In the context of the Bible, the term "smash" is often associated with destruction, judgment, and the breaking of idols or objects that stand against the will of God. The act of smashing is frequently depicted as a divine or righteous action, symbolizing the power and authority of God over false gods and human pride.

Old Testament References

1. Destruction of Idols: One of the most prominent uses of the concept of smashing in the Old Testament is in the context of idol worship. God commands the Israelites to destroy the idols and altars of the pagan nations they encounter. In Deuteronomy 7:5, God instructs, "Instead, this is what you are to do to them: Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire." This command underscores the importance of purity in worship and the rejection of idolatry.

2. Judgment Against Nations: The prophets often use the imagery of smashing to describe God's judgment against nations that oppose Him. In Jeremiah 51:20, God speaks through the prophet, saying, "You are My war club, My weapon for battle—with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms." Here, the act of smashing is a metaphor for divine judgment and the execution of God's justice.

3. Breaking of Pride: The act of smashing can also symbolize the breaking of human pride and rebellion against God. In Isaiah 2:12-18, the prophet describes a day when the Lord will humble the proud and lofty, and "the idols will totally disappear." The smashing of idols represents the ultimate triumph of God's sovereignty over human arrogance.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "smash," the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, particularly in the context of spiritual warfare and the destruction of spiritual strongholds.

1. Spiritual Warfare: In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Paul writes, "The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The imagery of demolishing or smashing strongholds reflects the spiritual battle against false teachings and ideologies that oppose the truth of the Gospel.

2. Christ's Victory: The ultimate act of smashing in the New Testament is the victory of Christ over sin and death. In Colossians 2:15, Paul declares, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." The cross is the instrument through which Jesus smashes the power of sin, demonstrating His authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications

The act of smashing in the biblical narrative serves as a powerful symbol of God's holiness, justice, and authority. It reflects the divine mandate to reject idolatry, the assurance of God's judgment against evil, and the ultimate victory of Christ over all spiritual adversaries. Believers are called to participate in this spiritual battle, relying on the power of God to overcome the forces that oppose His kingdom.1. (v. t.) To break in pieces by violence; to dash to pieces; to crush.

2. (v. i.) To break up, or to pieces suddenly, as the result of collision or pressure.

3. (n.) A breaking or dashing to pieces; utter destruction; wreck.

4. (n.) Hence, bankruptcy.

7489b. raa -- to break
... root Definition to break NASB Word Usage bad (1), break (1), breaks (1), broken
(1), broken asunder (1), destroyed (1), ruin (1), smash (1), worthless (1). ...
/hebrew/7489b.htm - 5k

4272. machats -- to smite through, wound severely, shatter
... A primitive root; to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently
plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy -- dip, pierce (through), smite ...
/hebrew/4272.htm - 6k

7665. shabar -- to break, break in pieces
... 1), destroy (2), fractured (1), hurt (2), injured (1), pieces (1), placed (1), point
of birth (1), quench (1), shatter (2), shattered (13), smash (3), smashed ...
/hebrew/7665.htm - 6k

1986. halam -- to smite, hammer, strike down
... root Definition to smite, hammer, strike down NASB Word Usage beat (2), beats (1),
overcome (1), smash (1), smite (1), struck (1), trampled down (1). ...
/hebrew/1986.htm - 6k

Introductory Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... Some thought it not enough of a lamp-post, some too much; some acted because they
wanted to smash municipal machinery; some because they wanted to smash ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/i introductory remarks on the.htm

The Carthage Student
... The Wreckers." Their great pleasure was to go and make a row at a professor's lecture;
they would burst noisily into the classroom and smash up anything they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the carthage student.htm

Humdrum
... After this he told me politely that we were knocking our heads against a rock; we
might smash our heads, but we never would affect the rock. "Rock! Rock! ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter iii humdrum.htm

The Find
... One fence and we're out of the park; Sit down in your saddles and race at the brook,
Then smash at the bullfinch; no time for a look; Leave cravens and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the find.htm

The Great Unknown Lack.
... saying, "If you won't come, I'll bring my violin down here to your shop, and play."
"If you do," replied the famous engineer laughingly, "I'll smash the thing ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the great unknown lack.htm

The Power that Never Fails.
... The sledges are not used. They would smash the wooden wedges. The water
and wedges are left to do their work. The damp wood swells. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the power that never fails.htm

There is a Popular Philosophical Joke Intended to Typify the ...
... The more complicated the smash, the whiter-haired and more absent-minded will be
the theorist who is needed to deal with it; and in some extreme cases, no one ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 2 there is a.htm

Slavery of Redemptioners.
... would befall them, partly call upon and adjure all elements and sacraments, yea,
all thunderbolts and the terrible inhabitants of hell to smash into numberless ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/slavery of redemptioners.htm

The Great Change
... Help me to tear it from thy throne,. And worship only thee.". Let the idols go;
smash them all up, break them in pieces like potter's vessels. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the great change.htm

Ahab and Micaiah
... rage. Down goes the head, and, with eyes shut, he will charge a stone wall
or an iron door, though he knows it will smash his skull. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and micaiah.htm

Smash (8 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A breaking or dashing to pieces; utter destruction; wreck. 4. (n.) Hence,
bankruptcy. Multi-Version Concordance Smash (8 Occurrences). ...
/s/smash.htm - 8k

Smashed (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Smash. Multi-Version Concordance Smashed
(22 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:35 Everything whereupon ...
/s/smashed.htm - 13k

Smart (2 Occurrences)

/s/smart.htm - 8k

Smashing (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Smash. Multi-Version Concordance
Smashing (9 Occurrences). 2 Kings 8:12 And Hazael said, Why is my lord weeping? ...
/s/smashing.htm - 9k

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