Topical Encyclopedia The term "bewailed" refers to the act of expressing deep sorrow or lamentation, often in response to a significant loss or tragedy. In the context of the Bible, bewailing is a profound expression of grief that is both personal and communal, reflecting the deep emotional and spiritual impact of sin, death, or divine judgment.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, bewailing is frequently associated with mourning rituals and the expression of grief over death or calamity. For instance, in Genesis 50:10, Joseph mourns for his father Jacob: "When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father." This passage illustrates the cultural practice of mourning, which often included loud lamentations and extended periods of grief. The prophets also speak of bewailing in the context of divine judgment. In Jeremiah 9:10, the prophet laments the desolation of the land: "I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains, and a lament for the pastures of the wilderness, because they are laid waste so that no one passes through; the lowing of cattle is not heard. Both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled; they are gone." Here, the act of bewailing is a response to the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting devastation. New Testament Context In the New Testament, bewailing continues to be a significant expression of sorrow. In the Gospels, Jesus encounters professional mourners who bewail the death of Jairus' daughter. In Mark 5:38-39, it is written: "When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion, with people weeping and wailing loudly. He went inside and asked, 'Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.'" This passage highlights the cultural practice of hiring mourners to express grief, while also demonstrating Jesus' authority over life and death. The book of Revelation also uses the imagery of bewailing to describe the lament of the nations over the fall of Babylon. Revelation 18:9-10 states: "Then the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: 'Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!'" This prophetic vision uses the act of bewailing to convey the profound impact of God's judgment on the sinful systems of the world. Theological Significance Bewailing in the Bible is not merely an emotional response but often carries a deeper theological significance. It serves as a reminder of the brokenness of the world due to sin and the need for repentance and divine intervention. The act of bewailing can also be seen as a form of intercession, where individuals or communities cry out to God for mercy and restoration. In the broader biblical narrative, the expressions of grief and lamentation ultimately point to the hope of redemption and the promise of comfort found in God. As believers, the act of bewailing is tempered by the assurance of God's presence and the hope of resurrection, as articulated in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13: "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Bewail.Library That Sons are not to be Bewailed. How Hermes Openly Confessed the Error of his Forefathers, the ... The Crucifixion. The History of David Funeral Oration on Meletius . Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... On the Words, Crucified and Buried. The Instructions of Commodianus in favour of Christian Discipline Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ The Children of the Poor. Thesaurus Bewailed (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Bewailed (4 Occurrences). Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. (KJV WBS). ... /b/bewailed.htm - 7k Bewail (9 Occurrences) Virginity (12 Occurrences) Jeremiah (141 Occurrences) Lamented (19 Occurrences) Wailed (11 Occurrences) Wept (78 Occurrences) Four (3139 Occurrences) Thorn (30 Occurrences) Tammuz (1 Occurrence) Resources Bewailed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bewailed (4 Occurrences)Luke 8:52 Luke 23:27 Deuteronomy 21:13 Judges 11:38 Subtopics Related Terms |
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