Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "corn" typically referred to grain crops such as wheat or barley, rather than the maize commonly known as corn in modern North American English. The imagery of corn, particularly in the form of shocks, is used in various passages throughout the Bible to convey themes of judgment, destruction, and divine retribution.The concept of "shocks of corn" being burnt is notably illustrated in the context of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the burning of shocks of corn would have been a powerful symbol of loss and devastation, as these shocks represented the gathered harvest, a source of sustenance and livelihood. One of the key biblical references to the burning of corn shocks is found in the narrative of Samson in the Book of Judges. In Judges 15:4-5 , Samson takes revenge on the Philistines by setting fire to their grain fields: "Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes, and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails. Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines. He burned up the shocks and standing grain, along with the vineyards and olive groves." This act of burning the shocks of corn was not merely an act of personal vengeance but also served as a divine instrument of judgment against the Philistines, who were oppressing the Israelites. The destruction of the grain fields, including the shocks, symbolized the broader theme of divine retribution against those who opposed God's chosen people. The burning of shocks of corn can also be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate judgment that awaits those who reject God's ways. In the prophetic literature, fire is often used as a symbol of purification and judgment. The burning of the harvest, including the shocks, serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of sin and the purifying judgment of God. In the broader biblical narrative, the imagery of burning shocks of corn underscores the seriousness of divine judgment and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. It serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly possessions and the ultimate accountability that all individuals face before God. Nave's Topical Index Judges 15:5And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives. Nave's Topical Index Library Samson's Wedding Feast The Earthquake (Preached October 11, 1863. ) Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Striking Similes The First Theban Empire The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal the Legendary History of Egypt Resources Does the Bible say anything about crop circles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org Corn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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