The concept of the death of saints and the desire of the wicked for a similar end is a theme that emerges in the Scriptures, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives and destinies of the righteous and the wicked. This theme underscores the peace and hope that accompany the death of the righteous, which even the wicked, in their moments of clarity, may long for.

Biblical Context

The Bible often contrasts the end of the righteous with that of the wicked. In Numbers 23:10, Balaam, a prophet who is not aligned with the people of Israel, expresses a profound wish: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my end be like theirs!" . This statement reveals an acknowledgment of the blessedness and peace associated with the death of the righteous, even from the perspective of one who does not follow the God of Israel.

Characteristics of the Death of Saints

1. Peaceful Transition: The death of the saints is often depicted as a peaceful transition into eternal life. Psalm 116:15 states, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints" . This verse suggests that the death of the righteous is not a tragedy but a precious event in the eyes of God, marking the fulfillment of a life lived in faithfulness.

2. Hope and Assurance: The righteous die with the hope of resurrection and eternal life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Paul writes, "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him" . This assurance of resurrection provides comfort and hope to the saints and their loved ones.

3. Legacy of Faith: The death of the righteous often leaves a legacy of faith and inspiration for future generations. Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of the saints who have gone before, serving as a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) for believers to emulate.

The Wicked's Envy

The wicked, despite their earthly pursuits and apparent success, often find themselves lacking the peace and assurance that accompany the death of the righteous. In moments of introspection, they may express a desire for the same end. This longing is rooted in the recognition of the futility of a life lived apart from God and the eternal consequences that follow.

1. Recognition of True Peace: The wicked may come to realize that true peace and contentment are found not in worldly achievements but in a life aligned with God's will. This realization can lead to a desire for the peace that characterizes the death of the saints.

2. Fear of Judgment: The wicked may also fear the judgment that awaits them after death. In contrast to the hope of the righteous, the wicked face the prospect of eternal separation from God. This fear can drive a longing for the assurance and hope that the saints possess.

3. Desire for Redemption: In some cases, the wicked may express a desire for redemption and a change of heart, wishing to align themselves with the path of the righteous. This desire reflects an acknowledgment of the truth and a yearning for the peace that accompanies a life lived in accordance with God's commandments.

Conclusion

The death of saints serves as a powerful testimony to the peace, hope, and assurance that come from a life lived in faithfulness to God. Even the wicked, in their moments of clarity, may wish for an end that resembles that of the righteous, recognizing the eternal value and blessedness of a life devoted to God.Numbers 23:10
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... to as bad, nay, worse than was that death of the ... as by the mass, by our lady, by
saints, beasts, birds ... This then is a wicked cursing, to wish that evil might ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... said unto them, Drink ye wine;' so the wicked set pots of ... When you see the picture
of death drawn in their ... in that you have ministered to the saints.' Hebrews 6 ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship
... immortal body, but liable to crucifixion and death, which, again ... of the dead, if
they are wicked, or not ... officiating at the altar in the saints' burying-place ...
/.../faustus repels the charge of.htm

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... evil doers, and will not sit with the wicked (ibid ... by my hand in presence of God
and His Saints? ... not mistake) both your own eternal life and death, and theirs ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter ii a d 1126 to.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do ... How much have the saints of God
been employed in this ... who commit such things are worthy of death,' and yet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm

A Canticle of Love
... This wicked woman, touched by grace, followed the Saint into the desert, there to ...
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.'[16] For ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... the title by whomsoever used, as wicked, impious, and ... That custom, however, or rather
that death, comes not ... cruel slayer and murderer of the saints, should be ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm

Preface.
... God certainly can punish as long as wicked men exist. ... To rescue souls from death?
The soul's high price. ... Through distant age; saints travell'd; martyrs bled; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/preface.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... of grace, not only to become visible saints, but also ... him that persuaded them to
do this wicked act; was ... not come to Jesus Christ; for if the death of Jesus ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... as it were the soul of the church, it is vain and wicked. ... to answer the condition
and experience of the saints of old ... Is it not all but as death, as a painted ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

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