In the biblical context, "devastations" refer to the acts of destruction or desolation that occur as a result of divine judgment, human conflict, or natural calamities. These events are often depicted as consequences of sin, disobedience, or the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. The Bible provides numerous accounts of devastations that serve as both historical records and spiritual lessons.

Old Testament References

1. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: One of the earliest and most vivid examples of devastation is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were obliterated by fire and brimstone as a divine judgment for their wickedness. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."

2. The Babylonian Exile: The devastation of Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian exile is a significant event in the history of Israel. This period of destruction and captivity was a result of the Israelites' persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. In 2 Kings 25:9-10 , it is recorded, "He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the commander of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem."

3. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets frequently warned of impending devastations as a consequence of the people's sins. Isaiah 24:1 declares, "Behold, the LORD lays waste to the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants."

New Testament References

1. The Olivet Discourse: Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in A.D. 70 when the Romans besieged the city. In Matthew 24:2 , Jesus said, "Do you see all these things? He replied. Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

2. The Book of Revelation: The apocalyptic visions in Revelation describe future devastations as part of God's final judgment on the earth. Revelation 8:7 describes one of the trumpet judgments: "Then the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass."

Theological Significance

Devastations in the Bible are often portrayed as acts of divine justice, serving as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's sovereignty. They underscore the seriousness of sin and the need for obedience to God's commandments. While these events bring destruction, they also pave the way for restoration and renewal, as seen in the promises of redemption and the hope of a new creation.

Spiritual Lessons

Believers are encouraged to view devastations as opportunities for spiritual reflection and growth. They are reminded of the transient nature of earthly life and the importance of placing their trust in God. The Bible assures that despite the devastations, God's ultimate plan is to bring about a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).8074. shamem -- to be desolated or appalled
... consternation (1), desolate (22), desolated (4), desolating (1), desolation (5),
desolations (3), destitute (1), destroy (1), devastations (1), horrified (2 ...
/hebrew/8074.htm - 6k

Of the Fourth Seal.
... this circumstance, that almost all the empire was so despoiled and trodden down
by the Scythians, during these times, with rapines and devastations, that if we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the fourth seal.htm

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... that it will not return; for it would not be the first instance if it appeared a
second time, in a place so densely populated, to repeat its devastations. ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

Lupus of Troyes.
... He collected the refugees from various places during Attila's devastations, and
established them as a colony in a secure mountain district, residing amongst ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/lupus of troyes.htm

Abbot Sturm of Fulda.
... men. Sturm excited the rage of the heathen against himself, and the Abbey
of Fulda was often the object of their devastations. On ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/abbot sturm of fulda.htm

Joel
... But without reason: in ii.7 they are compared to warriors, and the effect of their
devastations is described in terms inapplicable to an army.] [Footnote 2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/joel.htm

The Christians are not the Cause of Public Calamities: There were ...
... its banks, if the Nile has remained in its bed, if the sky has been still, or the
earth been in commotion, if death [597] has made its devastations, or famine ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter ix name christians are.htm

Antichrist in Jeremiah
... Fearful will be the devastations his fury shall accomplish: "The whole city shall
flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/2 antichrist in jeremiah.htm

The First Trumpet.
... Argos, and Sparta. From thence he invaded Epirus, where he proceeded to commit
the same depopulations and devastations. In the following ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first trumpet.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... gangrene, and pervading the whole of Christianity: Unhappily, its devastations
have not terminated. In this unfeigned feeling of deep ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Extracts from the 'espanol'
... 'Why should Spain which has explored the New World, which has generalised inoculation
in order to oppose the devastations of a horrid pest, which has always ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/extracts from the espanol.htm

Devastations (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Devastations (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 61:4 And
they will be building again the old broken walls, and will ...
/d/devastations.htm - 6k

Devastation (17 Occurrences)

/d/devastation.htm - 11k

Locust (25 Occurrences)
... The devastations they make in Eastern lands are often very appalling. The invasions
of locusts are the heaviest calamites that can befall a country. ...
/l/locust.htm - 34k

Devastator (1 Occurrence)

/d/devastator.htm - 6k

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