Topical Bible: Security: False: Its Refuges Will be Scattered

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of false security is frequently addressed, warning believers against placing their trust in anything other than God. The Scriptures emphasize that any refuge apart from the Lord is ultimately unreliable and destined to fail.

Biblical Warnings Against False Security

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of relying on false securities, such as wealth, military might, or idols. In Jeremiah 17:5-6 , the prophet declares, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes." This passage highlights the futility of trusting in human strength or wisdom, which leads to spiritual barrenness.

The Illusion of Wealth and Material Security

Wealth is often seen as a source of security, yet the Bible cautions against this illusion. Proverbs 11:28 states, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." The temporary nature of material wealth is underscored in 1 Timothy 6:17 , where Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."

Military Might and Political Alliances

Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is repeatedly warned against relying on military strength or political alliances for security. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet admonishes, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD." This passage illustrates the futility of seeking security through earthly powers rather than divine protection.

Idolatry and False Gods

Idolatry is another form of false security condemned in Scripture. The prophets frequently denounce the worship of idols, which are powerless to save. In Isaiah 44:9-10 , it is written, "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?" This passage underscores the emptiness of trusting in anything other than the one true God.

The Scattering of False Refuges

The ultimate fate of false refuges is their scattering and destruction. In Ezekiel 13:10-14 , God speaks against the false prophets who lead His people astray, saying, "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash, tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be a deluge of rain, and I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will unleash a windstorm in My wrath; and in My anger, torrents of rain and hail will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you have plastered with whitewash and level it to the ground, so that its foundation is exposed. It will fall, and you will be destroyed within it. Then you will know that I am the LORD."

This vivid imagery illustrates the inevitable collapse of false securities, emphasizing that only God provides true and lasting refuge.

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Isaiah 28:17
Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
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Library

Our Stronghold
... antidote within before which his poison yields its power. ... the blood of Christ if
God were false; if after ... even the blood of Christ would afford us no security. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... that so often disturb the peace and security of slaveholding ... engine of moral power
is dragging in its rear the ... you also been deceived by these false assertions ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Memphite Empire
... to be attacked, but betook themselves to refuges constructed by ... burned the crops,
and retreated in security, after having ... when the workmen fixed it in its place ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... people, like the Zidonians, dwelt in security, fearing no ... The Philistines were alarmed
at its advent, and exclaimed ... the people to put away their false gods, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... the thousands of godly preachers who are scattered over our ... No act of justice is
without his will, power, and ... attributes, as our body doth of its members, one ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm