Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "champaign" is an archaic English word that refers to a level, open country or plain. It is derived from the Old French "champain," which itself comes from the Latin "campania," meaning "level country." In biblical contexts, the concept of a champaign or plain often symbolizes a place of openness, simplicity, and sometimes vulnerability, as opposed to the fortified or mountainous regions. Biblical References: While the specific term "champaign" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of plains and open fields is prevalent throughout Scripture. For instance, Genesis 13:10-11 describes the "plain of the Jordan" as a well-watered area, which Lot chose for its apparent fertility and prosperity: "Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east." Similarly, Deuteronomy 11:30 mentions the "plains of the Jordan" as a geographical marker: "Are they not across the Jordan, west of the road, toward the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh?" Symbolic Significance: In biblical literature, plains or champaigns often serve as settings for significant events. They are places where God's people experience both blessings and challenges. For example, the plains of Moab were where Moses delivered his final speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1-5). The open nature of a champaign can also symbolize spiritual openness and readiness to receive God's word. In Isaiah 40:4, the leveling of the land is metaphorically used to describe the preparation for the coming of the Lord: "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rugged places a plain." Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the imagery of a champaign or plain can reflect the Christian call to live a life of simplicity and openness to God's will. Just as the plains are open and unfortified, believers are encouraged to live lives that are transparent and receptive to divine guidance. The plains can also represent the spiritual journey, where one must rely on God's protection and provision in the absence of human-made defenses. Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, plains were often the sites of agricultural activity due to their fertile soil and accessibility. This agricultural abundance is frequently used in Scripture to illustrate God's provision and blessing. However, the openness of plains also made them susceptible to invasion and conflict, as seen in various biblical battles that took place on such terrain (e.g., the battle of the Valley of Jezreel in Judges 6-7). In summary, while the specific term "champaign" is not used in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of plains is rich with meaning and significance throughout the biblical narrative, offering insights into God's interaction with His people and the spiritual lessons to be drawn from the landscape. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A flat, open country.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHAMPAIGNsham-pan', sham'-pan (`arabhah, biq`ah): A champaign is a flat open country, and the word occurs in Deuteronomy 11:30 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "the Arabah") as a translation of `arabhah, for which the King James Version has in most places "the plain," and the Revised Version (British and American) "the Arabah," when it is used with the article and denotes a definite region, i.e. the valley of the Jordan from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea (Deuteronomy 2:8; Deuteronomy 3:17; Deuteronomy 4:4:9 Joshua 3:16; Joshua 8:14; Joshua 11:16; Joshua 12:1, 3, 1; 2 Samuel 2:29; 2 Samuel 4:7 2 Kings 14:25; 2 Kings 25:4 Jeremiah 39:4; Jeremiah 52:7), and also the valley running southward from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Akabah (Deuteronomy 1:1). Ezekiel 47:8 has for ha-`arabhah "the desert," the King James Version margin "plain," the Revised Version (British and American) "the Arabah." The plural is used in Joshua 5:10 2 Kings 25:5, "the plains of Jericho," and in Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3, "the plains of Moab." Elsewhere `arabhah is rendered in English Versions of the Bible "desert" or "wilderness" (Job 24:5; Job 39:6 Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 35:1, 6; 40:03:00; 41:19:00; 51:3 Jeremiah 2:6; Jeremiah 17:6; Jeremiah 50:12). At the present day, the Jordan va lley is called the Ghaur (compare Hebrew `ur, "to dig," me`arah, "cave," and Arabic magharah, "cave"). This name is also applied to the deltas of streams flowing into the Dead Sea from the East, which are clothed with thickets of thorny trees and shrubs, i.e. Ghaur-ul-Mezra`ah, at the mouths of Wadi-Kerak and Wadi-Beni-Chammad, Ghaur-uc-Cafiyeh, at the mouth of Wadi-ul-Hisa. The name "Arabah" (Arabic al-`Arabah) is now confined to the valley running southward from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Akabah, separating the mountains of Edom from Sinai and the plateau of at-Tih. Strong's Hebrew 6160. arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley ...... especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the Jordan and its continuation to the Red Sea -- Arabah, champaign, desert, evening ... /hebrew/6160.htm - 6k Library Drunkenness. The Song of David A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. ... Acon. Ptolemais. To the Rev. A. Brandram Song to David To the Rev. A. Brandram A Strain of Sodom. Sharing Christ's Life Thesaurus Champaign (1 Occurrence)... 2. (a.) Flat; open; level. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHAMPAIGN. ... Alfred Ely Day. Multi-Version Concordance Champaign (1 Occurrence). ... /c/champaign.htm - 10k Champion (7 Occurrences) Chamois (1 Occurrence) Plains (31 Occurrences) Features (3 Occurrences) Desert (322 Occurrences) Plain (113 Occurrences) Vale (20 Occurrences) Natural (49 Occurrences) Resources Champaign: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Champaign (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 11:30 Subtopics Champaign: A Flat, Open Country Related Terms |
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