Topical Encyclopedia
The term "blushed" refers to the reddening of the face due to emotions such as shame, embarrassment, or modesty. In the context of the Bible, blushing is often associated with a sense of moral awareness or the recognition of sin and guilt. It is a physical manifestation of an internal conviction or emotional response to a situation that is perceived as shameful or embarrassing.
Biblical References:1.
Jeremiah 6:15 : "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD."
In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah laments the moral decay of the people of Judah. The inability to blush signifies a loss of moral sensitivity and an indifference to sin. The absence of blushing indicates a hardened heart, unresponsive to the conviction of wrongdoing.
2.
Jeremiah 8:12 : "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD."
This verse echoes the sentiment of
Jeremiah 6:15, emphasizing the people's lack of shame and moral awareness. The repetition underscores the seriousness of their spiritual condition and the impending judgment due to their unrepentant hearts.
Theological Implications:Blushing, in the biblical sense, is more than a mere physical reaction; it is indicative of a conscience that is sensitive to sin and aligned with God's standards of holiness. The ability to blush is seen as a positive trait, reflecting a heart that is responsive to the Holy Spirit's conviction. Conversely, the inability to blush is a sign of spiritual insensitivity and moral decline.
Cultural Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, as in many societies today, blushing was associated with modesty and a sense of propriety. It was considered honorable to display a sense of shame when confronted with one's own wrongdoing. The biblical narrative often uses the concept of blushing to highlight the contrast between those who are aware of their sin and those who are not.
Moral and Ethical Lessons:The biblical use of "blushed" serves as a call to maintain a tender conscience and a heart that is quick to repent. It encourages believers to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and to cultivate a lifestyle that reflects God's righteousness. The ability to blush is a reminder of the importance of humility and the acknowledgment of one's need for God's grace and forgiveness.
In summary, the concept of blushing in the Bible is deeply tied to the themes of repentance, moral awareness, and the condition of the human heart before God. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a sensitive and responsive spirit in the face of sin and moral challenges.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Blush.
Library
That Man's Transgression did not Annul the Blessing of Fecundity...
... It was after sin that our nature, having lost the power it had over the whole body,
but not having lost all shame, perceived, noticed,blushed at, and covered...
Another Royal Procession
... How often have Iblushed as I have heard in prayer that text, "Prove me now herewith,
saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven...
These Things which You have Said are Read by all who Know Latin...
... The Jews, impious and unbelieving though they were, yetblushed through their own
consciousness of guilt; since they were sinners, they would not appear...
Argument. Secundulus Dies in the Prison Felicitas is Pregnant, but...
... [9004] Or is it not your glory if we are brought forward fatter on that occasion?"
The tribune shuddered andblushed, and commanded that they should be kept...
Heathen Examples Cry Shame Upon this "Infirmity of the Flesh. "
... Once for all did he taste of the tree; once for all felt concupiscence; once for
all veiled his shame; once for allblushed in the presence of God; once for...
Let the Inner Ear of the virgin Also...
... of a daughter of such an age, as that, had you seen her married, (which now is not
lawful, and far be it from her,) I think you would haveblushed to bear...
The Way of Life.
... He recalls the astonishment of all present when "the conscious water saw its God,
andblushed;" and he learns from that first miracle of the Master a lesson of...
Argument: nor is it Only Hatred that they Arouse against the...
... for their crime, but also favour for its discovery: moreover, that it was to this
extent not evil, that a Christian, when accused, neitherblushed nor feared...
Five Outlets of Power.
... I have heard a man talk. And he stuttered andblushed and got his grammar
badly tangled, but my heart burned as I listened. And...
Watching for Idle Boys
... "Yes, sir," quickly answered the boy. "Then," said the teacher, "what were you doing
when you found him idling?" The boyblushed, and hung his head....
Thesaurus
Blushed (5 Occurrences)...Blushed (5 Occurrences).
... Isaiah 45:16 They have been ashamed, And they have even
blushed -- all of them, Together gone in confusion have those carving images.
...Blushing (6 Occurrences)
Blush (16 Occurrences)
Ditches (2 Occurrences)
... found water, They have turned back -- their vessels empty! They have been
ashamed, And haveblushed and covered their head. (YLT)....
Carving (5 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 45:16 They have been ashamed, And they have evenblushed -- all of
them, Together gone in confusion have those carving images. (YLT)....
Allies (13 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 22:22 All thy friends consume doth wind, And thy lovers into captivity
do go, Surely then thou art ashamed, And hastblushed for all thy wickedness....
Honourable (72 Occurrences)
... turned back -- their vessels empty! They have been ashamed, And haveblushed
and covered their head. (YLT). Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye...
Consume (136 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 22:22 All thy friends consume doth wind, And thy lovers into captivity
do go, Surely then thou art ashamed, And hastblushed for all thy wickedness....
Resources
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