Topical Encyclopedia Salt, a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the Bible. It is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, often symbolizing purity, preservation, and covenant fidelity. The Bible characterizes salt as good and useful, both in its physical properties and its spiritual symbolism.Preservation and Purity In ancient times, salt was essential for preserving food, preventing decay, and maintaining purity. This practical use is mirrored in its spiritual symbolism. In Leviticus 2:13 , God commands, "You are to season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not omit from your grain offering the salt of the covenant of your God; you are to add salt to each of your offerings." Here, salt represents the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, symbolizing purity and preservation. Covenant Symbolism Salt's role in covenants is further emphasized in Numbers 18:19 : "All the holy contributions that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD for you and your offspring." The "covenant of salt" signifies an everlasting agreement, underscoring the unbreakable and enduring nature of God's promises. Metaphor for Believers In the New Testament, Jesus uses salt as a metaphor for the character and influence of His followers. In Matthew 5:13 , He declares, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, with what will it be salted? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Here, salt symbolizes the positive influence Christians are to have in the world, preserving moral integrity and adding spiritual flavor to society. Wisdom and Speech The Apostle Paul also uses salt metaphorically to describe the manner in which believers should communicate. In Colossians 4:6 , he advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Salt, in this context, represents wisdom and grace, suggesting that believers' words should be both edifying and preserving. Judgment and Destruction While salt is predominantly portrayed as good and useful, it also appears in contexts of judgment and destruction. In Genesis 19:26 , Lot's wife becomes a pillar of salt as a consequence of disobedience. This transformation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, salt is consistently characterized as good and useful, both in its physical properties and its rich symbolic meanings. It serves as a reminder of God's enduring covenant, the call for believers to influence the world positively, and the importance of purity and wisdom in the Christian life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 9:50Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, with which will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Church Abuses. Introduction. Translator's Preface Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... part ii The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What is a biblical view of social action? | GotQuestions.orgIs it a sin to cuss / swear / curse? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Matthew | GotQuestions.org Salt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salt of the Saving Efficacy of the Ekklesia of Christ Salt used for Ratifying Covenants Salt used for Seasoning Sacrifices Salt used for Strengthening New-Born Infants Salt used in Ratifying Covenants Salt: (Salted With Fire) Preparation of the Wicked For Salt: (Without Savour) Graceless Professors Salt: All Animal Sacrifices Were Required to be Seasoned With Salt: Characterised As Good and Useful Salt: Elisha Throws, Into the Pool of Jericho, to Purify It Salt: Liberally Afforded to the Jews After the Captivity Salt: Lost Its Savour when Exposed to the Air Salt: Lot's Wife Turned Into a Pillar of Salt: Miracles Connected With: Elisha Healed the Bad Water With Salt: Miracles Connected With: Lot's Wife Turned Into a Pillar of Salt: Often Found: Near the Dead Sea Salt: Partaking of Another's a Bond of Friendship Salt: Places Sown With, to Denote Perpetual Desolation Salt: Places where It Abounded Barren and Unfruitful Salt: The Valley of, Celebrated for Victories Related Terms Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) |
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