In biblical terms, the concept of "northerly" or "north" often carries significant geographical, symbolic, and theological implications. The term is used to describe direction, location, and sometimes metaphorical meanings within the biblical narrative.

Geographical Significance:

The north is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a cardinal direction. It is used to describe the location of various lands and peoples relative to Israel. For instance, the land of Canaan, which is central to the biblical narrative, is often described in relation to its northern neighbors. In Ezekiel 38:6, the prophet speaks of "Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many nations with you." This indicates the geographical understanding of the north as a region from which various peoples and threats might emerge.

Symbolic and Theological Implications:

The north is sometimes associated with judgment and divine intervention. In Jeremiah 1:14, the Lord declares, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land." This suggests that the north can symbolize a source of divine retribution or calamity. Similarly, in Isaiah 14:13, the ambition of the king of Babylon is described: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north.'" Here, the north is depicted as a place of divine assembly, indicating its symbolic association with power and authority.

Prophetic Context:

In prophetic literature, the north often represents the direction from which invaders come as instruments of God's judgment. For example, in Jeremiah 6:22, it is written, "This is what the LORD says: 'Look, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth.'" This reflects the historical context where empires such as Assyria and Babylon, located to the north of Israel, were seen as executing God's judgment upon His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The ancient Near Eastern understanding of geography often placed significant emphasis on the north. It was considered a place of mystery and power, sometimes associated with the dwelling place of gods in various mythologies. This cultural backdrop may have influenced the biblical writers' use of "north" as a symbol of divine authority and judgment.

Conclusion:

The concept of "northerly" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing geographical, symbolic, and theological dimensions. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between the physical and spiritual realms in the biblical worldview, where directions and locations often carry deeper meanings beyond their immediate geographical context.1. (a.) Of or pertaining to the north; toward the north, or from the north; northern.

2. (adv.) Toward the north.

Egypt and Greece.
... The first explanation was, that the rising of the river was occasioned by the
prevalence of northerly winds on the Mediterranean at that time of the year ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

The Mustard-Seed.
... the fact that when a given plant is indigenous in a southern climate, the corresponding
species or variety that may be found in more northerly latitudes is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iii the mustard-seed.htm

The Fourth and Fifth Falls of Jesus.
... A narrow and stony path was visible as soon as the gate was passed, and
this path ran in a northerly direction, and led to Calvary. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxv the fourth and.htm

Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars.
... Next, when the rising of the sun moves towards more northerly parts, the season
of summer succeeds, which has a place midway between spring and autumn ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vii concerning light fire the.htm

The Earthquake.
... appended, were shaken to the very foundations; the column on the left side fell
down in a southerly, and that on the right side in a northerly direction, thus ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlvi the earthquake.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... The most northerly and the largest of these was formed by an immense mountainous
mass rising out of the water, and connected by a narrow isthmus with the main ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... This northerly course is, plainly, the most advantageous for a homeward-bound ship,
as it strikes the Gulf Stream soonest, and keeps in it longest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

From the Commencement of the Revolution in 1776, to Its ...
... 1779. " Previously to the assembling of the conference, mentioned in the minutes
for this year, the preachers in the more northerly states assembled at Judge ...
/.../chapter 2 from the commencement.htm

The End of Cambyses.
... Babylon being the others. Ecbatane was the most northerly of these cities,
and the most remote from danger. Babylon and Susa were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ii the end of.htm

Six Cities
... It formed the most northerly Refuge-Sanctuary on the east side of Jordan, as Kedesh
did on the west; but there are no particular events connected with it in ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

Northerly (1 Occurrence)
... or from the north; northern. 2. (adv.) Toward the north. Multi-Version
Concordance Northerly (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:17 And it ...
/n/northerly.htm - 6k

Ekron (20 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Firm-rooted, the most northerly of the five towns belonging
to the lords of the Philistines, about 11 miles north of Gath. ...
/e/ekron.htm - 17k

Malchiel (3 Occurrences)
... NAPHTALI, MOUNT. (har naphtali; en to orei to Nephthalei): This was the most northerly
of the three divisions of the Western Range, which derived their names ...
/m/malchiel.htm - 74k

Northern (18 Occurrences)

/n/northern.htm - 12k

Vale (20 Occurrences)
... Commencing near Hebron, close to Beit Sur, it descends under the name Wady es Sur
in a more or less northerly direction until near Beit Nettif where it turns ...
/v/vale.htm - 29k

Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... Winding, a winter torrent of Central Palestine, which rises about the roots of Tabor
and Gilboa, and passing in a northerly direction through the plains of ...
/k/kishon.htm - 12k

Northeaster (1 Occurrence)

/n/northeaster.htm - 6k

Olives (30 Occurrences)
... Taking as the northern limit the dip which is crossed by the ancient Anathoth
(`anata) road, the most northerly summit is that now crowned by the house and ...
/o/olives.htm - 37k

Judaea (45 Occurrences)
... According to Josephus (BJ, III, iii, 5), Judea extended from Anuath-Borkaeos (ie
Khan Berkit near Khan es Saweh, close to the most northerly frontier of Judah ...
/j/judaea.htm - 24k

Gaulonitis
... go'-lan (golan), (Gaulanitis): Golan was a city in the territory allotted to Manasseh
in Bashan, the most northerly of the three cities of refuge East of the ...
/g/gaulonitis.htm - 9k

Northerly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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