Topical Encyclopedia
In the Scriptures, the imagery of corn blasted is used to depict the fate of the wicked, illustrating the sudden and complete destruction that befalls those who oppose God. This metaphor is rooted in the agricultural practices and experiences familiar to the ancient Near Eastern audience, where crops were vital for survival and prosperity. The blasting of corn, often caused by harsh winds or scorching heat, signifies a devastating loss, leaving the fields barren and unproductive.
Biblical ReferencesThe primary reference to this imagery is found in the book of 2 Kings, where the prophet Elisha foretells a famine as a judgment upon the land. Although the specific phrase "corn blasted" is not directly quoted in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is echoed in various passages that describe the consequences of divine judgment on the wicked. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 28:22 , the Lord warns of curses that include "blight and mildew," which can be understood as forms of blasting that destroy crops: "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish."
Theological SignificanceThe comparison of the wicked to corn blasted serves as a powerful reminder of the transitory nature of evil and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Just as the blasting wind or scorching sun can swiftly ruin a field of corn, so too can God's judgment bring about the downfall of those who live in rebellion against Him. This imagery underscores the futility of wickedness and the certainty of divine retribution.
Moral and Spiritual LessonsFrom a moral and spiritual perspective, the metaphor of corn blasted calls believers to reflect on the consequences of sin and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. It serves as a warning to avoid the path of the wicked, who, despite their temporary success, will face inevitable destruction. The imagery also encourages the faithful to trust in God's justice and to remain steadfast in righteousness, knowing that the Lord will ultimately vindicate His people and bring about the downfall of the wicked.
Historical and Cultural ContextIn the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the health of crops was directly linked to the community's well-being. A successful harvest was seen as a blessing from God, while crop failure was often interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure. The blasting of corn, therefore, would have been a vivid and relatable image for the original audience, conveying the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments.
ConclusionThe metaphor of the wicked being compared to corn blasted is a sobering illustration of the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of living a life that honors God, trusting in His ultimate justice and righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 19:26Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the house tops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
A Discourse of Mercifulness
... name is of more worth, and he that takes away the good name of another sins more
than if he had taken the corn out of his ... The wicked are compared to beasts ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm
The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... they [the Scriptures] predict or prophesy what shall become of the wicked; so also ...
There are those that indeed are righteous when compared with others: 'I came ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm
The Mystery
... similitude under which he is compared to the ... whose relics, likewise, that most wicked
man abominated ... defenders, and supporters, should be blasted, and actually ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm
The Barren Fig-Tree;
... 'The tares are the children of the wicked one.' The ... is a hasty fruit, such as is
the 'corn upon the ... They are blasted, and withered, and gathered by men, God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm
Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... looketh towards Damascus (Cant 7:4). Yea, the hair of her head is compared to a ... set
her face against it, to show that the true church cannot be blasted or made ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm
The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... most magnificent temples raised by human ingenuity and vanity, when compared with
that ... ye judge ye shall be judged.' All these absurd and wicked feelings are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm
Memoir of John Bunyan
... that was with him was so sorely blasted therewith, that ... and unless also they left
this wicked world behind ... to fail.' In fact, while he compared himself with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm
Footnotes
... also ingenuously confesseth, that there is in it the best collection of scriptures
he knows, concerning the sin and danger of joining with wicked and ungodly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Now therefore let all the wicked men be far from thence (Ezra 6:6): The Lord ... and
moderate showers of rain; to which both the law and the gospel is compared. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm
Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... which you shall forsake" (2:Cor.4:18), is not worthy to be compared with a ... From this
little wicket-gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm
Resources
What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is wisdom literature? | GotQuestions.orgIs annihilationism biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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