Topical Encyclopedia Overview:It-wither is a term that appears in the context of biblical narratives, often associated with the miraculous or divine intervention that results in the withering or drying up of something, typically as a sign of judgment or a demonstration of God's power. This concept is seen in various instances throughout the Bible, where God uses natural elements to convey spiritual truths or to execute His will. Biblical Instances: 1. The Withered Fig Tree: One of the most notable instances of "it-wither" is found in the New Testament, where Jesus curses a fig tree. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus approaches a fig tree expecting to find fruit, but finding none, He says, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately, the tree withered (Matthew 21:19). This act serves as a symbolic judgment against unfruitfulness and hypocrisy, particularly directed at the religious leaders of the time. 2. The Drying Up of the Red Sea: Although not explicitly using the term "wither," the miraculous parting and subsequent drying up of the Red Sea can be seen as an example of divine intervention where natural elements are manipulated to fulfill God's purposes. In Exodus 14:21, it is written, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land" . This event signifies God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. 3. The Withering of the Vine: In the Old Testament, the imagery of withering is often used metaphorically to describe the judgment of God upon nations or individuals. For instance, in Ezekiel 17:9-10, the prophet speaks of a vine that is destined to wither due to lack of water, symbolizing the impending judgment on the house of Israel for their unfaithfulness: "Will it thrive? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its new growth will wither" . Theological Significance: The concept of "it-wither" in the Bible often serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience or lack of faith. The withering of the fig tree by Jesus is a direct illustration of the importance of spiritual fruitfulness and the dangers of outward religiosity without genuine faith. Similarly, the drying up of the Red Sea demonstrates God's ability to control nature for the deliverance and protection of His people. In prophetic literature, the imagery of withering is frequently employed to convey the transient nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God over creation. It serves as a call to repentance and a warning of the futility of relying on anything other than God's provision and guidance. Conclusion: The theme of "it-wither" in the Bible underscores the dynamic interaction between God and His creation, where natural phenomena are used to communicate divine messages. Whether through the literal withering of a tree or the metaphorical drying up of a nation, these instances highlight the importance of aligning with God's will and the inevitable consequences of failing to do so. Library The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Barren Fig-Tree; Thesaurus It-wither (1 Occurrence)It-wither. Iturea, It-wither. Ivah . Multi-Version Concordance It-wither (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 17:10 Yes, behold, being ... /i/it-wither.htm - 6k Iturea (1 Occurrence) Ivah (3 Occurrences) Pluck (41 Occurrences) Resources How should poetry in the Bible be interpreted? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to someone who leaves the faith? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance It-wither (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 17:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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