In the context of the Bible, the term "smashes" often refers to acts of destruction or breaking, typically associated with divine judgment, human rebellion, or the dismantling of idols and false worship. The concept of smashing is both literal and metaphorical, illustrating the power of God, the consequences of sin, and the call to purity and faithfulness.

Divine Judgment and Power

The Bible frequently depicts God as one who smashes the power of the wicked and the strongholds of evil. In Psalm 2:9, the psalmist speaks of the Messiah's authority: "You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery." This imagery underscores the ultimate authority and power of God over the nations and their rulers, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand His judgment.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 19:11, God instructs the prophet to smash a clay jar as a symbol of the impending destruction of Jerusalem: "Then you are to break the jar in the presence of the men who accompany you, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will smash this nation and this city like one smashes a potter’s jar, which cannot be repaired.’" This act serves as a vivid illustration of the irreversible nature of God's judgment when His people persist in disobedience.

Human Rebellion and Consequences

The act of smashing is also associated with human rebellion against God and the resulting consequences. In Exodus 32:19, when Moses descends from Mount Sinai and witnesses the Israelites worshiping the golden calf, he smashes the tablets of the covenant in anger: "As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain." This act symbolizes the breaking of the covenant relationship between God and His people due to their idolatry.

Dismantling Idolatry and False Worship

Throughout the Old Testament, the smashing of idols and altars is a recurring theme, representing the call to purity and exclusive worship of Yahweh. In 2 Kings 23:12, King Josiah's reforms include the destruction of pagan altars: "He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had erected on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and he smashed them to pieces." Josiah's actions reflect a commitment to restoring true worship and eradicating idolatry from the land.

Metaphorical Use

The concept of smashing extends beyond physical destruction to include the breaking of spiritual strongholds and the transformation of the heart. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises a new heart and spirit to His people: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Here, the metaphorical smashing of the heart of stone signifies the transformative power of God's grace and the renewal of His covenant with His people.

Conclusion

The theme of smashing in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, the seriousness of sin, and the call to holiness. Whether through acts of divine judgment, the consequences of human rebellion, or the dismantling of idolatry, the imagery of smashing underscores the need for repentance and the pursuit of righteousness.

In the Course of this Crude Study we Shall have to Touch on what ...
... end in a police-court. If he smashes a window he can pay for it; if he smashes
a man he can pension him. He can (like the millionaire ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 8 in the course.htm

A Funeral Oration.
... to "infidelity." Col. G. Veveu, in the above oration, sticks close to
his unbelief, but smashes his science. If our incredulous ...
/.../a funeral oration.htm

Omar and the Sacred vine
... with the problem of strong drink; and enthusiasts in the matter range from the man
who is violently thrown out at 12.30, to the lady who smashes American bars ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/vii omar and the sacred.htm

What I Think of Myself and what God Thinks of Me
... It drops its head and shuts its eyes, and goes right forward, and no matter whether
it smashes its horns against an iron gate, and damages them and itself, or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/what i think of myself.htm

The Servant's Triumph
... it beneath their banks, are dissipated. The sea roars and smashes on the
cliffs, but it ebbs and calms. Some of us have seen more ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants triumph.htm

Tenth Commandment
... unkind. How many families are wrecked over the father's will! The scramble
for a share of the wealth smashes them to pieces. Covetous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Missed Ends
... After the third piercing and walk, he throws the pot backwards over his
shoulder, and as it smashes the water all splashes out. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vi missed ends.htm

Smashes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smashes (1 Occurrence). Daniel 2:40 And the fourth
kingdom is strong as iron, because that iron is breaking ...
/s/smashes.htm - 6k

Smashing (9 Occurrences)

/s/smashing.htm - 9k

Smashed (22 Occurrences)

/s/smashed.htm - 13k

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