Topical Encyclopedia Grass, a common and essential plant, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of transience and the providence of God. It is a green herb that covers the earth, providing sustenance for animals and serving as a metaphor for human life and divine care.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Transience and Mortality: Grass is often used in Scripture to illustrate the fleeting nature of human life. In Isaiah 40:6-8 , the prophet declares, "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This passage emphasizes the temporary nature of human existence compared to the eternal word of God. 2. Divine Provision: Grass is also a testament to God's provision and care for His creation. In Psalm 104:14 , it is written, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth." This verse highlights God's role in sustaining life through the growth of grass and other plants. 3. Judgment and Renewal: The imagery of grass is used in contexts of judgment and renewal. In Psalm 37:2 , the wicked are compared to grass: "For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb." This serves as a reminder of the ultimate justice of God. Conversely, in Hosea 14:5-7 , the restoration of Israel is likened to the flourishing of grass: "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon." 4. Human Dependence on God: The dependence of grass on favorable conditions for growth is a metaphor for human reliance on God. In Matthew 6:30 , Jesus uses grass to teach about trust in God's provision: "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, grass was a vital resource for pastoral societies. It provided grazing for livestock, which were central to the economy and daily life. The abundance or scarcity of grass could significantly impact the well-being of a community, making it a powerful symbol in biblical literature. Theological Implications The biblical use of grass as a symbol underscores key theological themes such as the sovereignty of God, the temporality of human life, and the assurance of divine care. It serves as a reminder of the Creator's ongoing involvement in the world and His ultimate authority over creation. Through the imagery of grass, believers are encouraged to trust in God's eternal promises and His provision for their needs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 6:39And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies on the green grass. Torrey's Topical Textbook Strong's Hebrew 1877. deshe -- grass... tender grass, green, tender herb. From dasha; a sprout; by analogy, grass -- (tender) grass, green, (tender)herb. see HEBREW dasha. 1876, 1877. deshe. 1878 > ... /hebrew/1877.htm - 6k 2682. chatsir -- green grass, herbage 6212. eseb -- herb, herbage Library Doctrine of Scripture on the Subject of Part 3 The Six Days' Work Described. The God of Nature (Preached During a Wet Harvest. ) The Cedars of Lebanon. Psalm CIV. Daily Bread. Rom. xv. 8 Matt. vi. 28, 29 Religion not Godliness Of the Three Woe Trumpets. Resources What are the greatest promises in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians view religious liberty? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Grass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grass of Prosperity of the Wicked Grass of Shortness and Uncertainty of Life Grass: (On Tops of Houses) the Wicked Grass: (Refreshed by Dew and Showers) the Saints Refreshed By Grass: Called: Grass of the Earth Grass: Called: Grass of the Field Grass: Created on the Third Creative Day Grass: Destroyed by Hail and Lightning Grass: Failure of, a Great Calamity Grass: God: Adorns and Clothes Grass: God: Originally Created Grass: Often Grew on the Tops of Houses Grass: Ovens often Heated With Grass: Refreshed by Rain and Dew Grass: Springs out of the Earth Grass: Sufferings of Cattle from Failure of, Described Grass: when Young, Soft and Tender Related Terms |
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