Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "reserves" can be understood as the act of setting aside resources, whether material or spiritual, for future use. This principle is evident throughout Scripture, where the wisdom of preparation and prudent management of resources is emphasized.Old Testament Examples 1. Joseph in Egypt: One of the most prominent examples of reserves in the Bible is the account of Joseph, who, under God's guidance, interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and advised him to store up grain during seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine that would follow. Genesis 41:34-36 states, "Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food of these good years that are coming, and let them store up the grain under Pharaoh’s authority as food to be kept in the cities. This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine that will occur in the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine." 2. The Ant: Proverbs 6:6-8 uses the example of the ant to teach the value of reserves: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." This passage highlights the importance of diligence and foresight in preparing for future needs. 3. The Storehouses of the Temple: In 1 Chronicles 26:20 , the Levites were responsible for the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. These reserves were set aside for the maintenance of the temple and the support of its services, demonstrating the importance of having resources dedicated to the worship and service of God. New Testament Teachings 1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins: In Matthew 25:1-13 , Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were wise and took oil in jars along with their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not. When the bridegroom arrived, only the wise virgins were prepared to meet him. This parable underscores the necessity of spiritual reserves, being prepared for the coming of the Lord. 2. Laying Up Treasures in Heaven: Jesus teaches about the importance of spiritual reserves in Matthew 6:19-21 : "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage encourages believers to focus on eternal reserves rather than temporary, earthly wealth. 3. The Rich Fool: In Luke 12:16-21 , Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who stored up earthly wealth without being rich toward God. The man said to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!" But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" This account warns against the folly of relying solely on material reserves without considering one's spiritual state. Principles of Reserves The biblical principle of reserves encompasses both physical and spiritual preparation. It encourages believers to be wise stewards of their resources, to plan for the future, and to prioritize their relationship with God above material wealth. The Scriptures consistently teach that while it is prudent to prepare for earthly needs, the ultimate reserve is found in a life dedicated to God and His purposes. Strong's Hebrew 5201. natar -- to keep... root Definition to keep NASB Word Usage angry (2), bear any grudge (1), caretaker (1), caretakers (1), keep (1), reserves (1), take care (1), taken care (1). ... /hebrew/5201.htm - 6k Library How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished. Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World Bossuet -- the Funeral Sermon on the Death of the Grande Conde Choosing Her Course Eleventh Letter The Soul's Parts. Elements of the Rational Soul. To Certain Holy Hermits who had Been Invited to Rome by the Pope October 20, 1893 To Master Raimondo of Capua Going Out and Going In Thesaurus Reserves (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Reserves (2 Occurrences). Jude 1:6 And angels--those who did not keep the position originally assigned ... /r/reserves.htm - 7k Reserved (28 Occurrences) Originally (4 Occurrences) Original (6 Occurrences) Reserveth (2 Occurrences) Reserve (15 Occurrences) Positions (41 Occurrences) Assigned (64 Occurrences) Abode (112 Occurrences) Preparation (28 Occurrences) Resources What is the Wisdom of Solomon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about revenge? | GotQuestions.org Is “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.org Reserves: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reserves (2 Occurrences)Jude 1:6 Nahum 1:2 Subtopics Related Terms |