Topical Bible: The Eye: Consumed by Grief

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the eye is often seen as a window to the soul, reflecting the inner emotions and spiritual state of a person. When consumed by grief, the eye becomes a powerful symbol of sorrow and lamentation, capturing the depth of human suffering and the earnestness of supplication before God.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of the eye to convey the profound impact of grief. In the book of Job, a man who epitomizes suffering and loss, we find a vivid portrayal of eyes consumed by sorrow. Job laments, "My eye has grown dim with grief, and my whole frame is but a shadow" (Job 17:7). Here, the dimming of the eye signifies the overwhelming nature of his affliction and the physical toll it takes on him.

Similarly, the Psalms often express the anguish of the soul through the imagery of the eye. In Psalm 6:7, the psalmist cries out, "My eye wastes away with grief; it grows weak because of all my foes" . This verse highlights the connection between external adversities and internal despair, as the eye becomes a testament to the psalmist's relentless suffering.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the eye consumed by grief serves as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the pervasive presence of sin and suffering in the world. It underscores the reality that grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, often resulting from the brokenness of creation and the consequences of sin.

Yet, within this imagery lies a profound hope. The Bible assures believers that God is attentive to their tears and sorrows. Psalm 56:8 declares, "You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?" . This verse offers comfort, affirming that God is intimately aware of each tear shed in grief and that He cherishes and remembers the sufferings of His people.

Expressions of Lament

The eye consumed by grief is also a central element in the biblical tradition of lament. Lamentations, a book dedicated to mourning the destruction of Jerusalem, vividly describes the sorrow of the people: "My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within; my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed" (Lamentations 2:11). This expression of lament is not merely an outpouring of despair but a form of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty even in the midst of suffering.

Hope and Restoration

While the eye consumed by grief reflects the depth of human sorrow, Scripture also points to the promise of restoration and healing. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of the future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This eschatological hope assures believers that their grief is temporary and that God will ultimately bring about a new creation free from suffering.

In summary, the eye consumed by grief in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that captures the reality of human suffering, the practice of lament, and the hope of divine restoration. Through this imagery, Scripture invites believers to bring their sorrows before God, trusting in His compassion and looking forward to the day when all tears will be wiped away.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 6:7
My eye is consumed because of grief; it waxes old because of all my enemies.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 31:9
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: my eye is consumed with grief, yes, my soul and my belly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 6 Complaint in Sickness.
... Till the slow morning rise. Shall I be still tormented more? Mine eye consumed with
grief? How long, my God, how long before. Thine hand afford relief? ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 6 complaint in sickness.htm

Of those Things which a Man of God Spake by the Spirit to Eli the ...
... But who that now views these things with a believing eye does not see that ... away from
himself, his eyes fail and his soul melts away consumed with grief. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 of those things which.htm

Psalm 6
... I caused for to swim; with tears. my couch I watered. ^7By reason of my vexing grief,.
mine eye consumed is; It waxeth old, because of all. that be mine enemies ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 6 2.htm

If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
... [2412] Psalm 6:7, turbatus est proe ira, as in LXX.
"Mine eye is consumed because of grief." EV. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 21 if then to.htm

Psalm 31
... 9O Lord, upon me mercy have,. for trouble is on me: Mine eye, my belly, and my soul,.
with grief consumed be. ^10Because my life with grief is spent,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 31.htm

Revelation of John.
... and the reins of the earth shall be consumed by fire ... forth with power and great glory,
and every eye in [2587 ... that there is no pain, there is no grief, there is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of john/revelation of john.htm

The Spirit of Power
... thereof.' Elisha takes no notice of the grief and reverence ... Thou shalt smite the
Syrians till they be consumed.'. ... stretched himself on the dead child eye to eye ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the spirit of power.htm

Of Hell, and the Nature of Eternal Punishments.
... into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having ... and the worm the wood, so does
grief consume the ... live in the fire, in burning without being consumed, in pain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of hell and the.htm

The Indwelling and Outgoing Works of God.
... See the blazing eye, the lifted head, the strained ... exhaustion, their vitality being
almost consumed by their ... but the outward expression of grief, relieving the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/iii the indwelling and outgoing.htm

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
... But if you are indifferent to His grief, is it nothing to ... me, then it blessed me;
and when the eye saw me ... s great mercy, they are not utterly consumed (verse 22 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxiii no sorrow like.htm