Topical Encyclopedia Carnage, a term often associated with the extensive and violent killing of many people, is a concept that can be observed in various narratives throughout the Bible. The Bible, while primarily a spiritual and moral guide, does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of human conflict and divine judgment, which sometimes result in widespread destruction and loss of life.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, carnage is frequently depicted in the context of warfare and divine judgment. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of the Great Flood (Genesis 6-9), where God, grieved by the wickedness of humanity, decides to cleanse the earth through a deluge, sparing only Noah and his family. This event, while not a battle, represents a divine act resulting in the massive loss of life. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is another significant instance where carnage is evident. The Israelites, under divine command, engage in battles to claim the Promised Land. In Joshua 6, the fall of Jericho is described, where the Israelites, following God's instructions, destroy the city and its inhabitants: "They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys" (Joshua 6:21). The narrative of the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15 also illustrates carnage as a form of divine retribution. God commands Saul to "attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them" (1 Samuel 15:3). Saul's failure to fully carry out this command leads to his rejection as king. Prophetic Literature The prophetic books often speak of carnage in the context of divine judgment against nations. The book of Isaiah, for instance, contains vivid imagery of destruction as a consequence of sin and rebellion against God. Isaiah 34 describes the judgment against Edom: "Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will stink; the mountains will be soaked with their blood" (Isaiah 34:3). New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, while the focus shifts more towards spiritual warfare and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the theme of carnage is not entirely absent. The Book of Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, describes the final battles between good and evil. Revelation 19:17-18 depicts a scene of divine judgment where the birds are called to "eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great" (Revelation 19:18). Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the instances of carnage in the Bible serve as sobering reminders of the consequences of sin and the seriousness of divine justice. They underscore the holiness of God and the reality of His judgment against unrighteousness. At the same time, these narratives point to the hope of redemption and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where peace and righteousness will prevail. While the Bible records these events, it also emphasizes God's desire for repentance and reconciliation. The message of the Gospel, central to the New Testament, offers a path away from destruction through faith in Jesus Christ, who came to bring life and peace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Great destruction of life, as in battle; bloodshed; slaughter; massacre; murder; havoc.2. (n.) Flesh of slain animals or men. Greek 2871. kope -- a cutting in pieces, slaughter ... slaughter. From kopto; cutting, ie Carnage -- slaughter. see GREEK kopto. (kopes) -- 1 Occurrence. 2870, 2871. kope. 2872 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2871.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4347. makkah -- a blow, wound, slaughter... makkeh {muk-keh'}; (plural only) from nakah; a blow (in 2 Chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence ... /hebrew/4347.htm - 6k 2028. haregah -- a slaughter Library Debate on the Proposed Invasion of Greece. Gods, those which were Confessedly Elevated to the Divine ... The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. The Poetical Books. Note a the Following Extract of a Letter I Received from the Rev. ... The Life of Christ. Storming the Battlements A Present Religion The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints A Farewell Thesaurus Carnage (1 Occurrence)... massacre; murder; havoc. 2. (n.) Flesh of slain animals or men. Multi-Version Concordance Carnage (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 12:3 But ... /c/carnage.htm - 6k Carnaim Carmonians Slaughter (121 Occurrences) Nineveh (23 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian watch scary movies/horror movies? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about terrorism? | GotQuestions.org Why were infants dashed to pieces (Nahum 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org Carnage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Carnage (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 12:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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