Topical Bible: The Wicked are Compared to Melting Wax

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In the Scriptures, the imagery of melting wax is employed to depict the fate and nature of the wicked. This metaphor is rich in meaning, illustrating the transient and ultimately futile existence of those who oppose God and His righteousness. The comparison to melting wax underscores the fragility, impermanence, and inevitable destruction that befalls the wicked.

Biblical References

One of the primary references to this imagery is found in Psalm 68:2 : "As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God." Here, the psalmist vividly portrays the fate of the wicked as being akin to wax melting before a flame. Just as wax cannot withstand the heat and is reduced to nothing, so too will the wicked be unable to endure the presence and judgment of God. This verse emphasizes the power and holiness of God, before whom no evil can stand.

Symbolism and Meaning

The symbolism of melting wax conveys several key aspects of the wicked's condition:

1. Transience: Wax, when exposed to heat, quickly loses its form and substance. Similarly, the wicked, despite any temporary success or power, will ultimately find their efforts and existence to be fleeting. Their plans and schemes will dissolve in the face of divine justice.

2. Inevitability of Judgment: Just as wax cannot resist melting when exposed to fire, the wicked cannot escape the judgment of God. This imagery serves as a stark reminder of the certainty of divine retribution for those who persist in their rebellion against God.

3. Powerlessness: The melting of wax signifies the utter powerlessness of the wicked when confronted with the might and holiness of God. No matter how formidable they may appear, they are ultimately defenseless against His righteous judgment.

4. Transformation and Loss: As wax changes from solid to liquid, losing its original form, the wicked will experience a transformation that leads to their ultimate loss and destruction. This serves as a warning of the consequences of living in opposition to God's will.

Theological Implications

The comparison of the wicked to melting wax carries significant theological implications. It highlights the justice and sovereignty of God, who will not allow evil to prevail. The imagery serves as a call to repentance, urging individuals to turn from wickedness and seek righteousness. It also provides comfort to the righteous, assuring them that God will vindicate His people and that evil will not have the final word.

In the broader biblical narrative, this metaphor aligns with the consistent theme of God's triumph over evil and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. The fate of the wicked, as depicted through the imagery of melting wax, serves as a powerful reminder of the need for faithfulness and obedience to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... The soul is overcome with God's goodness, the tears drop, the love flames; mercy
has a melting influence upon ... Therefore the wicked are compared to chaff ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... There are many who may be compared to weeping marbles ... was vexed with the unclean
conversation of the wicked' (2 Peter 2 ... It must first be made tender and melting. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... dispirited in mind; your earthly goods are melting like snow ... ache, they are but mere
trifles compared with the ... know the fact that often the most wicked men are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

The Sermon of the Seasons
... state is to be exceedingly brief as compared with preceding ... cold?" Anon there will
be a melting season of ... forward to that night wherein the wicked cease from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the sermon of the seasons.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... and still regarded them as wicked Antinomians. ... his "Enthusiasm of Methodists and
Papists Compared" {1754.}; and ... cheeks, the foaming lips, the melting eyes, the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... the prince of the demons, is a wicked spirit, Plato ... yea, and your nay nay," may be
compared the following ... or the goldsmith, melting the gold, has gilded it, and ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

The Water of Life;
... The waters of a full cup the wicked shall have; and ... intimate that they ran but low
formerly, if compared to what ... hen doth on cold eggs, till they wax warm and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... act or operation melteth and softeneth the wax, and hardeneth ... which, being compared
with that of Genesis 6:3. before ... he declareth he was to the wicked of the ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... to another, and would have found, as compared with the ... hands of painters yet unborn;
Each melting stroke shall ... all sorts of inferior and even wicked people, at ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Then she blushed and trembled, also her heart began to wax warm with desires to
know ... him to dwell in, to which the best palaces on earth, if compared, seem to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm