The term "sun-scorched" is used in the Bible to describe a condition of extreme heat and dryness, often symbolizing desolation, judgment, or divine testing. It evokes imagery of a parched land, devoid of moisture and life, and is frequently associated with the consequences of disobedience or the trials faced by the faithful.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 58:11 : "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." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks of God's provision and guidance even in the harshest conditions. The "sun-scorched land" symbolizes a place of trial and difficulty, yet God promises sustenance and strength, transforming the desolation into a flourishing garden.

2. Psalm 68:6 : "God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land." Here, the psalmist contrasts the blessings of obedience with the consequences of rebellion. The "sun-scorched land" serves as a metaphor for the barren and desolate state of those who turn away from God's ways.

3. Jeremiah 17:6 : "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." Although the term "sun-scorched" is not directly used, the imagery of a barren, dry land conveys a similar message. It describes the fate of those who trust in man rather than in the Lord, highlighting the spiritual barrenness that results from misplaced trust.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the concept of being "sun-scorched" often serves as a metaphor for spiritual desolation and the consequences of sin. It reflects the harsh realities faced by those who stray from God's commandments, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and reliance on divine provision.

The imagery of a sun-scorched land also underscores the transformative power of God's grace. Even in the most desolate circumstances, God promises renewal and restoration to those who seek Him. This theme is evident in Isaiah 58:11, where God's guidance turns a barren land into a well-watered garden, symbolizing spiritual renewal and abundance.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the sun was both a source of life and a potential threat due to its intense heat. The harsh desert environment made the concept of being "sun-scorched" a vivid and relatable image for the original audience of the biblical texts. It conveyed the severity of divine judgment and the stark reality of life without God's blessing.

Practical Application:

For believers, the notion of being "sun-scorched" serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in times of trial and hardship. It encourages trust in God's provision and guidance, assuring that He can bring life and vitality to the most desolate situations. The imagery calls Christians to examine their spiritual condition and to seek God's presence and sustenance in every aspect of life.

The Return of Kallias
... BOOK V CHAPTER LVIII THE RETURN OF KALLIAS. As on the sun-scorched lily's bell The
silver dew descends,. So on my weary spirit fell. The sympathy of friends. ...
/.../chapter lviii the return of.htm

God's People in the Furnace
... The fiery serpent hissed upon them; the sun scorched them, their feet were weary,
they lacked water, and bread failed them, and was only supplied by miracle. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

The Great Mysteries in the Building of the Militant and Triumphant ...
... grass half-withered, the upper parts of the plants green, and the parts about the
roots withered; and some of the grasses, when the sun scorched them, became ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/similitude ninth the great mysteries.htm

The Memphite Empire
... Their life is a perpetual struggle against the sun: scorched, dried up, to all
appearance dead, and so friable that they crumble to pieces in the fingers when ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Sun-scorched (2 Occurrences)
Sun-scorched. Sun's, Sun-scorched. Sunset . Multi-Version Concordance Sun-scorched
(2 Occurrences). Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. ...
/s/sun-scorched.htm - 7k

Sunset (18 Occurrences)

/s/sunset.htm - 11k

Lonely (14 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing,
but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. (WEB YLT NAS NIV). ...
/l/lonely.htm - 10k

Sun's (3 Occurrences)

/s/sun's.htm - 7k

Rebellious (63 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with
singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. ...
/r/rebellious.htm - 26k

Leads (64 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing,
but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/leads.htm - 23k

Singing (65 Occurrences)
... (YLT NIV). Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners
with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/singing.htm - 29k

Desolate (189 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing,
but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. (See RSV). ...
/d/desolate.htm - 38k

Sets (80 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners
with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/sets.htm - 29k

Brings (155 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Psalms 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners
with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. (WEB). ...
/b/brings.htm - 33k

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