Topical Bible: The Punishment of the Wicked: Often Brought About by Their Evil Designs

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The theme of the wicked being ensnared by their own evil designs is a recurring motif throughout the Bible. This concept underscores the justice and sovereignty of God, who ensures that the wicked face the consequences of their actions. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how the wicked often fall into the traps they set for others, highlighting the moral order established by God.

Biblical Examples:

1. Haman's Plot Against Mordecai: In the Book of Esther, Haman, an official in the Persian Empire, devises a plan to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people. He constructs a gallows specifically for Mordecai. However, through a series of providential events, Haman's plot is exposed, and he is ultimately hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

2. The Fate of the Wicked in the Psalms: The Psalms frequently reflect on the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their own schemes lead to their downfall. Psalm 7:15-16 states, "He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head." This passage illustrates the principle that the wicked are often caught in their own traps.

3. The Rebellion of Absalom: Absalom, the son of King David, conspires to overthrow his father and seize the throne of Israel. His rebellion is marked by deceit and treachery. However, his plans ultimately lead to his demise when he is caught by his hair in the branches of a tree and killed by Joab, David's commander (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

Teachings and Principles:

1. Divine Justice: The Bible consistently teaches that God is just and that He will not allow the wicked to prosper indefinitely. Proverbs 26:27 warns, "He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him." This proverb encapsulates the idea that evil intentions often backfire on those who harbor them.

2. The Moral Order: The Scriptures affirm that there is a moral order to the universe, established by God. This order ensures that evil deeds are met with appropriate consequences. Job 4:8 observes, "As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same." This principle is a reminder that actions have consequences, and the wicked will ultimately face retribution.

3. Warnings Against Wickedness: The Bible frequently warns against engaging in wicked schemes, emphasizing that such actions lead to ruin. Proverbs 1:18-19 cautions, "But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors." This warning serves as a deterrent against pursuing evil designs.

Conclusion:

The punishment of the wicked, often brought about by their own evil designs, is a testament to the justice and righteousness of God. Through various narratives and teachings, the Bible illustrates that those who engage in wickedness will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, reinforcing the moral order established by the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 37:15
Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
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Psalm 57:6
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have dig a pit before me, into the middle whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... be with them." Godly men's hearts are often tickled to ... much rain in harvest, a reproach
and punishment more becomes ... an errand or business to a wicked man and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... with chains: because that he had been often bound with ... As the Lord liveth, there
shall no punishment happen to ... 1-3. And Paul says of that wicked: "Whose coming ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... discovery of hypocrites and for the punishment of sinners. ... way of eminence, "The
Wicked." He is altogether wicked. ... Satan, no doubt, often brings the most sweet ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

How During Antipater's Abode at Rome, Herod Brought Alexander and ...
... this should not be passed over without punishment, nor himself ... thou callest a reward
of piety often becomes, among ... Nor does any one lay any wicked practices to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how during antipaters.htm

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
... He employs to inflict prescribed punishment upon transgressors ... that counsel to Absalom,
which though wicked, was, in ... It has often been brought low, but never ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxviii king of kings.htm

How Herod, by Permission from Caesar Accused his Sons Before an ...
... and told the king, that Tero would often have persuaded ... of mind, and then commits
a wicked action, although ... though the justice of the punishment caused those ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod by.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... now give you more particulars about this terrible punishment. ... animals into these
caves, they are often called stables ... See, then, how the wicked pretend at times ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded.
... which hath been done by the wicked, will come ... The prejudices inherent in mankind
often render them blind to ... make some deduction from the punishment which would ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvi characters will be.htm

Index of Subjects.
... deny it, [461]526; specially for wicked Christians, [462 ... 212; why permitted,
[465]280 sq.; often prevail by ... Punishment, present impunity more to be dreaded, [ ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
... thoughts as these, His poor people often enjoy their ... whole of His sufferings from
wicked men, cannot ... It properly signifies here, a punishment for instruction ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xix messiah suffering and.htm