Topical Encyclopedia The term "stretchedst" is an archaic form of the verb "stretch," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of extending or spreading out, typically in a physical or metaphorical sense. In the context of the Bible, "stretchedst" is often associated with God's power, authority, and actions, as well as human actions in response to divine commands.Divine Power and Creation In the Scriptures, the act of stretching is frequently attributed to God, particularly in the context of creation and His sovereign control over the universe. For instance, God is described as stretching out the heavens, an expression that underscores His omnipotence and the majesty of His creative work. This imagery is found in several passages, such as Isaiah 40:22 : "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." Miraculous Acts The concept of stretching is also significant in the context of miracles and divine intervention. In the Exodus narrative, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand or staff to perform miraculous signs. For example, in Exodus 14:21 , "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided." Here, the act of stretching is directly linked to God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Judgment and Authority The stretching out of God's hand is sometimes used as a metaphor for judgment. In Isaiah 5:25 , it is written, "Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and their corpses lie like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised." This passage illustrates the seriousness of divine judgment and the continued extension of God's hand as a symbol of His righteous wrath. Human Response and Obedience In addition to divine actions, the act of stretching is also seen in human responses to God's commands. The obedience of individuals who stretch forth their hands in faith or action is a recurring theme. For instance, in the New Testament, Jesus commands a man with a withered hand to stretch it out, resulting in healing. Mark 3:5 states, "And after looking around at them with anger, grieved by their hardness of heart, He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' So he stretched it out, and it was restored." Symbolism and Spiritual Application The act of stretching can symbolize faith, readiness, and willingness to act according to God's will. It represents an extension beyond one's current state, reaching out for divine assistance or stepping into a new phase of spiritual growth. This symbolism is evident in various biblical narratives where individuals or groups are called to extend themselves in faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance. In summary, the term "stretchedst" and its related forms in the Bible convey a rich tapestry of meanings, from the demonstration of God's creative and miraculous power to the human response of faith and obedience. Through these acts of stretching, both divine and human, the Scriptures reveal profound truths about God's nature and His relationship with His creation. Library Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Song of Moses and Miriam On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 2, "Now when John Heard in ... Thesaurus Stretchedst (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Stretchedst (1 Occurrence). Exodus 15:12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ... /s/stretchedst.htm - 6k Stretcher (3 Occurrences) Stretched-out-arm (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Stretchedst (1 Occurrence)Exodus 15:12 Subtopics Related Terms |