Topical Bible: Herbs: Grass

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, "grass" is often mentioned as a symbol of the transient nature of human life and the providence of God in creation. The term "grass" in the Bible generally refers to the various types of vegetation that cover the earth, providing sustenance for animals and, indirectly, for humans. It is a testament to God's provision and the natural order He established.

Symbolism and Transience

Grass is frequently used in Scripture to illustrate the fleeting nature of human life. In Isaiah 40:6-8 , the prophet declares, "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This passage emphasizes the temporary nature of human existence compared to the eternal word of God. Similarly, in Psalm 103:15-16 , it is written, "As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more."

Provision and Sustenance

Grass is also depicted as a vital part of God's provision for His creation. In Genesis 1:11-12 , during the account of creation, God commands the earth to bring forth vegetation, including "grass, seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it, according to their kinds." This highlights the role of grass as a foundational element in the ecosystem, supporting life by providing food for animals.

In Psalm 104:14 , the psalmist praises God for His providence: "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth." This verse underscores the interconnectedness of creation and the divine order established by God, where grass serves as a primary source of nourishment for livestock, which in turn supports human life.

Judgment and Renewal

Grass is also used metaphorically in the context of divine judgment and renewal. In passages like Isaiah 51:12 , God reassures His people, saying, "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal man, the sons of men who are but grass?" Here, grass symbolizes the frailty of human power in contrast to God's eternal strength.

Conversely, in times of renewal and blessing, grass is depicted as flourishing. In Psalm 72:16 , a vision of prosperity is described: "May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills; may its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, and its people like the grass of the field." This imagery conveys the idea of divine blessing and abundance.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, grass serves as a powerful symbol of both the transitory nature of life and the sustaining power of God's creation. It reminds believers of their dependence on God for provision and the fleeting nature of earthly existence, while also pointing to the hope of renewal and divine blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:4
And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew

6212a. eseb -- herb, herbage
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition herb, herbage NASB Word Usage grass
(8), herb (1), herbs (1), plant (9), plants (3), vegetation (11). 6212, 6212a. ...
/hebrew/6212a.htm - 5k

Library

Psalm XXXVII.
... envious against the workers of iniquity" (ver.1). "For they shall soon wither like
the grass, and shall fade like the herbs of the meadow" (ver.2). That which ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvii.htm

The Famine which Oppressed Them.
... 12. And when any one crept out of the city by night as far as the outposts of the
Romans to collect wild herbs and grass, they went to meet him; and when he ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the famine which oppressed.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... Seeds of clover, rye grass, saintfoin, and other grass seeds, herbs, hemp,
&c., are small tithes.3 Gwill.926. But tithes shall not ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

For, in the First Place, He is of Opinion that "Thunders...
... owing to chance that so many kinds of plants, and trees, and herbs resemble one ... to
us, He has prepared such a home, [3996] seeing "He causeth the grass to grow ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxxv for in the.htm

What Dost Thou Mean by the Providence of God?
... 80] whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs [81] heaven, earth,
and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, [82] fruitful and ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 27 what dost thou.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... not to feed altogether after the manner of common locusts, on herbs or trees ... ourselves
in vain about the signification and difference of green grass and trees ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The General Deliverance
... whom we desire to feed our souls? Meantime it is certain, God "giveth grass
for the cattle," as well as "herbs for the use of men.". ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 60 the general deliverance.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... accretions that each plant attains its natural development, as well corn as vegetables,
herbs or brushwood. A single plant, a blade of grass is sufficient to ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

Where is the Lord?
... in the wilderness, that they should not stumble." Understand by the word "wilderness"
here, an expansive grassy plain; a place of wild grass and herbs, for so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

If, after Man's Sin, God Exercised his Attribute of Justice and ...
... was blessed. Immediately spring up briers and thorns, where once had grown
grass, and herbs, and fruitful trees. Immediately arise ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xi if after mans sin.htm