Topical Encyclopedia The term "unoccupied" in a biblical context often refers to land, spaces, or positions that are vacant or not currently in use. This concept can be explored through various passages and themes in the Bible, where the absence of occupation can carry both literal and metaphorical significance.Biblical References: 1. Land and Territory: In the Old Testament, the idea of unoccupied land is significant in the context of the Promised Land. When the Israelites were led by God to the land of Canaan, they encountered territories that were either sparsely populated or occupied by other nations. The command to take possession of these lands is seen in passages such as Joshua 1:3-4, where God promises, "Every place where the sole of your foot will tread, I have given you, as I said to Moses." The notion of unoccupied land here is tied to divine promise and fulfillment. 2. Parables and Teachings of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus uses the concept of unoccupied spaces in His parables to convey spiritual truths. For instance, in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the unoccupied lamps of the foolish virgins symbolize a lack of preparedness and spiritual readiness. The absence of oil in their lamps when the bridegroom arrives highlights the consequences of neglect and unpreparedness. 3. Spiritual Implications: The idea of being unoccupied can also relate to spiritual states. In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus speaks of an unclean spirit that leaves a person and wanders through arid places seeking rest but finds none. When it returns, it finds the house "unoccupied, swept clean and put in order" (Matthew 12:44). This passage warns of the dangers of spiritual emptiness and the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to prevent evil from returning. 4. Work and Stewardship: The Bible also addresses the concept of unoccupied positions in the context of work and stewardship. In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), the landowner finds workers standing idle in the marketplace and hires them to work in his vineyard. This parable emphasizes the value of labor and the call to be active participants in God's kingdom, rather than remaining unoccupied or idle. Theological Themes: · Divine Provision and Promise: The occupation of land and spaces often reflects God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. The transition from unoccupied to occupied signifies the realization of God's plans. · Readiness and Vigilance: The teachings of Jesus highlight the importance of being spiritually occupied and prepared. An unoccupied heart is vulnerable to spiritual attack, while a life filled with the Holy Spirit is protected and fruitful. · Active Participation in God's Work: The call to occupy positions of service and stewardship underscores the biblical principle of diligence and responsibility. Believers are encouraged to engage actively in the work of the kingdom, avoiding idleness and making the most of their God-given opportunities. In summary, the concept of "unoccupied" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of divine promise, spiritual readiness, and active participation in God's work. Through various narratives and teachings, Scripture calls believers to move from states of emptiness to fullness, from idleness to purposeful action, in alignment with God's will. Greek 4980. scholazo -- to be at leisure, hence to devote oneself to ... Word Origin from schole Definition to be at leisure, hence to devote oneself to NASB Word Usage devote yourselves (1), unoccupied (1). empty, give self. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4980.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2308. chadal -- to cease... flabby, ie (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle -- cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. ... /hebrew/2308.htm - 6k 6359. patir -- free Library Eighth Tractate. Why Distant Objects Appear Small. God's Law Immutable. God's Law Immutable Sermon at the Opening Services of the General Convention, October ... Preface to the First Edition Argument. --But, on the Ground that Liberty in Meats is Granted to ... The Third Continental Journey. Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration. The First Sermon Preached in Goobbe. Habits and Condition of the People. Mission Work and Retirement. Thesaurus Unoccupied (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Unoccupied (4 Occurrences). ... Judges 5:6 "In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied. ... /u/unoccupied.htm - 7k Vacancy (3 Occurrences) Shamgar (2 Occurrences) Void (64 Occurrences) Unordered (1 Occurrence) Unobserved (4 Occurrences) Outfit (1 Occurrence) Wilderness (304 Occurrences) Waste (668 Occurrences) Winding (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of Jericho in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs Göbekli Tepe where the Garden of Eden was located? | GotQuestions.org Unoccupied: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unoccupied (4 Occurrences)Matthew 12:44 Romans 15:23 Judges 5:6 Isaiah 5:9 Subtopics Related Terms |