Topical Bible: Lamps: (Put Out) Destruction of the Wicked

◄ Lamps: (Put Out) Destruction of the Wicked ►

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In biblical literature, lamps often symbolize life, guidance, and the presence of God. However, the extinguishing of a lamp is frequently used as a metaphor for the destruction or judgment of the wicked. This imagery underscores the belief that the wicked, who live in opposition to God's will, will ultimately face divine retribution and the cessation of their influence and existence.

The concept of a lamp being put out as a symbol of the destruction of the wicked is rooted in several scriptural passages. In the Book of Job, a profound discourse on the fate of the wicked is presented. Job 18:5-6 states, "Indeed, the light of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out." Here, the extinguishing of the lamp signifies the end of prosperity and the onset of judgment for those who defy God.

Similarly, Proverbs 13:9 contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked: "The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished." This verse highlights the enduring nature of the righteous, whose lives are illuminated by divine favor, in contrast to the wicked, whose lives are marked by eventual darkness and demise.

The imagery of a lamp being put out also appears in the context of divine justice. Proverbs 24:20 warns, "For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished." This serves as a reminder that despite temporary success or apparent prosperity, the wicked will ultimately face God's judgment, resulting in the extinguishing of their influence and legacy.

The New Testament echoes this theme, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of light over darkness. While not directly referencing lamps, passages such as John 1:5 affirm, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This reinforces the belief that the forces of evil, represented by darkness, will not prevail against the light of Christ and His followers.

In conclusion, the biblical motif of lamps being put out serves as a powerful symbol of the destruction of the wicked. It reflects the consistent biblical theme that those who live in opposition to God's righteousness will face inevitable judgment and the extinguishing of their influence. This imagery calls believers to live in the light of God's truth, ensuring that their own lamps remain lit and their lives aligned with divine purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 18:5,6
Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 21:17
How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft comes their destruction on them! God distributes sorrows in his anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 13:9
Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocks another, do you so mock him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Primitive Church.
... John, and caused him to be put into a caldron of ... as Isaiah had heard; he saw the
seven lamps of fire, and ... and the judgments one after another poured out by the ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxiv the primitive church.htm

The Sucker from the Felled Oak
... is an oak, which, every woodman knows, will put out new growth ... the Spirit descending
as a dove out of heaven ... of the Spirit, recalling the seven lamps before the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the sucker from the felled.htm

Ahab and Micaiah
... thing that he is dead set on doing, and would be warned that to do it was destruction;
and that ... Would it be wise to put out the lighthouse lamps, and then ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and micaiah.htm

The Judgment.
... of God discovering himself, their confidence failed, their lamps went out ... and Hopeful
to the city, to go out and take ... in the side of the hill, and put him in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob.
... Two lamps, of which, when all the winds were blowing. Of every kind of error, the
lights were not put out; ... Both soul and body are preserved from destruction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/a homily on guria and.htm

The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews.
... places also, the disorders among them were put into a ... upon them; upon which they
rushed out, and laid ... the Grecians, but after that they took lamps, and rushed ...
/.../chapter 18 the calamities and.htm

The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent
... my dear fellow, it will be the destruction of all ... flowers now and then where the
gas lamps should be ... help thou mine unbelief;" if you can but put out your hand ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the mysteries of the brazen.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... they, on account of their having extinguished their lamps of divine ... bruised, or broken
by their sins, and put out of the way ... to any one that is cast out of the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

The Alarum
... How much more ought I to put forth my entire ... "Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye
out to meet him ... us always watchful, with loins girt and lamps trimmed, proving ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

part viii.
... and like heathen being idolatrously minded, they put on the ... and say, We have not
stretched out our hands to a ... flashing in the light of the lamps; and forthwith ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm