Thorn of the Adversities of the Wicked
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The concept of the "thorn" in biblical literature often symbolizes pain, suffering, or a persistent problem. In the context of the adversities faced by the wicked, the "thorn" serves as a metaphor for the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. This imagery is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the divine justice and moral order established by God.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of thorns to represent the difficulties and judgments that befall those who oppose God's will. In the Old Testament, thorns are often associated with the curse of sin. Genesis 3:18 states, "Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field." Here, thorns are a direct result of the Fall, symbolizing the hardships that come from disobedience to God.

In the wisdom literature, the Book of Proverbs provides insight into the fate of the wicked. Proverbs 22:5 (BSB) declares, "Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them." This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of wickedness, where thorns are emblematic of the traps and troubles that ensnare those who deviate from righteousness.

The prophet Hosea also uses the imagery of thorns to describe the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. Hosea 9:6 (BSB) warns, "For behold, they are gone because of destruction. Egypt will gather them up; Memphis will bury them. Their treasures of silver will be taken over by thorns, and thorns will overrun their tents." This passage underscores the desolation and loss that accompany a life of sin.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7 (BSB), "or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." While this thorn is often interpreted as a personal affliction, it serves as a reminder of human weakness and the need for reliance on God's grace. Although not directly related to the wicked, it illustrates the broader biblical theme of thorns as instruments of humility and dependence on God.

Theological Implications

The thorn as a symbol of adversity for the wicked carries significant theological implications. It reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to suffering and that divine justice is inherent in the moral order of the universe. The adversities faced by the wicked are not merely punitive but serve as a call to repentance and a return to God's ways.

Throughout Scripture, the thorn is a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a warning to the faithful to remain steadfast in righteousness and to avoid the path of the wicked, which is fraught with spiritual and moral peril. The imagery of thorns underscores the importance of living in accordance with God's commandments and the ultimate hope of redemption through Christ, who bore the crown of thorns as a symbol of taking upon Himself the curse of sin for humanity's salvation.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the fraudulent: he that does keep his soul shall be far from them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What and Whence are These?
... their glory, amid the afflictions, and adversities, and catastrophes ... by the fiery
darts of the wicked one ... Remember, especially, when with the thorn in his flesh ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... Those two adjectives are nearly related""wicked and slothful ... good men in great straits
and adversities: their own ... as full of difficulties as a thorn-hedge is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm

Christian Behavior
... strength; enemies in their minds by wicked works, and ... A thorn bringeth not forth
figs, because it ... so many trials, afflictions, and adversities, even because of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... Faith saves by laying hold of God by Christ (1 Peter 1:5). Hope saves by prevailing
with the soul to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

part ii
... when we pray for others"His children; and as parents, at the request of their good
and well-principled children, forgive their wicked, capricious, and evil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Resources
What was Paul's thorn in the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

What is a hedge of protection? | GotQuestions.org

Is it wrong to want to die? | GotQuestions.org

Thorn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Thorn

Thorn in the Flesh

Thorn of Afflictions

Thorn of the Adversities of the Wicked

Thorn of the Evils That Spring from the Heart to Choke the Truth

Thorn used for Fuel

Thorn: The Ground Cursed With

Thorn: Used: As an Awl

Thorn: Used: Crown of, Mockingly Put on Jesus' Head

Thorn: Used: Hedges Formed of

Related Terms

Thorn-tree (7 Occurrences)

Thorn-bush (5 Occurrences)

Thorn-fence (1 Occurrence)

Thorn-hedges (1 Occurrence)

Thorn-bushes (1 Occurrence)

Thorn-hedge (1 Occurrence)

Brier (10 Occurrences)

Hedge (12 Occurrences)

Underfoot (14 Occurrences)

Woodland (13 Occurrences)

Treadeth (25 Occurrences)

Thornbush (4 Occurrences)

Bush (14 Occurrences)

Thistle (3 Occurrences)

Bramble (7 Occurrences)

Seneh (1 Occurrence)

Prick (2 Occurrences)

Burning (415 Occurrences)

Crushing (93 Occurrences)

Ye (21989 Occurrences)

Thorny (3 Occurrences)

Myrtle (7 Occurrences)

Briers (17 Occurrences)

Buffet (4 Occurrences)

Thorns (56 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

Flesh (468 Occurrences)

Thongs (7 Occurrences)

Visits (4 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Nettle (2 Occurrences)

Orchard (3 Occurrences)

Overmuch (16 Occurrences)

Occur (13 Occurrences)

Jaw (6 Occurrences)

Jawbone (3 Occurrences)

Lime (4 Occurrences)

Genneseret

Grieving (12 Occurrences)

Gennesaret (3 Occurrences)

Weapon (21 Occurrences)

Wreath (21 Occurrences)

Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)

Thistles (9 Occurrences)

Thornbushes (6 Occurrences)

Twisting (13 Occurrences)

Torment (19 Occurrences)

Teeth (50 Occurrences)

Twigs (8 Occurrences)

Rugged (7 Occurrences)

Renown (24 Occurrences)

Revelations (2 Occurrences)

Raining (10 Occurrences)

Rezon (3 Occurrences)

Excessively (6 Occurrences)

Exalting (10 Occurrences)

Exulting (14 Occurrences)

Exalted (126 Occurrences)

Eyes (6285 Occurrences)

Drunkard's (1 Occurrence)

Dove (27 Occurrences)

Despite (18 Occurrences)

Disdain (6 Occurrences)

Michmash (10 Occurrences)

Malicious (13 Occurrences)

Myrtle-tree (1 Occurrence)

Pricking (1 Occurrence)

Prickling (1 Occurrence)

Pastures (25 Occurrences)

Patch (5 Occurrences)

Paining (3 Occurrences)

Parched (37 Occurrences)

Poison (17 Occurrences)

Painful (18 Occurrences)

Perplexity (8 Occurrences)

Piercing (7 Occurrences)

Blindness (7 Occurrences)

Blackberry (2 Occurrences)

Thorn of Afflictions
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