Topical Encyclopedia Wormwood, in its figurative sense, is a symbol of bitterness, sorrow, and divine judgment. The term "wormwood" is derived from the Hebrew word "la'anah" and the Greek "apsinthos," both of which refer to a bitter plant. In the Bible, wormwood is often used metaphorically to describe the consequences of sin and the resulting divine retribution.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, wormwood is frequently associated with bitterness and calamity. In Deuteronomy 29:18 , Moses warns the Israelites against idolatry, cautioning that such behavior could lead to a "root bearing poisonous fruit and wormwood." Here, wormwood symbolizes the bitter consequences of turning away from God and embracing false gods. The prophet Jeremiah also uses wormwood to depict the bitterness of judgment. In Jeremiah 9:15 , God declares, "Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.'" This imagery underscores the severity of divine punishment for the people's persistent disobedience and idolatry. Similarly, in Lamentations 3:15,19 , the author laments, "He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood... Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall." Here, wormwood is a metaphor for the profound suffering and distress experienced by the people of Judah following the destruction of Jerusalem. New Testament Reference In the New Testament, wormwood appears in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. Revelation 8:10-11 describes the third trumpet judgment: "Then the third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter like wormwood oil, and many people died from the bitter waters." In this context, wormwood represents the catastrophic and bitter consequences of divine judgment during the end times. Theological Implications The figurative use of wormwood in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine justice. It illustrates the bitterness and sorrow that result from turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable judgment that follows. Wormwood, as a symbol, calls believers to repentance and faithfulness, urging them to avoid the spiritual bitterness that comes from disobedience and to seek the sweetness of life in Christ. Throughout the Bible, wormwood's figurative meaning emphasizes the stark contrast between the bitterness of sin and the sweetness of God's grace and mercy. It serves as a warning to remain steadfast in faith and obedience, highlighting the importance of aligning one's life with God's will to avoid the bitter consequences of sin. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 29:18Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood; Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 5:4 Jeremiah 9:15 Jeremiah 23:15 Lamentations 3:19 Library Whether this is the Proper Form for the Consecration of the Wine ... An Unalterable Law Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' The Prophet Amos. John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... Resources Questions about Revelation | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about prostitution? Will God forgive a prostitute? | GotQuestions.org End Times Events ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Wormwood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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