Topical Bible: Totaled

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In the context of biblical themes and narratives, the concept of being "totaled" can be understood as being completely destroyed or rendered unusable. This idea is often associated with divine judgment, where God brings about the complete destruction of cities, nations, or individuals as a consequence of sin and disobedience.

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

One of the most prominent examples of total destruction in the Bible is the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were known for their wickedness and were ultimately destroyed by God as a result of their sinfulness. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This passage illustrates the complete and total destruction of these cities as a divine act of judgment.

The Flood

Another significant instance of total destruction is the Great Flood, where God decided to cleanse the earth of its widespread corruption and violence. In Genesis 6:13 , God declares to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth." The floodwaters covered the earth, destroying all living creatures except for Noah, his family, and the animals preserved in the ark. This event signifies a total reset of creation due to humanity's pervasive sin.

The Fall of Jericho

The fall of Jericho is another example of total destruction as a result of divine intervention. In Joshua 6:20-21 , the Israelites, following God's instructions, marched around the city, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapsed. "So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. They utterly destroyed everything in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword." This account demonstrates the total destruction of Jericho as part of God's plan for the Israelites to claim the Promised Land.

Prophetic Warnings and Fulfillment

The prophets often warned of total destruction as a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah warned of the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's persistent sin. In Jeremiah 25:9 , God says, "I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land and against its residents and against all the surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and scorn, an everlasting desolation." This prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon conquered Jerusalem, leading to the city's total devastation and the exile of its inhabitants.

Spiritual Implications

The concept of being "totaled" also carries spiritual implications, particularly in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul speaks of the total depravity of humanity apart from Christ, emphasizing the need for redemption and transformation. In Romans 3:23 , Paul writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This total spiritual ruin necessitates the saving work of Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and restoration to those who believe.

Conclusion

The theme of total destruction in the Bible serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment. It underscores the need for repentance and obedience to God's commands, while also highlighting the hope of redemption and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ.

Concordance

Totaled (3 Occurrences)

Nehemiah 11:6
All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men.
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 11:18
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 41:14
also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, one hundred cubits.
(See NAS)

Thesaurus

Totaled (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Totaled (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 11:6 All the sons of
Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men. ...
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