The term "over-reached" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be understood through various scriptural narratives and teachings that address themes of ambition, deceit, and the consequences of overstepping moral or ethical boundaries. In a biblical context, over-reaching often involves exceeding one's rightful limits or taking advantage of others, which can lead to negative consequences both spiritually and relationally.

Biblical Examples:

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the most illustrative examples of over-reaching is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, whose name means "supplanter," over-reached by deceiving his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for his brother Esau (Genesis 27:18-29). This act of deception led to familial strife and years of separation. The narrative highlights the dangers of over-reaching through deceit and the long-term consequences it can have on relationships.

2. King Saul: Another example is King Saul, who over-reached his authority by offering a burnt sacrifice, a duty reserved for the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8-14). Saul's impatience and presumption led to God's rejection of his kingship. This account underscores the importance of respecting divinely established roles and the perils of overstepping one's bounds.

3. Ananias and Sapphira: In the New Testament, the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 serves as a cautionary tale about over-reaching through deceit. They sold a piece of property and kept back part of the proceeds while claiming to have given the full amount to the apostles. Their attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit resulted in their sudden deaths, illustrating the severe consequences of over-reaching in matters of integrity and honesty.

Theological Insights:

Theologically, over-reaching can be seen as a manifestation of pride and a lack of trust in God's provision and timing. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse encapsulates the biblical principle that over-reaching, often driven by pride, leads to downfall.

The Bible also teaches contentment and humility as antidotes to the temptation to over-reach. Philippians 4:11-12 speaks to the virtue of contentment: "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances." Similarly, James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." These passages encourage believers to trust in God's plan and timing rather than striving to achieve through unethical means.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, over-reaching is often associated with a lack of integrity and respect for others. The Golden Rule, as stated in Matthew 7:12, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you," serves as a guiding principle against over-reaching. By treating others with fairness and respect, believers can avoid the pitfalls of over-reaching and maintain harmonious relationships.

In summary, while the term "over-reached" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout its teachings. Through various narratives and exhortations, Scripture warns against the dangers of over-reaching and encourages a life marked by humility, integrity, and trust in God's sovereignty.

Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to ...
... But if ye shall have forgiven any, so (do) I; for I, too, if I have forgiven ought,
have forgiven in the person of Christ, lest we be overreached by Satan ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiii of st paul and.htm

The Olivet Message.
... in the sharp competition of the world where duty calls him, to resist the sly
temptations to overreach, to keep keenly alert not to be overreached; and through ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery ...
... But like all too cunning schemers, these pious detectives overreached the goal of
their intention, and bearing in mind the fact of the Cardinal's unsuspecting ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxvi the same night which.htm

Judas
... for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable one,
who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 76 judas.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... For it is impossible that the righteous man should not be afflicted, though he be
rich: for when he is willing to be overreached, to be wronged, to suffer all ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

Christ Ledges with Zaccheus. (Luke, xix. , 2, Seq. )
... the fulness of his joy he vowed to prove his repentance by dividing half of his
property among the poor, and remunerating four-fold all whom he had overreached ...
/.../section 237 christ ledges with.htm

But You Will Perhaps Say that the King was a Diviner. ...
... But for a mortal's anticipating [4300] what Jupiter"whom [4301] he overreached"was
going to say, could the god not know in what ways a man was preparing to ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/4 but you will perhaps.htm

Admitting that all These Things which do the Immortal Gods ...
... Then Jupiter, being ensnared by the ambiguous terms used, uttered these words:
"Thou hast overreached me, Numa; for I had determined that evils portended by ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/1 admitting that all these.htm

Life of Antony.
... lately set forth in a several volume, intituled of his life, his manners and
converasiton, how openly he buckled with divils, how he over-reached their slights ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony.htm

A Paradox
... clear. Thus the Gibeonites overreached them, as we also shall be overreached
when we are so exceeding sure of our course. Brethren ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm

Overreached (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Overreach. Multi-Version Concordance
Overreached (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 22:12 In thee have ...
/o/overreached.htm - 6k

Over-reached (1 Occurrence)
Over-reached. Overreached, Over-reached. Overreaching . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(YLT). Overreached, Over-reached. Overreaching . Reference Bible.
/o/over-reached.htm - 6k

Overreaching (2 Occurrences)

/o/overreaching.htm - 7k

Overreach (1 Occurrence)

/o/overreach.htm - 7k

Adversary (100 Occurrences)
... control. (WEY YLT). 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we may not be over-reached by the
Adversary, for of his devices we are not ignorant. (YLT). ...
/a/adversary.htm - 40k

Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... dishes his son's hunting supplied. At any rate, this partiality defeated
itself because it overreached itself. The wife, who had ...
/j/jacob.htm - 77k

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