Topical Bible: Deserts: Guides Required In

◄ Deserts: Guides Required In ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, deserts often serve as significant settings for spiritual testing, divine encounters, and the journey of God's people. The harsh and unforgiving nature of the desert landscape underscores the necessity of guidance, both divine and human, for survival and spiritual growth.

Biblical Context

The desert, or wilderness, is frequently depicted in the Bible as a place of trial and transformation. It is in these barren landscapes that the Israelites wandered for forty years, learning to rely on God's provision and guidance. The need for a guide in such an environment is both practical and symbolic, representing the need for divine direction in the journey of faith.

Guidance in the Desert

1. Moses as a Guide: Moses is perhaps the most prominent human guide in the desert narrative. Chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses serves as an intermediary between God and His people. In Exodus 13:21-22 , it is written, "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people." Here, Moses follows the divine guidance provided by God, leading the Israelites through the wilderness.

2. Divine Guidance: The presence of the pillar of cloud and fire signifies God's direct involvement in guiding His people. This divine guidance is crucial, as the desert is a place where human knowledge and strength are insufficient. The Israelites' reliance on God's guidance is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.

3. Elijah in the Desert: The prophet Elijah also experiences the desert as a place of divine encounter and guidance. In 1 Kings 19:4-8 , Elijah flees to the wilderness, where he is sustained by an angel of the Lord. The angel provides food and water, instructing Elijah to continue his journey to Horeb, the mountain of God. This narrative highlights the necessity of divine provision and direction in the desert.

4. John the Baptist: The New Testament introduces John the Baptist, who preaches in the wilderness of Judea. In Matthew 3:1-3 , John is described as "a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'" John's role as a guide is spiritual, preparing the people for the coming of Jesus Christ.

5. Jesus in the Desert: Jesus Himself is led by the Spirit into the desert, where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). This period in the desert is a time of preparation and testing, underscoring the need for spiritual resilience and reliance on God's word.

Symbolism and Lessons

The desert serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual journey, where believers must navigate challenges and rely on God's guidance. The biblical accounts of desert experiences teach important lessons about faith, obedience, and the necessity of divine direction. In the absence of physical resources, the desert becomes a place where God's presence and provision are most acutely felt, reminding believers of their dependence on Him.

Throughout Scripture, the desert is a place where guides are required, whether in the form of human leaders like Moses or divine manifestations such as the pillar of cloud and fire. These guides are essential for navigating the physical and spiritual challenges of the wilderness, illustrating the broader theme of God's guidance in the lives of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 10:31
And he said, Leave us not, I pray you; for as much as you know how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and you may be to us instead of eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:10
He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Proper School of Contemplation is Solitude. ...
... What dispositions are required to the undertaking and executing of ... disciples and
also masters and guides must be ... only in caverns, rocks, or deserts, nor fixed ...
/.../chapter i that the proper.htm

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... I did not bring unto thee, but thou required it at my ... But if he deserts his flock
and does these things he ... then were chosen for the office of guides, that they ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm

The Casting Out of Devils.
... the Scribes and Pharisees, the would-be guides of the ... He had been raving in tombs
and deserts, tormented with a ... They cannot be required of one possessed with a ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vii the casting out of.htm

The People's Christ
... No, God guides the shepherds, and he did direct the wise ... The law required, that as
man was the sinner, man ... I have heard, that in the deserts, when the caravans ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

God Hath Made Manifest
... sure and immoveable blessings, and beyond our deserts, but also as ... And the popular
guides of this commonwealth [57] are ... See you how much care is required of us ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily i god hath made.htm

Index of Subjects.
... be followed, [591]396; to be found in deserts, [592]439 ... in hell necessary, [598]85;
why not required at first ... Kingdom, the, rewards, guides, and wars of, [1014]6 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... left us; but is present, and tends and guides, and knows ... may not fall very far short
of his deserts, I will ... to be left behind, what other is required than this ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... earth with its continents, its seas, its alternation of barren deserts and fertile ...
This rite was of temporary efficacy only, and required frequent renewal in ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... a sort of men that dwelt in the deserts of Arabia ... We are required to seek peace:
of whom, then, can we ... knowledge'; that is, for want of knowing guides; for if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... whole year, as well as the 120,000 medimni of wheat required for the ... in by
insurmountable obstacles"the sea, the African and Arabian deserts, the mountains ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm