Topical Bible: The Wind: (Chaff or Stubble Before) of the Wicked

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the imagery of wind is frequently employed to convey the transient and insubstantial nature of the wicked. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the agrarian context of the ancient Near East, where the process of winnowing involved separating the valuable grain from the worthless chaff. The chaff, being light and without substance, was easily carried away by the wind, symbolizing the ultimate fate of the wicked who lack spiritual substance and permanence.

Biblical References

The metaphor of the wicked as chaff or stubble before the wind is vividly illustrated in several passages of Scripture. In the Book of Psalms, the righteous are contrasted with the wicked: "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind" (Psalm 1:4). This verse underscores the idea that while the righteous are firmly rooted and fruitful, the wicked are unstable and destined for destruction.

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah uses this imagery to describe the judgment awaiting the wicked: "Therefore, as the tongue of fire consumes the stubble and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their root will decay and their blossom will blow away like dust" (Isaiah 5:24). Here, the wind serves as an agent of divine judgment, sweeping away the wicked as easily as fire consumes stubble.

The Book of Job also reflects on the fate of the wicked, stating, "They are like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm" (Job 21:18). This passage emphasizes the powerlessness of the wicked in the face of divine justice, highlighting their ultimate vulnerability and the futility of their pursuits.

Theological Significance

The use of wind as a metaphor for the fate of the wicked carries profound theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the certainty of His justice. The imagery of chaff and stubble underscores the ephemeral nature of wickedness and the inevitable triumph of righteousness. In a world where the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, these biblical passages assure believers of the ultimate accountability and judgment that awaits those who reject God's ways.

Furthermore, this metaphor calls the faithful to examine their own lives, urging them to cultivate spiritual depth and integrity. Just as the wind separates the chaff from the grain, so too will God's judgment distinguish between those who are truly His and those who are not. The imagery challenges believers to pursue righteousness and to anchor themselves in the enduring truth of God's Word.

Conclusion

The depiction of the wicked as chaff or stubble before the wind is a powerful biblical motif that communicates the transient and insubstantial nature of those who oppose God. Through this vivid imagery, Scripture assures believers of the ultimate justice of God and the futility of wickedness. It serves as both a warning to the unrighteous and an encouragement to the faithful, affirming the enduring value of a life rooted in righteousness and obedience to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 21:18
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carries away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 1:4
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Discourse On
... their visitation they shall shine forth, and as sparks among stubble they shall ... Because
the hope of the ungodly man is as chaff carried by the wind, and as ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

The Final Conflict.
... to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and
the wind carried them ... and all that do wickedly shall be stubble, and the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the final conflict.htm

The Judgment.
... foundation, (Christ,) gold, silver, precious-stones, wood, hay, stubble, every man's ...
but the wicked will be like the chaff which the wind driveth away. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... What is thy strength? Is it not as the strength of wax or stubble to resist the
fire or as chaff to the wind or as dust before the fierce whirlwind? ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

A Treatise against the Heretic Novatian by an Anonymous Bishop.
... antichrists, whom the Evangelist likens to chaff, whom the ... not shrink from calling
"wood, hay, stubble;" [5367] the ... tree, shaken by a mighty wind, casteth her ...
/.../a treatise against the heretic.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... that it may be manifest of what sort it is; the wind, the rain ... Thus, a good man shall
see all his wood, hay, and stubble burnt up in the trial before his face ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Wedding Garment
... the heap is not all pure wheat, the chaff is mingled ... Wood, hay, and stubble building
is quick work, but it is ... May it be as the north wind when it blows through ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... proved it too, that as he was no wicked man with ... touchstone of God, nor against the
rain, wind, and floods ... the children of hell than they were before, and than ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... or in his approach to God, but as stubble fully dry ... right hand, and pleaded the goodness
of it before him. ... stone of God, nor against the rain, wind, and floods ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Should the wicked spirit of persecution still light its unhallowed fire in any sect;
may heaven forgive and convert such misguided men, before the divine wrath ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm