Topical Encyclopedia The concept of destruction is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often illustrating the consequences of sin, the power of God, and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. The term "destroys" and its variations are used to describe both physical and spiritual annihilation, serving as a warning and a demonstration of God's sovereignty.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, destruction is frequently associated with God's judgment against nations, cities, and individuals who oppose His will. For instance, in Genesis 19:24-25, God destroys the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground" . The theme of destruction is also evident in the narratives of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 9:3, God promises to destroy the nations before Israel as they enter the Promised Land: "But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you" . This destruction is portrayed as a divine act to fulfill His covenant promises and to establish His chosen people. Prophetic Warnings The prophets frequently warned of impending destruction as a result of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. In Isaiah 13:9, the prophet speaks of the day of the Lord: "Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it" . Such warnings served to call the people to repentance and to remind them of God's holiness and justice. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of destruction takes on a more spiritual dimension, often referring to the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. Jesus Himself warns of the destruction that awaits those who do not follow Him. In Matthew 7:13, He states, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" . This destruction is contrasted with the life that comes through faith in Him. The Apostle Paul also speaks of destruction in terms of spiritual warfare and the ultimate fate of those who oppose God. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, he writes, "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might" . This underscores the seriousness of rejecting the gospel and the eternal nature of divine judgment. Divine Sovereignty and Protection While the Bible speaks of destruction as a consequence of sin and rebellion, it also emphasizes God's power to protect and preserve His people. In Psalm 91:7, the psalmist declares, "Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you" . This assurance of divine protection highlights the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the security of those who trust in God. Conclusion The theme of destruction in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and the serious consequences of sin. It calls believers to live in obedience to God's commands and to seek refuge in His grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. Greek 2743. kauteriazo -- sear with a hot iron. ... 2743 (from 2545 , "burn") -- properly, brand (sear) with a red-hot iron; (figuratively) , which destroys the "spiritual nerve-endings.". ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2743.htm - 7k 853. aphanizo -- to make unseen, ie destroy 5351. phtheiro -- to destroy, corrupt, spoil 1311. diaphtheiro -- to destroy utterly, to spoil, corrupt Strong's Hebrew 6. abad -- to perish... Word Usage annihilate (2), annihilated (1), been lost (1), broken (1), corrupts (1), destroy (33), destroyed (15), destroying (2), destroys (2), destruction (2 ... /hebrew/6.htm - 6k 3615. kalah -- to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished ... 4229a. machah -- to wipe, wipe out 7843. shachath -- perhaps to go to ruin 7703. shadad -- to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin Library Martin Destroys Heathen Temples and Altars. Heresy Lowers Respect for Christ, and Destroys all Fear of his ... How God Honors Pious Princes, but Destroys Tyrants. With the Circus Cause to be Heard in Thy Grace, the Tidings of Thy Salvation: for ... Whether Pride is a Special Sin? Whether it is Lawful to Add Anything to the Words in which the ... Salted with Fire Sleep, the Mirror of Death, as Introductory to the Consideration ... Sixth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Christian Living. Thesaurus Destroys (23 Occurrences)...Destroys (23 Occurrences). ... 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are. ... /d/destroys.htm - 12k Atheism Destroyer (23 Occurrences) Destroy (379 Occurrences) Destroying (64 Occurrences) Fire (602 Occurrences) Grievous (73 Occurrences) Needy (83 Occurrences) Grow (139 Occurrences) Wear-and-tear (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about prostitution? Will God forgive a prostitute? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Destroys (23 Occurrences)Matthew 6:20 Luke 12:33 1 Corinthians 3:17 Genesis 32:8 Exodus 21:26 Job 9:22 Job 12:23 Psalms 91:6 Proverbs 1:32 Proverbs 6:32 Proverbs 11:3 Proverbs 11:9 Proverbs 18:9 Proverbs 28:24 Proverbs 31:3 Ecclesiastes 7:7 Ecclesiastes 9:18 Isaiah 21:2 Jeremiah 48:18 Jeremiah 51:25 Jeremiah 51:55 Micah 2:10 Zephaniah 2:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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