Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Garden Without Water

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In the biblical narrative, the term "wicked" refers to individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. The wicked are often characterized by their unrighteous actions, deceitful speech, and rebellion against divine authority. Throughout Scripture, the fate and nature of the wicked are depicted through various metaphors and comparisons, one of which is a "garden without water."

A garden, in biblical times, was a symbol of life, prosperity, and divine blessing. It represented a place of nourishment, beauty, and growth, often associated with the presence of God, as seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-10). However, a garden without water is barren, lifeless, and unable to fulfill its intended purpose. This imagery is used to illustrate the spiritual desolation and futility of the wicked.

Isaiah 1:30 states, "For you will become like an oak whose leaves are withered, like a garden without water." Here, the prophet Isaiah addresses the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of their rebellion and sin. The comparison to a "garden without water" underscores the spiritual drought and emptiness that result from turning away from God. Just as a garden cannot thrive without water, the wicked cannot prosper without the life-giving presence of God.

The metaphor also highlights the ultimate judgment and destruction that await the wicked. 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. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives." This passage further emphasizes the barrenness and isolation of those who reject God, likening them to a desolate landscape devoid of life and hope.

In contrast, the righteous are often compared to well-watered gardens, flourishing under God's care and provision. Isaiah 58:11 promises, "The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." This vivid imagery serves as a reminder of the blessings and vitality that come from living in accordance with God's will.

In conclusion, the comparison of the wicked to a "garden without water" serves as a powerful illustration of the spiritual barrenness and ultimate ruin that result from a life lived in defiance of God. It calls believers to reflect on the importance of remaining rooted in God's Word and to seek His presence as the source of true life and prosperity.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 1:30
For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sanctification
... of the divine nature; it is our riches, therefore compared to rows ... is the only thing
that makes us differ from the wicked. God's people have his seal upon them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 sanctification.htm

The Water of Life;
... The waters of a full cup the wicked shall have; and ... intimate that they ran but low
formerly, if compared to what ... the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Why are Men Saved?
... I did not say he saved the wicked people, and then ... self-conceited idiot, thy talent
is nothing compared with that ... sake; that is, to make these people love my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/why are men saved.htm

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 Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... Parable of the Wicked Husbandman ... Parable of the Talents (Matt., xxv., 14-30) compared
with that of ... Danger of the Disciples in their new Relations to the People. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... had a mild, gentle, lamb-like appearance compared with Catholicism ... of Noah the world
became very wicked and God ... a time after the flood the people were righteous ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

His Name --Wonderful!
... that you ever saw are nothing compared with this. ... We cannot forget how the people
were scattered"how ... hands, death and destruction on the wicked, becomes the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namewonderful.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... always living amongst other men who, compared to them ... in order to lead their lives
undisturbed by wicked people. ... bunches of grapes, carried by two people on a ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... The world and its trials can never be compared to the ... in the case of tens of thousands
of people, who say ... no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Their Marah ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... As riches are compared to wind (Hosea 12:1) to show ... Riches to the wicked are fuel
for pride: Thy heart is ... Happy is that people whose God is the Lord' (Psalm 144 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm