Grass: when Young, Soft and Tender
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In the Bible, grass is often used as a metaphor for the transient nature of human life and the fleeting beauty of earthly existence. The imagery of young, soft, and tender grass is particularly evocative, symbolizing freshness, new beginnings, and the delicate nature of life.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 103:15-16 : "As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more." This passage highlights the ephemeral quality of human life, comparing it to grass that is young and tender, yet quickly fades away.

2. Isaiah 40:6-8 : "A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" Here, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of grass to emphasize the temporary nature of human achievements and the enduring nature of God's word.

3. Job 8:11-12 : "Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water? While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up quicker than grass." In this passage, the young, tender grass is used to illustrate the fragility of life and the necessity of a nurturing environment for growth and sustenance.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Transience and Mortality: The young, soft, and tender grass serves as a poignant reminder of the brevity of life. Just as grass quickly grows and withers, so too do human lives pass swiftly. This theme encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly pursuits.

· Renewal and Hope: Despite its fleeting nature, young grass also symbolizes renewal and hope. It represents new beginnings and the potential for growth and transformation. This duality reflects the Christian belief in spiritual rebirth and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

· Dependence on God: The tender nature of young grass underscores the dependence of all creation on God's provision and care. Just as grass requires water and sunlight to thrive, humans rely on God's grace and sustenance for spiritual growth and well-being.

Practical Application:

In a spiritual context, the imagery of young, soft, and tender grass invites believers to reflect on their own lives and priorities. It serves as a call to humility, reminding individuals of their mortality and the importance of living in accordance with God's will. By recognizing the transient nature of earthly life, Christians are encouraged to invest in their relationship with God and seek the eternal truths found in Scripture.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 27:25
The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee
... and, as it were, defying the soft rounded forms ... contrast with the uniform green of
leaf and grass. ... like privets with large myrtle flowers, and young clove-trees ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter v a letter from.htm

Imperial Caesar
... had stood their ground walked out into the grass to look ... knitted as if to give his
full soft eyes protection ... laughed and stepped out of the young general's path ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

Von Himmel Hoch Da Komm Ich Her. From Heaven Above to Earth I Come ...
... Who is this child, so young and fair ... and small, To lie upon the coarse dry grass,
The food ... Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Here ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxix von himmel hoch da.htm

The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd
... who has set us an example; and if your main purpose is to get succulent grass to
eat and soft places to walk ... Young men and women beginning life, remember! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the lost sheep and the.htm

The Murket's Sacrifice
... was not in the frame of mind to receive so soft a speech ... The young man shook his
head. ... been thrice desolate and Egypt's glory gone like the green grass in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvi the murkets sacrifice.htm

The Sower.
... Where the earth is soft underneath, and so permits the ... Young disciples, whose faith
and hope are bursting through ... The grass that gets no other light grows slim ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

Daily Bread
... we see the city, all its commonplaceness charmed away, the vulgar noises of the
streets blended in a soft murmur ... Over the grass trip the young birds, mottle ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

Home-Education.
... religion demands; and you can fill the young heart with ... daisies that spring up among
the grass upon which ... then there Comes encouragement in the soft hand Over ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

The Next Morning Dawned with all the Strange Half Mystical Glow of ...
... or condemns the innocent amusements of the young and happy ... "Is the sunlight accursed?"
she said, "The grass or the ... of silk flounces that gave a soft "swish," as ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxiv the next morning dawned.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... The meadows were covered with deep grass, the fertile plains ... Young and vigorous,
their bark is distended; when they ... tree it is changed into a soft and oily ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

Resources
What is the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Grass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Grass: Sufferings of Cattle from Failure of, Described
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