Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the imagery of "stubble" is frequently used to describe the fate and judgment of the wicked. This metaphor is employed to convey the fragility, worthlessness, and ultimate destruction that awaits those who oppose God and His righteousness. The concept of stubble is often associated with divine judgment, where the wicked are likened to dry, brittle remnants of harvested grain, easily consumed by fire.Biblical References: 1. Job 21:18 : "Are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm?" In this passage, Job questions the prosperity of the wicked, suggesting that despite their temporary success, they are ultimately as insubstantial as straw or chaff, easily scattered and destroyed by the forces of nature. 2. Psalm 83:13 : "Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind." Here, the psalmist prays for the defeat of Israel's enemies, invoking the imagery of stubble to describe their impending downfall. The wicked are compared to tumbleweed and chaff, emphasizing their lack of stability and permanence. 3. Isaiah 5:24 : "Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the stubble and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay, and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah uses the metaphor of stubble consumed by fire to illustrate the judgment that will befall those who reject God's law. The imagery underscores the swift and total destruction that awaits the unrepentant. 4. Malachi 4:1 : "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble. The day that is coming will set them ablaze, says the LORD of Hosts, not leaving them root or branch." Malachi prophesies a day of reckoning when the wicked will be reduced to stubble, consumed by the fiery judgment of God. This passage highlights the complete eradication of evil, leaving no trace of the wicked behind. 5. Obadiah 1:18 : "Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame, but the house of Esau will be stubble; Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau, for the LORD has spoken." In this prophetic declaration, the house of Esau is likened to stubble, destined to be consumed by the fire of God's judgment executed through the house of Jacob. This serves as a warning of the inevitable destruction that comes upon those who oppose God's chosen people. Theological Implications: The use of stubble as a metaphor for the wicked underscores several theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the transitory nature of evil and the futility of opposing God's will. The wicked, though they may appear strong and prosperous for a time, are ultimately as fragile and temporary as stubble. Secondly, it emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment. Just as stubble is easily consumed by fire, so too will the wicked face the inescapable wrath of God. Lastly, it serves as a call to righteousness, urging individuals to align themselves with God's law and avoid the fate of the wicked. Throughout Scripture, the imagery of stubble serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the ultimate triumph of God's justice. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 15:7And in the greatness of your excellency you have overthrown them that rose up against you: you sent forth your wrath, which consumed them as stubble. Nave's Topical Index Job 21:18 Psalm 83:13 Isaiah 5:24 Isaiah 40:24 Isaiah 41:2 Isaiah 47:14 Jeremiah 13:24 Joel 2:5 Nahum 1:10 Malachi 4:1 Library Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment But as it is in Mockery that Celsus Says we Speak of "God Coming ... Appendix. The Hard-Heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians Pray. 'Stout Words,' and their Confutation Articles vii and viii: of the Church. Faith of Sinners in Prayer The Controversy Ended. The Controversy Ended A Prophet's Woes Resources Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about astrology and the zodiac? Is astrology something a Christian should study? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.org Stubble: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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