Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "every place" in the Bible often signifies the omnipresence of God, the universality of His dominion, and the expansive reach of His promises and commands. It is a term that underscores the comprehensive nature of God's interaction with the world and His people.1. Divine Presence and Sovereignty: The concept of "every place" is frequently associated with God's omnipresence. In Jeremiah 23:24, the Lord declares, "Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" This verse emphasizes that there is no location beyond God's presence and knowledge. 2. Worship and Prayer: The New Testament expands on the idea of "every place" in the context of worship and prayer. In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul writes, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." This instruction highlights the call for believers to engage in prayer and worship in all locations, reflecting the universal nature of Christian devotion. 3. Proclamation of the Gospel: The phrase also relates to the spread of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 2:14, Paul states, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." Here, "every place" signifies the mission of the Church to disseminate the message of Christ universally. 4. Blessings and Promises: In the Old Testament, "every place" is often linked to the promises given to the patriarchs. In Genesis 13:17, God tells Abram, "Arise, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." This promise of land to Abram and his descendants is a tangible representation of God's faithfulness and provision. 5. Judgment and Accountability: The phrase also appears in contexts of divine judgment and accountability. In Ezekiel 6:13, God declares, "And they will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill and on all the mountaintops, under every green tree and every leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols." This usage underscores the certainty of God's judgment against idolatry, regardless of where it occurs. 6. Unity and Fellowship: "Every place" can also denote the unity and fellowship among believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses "the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours." This greeting emphasizes the shared faith and community among Christians, transcending geographical boundaries. In summary, "every place" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence, the universal call to worship and prayer, the global mission of the Gospel, the assurance of divine promises, the certainty of judgment, and the unity of believers. It is a term that encapsulates the vastness of God's interaction with His creation and His people. |