Topical Bible: Morning: (Clouds In) of the Short Lived Profession of Hypocrites

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In biblical literature, the imagery of morning clouds is often employed to depict the fleeting and insubstantial nature of certain human behaviors and professions, particularly those of hypocrites. This metaphor is vividly illustrated in the prophetic writings, where it serves as a poignant reminder of the transient and unreliable nature of insincere devotion.

The prophet Hosea provides a striking example of this imagery. In Hosea 6:4 , the Lord laments the faithlessness of Ephraim and Judah, saying, "What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your loyalty is like a morning cloud, like the early dew that vanishes." Here, the morning cloud symbolizes the ephemeral and inconsistent loyalty of the people, which, like the dew, appears briefly and then dissipates with the rising sun. This metaphor underscores the superficiality of their commitment to God, highlighting a pattern of behavior that lacks depth and endurance.

The use of morning clouds to describe the short-lived profession of hypocrites is not limited to Hosea. This imagery resonates throughout Scripture, serving as a cautionary emblem of the dangers of outward religiosity devoid of genuine faith. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of inner righteousness over mere external observance (Matthew 23:27-28).

The metaphor of morning clouds invites reflection on the nature of true devotion. It challenges believers to examine the sincerity of their faith and the consistency of their walk with God. The fleeting nature of morning clouds serves as a warning against the temptation to prioritize appearances over substance, urging a return to heartfelt obedience and steadfast commitment.

In conclusion, the biblical depiction of morning clouds as a symbol of the short-lived profession of hypocrites serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine faith. It calls believers to cultivate a deep and enduring relationship with God, characterized by sincerity and steadfastness, rather than the transient and superficial loyalty that vanishes like the morning dew.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 6:4
O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goes away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
... as in a moment, and like thick clouds before a ... great wrath, because he knew that
his time was short. ... it may be, dear hearer, you are this morning yourself full ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/faiths dawn and its clouds.htm

Instability
... with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are ... heard hundreds of persons
in my short life excuse ... To-morrow morning, when the Lord Mayor is sitting ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/instability.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... diminished and brought low, are this morning lifting up ... We know that in the short
summers of Sweden ... None can stop the clouds; they are invincible, uncontrollable ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

Concerning Persecution
... How soon may the clouds drop blood ... into heaven and sees Christ, that bright and morning
star; and ... In short, that love which is kindled from heaven makes us give ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... misery for a moment's mirth, and short-lived pleasures. ... his belly, a sad state, yet
but short; for look ... joy will undoubtedly come in the morning; besides those ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Christ
... I have, in short, gone through the judgment with Christ ... bed"the gray light of early
morning is filtering ... bodies they possessed and fled as clouds of darkness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... the church be caught up in the clouds and afterwards ... For a short period of less than
two years the Rev. ... the Royal Surrey Gardens, for the Sunday morning service ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... disgrace, while they, not withstanding their profession of faith ... But they loved idols,
and lived in the breach ... and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... and if thou findest that thou hast lived until now ... object of their faith, will surely
fall short of pardon ... grave, and was taken up above the clouds into heaven ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... had no moral righteousness, for he had lived in the ... sin"'All have sinned, and come
short of the ... Christ calls such kind of holy ones, 'Pharisees, hypocrites! ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm