Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Ashes Under the Feet

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In the biblical narrative, the term "wicked" is often used to describe individuals or groups who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. The wicked are characterized by their rebellion against divine authority, their pursuit of sinful desires, and their disregard for justice and righteousness. Throughout Scripture, the fate of the wicked is contrasted starkly with that of the righteous, often using vivid imagery to convey their ultimate downfall and insignificance.

One such comparison is found in the metaphor of the wicked being like "ashes under the feet." This imagery is drawn from the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Malachi. In Malachi 4:3 , it is written: "Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing, says the LORD of Hosts." This verse encapsulates the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness, portraying the wicked as utterly defeated and reduced to nothing more than ashes.

The metaphor of ashes is significant in several ways. Ashes are the remnants of something that has been consumed by fire, symbolizing complete destruction and the end of any former glory or power. In biblical times, ashes were also associated with mourning and repentance, yet in this context, they signify the total obliteration of the wicked, leaving no room for redemption or restoration.

Furthermore, the imagery of trampling underfoot conveys a sense of victory and dominion. It reflects the biblical promise that those who align themselves with God's will and righteousness will ultimately prevail over evil. This is not merely a physical triumph but a spiritual and moral victory, where the forces of wickedness are rendered powerless and insignificant.

The comparison of the wicked to ashes under the feet serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living in defiance of God's laws. It underscores the transient nature of wickedness and the futility of opposing the divine order. While the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, their end is assured, and their legacy is reduced to nothingness.

In the broader biblical context, this imagery reinforces the call to righteousness and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's ways, assured that justice will ultimately prevail. The fate of the wicked, as ashes under the feet, serves as both a warning and a promise—a warning of the inevitable consequences of sin and a promise of the ultimate victory of good over evil.

In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as ashes under the feet is a powerful metaphor that captures the essence of their ultimate fate. It serves as a vivid reminder of the transient nature of evil and the enduring triumph of righteousness, encouraging believers to remain faithful and hopeful in the face of worldly challenges.

Nave's Topical Index

Malachi 4:3
And you shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, said the LORD of hosts.
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Library

God's People in the Furnace
... are continually vexed with the conversation of the wicked and who ... than when he meddles
with God's people, and tries ... it is but small and light compared with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ...
... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... not devour men; nor do any
other wicked thing.' And ... alike the hatred of governor and people to treat ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the number of those.htm

Antichrist.
... the wilderness or under persecution, is compared not only ... discern, between the righteous
and the wicked; yea, they ... cleave to and countenance the people of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Beauty for Ashes
... from far off lands"where is anything compared with "the ... righteousness, they confess
that they are the people of God ... that you may compel the most wicked man to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/beauty for ashes.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... 4 See here that which may make the people of God long for death. ... Indeed the
wicked may fear death. ... Grace may be compared to a kingdom. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

John Chapter vi. 15-44
... And that thou mayest know that they compared those former ... But I have not on that
account lost my people. ... Because He gave happiness to the wicked, and therefore ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxv john chapter vi.htm

Satan's Devices
... Satan moved David to number the people." In the ... the generality, they proceed from
that wicked one, the ... his apostate spirits, are powerful, when compared with us ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... soul was cut off from among his
people which on ... This godless and wicked teaching was formerly ripe in Egypt ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... event to the righteous and
to the wicked; to the ... strangers to go home to her own people, she whispered ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Fourth Book
... end of those men, for none are to be compared with them ... that we are said to be a
Christian people we seem ... we see that he is comparing the wicked Christians with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm