Topical Bible: Death: Miscellaneous Subjects: Fleeing As a Shadow

◄ Death: Miscellaneous Subjects: Fleeing As a Shadow ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the imagery of life and death is often portrayed through vivid metaphors that capture the transient and fleeting nature of human existence. One such metaphor is the concept of life "fleeing as a shadow," which underscores the brevity and impermanence of life on earth. This imagery is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible, where human life is frequently compared to a shadow that quickly passes away.

The metaphor of life as a shadow is poignantly expressed in the book of Job, a text that delves into the profound questions of human suffering and mortality. Job, in his lament, reflects on the ephemeral nature of life: "He comes forth like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure" (Job 14:2). Here, the comparison to a shadow emphasizes the swift passage of time and the inevitable approach of death, highlighting the fragile and temporary state of human life.

Similarly, the Psalms echo this sentiment, offering a perspective on the human condition that is both humbling and sobering. In Psalm 144:4, the psalmist declares, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow" . This verse serves as a reminder of the limited span of human life, urging believers to live with an awareness of their mortality and to seek wisdom in the face of life's transience.

The theme of life as a shadow is not only a reflection on mortality but also a call to recognize the eternal nature of God in contrast to human frailty. In the grand narrative of Scripture, God is portrayed as the eternal and unchanging One, while human life is depicted as fleeting and momentary. This contrast invites believers to place their trust in the everlasting God, who transcends the temporal limitations of earthly existence.

The New Testament also touches upon the fleeting nature of life, though it does not explicitly use the shadow metaphor. James 4:14 captures a similar idea: "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" . This passage reinforces the notion that life is unpredictable and short-lived, encouraging believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose.

In summary, the biblical metaphor of life "fleeing as a shadow" serves as a powerful reminder of the brevity of human existence. It calls individuals to reflect on their mortality, to seek wisdom, and to place their hope in the eternal God, who offers life beyond the shadow of death. Through this imagery, Scripture invites believers to live with a perspective that values the eternal over the temporal, recognizing the fleeting nature of life on earth.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 14:2
He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down: he flees also as a shadow, and continues not.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... of the Methodists are the happy subjects of this ... divinity and a great variety of
miscellaneous reading ... been continued, greatly enlarged, since his death to this ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm