In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "dangling" is not directly referenced in the Scriptures. However, the concept can be metaphorically associated with themes of uncertainty, instability, or being left in suspense, which are present in various biblical narratives and teachings.

Metaphorical Implications

1. Instability and Uncertainty: The idea of dangling can be related to the instability and uncertainty faced by individuals who do not have a firm foundation in their faith. In James 1:6-8 , the apostle speaks of a person who doubts as being "like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This imagery conveys a sense of being unsettled and without anchor, akin to something left dangling without support.

2. Spiritual Indecision: The concept can also be linked to spiritual indecision or lukewarmness. In Revelation 3:15-16 , the church in Laodicea is criticized for being neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm, which suggests a state of spiritual dangling—neither fully committed nor completely detached.

3. Moral and Ethical Ambiguity: The Bible often addresses the dangers of moral and ethical ambiguity, which can be seen as a form of dangling between righteousness and sin. In 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah challenges the people of Israel, saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This call to decision highlights the peril of remaining in a state of moral suspension.

Biblical Narratives

1. The Israelites in the Wilderness: The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness can be seen as a period of dangling between the bondage of Egypt and the promise of the Promised Land. Their frequent complaints and lack of faith illustrate a spiritual and physical state of suspension, as they struggled to trust in God's provision and direction (Exodus 16-17, Numbers 14).

2. Peter Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:28-31 , Peter's experience of walking on water towards Jesus can be viewed as a moment of faith that quickly turns into a state of dangling when he becomes afraid and begins to sink. Jesus' response, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" underscores the importance of maintaining faith to avoid spiritual and emotional instability.

Theological Reflections

1. Faith as a Stabilizing Force: The Bible consistently teaches that faith in God provides stability and prevents the soul from dangling in uncertainty. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see," emphasizing the grounding effect of a strong belief in God's promises.

2. The Role of Wisdom: Proverbs 3:5-6 advises believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This wisdom literature suggests that reliance on divine guidance prevents the believer from being left in a state of indecision or moral ambiguity.

3. The Call to Commitment: Throughout Scripture, there is a call to wholehearted commitment to God, which prevents the soul from dangling between conflicting loyalties. Joshua 24:15 famously declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD," illustrating the decisive action required to avoid spiritual suspension.

In summary, while the term "dangling" is not explicitly found in the Bible, its metaphorical implications are woven throughout the biblical narrative, offering insights into the dangers of spiritual, moral, and emotional instability and the importance of faith and commitment in the life of a believer.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dangle.1803. dallah -- hair, thrum
... From dalah; properly, something dangling, ie A loose thread or hair; figuratively,
indigent -- hair, pining sickness, poor(-est sort). see HEBREW dalah. ...
/hebrew/1803.htm - 5k

1808. dalith -- a branch, bough
... Word Origin from dalah Definition a branch, bough NASB Word Usage branches (8).
branch. From dalah; something dangling, ie A bough -- branch. see HEBREW dalah. ...
/hebrew/1808.htm - 6k

5188. netiphah -- a drop, pendant
... earrings. Word Origin from nataph Definition a drop, pendant NASB Word Usage
dangling earrings (1), pendants (1). chain, collar. From ...
/hebrew/5188.htm - 6k

1800. dal -- a door
... lean, needy, poor man, weaker From dalal; properly, dangling, ie (by implication)
weak or thin -- lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. see HEBREW dalal. ...
/hebrew/1800.htm - 5k

The High Woods
... and after I passed the great Australian Blue-gum which overhangs the road, and the
Wallaba-tree, {120a} with its thin curved pods dangling from innumerable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

Vanished Hopes
... Old Momus with triumph and tearful exultation was holding out to Laodice a heavy
roll of writings, dangling important seals, ancient papers showing yellow ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxii vanished hopes.htm

The Great Furnace for a Great Soul
... is not difficult to manage, for the gwei, though powerful to work evil, is a simple
creature, and it is sufficient for him to see earrings dangling from your ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xi the great furnace.htm

A Fish-Story
... father would take him pig-a-back and carry him along, and then the boy would fish
with his rod resting on his father's shoulder, and his line dangling in front ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a fish-story.htm

A Mirror Held up to God's Face.
... If he tries to ease his body by changing his position, swinging one limb over the
other, a chain dangling at his ankle reminds him of the soldier by his side. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a mirror held up to.htm

A Living Sacrifice.
... It seemed hardly worth while reaching it into the last pew. Just little Maggie
sitting there alone, with her one foot dangling above the floor. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/a living sacrifice.htm

A Christlike Judgment of Men
... the poor sheep that has lost its way, struggling through briars and thorns, getting
out of them with its fleece all torn and hanging in strips dangling at its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a christlike judgment of men.htm

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned
... casuistry and theological hair-splitting, but He walked through the fine-spun snares
as a lion might stalk away with the nooses set for him dangling behind him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the tables turned the questioners.htm

Christian Lands.
... I must talk with you a bit about our Christian lands, Europe and America, with huge
Russia sitting astride both Europe and Asia, with a foot dangling on each ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/christian lands.htm

After the Wreck
... The sight of it dangling there excited suspicions in the mind of the natives, who
would know that Paul was a prisoner, and so jumped to the conclusion that he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/after the wreck.htm

Dangling (1 Occurrence)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Dangle. Multi-Version Concordance Dangling (1 Occurrence).
Isaiah 3:19 the pendants, and the bracelets, and the veils; (See NAS). ...
/d/dangling.htm - 6k

Favorite (3 Occurrences)
... rank or authority. 2. (n.) Short curls dangling over the temples; --
fashionable in the reign of Charles II. 3. (n.) The competitor ...
/f/favorite.htm - 7k

Dangles (1 Occurrence)

/d/dangles.htm - 6k

Daniel (74 Occurrences)

/d/daniel.htm - 79k

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