The term "overspreading" is often associated with the idea of covering or extending over an area. In the context of the Bible, it can refer to both literal and metaphorical coverings, often implying influence, protection, or judgment.

Biblical References:

1. Daniel 9:27 : "And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations will come one who causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him."

In this passage, the "overspreading" is implied in the phrase "on the wing of abominations," suggesting a pervasive influence of desolation and abomination. This is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning the Antichrist, who will bring widespread desecration and desolation, particularly in the context of the end times. The imagery of "overspreading" here conveys the extensive reach of evil and its impact on the world.

2. Genesis 9:27 : "May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem; may Canaan be his servant."

While the term "overspreading" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is present in the blessing of Japheth, where God is asked to "enlarge" him. This enlargement can be seen as an overspreading of influence and territory, suggesting a divine blessing that allows for growth and expansion. The dwelling in the tents of Shem indicates a harmonious relationship and a sharing of blessings, which can be seen as a positive form of overspreading.

Theological Implications:

The concept of overspreading in the Bible often carries significant theological implications. It can denote the spread of God's influence and blessings, as seen in the expansion of territories and peoples under divine favor. Conversely, it can also represent the spread of sin and desolation, as seen in prophetic warnings about the end times.

In prophetic literature, overspreading is frequently associated with judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. The pervasive nature of sin and its ability to corrupt and desolate is a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for vigilance and faithfulness among God's people.

Symbolism and Imagery:

Overspreading is rich in symbolism, often depicted through imagery of wings, tents, and abominations. Wings can symbolize both protection and the swift spread of influence, while tents represent dwelling and community. Abominations, on the other hand, highlight the destructive power of sin and rebellion against God.

The dual nature of overspreading—both as a blessing and a curse—serves as a reminder of the choices set before humanity. It underscores the importance of aligning with God's will to experience His protection and favor, while also warning of the dire consequences of straying from His path.

Historical Context:

In the historical context of the Bible, overspreading can be seen in the expansion of empires and the influence of various cultures. The Israelites themselves experienced both the blessings of overspreading through God's promises and the curses of overspreading through foreign domination and exile due to their disobedience.

The prophetic warnings about overspreading desolation often reflect historical events, such as the Babylonian exile, where the pervasive influence of foreign powers brought about significant changes in the life and worship of the Israelites. These events serve as both historical lessons and spiritual warnings for future generations.

Overall, the concept of overspreading in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing themes of divine blessing, judgment, and the pervasive nature of both good and evil. It calls believers to discernment and faithfulness in their walk with God.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overspread.3671. kanaph -- wing, extremity
... wingspan (1). bird, border, corner, end, feathered, flying, one another,
overspreading,. From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically ...
/hebrew/3671.htm - 6k

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... carries us back to Dan.9:27: "And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice
and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... was to aid Christian efforts, under the Divine blessing, in stemming the torrent
of iniquity, which, like an awful flood, was overspreading this country. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

What Art Thou Then, My God? What, but the Lord God? for who is ...
... the proud, and they know it not; ever working, ever at rest; still gathering, yet
nothing lacking; supporting, filling, and overspreading; creating, nourishing ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv what art thou.htm

Psalm 72:1. First Part. The Kingdom of Christ.
... 5 The heathen lands that lie beneath The shades of overspreading death, Revive
at his first dawning light, And deserts blossom at the sight. ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 72 1 0 first part the.htm

Thunder.
... John Newton 8,6,8,6. Thunder. When a black overspreading cloud. Has dark'ned all
the air; And peals of thunder roaring loud. Proclaim the tempest near. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 83 thunder.htm

Psalm 72 Part 1 the Kingdom of Christ.
... Like heav'nly dew on thirsty hills. The heathen lands that lie beneath. The shades
of overspreading death,. Revive at his first dawning light,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 72 part 1 the.htm

Universal Reign of Christ.
... 2 The heathen lands, that lie beneath The shades of overspreading death, Revive
at his first dawning light, And deserts blossom at the sight. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/297 universal reign of.htm

The Holy Spirit.
... fashion and harmony which now we behold with our eyes, even so the new creation,
to wit, the making of us new to God, is done by the overspreading of the same ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/viii the holy spirit.htm

Whether God is a Body?
... the depth of God is meant the incomprehensibility of His essence; by length, the
procession of His all-pervading power; by breadth, His overspreading all things ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god is a body.htm

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
... but also a defender of the faith in truth, as the Christian world hath taken notice,
by his learned confuting of Bellarmine's overspreading heresies, and his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/to the high and mighty.htm

Overspreading (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overspread. Multi-Version
Concordance Overspreading (1 Occurrence). Daniel 9:27 And ...
/o/overspreading.htm - 7k

Overspread (2 Occurrences)

/o/overspread.htm - 7k

Overstep (1 Occurrence)

/o/overstep.htm - 6k

Inundation (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An overspreading; overflowing or superfluous
abundance; a flood; a great influx; as, an inundation of tourists. ...
/i/inundation.htm - 8k

Dash (30 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) A slight admixture, infusion, or adulteration; a partial overspreading;
as, wine with a dash of water; red with a dash of purple. 11. ...
/d/dash.htm - 19k

Consummation (2 Occurrences)
... covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the
sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations ...
/c/consummation.htm - 8k

Confirm (39 Occurrences)
... covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the
sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations ...
/c/confirm.htm - 20k

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Overspreading: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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