In biblical times, the concept of parcels, or portions of land, holds significant importance, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. Parcels of land were often associated with inheritance, ownership, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The distribution and possession of land parcels are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, reflecting the agrarian society and the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

Inheritance and Division of Land

The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel is a prominent theme in the Old Testament. In the Book of Joshua, God commands the distribution of the land among the twelve tribes, each receiving a specific parcel as their inheritance. Joshua 13:7 states, "Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh." This division was not merely a practical matter but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The concept of land inheritance is further emphasized in the laws given to Moses. The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, ensured that land parcels would return to their original family owners every fifty years, preserving the God-given inheritance and preventing permanent loss due to poverty or misfortune.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Parcels of land also carry symbolic and spiritual significance in the Bible. The land of Canaan, divided into parcels for the Israelites, represents God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant. The possession of these parcels is a tangible sign of God's provision and blessing.

Moreover, the prophets often used the imagery of land parcels to convey spiritual truths. For instance, in Jeremiah 32, the prophet purchases a field in Anathoth as a sign of hope and future restoration for Israel, even as the nation faces impending exile. This act symbolizes God's promise to restore His people and their land.

Parables and Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, while the term "parcel" is not explicitly used, the concept of land and property appears in Jesus' parables and teachings. The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41) involves a landowner and his vineyard, illustrating themes of stewardship, accountability, and the rejection of God's messengers. This parable, while not directly about parcels, reflects the broader biblical theme of land as a divine trust.

Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding the significance of parcels in the Bible requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel. Land was a primary source of sustenance, wealth, and social status. The possession and transfer of land parcels were governed by intricate laws and customs, reflecting the centrality of land in the life and faith of the Israelites.

In summary, parcels in the Bible are more than mere plots of land; they are integral to the narrative of God's relationship with His people, symbolizing His promises, blessings, and the hope of restoration. The biblical treatment of parcels underscores the importance of land in the divine economy and the spiritual heritage of God's covenant community.

"Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C.
... The straitness and narrowness of our spirits takes in truth by parcels, disjointed
from the whole, looks upon one side of it, and sees not the other. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi come unto me.htm

At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257)
... pleased. The reason of all this misconstruction is, we look on his work
by parcels,(260) and take it not whole and entire. [Viewed ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i at a public.htm

The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA
... applied to the Divine Being"perfectly natural as applied to us""years!" Our life
is finite, our life is measured, our life is dealt out to us in parcels. ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the friend whose years do.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... To-day, however, I have commenced a new course, and have sent abroad various peasants
with some parcels of Testaments; my host, whom it has pleased the Lord to ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 48.htm

"But Ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if So be that the ...
... Paul speaks of a right dividing of the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), not that
ordinary way of cutting it all in parcels, and dismembering it, by manifold ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii but ye are.htm

"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ...
... and eye. For truly it is the apprehending of parcels of divine truth, which
leads men into such opposite mistakes and courses. To ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i and this is.htm

It was Your Friend's Delight to Meditate the Principles of Upright ...
... confounded. For now they are lost and buried in ruins, nothing appearing but
fragments, that are worthless shreds and parcels of them. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/54 it was your friends.htm

Iesu
... After, where ES, and next where U was graved. When I had got these parcels,
instantly. I sat me down to spell them, and perceived. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/lxx iesu.htm

How Aristobulus was the First that Put a Diadem About his Head ...
... let them take it all at once; and let their ghosts no longer be disappointed by
a few parcels of my bowels offered to them." As soon as he had said these words ...
/.../chapter 3 how aristobulus was.htm

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect, for all his Ways are ...
... glorious justice and mercy, omnipotency and wisdom. Now what do ye see
of it but parcels? Though ye comprehend all your time in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ii he is the.htm

Parcels (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Parcels (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 17:22 And David
gave his parcels into the hands of the keeper of the ...
/p/parcels.htm - 7k

Post (26 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A messenger who goes from station; an express; especially, one who is employed
by the government to carry letters and parcels regularly from one place ...
/p/post.htm - 19k

Parched (37 Occurrences)

/p/parched.htm - 20k

Glean (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To gather after a reaper; to collect in scattered or fragmentary parcels,
as the grain left by a reaper, or grapes left after the gathering. ...
/g/glean.htm - 11k

Twine (1 Occurrence)
... A strong thread composed of two or three smaller threads or strands twisted together,
and used for various purposes, as for binding small parcels, making nets ...
/t/twine.htm - 8k

Tally (1 Occurrence)
... suit. 7. (n.) To check off, as parcels of freight going inboard or outboard.
8. (vi) To be fitted; to suit; to correspond; to match. ...
/t/tally.htm - 7k

Express (13 Occurrences)
... a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for
the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels; also, a ...
/e/express.htm - 12k

Describe (11 Occurrences)
... the land, and describe it according to their inheritance" (Joshua 18:4); that is,
describe in writing the location and size of the several parcels of land thus ...
/d/describe.htm - 11k

Parceled (2 Occurrences)

/p/parceled.htm - 7k

Parcel (10 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To add a parcel or item to; to itemize. 7. (vt) To make up into a parcel;
as, to parcel a customer's purchases; the machine parcels yarn, wool, etc. ...
/p/parcel.htm - 11k

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