Topical Bible: The Sea: (Trouble) the Wicked

◄ The Sea: (Trouble) the Wicked ►

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In biblical literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos, danger, and the abode of evil, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the sea as a place of turmoil and unpredictability. This imagery is frequently employed to depict the fate and nature of the wicked, who are often associated with disorder and rebellion against God's order.

Symbolism of the Sea

The sea is depicted as a force of chaos and destruction in various biblical passages. In Genesis 1:2, the "deep" (Hebrew: tehom) is present before God brings order through creation. This primordial chaos is subdued by God's sovereign power, illustrating His control over all forms of disorder.

In the prophetic literature, the sea is often used metaphorically to describe the tumultuous and unstable nature of the wicked. Isaiah 57:20-21 states, "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'" Here, the restless and turbulent sea serves as a vivid image of the inner turmoil and lack of peace experienced by those who live in opposition to God's will.

Judgment and the Sea

The sea also serves as a setting for divine judgment against the wicked. In the narrative of the Exodus, the Red Sea becomes an instrument of God's deliverance for the Israelites and judgment upon the Egyptians (Exodus 14:21-28). The parting and subsequent closing of the sea demonstrate God's power to save His people and to bring justice upon their oppressors.

Similarly, in the book of Jonah, the sea is the backdrop for God's corrective discipline. Jonah's attempt to flee from God's command results in a violent storm at sea, highlighting the futility of resisting God's will (Jonah 1:4-15). The calming of the sea following Jonah's obedience underscores the peace that comes with submission to God.

The Sea in Eschatological Context

In eschatological visions, the sea continues to represent the forces of chaos and opposition to God's kingdom. In Revelation 13:1, the beast emerges from the sea, symbolizing the rise of oppressive and blasphemous powers. However, the ultimate defeat of these forces is assured, as depicted in Revelation 21:1, where John sees "a new heaven and a new earth," and notes that "the sea was no more." This absence of the sea signifies the complete eradication of chaos and evil in the new creation.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the sea serves as a powerful metaphor for the trouble and instability associated with the wicked. It illustrates the inherent unrest and lack of peace that characterize a life apart from God. Yet, the biblical narrative consistently affirms God's sovereignty over the sea, assuring believers of His ultimate victory over all forms of chaos and evil. The imagery of the sea, therefore, not only warns of the consequences of wickedness but also reassures the faithful of God's enduring power and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Time of Trouble. "
... sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over ... to the inhabiters of
the earth and of the sea! ... will reach its culmination in the time of trouble. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over ... to the inhabiters of
the earth and of the sea! ... will reach its culmination in the time of trouble. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

A Path in the Sea
... And what a thought that His look should be a trouble! ... words of Moses' song, 'Thou
didst blow with Thy wind, the sea covered them ... 'When the wicked perish, there ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Verses 20, 24, show the way to prevent trouble and keep ... xii.3. But he lays up his
wicked purposes close ... is weighty and insupportable like the sand of the sea. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Psalm CXXXV.
... is in heaven, whatever is in earth, whatever is in the sea and in all ... Thou punishedst
those who caused them trouble, Thou dravest the wicked from their ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxv.htm

The Story of Hagar and Ishmael
... The people in these cities were very wicked and were nearly ... Gerar, in the southwest,
not far from the Great Sea. ... Hagar and her boy, for they are a trouble to me ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of hagar and.htm

Following the Cloud.
... cities or armies, where they would not trouble many people ... this after they had gone,
and his wicked heart grew ... they found the Israelites camped by the Red Sea. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Peace
... A wicked man is insensible. ... Has Christ waded through a sea of blood and wrath, to
purchase ... and suffer for Christ!' (3.) This peace quiets the heart in trouble. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The Eternity of God
... If all the body of the earth and sea were turned ... with the Lord.' There is peace without
trouble, ease without ... of glory that fadeth not away.' The wicked have a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... Now a man may be, as selfish in praying as in stealing, and even far more wicked:
for be may more ... Where is the trouble? ... Their son went years ago to sea. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm