Proverbs 7:26
For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number.
For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number
For she has brought many down to death
This phrase begins with a warning about the consequences of succumbing to the temptations of the adulterous woman, a recurring theme in Proverbs. The Hebrew word for "brought down" is "הִפִּילָה" (hippilah), which implies a forceful action, suggesting that the fall into sin is not merely a passive slip but a deliberate act that leads to spiritual and sometimes physical demise. The "death" here is not only physical but also spiritual, symbolizing separation from God. Historically, the wisdom literature of the Bible often uses vivid imagery to convey the dangers of moral and spiritual failure, emphasizing the severe consequences of straying from God's path.

her slain are many in number
The term "slain" in Hebrew is "חֲלָלִים" (chalalim), which refers to those who have been killed or destroyed. This word choice underscores the lethal nature of the seductress's influence, likening her victims to casualties of war. The phrase "many in number" highlights the widespread impact of such temptations, suggesting that countless individuals have fallen prey to similar sins throughout history. This serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the importance of vigilance and adherence to God's wisdom. In the broader scriptural context, this warning aligns with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who frequently cautioned against the dangers of immorality and the need for spiritual discernment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Seductress
This figure represents the personification of temptation and sin, often depicted as a wayward woman leading others astray. In the context of Proverbs, she symbolizes the dangers of succumbing to immoral desires.

2. The Victims
These are the individuals who have fallen prey to the seductress's allure. They represent those who have been led away from wisdom and righteousness, resulting in spiritual and sometimes physical ruin.

3. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon is known for his wisdom. He uses this passage to warn against the dangers of immorality and the importance of adhering to wisdom.

4. The Path to Death
This is a metaphorical place representing the consequences of following the seductress. It signifies spiritual death and separation from God.

5. The House of the Seductress
Symbolically, this is the place where temptation resides. It is a setting of danger and destruction for those who enter.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often appears attractive and harmless at first, but its end is destruction. We must be vigilant and discerning to avoid being led astray.

The Importance of Wisdom
Proverbs consistently emphasizes the value of wisdom. By seeking God's wisdom, we can recognize and resist the allure of temptation.

Guarding the Heart
We must protect our hearts and minds from influences that lead us away from God. This involves being mindful of what we consume and the company we keep.

The Consequences of Immorality
Engaging in immoral behavior has serious consequences, both spiritually and physically. Understanding this can motivate us to pursue righteousness.

Accountability and Community
Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers can provide support and accountability, helping us to stay on the path of righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the portrayal of the seductress in Proverbs 7:26 serve as a warning for us today in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs to guard against modern-day temptations?

3. How do the consequences described in Proverbs 7:26 compare to the warnings found in James 1:14-15?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are seeking and applying God's wisdom in our decision-making?

5. How can being part of a Christian community help us resist the temptations that lead to spiritual death?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 5:3-5
This passage also warns about the dangers of the adulterous woman, describing her lips as sweet but her end as bitter as wormwood, leading to death.

James 1:14-15
James speaks about how desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. This aligns with the warning in Proverbs 7:26 about the deadly consequences of succumbing to temptation.

Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus speaks about the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction, which parallels the path of the seductress leading many to death.
A Tragedy of TemptationE. Johnson Proverbs 7:1-27
The Two WaysW. Clarkson Proverbs 7:1-27
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Army, Cast, Caused, Death, Ecclesiastes, Fall, Host, Laid, Low, Mighty, Numerous, Ones, Slain, Strong, Throng, Thrown, Victim, Victims, Wounded, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 7:6-27

     5276   crime

Proverbs 7:14-27

     6242   adultery

Proverbs 7:24-27

     6237   sexual sin, nature of

Library
Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3, 4-11. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Dogmatic.
I. (i) Against Eunomius. The work under this title comprises five books, the first three generally accepted as genuine, the last two sometimes regarded as doubtful. Gregory of Nazianzus, [303] Jerome, [304] and Theodoret [305] all testify to Basil's having written against Eunomius, but do not specify the number of books. Books IV. and V. are accepted by Bellarmine, Du Pin, Tillemont, and Ceillier, mainly on the authority of the edict of Justinian against the Three Chapters (Mansi ix., 552),
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate;
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Believer's Privilege at Death
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Hope is a Christian's anchor, which he casts within the veil. Rejoicing in hope.' Rom 12:12. A Christian's hope is not in this life, but he hash hope in his death.' Prov 14:42. The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends; but the wicked have all their heaven here. Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.' Luke 6:64. You may make your acquittance, and write Received in full payment.' Son, remember that
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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