Topical Bible: The Moth: (Garments Eaten By) of Those Who Have Suffered Severe

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In biblical literature, the moth is often used as a symbol of decay and impermanence, particularly in relation to material possessions and human pride. The imagery of garments being eaten by moths serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the futility of placing one's trust in material goods.

The Bible frequently employs the metaphor of moth-eaten garments to illustrate the vulnerability and eventual destruction of worldly riches. In the Book of Job, a man who has suffered severe trials and losses, Job laments the fragility of human life and possessions: "He wears out like a garment, as a moth consumes him" (Job 13:28). Here, the moth symbolizes the inevitable decay that befalls all earthly things, emphasizing the need for reliance on God rather than on temporal wealth.

Similarly, in the Psalms, the psalmist reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence and the futility of amassing wealth: "You consume their wealth like a moth; like a vapor, they pass away" (Psalm 39:11). This verse underscores the idea that material possessions, no matter how abundant, are ultimately subject to decay and loss, much like garments that are devoured by moths.

The prophet Isaiah also uses this imagery to convey the judgment and downfall of those who trust in their own strength and riches: "For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool" (Isaiah 51:8). This serves as a warning that those who place their confidence in temporal power and wealth will face inevitable ruin, as their possessions are as vulnerable as fabric to the moth's destructive power.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warns against the dangers of storing up treasures on earth, where "moth and rust destroy" (Matthew 6:19). This teaching encourages believers to focus on accumulating spiritual treasures in heaven, which are imperishable and secure from decay.

The recurring theme of moth-eaten garments in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of earthly possessions and the importance of seeking eternal values. It calls believers to examine their priorities and to place their trust in God, who alone offers true security and lasting treasure. Through this imagery, the Bible invites its readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and to pursue a deeper, more enduring relationship with the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 13:28
And he, as a rotten thing, consumes, as a garment that is moth eaten.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letters to Olympias.
... as doth a garment, and like moth-eaten wool so ... and when the soldiers parted His garments
amongst them ... enjoy perfect security; but even after those events there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... indignation," Psalm 38, 2-3. "For I have eaten ashes like ... his beauty to consume away
like a moth," Psalm 39 ... office to parade about in beautiful garments, to sit ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... filled with the fragments left by them that had eaten. ... afraid of their revilings;
for the moth shall eat ... to their allotted tasks, and made garments either for ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... "They parted my garments among them ... says to those under afflictions, "Fear none of
those things which ... of the things that good men of old have suffered for their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And took their clothes, and gave the garments due ... that I aveng'd may be Of those
Philistines who ... treasure for yourselves in heaven, Where neither moth, nor rust ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... or has the day of grace been suffered to pass by ... and for the last two centuries they
have been, like ... consolation; and he assisted in forming those enlarged and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... in open court, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him ... himself with arguments
over and besides those which he ... wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Just as if I should, with the skirts of my garments, take up and clothe ... Yea, I could
be content to live and die with those people that have the grace of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm