The term "overflowings" in the Bible often refers to an abundance or excess, typically of water, but it can also symbolize God's judgment, blessings, or the outpouring of His Spirit. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both physical and spiritual truths.

Physical Overflowings

In a literal sense, overflowings are frequently associated with water, such as rivers or floods. The Bible uses these natural phenomena to describe God's power and the consequences of His judgment. For instance, in the account of Noah's flood, the earth experienced a catastrophic overflowing of water as a direct result of human wickedness. Genesis 7:11 states, "On that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened." This event serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of sin.

Similarly, the overflowing of the Nile River is mentioned in Isaiah 23:10 : "Cultivate your land like the Nile, O Daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer a harbor." Here, the overflowing is indicative of both the natural cycle of the river and the economic impact on the surrounding regions.

Spiritual Overflowings

Beyond the physical, overflowings also carry a spiritual significance. They can represent the abundance of God's blessings or the outpouring of His Spirit. In Malachi 3:10 , God promises, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This passage highlights the concept of divine overflowings as a response to faithfulness and obedience.

The New Testament further develops this theme with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on the believers, empowering them for ministry and signifying the beginning of the Church. Acts 2:17 quotes the prophet Joel: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people." This spiritual overflowing is a fulfillment of God's promise and a testament to His desire to dwell among His people.

Overflowings as Judgment

Overflowings can also symbolize God's judgment. In Isaiah 28:17 , the prophet declares, "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place." Here, the imagery of overflowing water is used to convey the inescapable nature of divine judgment against unrighteousness.

Overflowings in the Psalms

The Psalms frequently use the imagery of overflowing to express both distress and deliverance. Psalm 69:2 captures a cry for help: "I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me." Conversely, Psalm 23:5 offers a picture of divine provision: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

Conclusion

The concept of overflowings in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, illustrating God's power, judgment, blessings, and the outpouring of His Spirit. Whether through the literal overflow of waters or the spiritual abundance of His presence, the theme of overflowings underscores the vastness of God's interaction with His creation.5678. ebrah -- overflow, arrogance, fury
... Word Origin fem. of eber Definition overflow, arrogance, fury NASB Word Usage anger
(1), fury (14), overflowings (1), rage (1), wrath (16). anger, rage, wrath. ...
/hebrew/5678.htm - 6k

Of the Presence of God
... So in this state the abundance and overflowings of grace still the activity of self;
and, therefore, it is of the utmost importance to remain as silent as ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xii of the presence.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... These early disciples were not, indeed, required, as a term of communion, to deposit
their property in a common stock-purse; but, in the overflowings of their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

The Means of Grace
... persons famous in their generations, and such as had well deserved of the church
of Christ, for standing in the gap against the overflowings of ungodliness. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm

Psalm XVIII.
... And the overflowings of ungodliness have troubled Me" (ver.4). Ungodly troubles
[526] stirred up for a time, like torrents of rain which will soon subside ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xviii.htm

Of the Devastation of the World, and Its Prophetic Omens.
... Cities shall be utterly overthrown, and shall perish; not only by fire and the sword,
but also by continual earthquakes and overflowings of waters, and by ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvi of the devastation of.htm

Wesley's Letter to the Mayor
... we have justly displeased? O Sir, is it not possible to give any check to
these overflowings of ungodliness? To the open, flagrant ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesleys letter to the mayor.htm

Why He Despised Greek Literature, and Easily Learned Latin.
... But this last restrains the overflowings of that freedom, through Thy laws, O
God,"Thy laws, from the ferule of the schoolmaster to the trials of the martyr ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xiv why he despised greek.htm

Verily I Say unto You, There Hath not Arisen among those whom ...
... [1053] Ye children of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?
from the overflowings of the heart the mouth [34] speaketh. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xiv verily i say.htm

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
... As the degrees of the height of the water Nilus in its overflowing, are a sure sign
of the fertility or barrenness of that year, so the overflowings of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxix whereby we cry.htm

No Man Can Serve Two Masters; and that Because it is Necessary ...
... heart bringeth forth good things; and the evil man from the evil treasures that
are in his heart bringeth forth evil things: and from the overflowings of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section x no man can.htm

Overflowings (2 Occurrences)
...Overflowings (2 Occurrences). ... (See JPS ASV). Job 40:11 Pour forth the overflowings
of thine anger; And look upon every one that is proud, and abase him. ...
/o/overflowings.htm - 6k

Overflowing (54 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS RSV NIV). Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones; the overflowings thereof
wash away the dust of the earth; so Thou destroyest the hope of man. ...
/o/overflowing.htm - 23k

Overflown (6 Occurrences)

/o/overflown.htm - 8k

Wears (6 Occurrences)
... Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones; the overflowings thereof wash away the dust
of the earth; so Thou destroyest the hope of man. (See NAS NIV). ...
/w/wears.htm - 7k

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