Topical Bible: Grass of Shortness and Uncertainty of Life

Bible > Topical > Grass of Shortness and Uncertainty of Life

◄ Grass of Shortness and Uncertainty of Life ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The imagery of grass is frequently employed in the Bible to symbolize the brevity and frailty of human life. This metaphor serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly existence, contrasting the eternal nature of God. The use of grass as a symbol is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of the biblical world, where the life cycle of grass—from its sprouting to its withering—was a familiar and vivid illustration of life's fleeting nature.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 103:15-16 : "As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more." This passage highlights the ephemeral nature of human life, likening it to grass that flourishes briefly before disappearing. The psalmist emphasizes the contrast between the temporary existence of man and the enduring mercy of God.

2. Isaiah 40:6-8 : "A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" Here, the prophet Isaiah underscores the transitory nature of human life and achievements, juxtaposed with the permanence of God's word.

3. James 1:10-11 : "But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." James uses the metaphor of grass to caution against placing trust in wealth and earthly accomplishments, which are as fleeting as the grass that withers under the sun's heat.

Theological Implications:

The metaphor of grass serves as a humbling reminder of human mortality and the limitations of earthly life. It calls believers to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, encouraging a life of faith and reliance on God's enduring promises. The imagery of grass also invites reflection on the sovereignty of God, who alone is eternal and unchanging.

Practical Applications:

1. Humility: Recognizing the brevity of life should foster humility, as individuals acknowledge their dependence on God and the futility of pride in temporal achievements.

2. Eternal Perspective: Believers are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth and eternal values over material pursuits, understanding that true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God.

3. Trust in God's Word: The enduring nature of God's word, contrasted with the fleeting nature of human life, calls for a deep trust in Scripture as the ultimate guide and source of truth.

In summary, the biblical metaphor of grass serves as a powerful reminder of life's shortness and uncertainty, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective and to place their trust in the everlasting word of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 90:5,6
You carry them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which grows up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 40:6,7
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:24
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass wither, and the flower thereof falls away:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"What is Your Life?"
... be remembered evermore"because He wanted the thought of the shortness and uncertainty
of life ... no shadow on the wall, nor blade of withered grass, is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/what is your life.htm

On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life.
... It is God "who causeth the grass to grow, and herb for the service of man;" and
yet nobody ... Let us frequently remember the shortness and uncertainty of our ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part iii on the difficulties.htm

Psalm XC.
... they might not be deceived by the uncertainty of the ... the flower of the field; the
grass withereth, the ... These words appear to express the shortness and misery ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xc.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... ib.; uncertainty of, [466]382; why left thus in uncertainty, [467]ib ... what it is,
[632]164; our whole life a festival ... of envy, [708]393; a load of grass, [709]ib ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... him for his ignoble pedigree, and shortness of the ... and ran on, crying Life, life,
eternal life.' He felt ... he experienced much doubt and uncertainty arising from ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Book ii.
... And certainly the usual shortness of life seems neither to ... for happier circumstances;
we waver in uncertainty, our hope ... his days are but as grass;" [1505] and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm