Topical Bible: Deserts: Desolation by Armies

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In the biblical narrative, deserts often symbolize desolation and judgment, particularly when associated with the devastation wrought by invading armies. The imagery of a once-fertile land reduced to a barren wilderness serves as a powerful metaphor for divine retribution and the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant.

Biblical Instances of Desolation by Armies

1. Babylonian Invasion of Judah: One of the most poignant examples of desolation by armies is the Babylonian conquest of Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The prophet Jeremiah vividly describes the aftermath: "I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked at the mountains, and behold, they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. I looked, and no man was left; all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert. All its cities were torn down before the LORD, before His fierce anger" (Jeremiah 4:23-26). This passage underscores the totality of the destruction, likening it to the chaos before creation.

2. Assyrian Campaigns: The Assyrian empire, known for its military prowess and brutality, also left a trail of desolation in its wake. The prophet Isaiah warns of the impending devastation: "Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: 'O My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear Assyria, who strikes you with a rod and lifts his staff against you as the Egyptians did. For in just a little while My fury against you will subside, and My anger will turn to their destruction'" (Isaiah 10:24-25). The Assyrian campaigns against the Northern Kingdom of Israel and their siege of Jerusalem are historical examples of how God used foreign armies as instruments of judgment.

3. Prophetic Warnings and Visions: The prophets frequently used the imagery of desolation to warn Israel and Judah of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Ezekiel, for instance, prophesies against the mountains of Israel, saying, "I will make the land a desolate waste, and her proud strength will come to an end, and the mountains of Israel will become desolate, so that no one will pass through" (Ezekiel 33:28). Such warnings were intended to call the people to repentance and to remind them of the covenantal relationship with God.

Theological Significance

The desolation of the land by armies is not merely a historical or military event but carries deep theological significance. It serves as a tangible expression of God's judgment against sin and a call to return to righteousness. The transformation of a land from abundance to barrenness reflects the spiritual desolation that results from turning away from God. Yet, within these narratives, there is often a promise of restoration and hope, as God remains faithful to His covenant and offers redemption to His people.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Deserts and desolation are rich in symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. They represent not only physical devastation but also spiritual barrenness and the absence of divine blessing. The prophets often use this imagery to convey the severity of God's judgment and the urgent need for repentance. The desolate land becomes a canvas upon which the consequences of sin are vividly painted, urging the people to seek God's mercy and restoration.

In summary, the theme of deserts and desolation by armies in the Bible serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the reality of divine judgment, while also pointing to the hope of renewal and restoration through repentance and faithfulness to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 12:10-13
Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 50:12
Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bore you shall be ashamed: behold, the last of the nations shall be a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. xxiv. 16-18.
... things should be, "when the abomination of desolation should stand ... for when at that
time also, armies had come ... them; "Go not forth into the deserts, enter not ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvi matt xxiv 16-18.htm

God's People Delivered.
... judge and make war." And "the armies which were ... day when "fear cometh as desolation,"
when "destruction ... from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... judge and make war." And "the armies which were ... day when "fear cometh as desolation,"
when "destruction ... from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... in order to provide crews for their vessels or garrisons for their trading posts;
it was impossible, therefore, for them to think of raising armies fit to ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and all escaped together across the deserts which enclose ... 765 and 755, which brought
his armies right up ... persisted in his foretelling of the desolation to come ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... princes attracting many, who subsequently became the backbone of their armies,*
while others ... which the name of Babylon still possessed, from the deserts of the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... passed away as quickly as it came, its mutterings heralding the desolation which
it ... subdued crash of falling empires, and of the trampling of armies in fierce ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Year after year there will be scenes of bloody conflict, in which petty armies will
fight petty battles on behalf of petty interests, but so fiercely, and with ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... own account, but in matters of common importance they acted together, and took their
places each at the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made up ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm