Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, "out-places" refers to locations that are outside the central areas of habitation or worship, often associated with wilderness, desolate regions, or areas beyond the city gates. These places hold significant theological and symbolic meaning throughout the Scriptures, serving as settings for divine encounters, testing, and spiritual reflection.Biblical References and Significance 1. Wilderness as an Out-place: The wilderness is frequently depicted as an "out-place" where significant biblical events occur. It is a place of testing and transformation. For instance, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years as a period of testing and reliance on God (Deuteronomy 8:2). Similarly, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil"). 2. Desolate Regions: Out-places often refer to desolate or uninhabited regions. These areas are sometimes used as metaphors for spiritual desolation or judgment. In Isaiah 13:9, the desolation of Babylon is described as a divine judgment: "Behold, the day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it." 3. Places of Refuge and Solitude: Out-places can also be places of refuge and solitude, where individuals seek God away from the distractions of society. David, for example, fled to the wilderness to escape King Saul's pursuit, finding solace and divine guidance in these remote areas (1 Samuel 23:14: "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands"). 4. Symbolic Meaning: The concept of out-places extends beyond physical locations to symbolize spiritual states. Being in an out-place can represent a time of spiritual dryness or separation from God, yet it is also an opportunity for renewal and deeper communion with Him. Hosea 2:14-15 speaks of God alluring Israel into the wilderness to restore her: "Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly. There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope." 5. Prophetic Imagery: Prophets often used out-places as imagery for divine judgment or restoration. Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) takes place in a desolate valley, symbolizing Israel's spiritual death and the promise of resurrection and restoration through God's Spirit. Theological Implications Out-places in the Bible serve as crucial settings for divine-human interaction. They are places where God reveals His power, provides sustenance, and calls His people to repentance and faith. These locations remind believers of the importance of stepping away from the busyness of life to seek God in solitude and reflection. They also underscore the theme of God's presence and provision, even in the most desolate and challenging circumstances. Library Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Thesaurus Out-places (22 Occurrences)Out-places. Out-place, Out-places. Outpost . Multi-Version Concordance Out-places (22 Occurrences). Job 5:10 Who is ... /o/out-places.htm - 13k Treading-place (4 Occurrences) Outpost (7 Occurrences) Out-place (5 Occurrences) Wrapt (4 Occurrences) Embraced (19 Occurrences) Dusts (1 Occurrence) Desolated (21 Occurrences) Mourners (13 Occurrences) Pinnacles (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does Numbers 32:23 mean when it says, “Be sure your sin will find you out”? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Out-places (22 Occurrences)Job 5:10 Psalms 144:13 Proverbs 8:26 Isaiah 15:3 Isaiah 24:11 Jeremiah 14:16 Lamentations 2:19 Lamentations 2:21 Lamentations 4:1 Lamentations 4:5 Lamentations 4:8 Lamentations 4:14 Ezekiel 7:19 Ezekiel 11:6 Ezekiel 26:11 Ezekiel 28:23 Micah 7:10 Nahum 2:4 Nahum 3:10 Zephaniah 3:6 Zechariah 9:3 Zechariah 10:5 Subtopics Related Terms |