Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, "gall" is often associated with bitterness, poison, and the venom of serpents. The term is used metaphorically to describe the destructive and harmful nature of sin and wickedness. The imagery of gall as venom underscores the lethal and corrupting influence of evil.Old Testament References The concept of gall as venom is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 32:32-33, the rebelliousness of Israel is compared to the bitterness of gall: "For their vine is from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are poisonous; their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras." Here, gall is equated with the venom of serpents, symbolizing the toxic and destructive nature of Israel's idolatry and moral decay. The use of gall in this context serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of turning away from God. The imagery of venomous serpents highlights the danger and death that accompany sin, emphasizing the need for repentance and divine intervention. Prophetic Literature In the prophetic books, gall continues to symbolize the bitterness and judgment associated with sin. Jeremiah 8:14 speaks of the impending judgment on Judah: "Why are we sitting here? Gather together; let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there! For the LORD our God has doomed us to perish and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against Him." The "poisoned water" is a metaphor for the gall of divine judgment, reflecting the consequences of persistent disobedience. Similarly, in Jeremiah 9:15, God declares, "Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'See, I will make this people eat bitter food and drink poisoned water.'" The bitterness of gall here represents the severe repercussions of Israel's unfaithfulness and the inevitable divine retribution. Wisdom Literature In the wisdom literature, gall is used to describe the bitterness of life and the consequences of wickedness. Job 20:14-15 states, "Yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of serpents within him. He swallows wealth but vomits it out; God will force it from his stomach." The venom of serpents is a metaphor for the futility and ultimate destruction that accompany a life of greed and unrighteousness. New Testament Allusions While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "gall" in the context of venom, the concept of bitterness and poison is present. In Acts 8:23, Peter rebukes Simon the Sorcerer, saying, "For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to sin." The imagery of poison here echoes the Old Testament use of gall, highlighting the spiritual peril of sin and the need for repentance. Theological Implications The metaphor of gall as the venom of serpents serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin and the necessity of divine grace for redemption. It underscores the biblical theme that sin leads to death, both physically and spiritually, and that only through turning to God can one find healing and restoration. The imagery of gall calls believers to examine their lives, repent of their sins, and seek the transformative power of God's grace. Nave's Topical Index Job 20:14Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 7219. rosh -- (bitter and poisonous herb) venom... the same as ro'sh; a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents) -- gall, hemlock, poison, venom. ... /hebrew/7219.htm - 6k Library Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them Christian Meekness Christ --Perfect through Sufferings Concerning Persecution the Legendary History of Egypt Preface. Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Resources Which psalms predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is wisdom literature? | GotQuestions.org What were the seven last words of Jesus Christ on the cross and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org Gall: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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