In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "tumbles" does not appear explicitly in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, the concept of falling, stumbling, or being brought low is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or moral failure, divine judgment, or the humbling of individuals and nations.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently uses imagery related to falling or stumbling to convey the consequences of sin and disobedience. For instance, in Proverbs 24:16 , it is written, "For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up, but the wicked stumble in bad times." This verse highlights the resilience of the righteous, who, despite experiencing setbacks, continue to rise, contrasting with the wicked who are ultimately overcome by adversity.

The prophets often warned Israel and surrounding nations of impending judgment, using the imagery of falling as a symbol of divine retribution. In Isaiah 3:8 , the prophet declares, "For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence." Here, the fall of Jerusalem and Judah is directly linked to their rebellion against God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of stumbling is frequently associated with spiritual blindness or the rejection of Christ. Jesus Himself warns of the dangers of causing others to stumble in their faith. In Matthew 18:6 , He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of stumbling in the context of Christian liberty and conscience. In Romans 14:13 , he advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Paul emphasizes the importance of being considerate of others' spiritual well-being, avoiding actions that might lead them to fall away from their faith.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the imagery of tumbling or falling serves as a powerful reminder of human frailty and the need for divine grace. It underscores the biblical teaching that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), yet through Christ, there is redemption and the promise of restoration. The believer's journey is marked by moments of stumbling, but through repentance and faith, they are lifted by God's sustaining hand.

The concept also serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This principle is vividly illustrated in the narratives of biblical figures who, when exalting themselves, experienced a dramatic fall, only to be restored through humility and repentance.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical theme of tumbling encourages believers to remain vigilant in their walk with God, to seek His guidance continually, and to rely on His strength rather than their own. It calls for a community of faith that supports one another, helping to lift those who have stumbled and encouraging perseverance in the faith.

The imagery of tumbling also invites introspection, prompting individuals to examine their lives for areas of potential stumbling and to seek God's help in overcoming these challenges. It is a call to humility, recognizing that apart from God's grace, all are susceptible to falling, yet with His help, they can stand firm.

A Long Ladder Tumbles to the Ground.
... A Long Ladder Tumbles to the Ground. I remember hearing of a man who dreamt
that he built a ladder from earth to heaven, and when ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/a long ladder tumbles to.htm

Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations
... A Heavy Draw on Alexander the Great. A Long Ladder Tumbles to the Ground. GOLD.
HEAVEN. Mothers are Looking Down from Heaven. The Rich Man Poor. The Dying Boy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/

Christ --Our Substitute
... to such a simple mind as mine, were the source of much amusement, the idea of fondling
villains, and treating heir crimes as if they were the tumbles and falls ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/christour substitute.htm

Sabbath Observance
... The heavy stone is rolled a little way up hill, and, as soon as one strong
hand is withdrawn, down it tumbles again to its old place. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sabbath observance.htm

A Last Merciful Warning
... determination to keep them. The sail that is filled one moment tumbles in
a heap the next, when the halyards are cut. It is a poor ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a last merciful warning.htm

'All Things are Yours'
... or bad matters not. If he gets into a typhoon he will be wrecked; if he
tumbles over Niagara he will be drowned. And what becomes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/all things are yours.htm

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
... power. But when the leader falls, it is like withdrawing a magnet, and
the heap of iron filings tumbles back to the ground inert. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a summary of israels faithlessness.htm

The Scaffolding Left in the Body
... it would then loose the other and tumble down, when it would cross both and lie
on its back quite contentedly, never seeming to be hurt by its numerous tumbles ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter ii the scaffolding left.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... soil in which he digs makes his footing on the edge more precarious with every spadeful
that he throws out, and at last, while he is hard at work, in he tumbles ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vii the exilecontinued.htm

The Sons of God
... Taking away this corner-stone, this fancy theory tumbles to the ground, and that
theory which seemed to be as tall as Babel, and threatened to make as much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

Tumbles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tumbles (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:17 Dan will
be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path, That bites ...
/t/tumbles.htm - 6k

Tumble (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To roll over, or to and fro; to throw
one's self about; as, a person on pain tumbles and tosses. ...
/t/tumble.htm - 7k

Tumbleweed (2 Occurrences)

/t/tumbleweed.htm - 7k

Who was Dan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus