Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the imagery of a "delicate woman" is often employed to symbolize the nation of Israel, particularly in the context of its spiritual backsliding and unfaithfulness to God. This metaphor is rich with meaning, reflecting both the vulnerability and the cherished status of Israel in the eyes of the Lord, as well as the nation's tendency to stray from its covenantal obligations.The concept of Israel as a delicate woman is poignantly illustrated in the prophetic literature, where the nation's infidelity is likened to that of an unfaithful wife. The prophet Jeremiah, for instance, uses this imagery to convey the depth of Israel's spiritual adultery. In Jeremiah 3:20, the Lord laments, "But as a woman may betray her husband, so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel," declares the LORD. This verse underscores the personal and relational nature of Israel's covenant with God, highlighting the pain and betrayal felt by the Lord due to Israel's idolatry and disobedience. The delicacy of the woman, representing Israel, also speaks to the nation's initial purity and favored status. In Deuteronomy 32:10, God describes His care for Israel: "He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye." This tender care and protection underscore the special relationship between God and Israel, akin to that of a husband cherishing his wife. However, the prophets also warn of the consequences of Israel's backsliding. The delicate woman, once protected and cherished, faces the harsh realities of judgment and exile due to her unfaithfulness. In Lamentations 4:5, the prophet mourns, "Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets; those brought up in crimson huddle in ash heaps." This stark imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of turning away from God. Despite the severity of Israel's backsliding, the biblical narrative is not without hope. The prophets also speak of restoration and redemption. In Hosea 2:14-15, God promises to allure Israel back to Himself: "Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly. There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope." This promise of renewal reflects God's enduring love and faithfulness, even in the face of Israel's unfaithfulness. In conclusion, the metaphor of the delicate woman in the context of backsliding Israel serves as a powerful illustration of the nation's relationship with God. It highlights both the intimacy and the tension inherent in this covenantal bond, offering lessons on the consequences of spiritual infidelity and the hope of divine redemption. Through this imagery, the biblical text calls believers to reflect on their own faithfulness to God and the enduring nature of His love and mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 6:2I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. The Sower. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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