The term "seatward" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of biblical geography and directionality. The concept of direction, including eastward, westward, northward, and southward, is significant in the biblical narrative, often indicating movement, inheritance, or divine instruction.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the Bible, directions are frequently used to describe the movement of people, the allocation of land, and the fulfillment of God's promises. For example, in Genesis 13:14-15 , God instructs Abram, "Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look north and south and east and west. For all the land that you see, I will give to you and your descendants forever." Here, the directions are symbolic of the vastness of God's promise to Abram.

Theological Significance

Theologically, directions in the Bible often carry deeper meanings. Eastward, for instance, is associated with the Garden of Eden, as seen in Genesis 2:8 : "And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, where He placed the man He had formed." This directional reference highlights the origin of humanity and the initial state of harmony with God.

Similarly, moving westward can symbolize returning to God or moving towards His presence. The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land involved a westward movement, symbolizing a return to God's promise and favor.

Symbolism in Worship and Prophecy

In the context of worship, directions also play a role. The Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem were oriented with specific directional instructions, emphasizing the importance of order and divine presence. Ezekiel's vision of the new temple in Ezekiel 43:1-2 describes the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east, reinforcing the idea of divine presence associated with specific directions.

Prophetically, directions can indicate the movement of God's plan in history. For instance, the return of the exiles from Babylon involved a westward journey, symbolizing restoration and fulfillment of prophecy.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, directions were often linked to cosmology and religious practices. The biblical narrative reflects this understanding, using directions not only as geographical markers but also as theological symbols. The east, often associated with the rising sun, was seen as a place of beginnings and divine encounters.

Conclusion

While "seatward" is not a term explicitly found in the Bible, understanding the significance of directions in the biblical text enriches the study of Scripture. Directions serve as more than mere geographical indicators; they are imbued with theological meaning, reflecting God's promises, human journeys, and the unfolding of divine history.Seatward (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 37:9
And the cherubim spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubim.
(KJV)

Seatward (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Seatward (1 Occurrence). Exodus 37:9 And the
cherubim spread out their wings on high, and covered with ...
/s/seatward.htm - 6k

Seats (40 Occurrences)

/s/seats.htm - 19k

Ward (27 Occurrences)
... 3 Ephesians 3:2 2 Peter 3:9 the Revised Version (British and American)); and in
Exodus 37:9, the King James Version "even to the mercy seatward" (the Revised ...
/w/ward.htm - 19k

Seaweed (1 Occurrence)

/s/seaweed.htm - 6k

Covered (325 Occurrences)
... cherubim spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy
seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the ...
/c/covered.htm - 37k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus