Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "wicked" refers to individuals who actively oppose God's will, engage in sinful behavior, and reject divine instruction. The Bible frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the moral and spiritual chasm between those who follow God's commandments and those who do not. The wicked are often depicted as being obstinate, rebellious, and resistant to the truth.
A vivid metaphor used in Scripture to describe the wicked is that of "deaf adders." This comparison is found in
Psalm 58:3-5 , which states: "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell."
The imagery of the "deaf adder" serves to illustrate several key characteristics of the wicked:
1.
Resistance to Truth: Just as a deaf adder refuses to listen to the charmer, the wicked are depicted as being willfully deaf to God's voice and the call to righteousness. They close their ears to wisdom and instruction, choosing instead to follow their own sinful desires.
2.
Danger and Deception: The venom of the adder symbolizes the harmful and destructive nature of wickedness. The wicked, like venomous snakes, pose a threat to themselves and others through their deceitful and malicious actions.
3.
Inherent Rebellion: The passage suggests that wickedness is an inherent trait, present from birth. This aligns with the biblical understanding of original sin, where humanity is seen as having a natural inclination towards sinfulness, requiring divine intervention for redemption.
4.
Incurable Stubbornness: The refusal of the adder to be charmed reflects the stubbornness of the wicked. Despite the availability of God's grace and the persistent call to repentance, the wicked often remain unyielding and set in their ways.
The comparison to deaf adders underscores the futility of attempting to reason with or reform those who are entrenched in wickedness without a transformative encounter with God's grace. It serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that characterize those who reject God's truth.
In conclusion, the metaphor of the wicked as deaf adders in the Bible highlights the perilous state of those who resist divine instruction and persist in sin. It calls believers to recognize the seriousness of wickedness and the necessity of seeking God's intervention for true transformation and redemption.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 58:4Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stops her ear;
Nave's Topical Index
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... while, on the other hand, the wicked shall receive ... With justice, then, have you been
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Resources
Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.orgWicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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