Topical Bible: The Sea: (Waves of) Devastating Armies

◄ The Sea: (Waves of) Devastating Armies ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the imagery of the sea often symbolizes chaos, danger, and the unknown. This symbolism extends to the depiction of devastating armies, which are frequently likened to the tumultuous and overwhelming nature of the sea. The metaphor of armies as waves of the sea captures the destructive power and relentless advance of military forces, as well as the fear and uncertainty they instill.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Isaiah 17:12-13: "Oh, the raging of many nations—they rage like the raging sea! Oh, the uproar of the peoples—they roar like the roaring of great waters. Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when He rebukes them, they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of the sea to describe the tumultuous and threatening presence of nations. The roaring and surging waters symbolize the overwhelming force and noise of invading armies, yet it is God’s power that ultimately subdues them.

2. Jeremiah 46:7-8: "Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters churn? Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters churn like rivers, boasting, 'I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy the cities and their people.'" Here, the prophet Jeremiah compares the Egyptian army to the rising and churning waters of the Nile, emphasizing their intent to conquer and destroy. The imagery underscores the might and ambition of Egypt, yet also hints at the futility of their efforts against divine will.

3. Daniel 7:2-3: "Daniel declared: 'In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.'" In Daniel’s apocalyptic vision, the sea is stirred by the winds, giving rise to beasts that represent empires and kingdoms. The chaotic sea serves as the birthplace of these powerful entities, symbolizing the disorder and threat they pose to God’s people.

4. Revelation 13:1: "Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads." In the book of Revelation, the sea is again a source of chaos and evil, from which emerges a beast symbolizing oppressive and blasphemous powers. The sea’s association with the beast highlights the destructive and tumultuous nature of these forces.

Theological Implications

The metaphor of armies as waves of the sea serves to remind believers of the transient and ultimately controllable nature of earthly powers. While armies may appear formidable and unstoppable, like the raging sea, they are subject to the sovereignty of God. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as the one who can calm the sea and subdue nations, reinforcing the message of divine supremacy and protection for His people.

Conclusion

The imagery of the sea as a representation of devastating armies is a powerful biblical motif that conveys the might and menace of human forces while simultaneously affirming God’s ultimate authority over creation. This symbolism encourages believers to trust in God’s providence and deliverance, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. As the sea is calmed by divine command, so too are the tumultuous forces of the world subject to the will of the Almighty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 26:3,4
Therefore thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against you, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes his waves to come up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Providence
... chair on the beach, and bade the waves retire ... globe with mountains, or move the hills
into the sea. ... much fixed as the march of the devastating pestilence"the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... misery, the nation became involved in a prolonged and devastating war with ... peace
been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." "There is ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... misery, the nation became involved in a prolonged and devastating war with ... peace
been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." "There is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... and his sons; they perished in the waves, or only ... their territory with the usual
severity, devastating their open towns ... and over the peoples of the sea, and the ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... the waters and lost within the bosom of the waves. ... boatmen the idea of an actual
sea, opening into ... furious bounds, and would become a devastating torrent were ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... witnessed century after century so many armies crossing its ... ladder.* Below this
precipitous path the waves dash with ... Ushu-Shakhan, lay back from the sea on the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... inrush of new nations which were devastating the country ... moment their inexperience
of the sea nearly compromised ... and completely flooded by the waves; the king ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... along the Syrian coast, buffeted by wind and waves, and on the ... detachments from Asia
Minor and the AEgean Sea to the ... for them to think of raising armies fit to ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm