Topical Bible: The Afflictions of the Wicked are often Sudden

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The theme of sudden afflictions befalling the wicked is a recurring motif in the Bible, illustrating the justice and sovereignty of God. This concept underscores the belief that while the wicked may prosper temporarily, their downfall is often abrupt and unforeseen, serving as a divine retribution for their actions.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 6:15 · "Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery." This verse highlights the suddenness of the wicked's downfall, emphasizing that their destruction is both swift and irreversible.

2. Proverbs 29:1 · "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." Here, the emphasis is on the stubbornness of the wicked, who, despite warnings, continue in their ways until sudden destruction overtakes them.

3. Psalm 73:18-19 · "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!" The psalmist reflects on the precarious position of the wicked, who, despite their apparent stability, are on the brink of sudden ruin.

4. Isaiah 47:11 · "But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you cannot ward off. A catastrophe you cannot foresee will suddenly come upon you." This passage speaks to the inevitability and unexpected nature of the afflictions that befall those who oppose God.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 · "While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." The Apostle Paul warns of the false sense of security that the wicked may feel, only to be overtaken by sudden destruction.

Theological Implications:

The sudden afflictions of the wicked serve as a testament to God's justice. The Bible consistently portrays God as patient and long-suffering, giving ample opportunity for repentance. However, when the wicked persist in their ways, divine justice is executed swiftly and without warning. This suddenness serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority and righteousness of God, who cannot be mocked or defied without consequence.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

For the believer, these passages serve as a cautionary tale against complacency and a reminder of the importance of living a life aligned with God's will. The sudden downfall of the wicked is a call to vigilance, urging individuals to heed divine warnings and to seek righteousness. It also reassures the faithful that, despite the temporary success of the wicked, God's justice will ultimately prevail.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where the biblical texts were written, sudden calamities such as invasions, natural disasters, and plagues were common. These events were often interpreted as acts of divine judgment. The biblical authors used this cultural understanding to convey spiritual truths about the nature of God's justice and the fate of the wicked.

Conclusion:

The sudden afflictions of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of evil and the certainty of divine justice. Through these narratives, the Scriptures call individuals to repentance, righteousness, and a life in accordance with God's will, assuring them that while the wicked may flourish for a time, their end is both certain and swift.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:10
Therefore his people return here: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
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Proverbs 6:15
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
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Isaiah 30:13
Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.
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Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is your judgment come.
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Library

The Preface to the Commandments
... Grace in the saints is often as fire hid in the embers, affliction is ... (3) If afflictions
come, let ... The wicked drink a sea of wrath, the godly drink only a cup ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

False Comforts for Sinners.
... JOB'S three friends insisted on it that the afflictions which he ... as if they had never
done anything wicked, and had ... I have often met with cases of this kind. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xvii false comforts for.htm

Joy
... As the wicked before they die, have some apprehensions ... bear up a Christian's heart
in trials and afflictions. ... Other joys, when in excess, often cause loathing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Death Swallowed up in victory
... 8) . If the prosperity of the wicked sometimes continues ... now confess, that their
longest afflictions were momentary ... of the same body, were too often at variance ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliii death swallowed up.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... to his own person all the afflictions by which ... and yet that where the change is sudden,
there will ... Thus the wicked often experience the beneficence of God, not ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... interests are mutual; their joys and afflictions are common. ... However wicked a man
may have formerly been, we ... well acquainted, for they had been often urged by ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... speaking by the Holy Ghost, "Many are the afflictions of the ... There is a story I have
often heard told by ... God, who is always angry with the wicked, abiding on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

How to Become Fishers of Men
... in this by all that he feels, especially by his afflictions. ... you can go down and
talk to those wicked and ignorant ... and you and I will often have to be watching ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/how to become fishers of.htm

Concerning Persecution
... As it is in sin, a wicked man learns to be ... A bitter medicine often gives strength
to the weary ... Afflictions (says Nazianzen) are sharp arrows, but they are shot ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

1 Thessalonians i. 3-Jan
... with dew, [941] so also were you refreshed in afflictions. ... sleep, even with much
guarding we often perish ... Why do not the wicked become good without contributing ...
/.../homily i 1 thessalonians i.htm