Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "map" as we understand it today was not prevalent. However, the geographical understanding of the ancient world was conveyed through descriptions in biblical texts, which served a similar purpose in guiding and informing the people of that era about the lands and territories significant to their history and faith.Geographical Context in the Bible The Bible provides detailed descriptions of various regions, cities, and landmarks that were significant to the narratives of the Israelites and early Christians. These descriptions often served as a mental map for the readers and listeners of the time. For instance, the land of Canaan, the wilderness wanderings, and the territories of the twelve tribes of Israel are meticulously outlined in the Scriptures. In the Book of Numbers, the boundaries of the Promised Land are described: "Your southern side will include some of the Desert of Zin along the border of Edom. Your southern boundary will start in the east from the southern end of the Dead Sea" (Numbers 34:3). Such passages provided a clear geographical framework for the Israelites. Journeys and Travels The journeys of key biblical figures are often recounted with specific geographical markers. Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan, the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, and Paul's missionary journeys are all described with reference to specific locations. For example, Paul's travels are detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, where cities such as Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth are mentioned, providing a geographical context for his ministry: "From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem" (Acts 13:13). Symbolic and Theological Significance The geographical descriptions in the Bible often carry symbolic and theological significance. The Promised Land, for instance, is not only a physical territory but also a symbol of God's covenant and promise to His people. Similarly, Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical theology as the city of David and the location of the Temple, representing God's presence among His people. Ancient Cartography and Biblical Lands While ancient cartography was rudimentary compared to modern standards, some early maps attempted to depict the biblical world. These maps, often created by early Christian scholars, were based on biblical descriptions and served as tools for teaching and understanding the biblical narrative. The "Tabula Peutingeriana," a Roman road map, and the "Madaba Map," a mosaic map from the Byzantine period, are examples of early attempts to visualize the biblical lands. Modern Biblical Maps Today, biblical maps are an essential tool for students and scholars of the Bible, providing visual representations of the ancient world as described in Scripture. These maps help readers to better understand the geographical context of biblical events and the movement of peoples and nations throughout biblical history. In summary, while the Bible does not contain maps in the modern sense, its detailed geographical descriptions and the journeys of its key figures provide a rich tapestry of the ancient world, serving as a guide for understanding the historical and theological context of the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A representation of the surface of the earth, or of some portion of it, showing the relative position of the parts represented; -- usually on a flat surface. Also, such a representation of the celestial sphere, or of some part of it.2. (n.) Anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map. 3. (v. t.) To represent by a map; -- often with out; as, to survey and map, or map out, a county. Hence, figuratively: To represent or indicate systematically and clearly; to sketch; to plan; as, to map, or map out, a journey; to map out business. Strong's Hebrew 4654. mappalah -- a ruin... 4653, 4654. mappalah. 4654a . a ruin. Transliteration: mappalah Phonetic Spelling: (map-paw-law') Short Definition: ruin. ruinous ... /hebrew/4654.htm - 5k 4661. mappets -- a war-club 4658. mappeleth -- carcass, ruin, an overthrow 4646. mappach -- a breathing out 4647. mappuach -- a bellows 4660. mappats -- a shattering 4651. mappal -- refuse, hanging parts Library Publications Books Printed for the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; The Kingdom Conquering the World The Kingdom Conquering And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided A Weekly Journey Round the World. A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Engravings. Engravings. The Kingdom Forming Thesaurus Map (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) Anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map. 3. (vt) To represent ... /m/map.htm - 7k Geology Scale (38 Occurrences) Tablet (7 Occurrences) Exploration Jarmuth (7 Occurrences) Line (131 Occurrences) Gomorrah (25 Occurrences) Graving (7 Occurrences) Golgotha (4 Occurrences) Resources Sitemap of www.GotQuestions.org | GotQuestions.orgIs the theory of Pangea possible? Does the Bible say that there was once a Pangea / Pangaea? | GotQuestions.org I am a Buddhist. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Map: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Map (1 Occurrence)Joshua 18:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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