relationship between God and His people. Leviticus 25:23 emphasizes this, stating, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of holdings takes on a more spiritual dimension. While material possessions are still acknowledged, there is a greater emphasis on the dangers of wealth and the call to prioritize spiritual riches. Jesus frequently taught about the proper attitude toward possessions, warning against the love of money and the accumulation of wealth for its own sake. In Matthew 6:19-21, He instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The early Christian community exemplified a radical approach to holdings, as seen in Acts 2:44-45: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal sharing was a reflection of their unity in Christ and their commitment to caring for one another.

Stewardship and Responsibility

Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent theme of stewardship regarding holdings. Believers are called to manage their possessions wisely and generously, recognizing that all they have is ultimately God's. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the responsibility to use one's resources for God's purposes, with the understanding that there will be an accounting for how these resources are utilized.

Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages honoring God with one's holdings: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This principle underscores the belief that faithful stewardship leads to divine blessing.

Conclusion

The biblical view of holdings encompasses both material and spiritual dimensions, emphasizing the importance of stewardship, generosity, and the prioritization of eternal values over temporal wealth. Believers are encouraged to view their possessions as gifts from God, to be used for His glory and the benefit of others.

The Secular Clergy
... temporal rights and obligations as the first consideration and, like all feudal
tenants, tried to establish the right of hereditary succession in their holdings ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iv the secular clergy.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
... The infant capitalists of that day were wise enough to liquidate their
other holdings and invest everything in the main chance. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iv the kingdom of.htm

Habits and Condition of the People. Mission Work and Retirement.
... The holdings are small, and by the division made on the occasion of the death
of the head of the household they ever tend to become smaller. ...
/.../chapter xxiii habits and condition.htm

A Steamer Chair for his Friend.
... Poor in his own holdings, he expended millions of dollars in caring for orphans,
supporting missionaries, and distributing printed truth. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/a steamer chair for his.htm

What the History of Sallust Reveals Regarding the Life of the ...
... treated the people as their slaves, ordering them to be scourged or beheaded just
as the kings had done, driving them from their holdings, and harshly ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 18 what the history of.htm

Of the Disasters which Vexed the Roman Republic after the ...
... began the patricians to oppress the people as slaves, to condemn them to death or
scourging, as the kings had done, to drive them from their holdings, and to ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 17 of the disasters which.htm

Chapter twenty-nine
... He was exceedingly wealthy and had large property holdings in different parts of
the city. He had been a member of Dr. Bruce's church many years. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-nine.htm

Carey's College
... The many large estates are rich in gardens and orchards. The farmers, chiefly on
small holdings, are famous for their shorthorns and Leicester sheep. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

The Fifth Book
... that human hearts can hardly endure, that one can hardly bear to hear spoken of,
that many of the wretched poor, despoiled of their tiny holdings, after they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... The wealthy landowners took advantage of the difficulties of their less prosperous
neighbours to rob them of their holdings and remove the ancient landmarks ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

Holdings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Holdings (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 11:14 For
the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and ...
/h/holdings.htm - 6k

Holds (67 Occurrences)

/h/holds.htm - 26k

Holding (62 Occurrences)

/h/holding.htm - 27k

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Holdings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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