Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of "seed" often symbolizes the potential for growth, prosperity, and the continuation of a lineage. However, the increase of seed can also serve as a means of divine judgment when it is consumed by enemies, reflecting the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments.Throughout the Old Testament, God establishes a covenant with the Israelites, promising them prosperity and protection in return for their faithfulness. However, when the Israelites stray from God's laws, they face repercussions, including the loss of their agricultural bounty to foreign adversaries. This theme is particularly evident in the warnings and prophecies delivered by the prophets. In Leviticus 26:16, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience: "then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it." This passage underscores the futility of labor when God's favor is withdrawn, as the fruits of their efforts are devoured by others. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 28:33, the curse of disobedience is reiterated: "A people you do not know will eat the produce of your land and all your labor. You will be oppressed and crushed continually." Here, the increase of seed becomes a source of suffering rather than blessing, as foreign nations consume the abundance meant for the Israelites. The historical books of the Old Testament provide accounts of these warnings coming to fruition. In Judges 6:3-4, during the time of Gideon, the Midianites and Amalekites invade Israel, devastating the land: "Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys." The prophet Joel also speaks to this theme, describing a locust plague as a metaphor for invading armies consuming the land's produce. Joel 1:4 states, "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten." This imagery highlights the totality of destruction that comes upon the land as a result of Israel's unfaithfulness. The consumption of seed by enemies serves as a tangible manifestation of divine judgment, intended to lead the Israelites to repentance and a return to covenantal faithfulness. The prophets consistently call the people back to God, urging them to seek His mercy and restoration. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God offers a path to redemption: "and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." Thus, the increase of seed being consumed by enemies is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of restoration through repentance and obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 26:16I also will do this to you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:33,51 Library Concerning Persecution Summa Theologica An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Greatness of the Soul, The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources What is seed faith? What is a seed faith offering? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the seed of Abraham? | GotQuestions.org What is the Serpent Seed doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Seed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Seed in Egypt Required to be Artificially Watered Seed: Difference Between, and the Plant Which Grows from It, Seed: Each Kind Has Its own Body Seed: Each Kind of, Has Its own Body Seed: Every Herb, Tree and Grass Yields Its Own Seed: Every Herb, Tree, and Grass, Yields Its Own Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Different Kinds of, not to be Sown in the Same Field Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: If Dry, Exempted from Uncleanness Though Touched by An Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: If Wet, Rendered Unclean by Contact With an Unclean Thing Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Not to be Sown During the Sabbatical Year Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Not to be Sown in Year of Jubilee Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: The Tithe of, to be Given to God Seed: Not to be Mingled in Sowing Seed: Often Sown Beside Rivers Seed: Often Trodden Into the Ground, by the Feet of Oxen Seed: Required to be Watered by the Rain Seed: Sowing of Necessary to Its Productiveness Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Danger Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Great Waste Seed: Sowing of Required Constant Diligence Seed: Sowing of Time For, Called Seed Time Seed: Sowing of, Type of Burial of the Body Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Christian Liberality Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Men's Works Producing a Corresponding Recompence Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Preaching the Gospel Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Scattering or Dispersing a People Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of The Burial of the Body Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of The Death of Christ and Its Effects Seed: The Ground Carefully Ploughed, and Prepared For Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Being Choked by Thorns Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Increase Being Consume by Enemies Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Increase Being Consumed by Locusts Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Rotting in the Ground Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Yielding But Little Increase Seed: Yearly Return of Time of Sowing, Secured by Covenant Seed: Yielded an Abundant Increase in Canaan Related Terms |
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