Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "declines" can be understood as a turning away or a falling off from a previous state of faithfulness, righteousness, or prosperity. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often serving as a warning or a call to repentance.Spiritual Decline Spiritual decline is a recurring theme in the Bible, where individuals or nations turn away from God and His commandments. This decline often leads to moral decay and eventual judgment. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel frequently experienced cycles of faithfulness followed by decline. Judges 2:19 states, "But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways." The prophets often addressed this spiritual decline, calling the people back to God. Isaiah 1:4 laments, "Oh, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel; they are utterly estranged." Moral Decline Moral decline is closely linked to spiritual decline, as turning away from God often results in a deterioration of ethical standards. The apostle Paul warns of such decline in Romans 1:21-22 : "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." The Bible also provides examples of individuals who experienced personal moral decline. King Solomon, despite his wisdom, turned away from God in his later years, influenced by his foreign wives and their gods (1 Kings 11:4): "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been." National Decline The decline of nations is a significant theme in the Bible, often portrayed as a consequence of collective disobedience to God. The fall of Israel and Judah serves as a poignant example. In 2 Kings 17:7-8 , the reason for Israel's decline is made clear: "All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." The decline of Babylon is another example, as prophesied by Isaiah. Despite its power and grandeur, Babylon's pride and idolatry led to its downfall (Isaiah 47:10-11): "You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge have led you astray, and you said in your heart, 'I am, and there is none besides me.' But disaster will come upon you, and you will not know how to charm it away." Restoration and Hope While the Bible frequently addresses decline, it also offers hope for restoration. God’s call to repentance is a recurring message, emphasizing His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus offering redemption and renewal through His sacrifice. In Revelation 2:5 , the church in Ephesus is admonished, "Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." The concept of decline in the Bible serves as both a warning and an invitation to return to a right relationship with God, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience. Strong's Hebrew 6437. panah -- to turn... to turn NASB Word Usage approaches (1), clear (3), cleared (1), cleared away (1), considered (1), dawn* (1), dawns (1), declined (1), declines (1), empty (1 ... /hebrew/6437.htm - 6k Library Augustin Declines the Dilemma Offered Him. The Method of the New Theology, and Some of Its Applications Whether virginity is Unlawful? In the High Priest's Palace Life of Bede The visit to Media. The Story of Panthea. Prayer and Importunity (Continued) Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ... Of the Remedy for the Second Source of Weariness. Thesaurus Declines (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Declines (2 Occurrences). ... Woe to us! for the day declines, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out. (WEB NAS RSV). ... /d/declines.htm - 7k Decline (10 Occurrences) Declined (11 Occurrences) Lady's (8 Occurrences) Refresh (18 Occurrences) Declineth (4 Occurrences) Shadows (11 Occurrences) Sustain (28 Occurrences) Strengthen (105 Occurrences) Noon (30 Occurrences) Resources Who was Gideon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Letter of King Abgar to Jesus? | GotQuestions.org What is the doctrine of preterition? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Declines (2 Occurrences)Judges 19:8 Jeremiah 6:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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