Topical Bible: Measures: (Drinking Tears in Great Measure) of Severe Afflictions

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the phrase "drinking tears in great measure" is a poignant metaphor for experiencing profound sorrow and affliction. This imagery is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern culture, where the act of drinking often symbolized partaking in or being filled with something, whether it be joy, sustenance, or, in this case, sorrow.

Biblical References and Context

The concept of drinking tears is vividly illustrated in Psalm 80:5 , where the psalmist laments, "You have fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink their full measure of tears." This verse is part of a communal lament, expressing the deep distress and suffering of the people of Israel. The imagery of consuming tears as food and drink underscores the intensity and pervasiveness of their affliction.

The metaphor of drinking tears is not merely about personal grief but often reflects a collective experience of suffering due to external oppression, divine judgment, or national calamity. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by sorrow, where tears become as abundant and unavoidable as daily sustenance.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, the imagery of drinking tears in great measure serves as a reminder of the reality of suffering in a fallen world. It acknowledges the depth of human pain and the capacity for sorrow that can accompany life's trials. However, it also points to the necessity of turning to God in times of distress. The psalmist's lament is ultimately a plea for divine intervention and restoration, highlighting the belief in God's sovereignty and compassion.

The Bible consistently portrays God as attentive to the cries of His people. In Psalm 56:8 , the psalmist declares, "You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?" This verse reassures believers that their suffering is not unnoticed by God; He is intimately aware of their pain and holds their tears in remembrance.

Practical Application

For believers, the metaphor of drinking tears in great measure can serve as both a comfort and a call to action. It encourages individuals to bring their sorrows before God, trusting in His ability to provide solace and deliverance. It also challenges the faith community to support one another in times of affliction, embodying the compassion and empathy that reflect God's character.

In times of severe affliction, Christians are reminded of the hope found in Christ, who Himself was "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). Through His suffering and resurrection, believers have the assurance of ultimate redemption and the promise that "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21:4).

In conclusion, the biblical imagery of drinking tears in great measure captures the profound reality of human suffering while pointing to the hope and healing found in God's presence. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for faith, community, and the assurance of God's unfailing love amidst life's deepest afflictions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 80:5
You feed them with the bread of tears; and give them tears to drink in great measure.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... be restored to the privilege of drinking again the ... the Promotion of Christian Knowledge
adopted measures to furnish ... they have expended, and the tears they have ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... men, fathers, or saints that fear God, both small and great (Revelation 11 ... one against
another; then their conscience stares, and roars, and tears, and arraigns ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Discourse
... is evident by the difference of their measures and dimensions ... of Lebanon was of the
same great stones which ... though in a state of sackcloth, tears, and affliction ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our ... yea, to my knowledge, he hath
done a great deal of ... up to him, he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... avoided tempting God by taking what measures he could ... There is, indeed, a great
difference between a drunk ... mother, thinking that they were drinking too, while ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... To the cruel and intemperate measures of Laud, and the ... like David, 'a sword in his
bones,' 'tears his meat ... to Bedford, where, aided by some great people who ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... doubting but in a little time more large measures of the ... Besides, I am for drinking
water out of my own cistern ... special work for them to do, or great things for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

part ii
... soul melts from prayerful emotion, and tears flow down ... Therefore we must guard against
drinking much wine, tea ... because it is connected with great privations and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm