but the wicked will be cut off from the landThis phrase reflects a common biblical theme where the wicked face divine judgment and are removed from the blessings of the land. In the Old Testament, the land often symbolizes God's promise and blessing to His people, as seen in the covenant with Abraham (
Genesis 12:1-3). The idea of being "cut off" suggests a complete separation from God's favor and community, akin to the fate of the Canaanites who were expelled from the Promised Land due to their iniquity (
Deuteronomy 9:4-5). This phrase also echoes the warnings found in
Psalm 37:9, where evildoers are contrasted with those who wait on the Lord and inherit the land. The concept of divine retribution is consistent with the wisdom literature's emphasis on moral order and justice.
and the unfaithful will be uprooted
The imagery of being "uprooted" conveys a sense of instability and removal from one's foundation, much like a plant that is torn from the soil. This reflects the consequences of unfaithfulness, which in biblical terms often refers to a breach of covenant with God. The unfaithful, or those who turn away from God's commandments, are likened to plants without roots, easily removed and lacking permanence. This is reminiscent of Jesus' parable of the sower, where seeds that fall on rocky ground wither because they have no root (Matthew 13:5-6). The prophetic literature, such asJeremiah 12:14-17, also uses similar language to describe the fate of nations that oppose God's will. The uprooting serves as a metaphor for divine judgment and the loss of spiritual inheritance.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WickedRefers to those who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (resha'im), which denotes those who are guilty of sin and injustice.
2.
The UnfaithfulThese are individuals who betray trust and do not adhere to the covenant with God. The Hebrew term (bogedim) implies treachery and deceit.
3.
The LandIn the context of ancient Israel, "the land" often refers to the Promised Land, a place of blessing and inheritance for God's people. It symbolizes God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises.
4.
Cut OffThis phrase indicates a severance or removal, often used in the context of divine judgment. It implies a loss of blessing and separation from God's people.
5.
UprootedThis term suggests a complete removal, akin to pulling a plant out by its roots, signifying total displacement and destruction.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of WickednessLiving in opposition to God's ways leads to separation from His blessings and ultimately, His judgment.
The Importance of FaithfulnessFaithfulness to God and His covenant is crucial for maintaining one's place in His promises and blessings.
God's JusticeGod's justice ensures that wickedness and unfaithfulness do not go unpunished, affirming His righteousness and holiness.
The Security of the RighteousWhile the wicked are cut off, the righteous have the assurance of God's protection and inheritance.
The Call to RepentanceThis verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging individuals to turn from wickedness and embrace faithfulness to God.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2
What does the Bible say about Christian debt?
Psalm 52:5 promises God will “uproot” the wicked—why does history record many powerful oppressors who died peacefully?
Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.
Proverbs 22:2: How can a just God create both rich and poor yet allow extreme wealth inequality to persist?Verse 22. -
But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth. The punishment of the wicked is contrasted with the blessings that are promised to the upright.
Shall be cut off;
יִפָרֵתוּ (
yikkarethu), niph. future of
כָרַת (
karath), "to cut off, or destroy." LXX.,
ὀλοῦνται; Vulgate,
perdentur.;The expression is used to convey the idea of extermination, as in
Psalm 37:9 (cf.
Job 18:17;
Psalm 37:28;
Psalm 104:35). The verb is found also in
Genesis 17:14;
Exodus 12:15.
The earth; properly,
the land. The same word (
אַרֶצarets) is used as in ver. 21.
The transgressors (
בּוגְדִים,
bog'dim); here employed synonymously with "the wicked" (
יְשָׁעִים,
y'shaim), "the impious." The primary meaning of the verb from which it is derived (
בָגַד,
bagad) is "to cover," "to deal treacherously," and hence the word signifies those who act treacherously or perfidiously, the faithless. They are those who perfidiously depart from God, and break away from the covenant with Jehovah. LXX.,
παράνομοι (cf.
Proverbs 11:3, 6;
Proverbs 13:2, 25;
Proverbs 22:12;
Psalm 25:3;
Psalm 59:5;
Isaiah 33:1). Shall be rooted out (
יסֶּחוּ,
yiss'khu). This word is taken by Davidson as the future kal of
נסַה (
nasah), "to pluck up," and hence is equivalent to "they shall pluck up," or, passively, "they stroll be plucked up." Delitzsch remarks that it is as at
Proverbs 15:25 and
Psalm 52:7, active, "they shall pluck up," and this with the subject remaining indefinite is equivalent to the passive form, "they shall be plucked up." This indefinite "they" can be used of God, as also in
Job 7:3 (Fleischer). The expression has been understood as referring to being driven into exile (Gesenius), and this view would be amply justified by the fate which overtook the apostate nation when both the kingdoms of Israel and Judah suffered this fate (cf. LXX.
ἐξωθήσονται, "they shall be driven out"). It also derives colour from the language of the preceding verse, but the imagery appears to be derived from the cutting down and rooting up of trees. The destruction of the wicked and transgressors will be complete. They shall be exterminated (cf. Targum,
eradicabuntur; Syriac
evellentur; and Arabic,
exterminabuntur).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
but the wickedוּ֭רְשָׁעִים(ū·rə·šā·‘îm)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personwill be cut offיִכָּרֵ֑תוּ(yik·kā·rê·ṯū)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3772:To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenantfromמִמֶּֽנָּה׃(mim·men·nāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe land,מֵאֶ֣רֶץ(mê·’e·reṣ)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landand the unfaithfulוּ֝בוֹגְדִ֗ים(ū·ḇō·wḡ·ḏîm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 898:To cover, to act covertly, to pillage{will} be uprooted.יִסְּח֥וּ(yis·sə·ḥū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5255:To pull or tear away
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:22 But the wicked will be cut off (Prov. Pro Pr) 
