[Greek] ἀναβολή (anabolē), [Latin] dilation, [French] retard, [French] remparer: delay, a putting off, postponement, a deferring; Acts 25:17
The American flag remains while the bombs are bursting at the Battle of Baltimore (in the War of 1812). Now our cities are being attacked by mobs.
Background information:
Rampart: A rampart is an earthen elevation (mound) around a place of fortification. The Star-Spangled Banner was a poem written by Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and amateur poet. He witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British troops during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. He was inspired by the large flag (with 15 stars and 15 stripes) flying triumphantly above the American fort. This flag remained gallantly streaming over these ramparts. The Star-Spangled Banner was designated as an official anthem in 1931.
Greek Hellenism: This term means mound (what is thrown up), a putting off, delay, buying (selling) on credit, a building up, and deferred payment. Xenophon’s Anabasis 5.2.5 states “But when they found themselves unable with all their fighting to capture the place (for there was a wide trench around it, backed by a rampart.” Plato’s Laws 915e states “And when the man makes an exchange with another by an act of buying or selling, the exchange shall be made by transfer of the article in the place in the market, and no purchase or sale shall be made on credit.” Herodotus’ The Histories 8.21 states “When the Greeks learned this, they no longer delayed their departure but went their ways in their appointed order, the Corinthians first and the Athenians last.”
New Testament: This term means delay or postponement. Paul was placed in custody after having been accused of committing crimes against the Jews. Paul claimed that he had committed no crimes. As a Roman citizen, Paul was afforded the right to take his appeal to Caesar. Paul later stood before the tribunal of Caesar. Festus referred Paul’s case to King Agrippa. When the chief priests and elders of the Jews appeared, Festus made no delay to start legal proceedings.
Scripture:
“So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in.” Acts 25:17
As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to appeal his case to Caesar. In Ceasarea, when the Jews were present, Festus did not delay in leading this legal proceedings.
Anabolic steroids: These androgenic steroids have similar effects to testosterone. They increase protein especially in skeletal muscles and affect the growth of facial and body hair. Various potential health risks may occur with chronic use. These bodybuilding and performance-enhancing drugs have been generally been banned in physical competitions.
Conclusion:
Dilate, dilation, retard, retarding, rampart, anabolic
To be honest, I really did not expect to come across the word rampart. Aside from the Star-Spangled Banner, I really didn’t exactly know what a rampart is. A rampart is essentially a mound, something thrown up. Then I later find myself referring to paying (buying) something on credit. This is also essentially a delayed process of purchasing or selling something.
In the New Testament, this term really does not take on any significance, other than scheduling legal proceedings.
This term takes prominence in the Star-Spangled Banner. By the dawn’s early light (today), I just decided to make a reference in my post to the Battle of Baltimore.
O! say can you see by dawn’s early news,
O’er the ramparts we watch, our flag is still gallantly streaming,
And the mob’s red glare and their rage bursting in states elsewhere.
Gives proof through the night, that our fears are justified.
O! say does that star-spangled banner still waves
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.