Topical Bible: Death: Desired

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the desire for death can be seen as a complex and multifaceted theme. It is often associated with intense suffering, despair, or a longing for release from the trials of earthly life. This desire is expressed by several biblical figures who, in moments of profound distress, wished for death as a means of escape or as a transition to a hoped-for peace.

Job's Lament

One of the most poignant expressions of a desire for death is found in the Book of Job. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), experiences immense suffering, losing his wealth, children, and health. In his anguish, Job curses the day of his birth and longs for death as a release from his misery: "Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). Job's lament reflects a deep yearning for relief from his overwhelming pain and a questioning of the purpose of his suffering.

Elijah's Despair

The prophet Elijah also expresses a desire for death during a period of intense fear and discouragement. After a triumphant victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel, who seeks his life. In his desolation, he prays, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers" (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah's plea reveals a moment of vulnerability and exhaustion, where death seems preferable to the burdens he faces.

Jonah's Anguish

Similarly, the prophet Jonah, after witnessing the repentance of Nineveh and God's subsequent mercy, becomes angry and despondent. He expresses his frustration and desire for death, saying, "Now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live" (Jonah 4:3). Jonah's reaction highlights his struggle with God's compassion and his own expectations, leading him to wish for death as an escape from his inner turmoil.

Paul's Dilemma

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates a tension between life and death in his letter to the Philippians. While imprisoned, Paul reflects on his desire to depart and be with Christ, which he considers "far better" (Philippians 1:23). However, he recognizes the necessity of remaining alive for the sake of his ministry and the benefit of others. Paul's contemplation reveals a mature understanding of death as a gateway to eternal communion with Christ, yet he acknowledges the importance of fulfilling his earthly mission.

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the desire for death in the Bible is often intertwined with a longing for divine presence and ultimate redemption. While the expression of such a desire may arise from despair, it also points to a deeper hope in God's deliverance and the promise of eternal life. The biblical narrative consistently affirms the value of life and the sovereignty of God over life and death, encouraging believers to trust in His timing and purposes.

Conclusion

The theme of desiring death in the Bible serves as a reminder of the human condition's frailty and the profound struggles individuals face. It also underscores the hope and assurance found in God's eternal promises, offering comfort and perspective to those who endure suffering.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 8:3
And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places where I have driven them, said the LORD of hosts.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 9:6
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"A Simple Creature Unlettered. --Which Creature Afore Desired ...
... worship of God because of that sickness. And that for the more furthering
[9] in my death: for I desired to be soon with my God. ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter ii a simple creature.htm

How the Above-Mentioned Ceadda was Made Bishop of the Province of ...
... AT that time, the province of the Mercians was governed by King Wulf here, who,
on the death of Jaruman, desired of Theodore that a bishop should be given to ...
/.../bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iii how the above-mentioned.htm

Of the Conversion, Life, Miracles, and Death of the Holy Brother ...
... FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPTER XLV OF THE CONVERSION, LIFE, MIRACLES, AND DEATH OF THE ...
Brother John, thy life is ended, for the moment thou hast desired so ardently ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xlv of the conversion.htm

That Ilk Man Chosen of God Has his State Ordained
... have wrought good deeds, but not God's but man's honour have they sought; and this
perishes after their death, only having what they have desired in this world ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iii that ilk man.htm

Valentinian's Vagaries About the Abolition of Death Refuted.
... 2803] or should they say that they, along with Christ, war against death, let them ...
the command "to covet nothing," not as if the things to be desired did not ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiii valentinians vagaries about the.htm

Urbicus Condemns the Christians to Death.
... Chapter II."Urbicus condemns the Christians to death. ... hirelings, when she delighted
in drunkenness and every vice, she had now given up, and desired that he ...
/.../chapter ii urbicus condemns the christians.htm

How Aristobulus was the First that Put a Diadem About his Head ...
... to that degree of barbarity as to cause her to be pined to death in prison. ... hindered
him from coming and seeing all that finery, he very much desired to see ...
/.../chapter 3 how aristobulus was.htm

How St Francis Appeared, after his Death, to Brother John of ...
... made answer: "Father, I pray thee, tell me that which I have long desired to know ...
never spoke to any save to his confessor till the day of his death; but on his ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter lv how st francis.htm

Sunday after Ascension Day. These all Confessed that they were ...
... For they desired a better country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed
to be called their God; for He hath ... Heavenward Death shall lead at last ...
/.../lyra germanica the christian year/sunday after ascension day these.htm

How this Bishop Foretold that his Own Death was at Hand to the ...
... and hermitage, being warned of God that the day of his death, or rather ... not weep,
but rejoice greatly because the mercy of Heaven has granted what we desired.". ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxix how this bishop.htm