Topical Encyclopedia The Earth, as depicted in the Bible, is a testament to the abundant riches and providence of God. From the very beginning, Scripture reveals the Earth as a creation of divine craftsmanship, filled with resources and beauty that reflect the glory and generosity of its Creator.Creation and Abundance The narrative of creation in Genesis sets the stage for understanding the Earth as a repository of God's riches. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse establishes God as the ultimate source of all that exists. The subsequent verses describe the Earth being filled with vegetation, animals, and all forms of life, each according to its kind, demonstrating the diversity and abundance of God's provision. Provision for Humanity God's intention for the Earth to be full of His riches is further emphasized in His provision for humanity. In Genesis 1:29-30, God declares, "Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food." This passage highlights the Earth as a source of sustenance, designed to meet the needs of all living creatures. The Earth’s Bounty in Psalms The Psalms frequently celebrate the Earth as a manifestation of God's riches. Psalm 24:1 proclaims, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse underscores the idea that the Earth and its abundance belong to God, and it is He who sustains it. Psalm 104 provides a vivid depiction of God's provision, detailing how He waters the earth, causes grass to grow for livestock, and plants for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth (Psalm 104:13-14). Wisdom Literature and the Earth’s Riches The wisdom literature of the Bible also reflects on the Earth’s riches. Proverbs 8:22-31 personifies wisdom as being present at the creation of the Earth, delighting in the inhabited world and rejoicing in mankind. This passage suggests that the Earth’s riches are not only material but also encompass the wisdom and order inherent in creation. The Earth in Prophetic Literature Prophetic literature often uses the Earth’s abundance as a metaphor for spiritual blessings and divine favor. Isaiah 55:10-11 compares the efficacy of God’s word to the rain and snow that water the earth, making it bud and flourish, providing seed for the sower and bread for the eater. This imagery reinforces the concept of the Earth as a source of life and blessing, reflecting the spiritual truths of God’s promises. New Testament Perspectives In the New Testament, the Earth continues to be seen as full of God’s riches, though with an emphasis on spiritual fulfillment. Jesus, in His parables, often uses agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths, such as the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32). These parables illustrate the Kingdom of God as a growing and fruitful reality, akin to the natural processes of the Earth. Stewardship and Responsibility The Bible also emphasizes humanity’s responsibility to steward the Earth’s riches. Genesis 2:15 states, "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it." This mandate implies a duty to care for and manage the Earth’s resources wisely, reflecting God’s own care and provision. Conclusion The Earth, in its fullness, is a profound expression of God’s riches, designed to sustain life and reflect His glory. Through creation, provision, and the call to stewardship, the Bible presents the Earth as a divine gift, abundant in resources and beauty, entrusted to humanity for care and enjoyment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:24O LORD, how manifold are your works! in wisdom have you made them all: the earth is full of your riches. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Seventh Sunday after Trinity. O Lord, How Manifold are Thy Works ... Prayer --Fills Man's Poverty with God's Riches 'The Riches of Grace' That God's Lover Forsakes the World, Idleness and Irksomeness: and ... A Whitsun Sermon Goodness Wrought and Goodness Laid Up God's Inheritance in the Saints The Wisdom of God's Counsels God's World The Difference Betwixt God's Lovers and the World's: and their ... Resources What is the first earth age? Is the concept of a first earth age biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to the corners of the earth? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian observe Earth Day? | GotQuestions.org Earth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Earth: Ancient Notions Concerning Earth: Created by God by Christ The Earth: Burning at God Presence The Earth: Created to be Inhabited The Earth: Diversified by Hills and Mountains The Earth: Full of God's Glory The Earth: Full of God's Goodness The Earth: Full of God's Mercy The Earth: Full of God's Riches The Earth: God: Governs Supremely The Earth: God: Laid the Foundation of The Earth: God: Makes Fruitful The Earth: God: Shall be Exalted In The Earth: God: Suspended in Space The Earth: Ideas of the Ancients Respecting the Form of The Earth: Made to Mourn and Languish by Sin The Earth: Man by Nature is of The Earth: Man by Nature Minds the Thing of The Earth: Man: Brought a Curse On The Earth: Man: Given Dominion Over The Earth: Man: Shall Return To The Earth: Melting at God's Voice The Earth: Not to be Again Inundated The Earth: Saints Shall Inherit The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In The Earth: Shall be Filled With the Knowledge of God The Earth: Shining With God's Glory The Earth: Subject to God's Judgments The Earth: The Dry Land As Divided from Waters The Earth: The World in General The Earth: To be Dissolved by Fire The Earth: Trembling Before God Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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