Topical Encyclopedia
The term "appalling" is often used to describe something that causes shock, dismay, or horror. In the context of the Bible, it is used to convey the gravity of sin, the consequences of disobedience to God, and the profound impact of divine judgment. The Bible provides numerous instances where actions, events, or conditions are described as appalling due to their deviation from God's will or their impact on His people.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the concept of appalling is frequently associated with the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The prophets often used vivid language to describe the spiritual and moral decay of the people, which was appalling in the sight of the Lord. For example, in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet laments the condition of Judah, saying, "A horrible and appalling thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?" (
Jeremiah 5:30-31). Here, the appalling nature of the situation is highlighted by the falsehood and corruption among the leaders and the people's acceptance of it.
The book of Ezekiel also uses the term to describe the abominations committed by the Israelites, which led to their exile.
Ezekiel 7:5-6 states, "This is what the Lord GOD says: Disaster! An unheard-of disaster is coming. The end has come! The end has come; it has roused itself against you. Behold, it has come!" The appalling nature of the disaster is emphasized by its unprecedented and inevitable arrival as a result of the people's sins.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "appalling," the concept is present in the descriptions of sin and its consequences. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the appalling nature of sin and the need for repentance and redemption through Christ. In
Romans 1:28-32 , Paul describes the depraved mind and actions of those who have turned away from God, listing behaviors that are appalling in their rebellion against divine order.
The book of Revelation also presents appalling imagery in its depiction of the end times and the judgment of the wicked. The vivid descriptions of plagues, destruction, and divine wrath serve to underscore the seriousness of sin and the ultimate justice of God.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the appalling nature of sin and its consequences is a reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He views disobedience. The Bible consistently portrays sin as an affront to God's character, deserving of judgment. However, it also offers hope through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to God.
The appalling nature of sin serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for a Savior. It underscores the importance of living in accordance with God's will and the transformative power of His grace. Through Christ, believers are called to turn away from what is appalling and to pursue righteousness, reflecting the holiness of God in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Appall.
2. (a.) Such as to appall; as, an appalling accident.
Greek
2217. zophos -- deep gloom... 2217 -- murky,
appalling gloom, referring to darkness so dense and foreboding it
is "felt"; (figuratively) , associated with the nether world () bringing its
...Strong's Hebrew
8047. shammah -- waste, horror... Word Origin from shamem Definition waste, horror NASB Word Usage
appalling (1),
desolate (2), desolation (10), desolations (1), destroyed (1), destruction (1
...8186b. shaaruriyyah -- a horror, horrible thing
... Word Origin from the same as shoar Definition a horror, horrible thing NASB Word
Usageappalling thing (1), horrible thing (1). 8186a, 8186b....
Library
Three Afternoons Off the Track
... news". "Oh! everyone come running and see! A great white man is here!
Oh what anappalling spectacle! A great white man!". Then...
The Starting Point.
... Deep-rooted prejudice is one of the causes of theappalling spiritual poverty that
abounds"yes,appalling when we consider the treasures within our reach!...
The Sacrifice of Christ.
... He was the victim of Sin"He died by sin. It is theappalling mystery of our redemption
that the Redeemer took the attitude of subjection to evil....
The Holy Spirit Setting the Believer Free from the Power of...
... neglect the study of the Word and prayer. The depths to which such sometimes
fall isappalling. Each of us needs to lay to heart...
The Weeping Saviour.
... All unconscious of how soon and how wondrously their sorrow was to be turned into
joy, theappalling thought was alone present to them in all its fearfulness...
The National Preacher.
... Theseappalling facts display more of the malignity of sin, its blinding, deadening
influence, and more of the rancorous enmity of the carnal heart against God...
Introduction
... God's abundant mercy and grace"but he was also fully persuaded that the vast majority
of mankind are condemned to a wholly just andappalling damnation....
Introductory Note
... in a certain ecclesiastical ceremonial, narrow and mistaken as it may be, is surely
a mild and simple form of error, compared with theappalling notion that...
Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... He made Felix tremble. Felix felt himself borne away by a superior force. Unable
to hear St. Paul any longer withoutappalling fears, he sent him away....
"Go Forward on Your Knees"
... Perhaps just then my friend has fiercer fight, A moreappalling weakness, a decay
Of courage, darkness, some lost sense of right; And so, in case he needs my...
Thesaurus
Appalling (2 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Appall. 2. (a.) Such as to appall; as, an
appalling accident. Multi-Version Concordance
Appalling (2 Occurrences).
...Appalment (10 Occurrences)
Appalled (31 Occurrences)
Locust (25 Occurrences)
... The devastations they make in Eastern lands are often veryappalling. The invasions
of locusts are the heaviest calamites that can befall a country....
Fortification (5 Occurrences)
... life of the wilderness and unacquainted with appliances for siege and assault, the
prospect of scaling the walls and conquering the inhabitants wasappalling....
Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... life of the wilderness and unacquainted with appliances for siege and assault, the
prospect of scaling the walls and conquering the inhabitants wasappalling....
Frightful (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Scary, alarming,appalling. 2. (a.) Full
of that which causes fright; exciting alarm; impressing...
Fortified (79 Occurrences)
... life of the wilderness and unacquainted with appliances for siege and assault, the
prospect of scaling the walls and conquering the inhabitants wasappalling....
Fort (8 Occurrences)
... life of the wilderness and unacquainted with appliances for siege and assault, the
prospect of scaling the walls and conquering the inhabitants wasappalling....
Peraea
... men who fought against the Romans (BJ, II, xx, 4; IV, vi, 1). From Bethezob, a village
of Peraea, came Mary, whose story is one of the mostappalling among the...
Resources
Who was Obadiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual abuse? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Levi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAppalling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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