In biblical literature, the imagery of smoke is often employed to convey the transient and insubstantial nature of the wicked and their deeds. This metaphor underscores the ultimate futility and ephemeral existence of those who oppose God's righteousness. The comparison to smoke highlights the inevitable disappearance and lack of permanence associated with wickedness.

Biblical References

One of the primary references to the wicked being compared to smoke is found in Psalm 37:20: "But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the fields. They will vanish—like smoke they will vanish away" . This verse vividly illustrates the fate of the wicked, emphasizing their eventual destruction and the fleeting nature of their apparent success. Just as smoke dissipates and leaves no trace, so too will the wicked be removed from the earth.

The imagery of smoke is also present in Hosea 13:3, where the prophet declares, "Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, or like smoke escaping through a window" . Here, the comparison to smoke is part of a broader metaphorical description of the transient nature of Israel's unfaithfulness and the judgment that follows. The wicked, like smoke, are portrayed as lacking substance and enduring presence.

Theological Implications

The use of smoke as a metaphor for the wicked carries significant theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and justice of God, who ultimately ensures that evil does not prevail. The temporary nature of smoke reflects the biblical teaching that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived and that their end is destruction. This imagery reassures the faithful that God's righteousness will ultimately triumph, and the wicked will not endure.

Furthermore, the comparison to smoke underscores the insubstantiality of a life lived apart from God. Just as smoke lacks solidity and permanence, so too does a life characterized by wickedness and rebellion against divine authority. This metaphor calls believers to pursue righteousness and align themselves with God's eternal purposes, rather than being swayed by the fleeting allure of sin.

Literary and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, smoke was a familiar element of daily life, often associated with sacrifices, cooking, and the burning of incense. Its transient nature made it an apt symbol for illustrating the impermanence of certain aspects of life. The biblical authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, utilized this common imagery to communicate profound spiritual truths about the fate of the wicked.

The metaphor of smoke also resonates with the broader biblical theme of judgment. Throughout Scripture, God's judgment is depicted as a refining fire that consumes the wicked and purifies the righteous. The imagery of smoke, therefore, not only conveys the disappearance of the wicked but also the purifying and cleansing action of God's justice.

Practical Application

For believers, the comparison of the wicked to smoke serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It warns against the seductive nature of sin and the temptation to envy the apparent success of the wicked. At the same time, it encourages steadfastness in faith, reminding the faithful that God's justice will prevail and that the righteous will inherit the earth.

This metaphor invites Christians to reflect on the transient nature of worldly pursuits and to invest in what is eternal. By aligning their lives with God's will and seeking His righteousness, believers can ensure that their lives have lasting significance, unlike the smoke that vanishes without a trace.Hosea 13:3
Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud and as the early dew that passes away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Chaff Driven Away
... as the wax before the fire, they had melted away; like the fat of rams had they
been consumed; into smoke did they ... And the wicked are compared to chaff ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the chaff driven away.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... an humble heart goes up as the smoke of incense. ... God lets the wicked dung his people
with reproaches and ... The godly may be compared to that plant which Gregory ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Eternity of God
... The wrath of God is compared to a stream of brimstone ... for a season, but the torments
of the wicked are for ... The smoke of their torment ascendeth for ever and ever ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the ... 9. "For the wicked shall
perish ... up, immediately shall consume away utterly, even as the smoke" (ver.20 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
... the threatening, sends forth contrition as a cloud of smoke. ... the weak, to establish
their own wicked tyranny, and ... No character is to be compared to Christian ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of penance.htm

The King --Continued.
... It stands at the very highest point, even when compared with the other ... There went
up smoke out of ... I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes." For himself, he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.htm

Psalm CXLIV.
... earthly, fleeting, transitory, if they be compared to that ... Touch the mountains, and
they shall smoke." So long as ... lost the true right hand, wicked and perverse ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliv.htm

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... But these were inconsiderable, compared with the strange provision ... whom he sends
"to warn the wicked from their ... Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvii god willing that.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... Pit[hellip]and there came out of the smoke locusts upon ... Let it be compared with the
9th verse of the ... the day of judgment to be punished." Wicked human beings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent
... Fiery serpents, ye are nothing when compared with fiery lusts! ... He has been lifted
up; wicked men lifted him up ... be seen, and we will have the smoke of incense ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the mysteries of the brazen.htm

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