Topical Encyclopedia The term "in-gathered" refers to the biblical concept of gathering or collecting, often associated with harvests, festivals, and the assembly of people. This concept is deeply rooted in the agricultural lifestyle of ancient Israel and holds significant spiritual and theological implications throughout the Scriptures.Biblical Context and Usage 1. Agricultural Significance: In ancient Israel, the agricultural cycle was central to daily life and religious observance. The term "in-gathered" is often associated with the harvest, particularly the Feast of Ingathering, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot. This festival marked the end of the agricultural year and was a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. Exodus 23:16 states, "You are to celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field, and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your produce from the field." 2. Spiritual and Eschatological Themes: Beyond its agricultural context, the concept of in-gathering carries spiritual and eschatological significance. It symbolizes the gathering of God's people, both in historical events and in future prophetic fulfillment. The prophets often spoke of a time when God would gather His scattered people from the nations. Isaiah 11:12 declares, "He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth." 3. New Testament Fulfillment: The New Testament continues the theme of in-gathering, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic writings. Jesus speaks of a future in-gathering in the parable of the wheat and the tares, where the righteous are gathered into the kingdom of God. Matthew 13:30 states, "Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters, 'First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.'" 4. The Church as the In-gathered Community: The early Christian community viewed itself as the in-gathered people of God, brought together through the redemptive work of Christ. The Apostle Paul speaks of the unity and gathering of believers in Ephesians 1:10 , "as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." Theological Implications The concept of in-gathering underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It reflects the divine initiative in gathering His people, both in historical contexts and in the ultimate eschatological fulfillment. The in-gathering serves as a reminder of God's provision, the importance of community, and the hope of future restoration and unity under His reign. In summary, "in-gathered" is a multifaceted term that encompasses agricultural, spiritual, and eschatological dimensions within the biblical narrative. It highlights the themes of harvest, divine gathering, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for His people. Library Knots. LM *J. Wesley. Thy Will be done on Earth as in Heaven. The Cry of the Heathen A Call to the Unconverted Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit All Fulness in Christ Precious Deaths Thesaurus In-gathered (1 Occurrence)In-gathered. Infuriated, In-gathered. Ingathering . Multi-Version Concordance In-gathered (1 Occurrence). James 5:4 ... /i/in-gathered.htm - 6k Outcry (56 Occurrences) Workmen (52 Occurrences) Infuriated (2 Occurrences) Ingathering (4 Occurrences) Fraudulently (2 Occurrences) Exclamations (1 Occurrence) Reached (152 Occurrences) Hosts (326 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of “where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20? | GotQuestions.orgHow old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.org What happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance In-gathered (1 Occurrence)James 5:4 Subtopics Related Terms |