Topical Encyclopedia
A plummet, also known as a plumb line, is a tool used in ancient times for ensuring vertical accuracy in construction and measurement. It consists of a weight, usually made of lead, attached to the end of a string or cord. The force of gravity ensures that the line hangs straight, providing a reliable vertical reference. In the Bible, the plummet is often used metaphorically to represent divine judgment and the standard of righteousness.
Biblical References:1.
Amos 7:7-8 : "This is what He showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand. 'Amos, what do you see?' asked the Lord. 'A plumb line,' I replied. 'Behold,' said the Lord, 'I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.'" In this passage, the plumb line symbolizes God's standard of judgment against Israel. The imagery suggests that God is measuring the moral and spiritual integrity of His people, and finding them wanting, He declares impending judgment.
2.
Isaiah 28:17 : "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place." Here, the plumb line represents God's perfect standard of justice and righteousness. The verse emphasizes that God's judgment will expose and dismantle falsehoods and unrighteousness, underscoring the importance of aligning with His divine standards.
3.
Zechariah 4:10 : "For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." In this context, the plumb line is a symbol of the rebuilding and restoration of the temple under Zerubbabel's leadership. It signifies the careful and precise work required to establish a foundation that aligns with God's purposes, and it highlights God's approval and oversight of the process.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In biblical literature, the plummet serves as a powerful metaphor for divine scrutiny and the unwavering standards of God. It illustrates the concept that God measures the hearts and actions of individuals and nations against His perfect righteousness. The use of the plummet in prophetic literature often accompanies messages of warning, correction, and the call to repentance.
The plummet also conveys the idea of precision and intentionality in God's dealings with humanity. Just as a builder uses a plumb line to ensure the structural integrity of a building, God uses His standards to evaluate the moral and spiritual integrity of His people. This imagery encourages believers to live lives that are upright and aligned with God's will, knowing that He is both the architect and judge of all creation.
In summary, the biblical use of the plummet underscores the themes of judgment, righteousness, and divine oversight, reminding believers of the importance of living in accordance with God's unchanging standards.
Library
The Being of God
... When one looks on a clock, and sees the motion of the wheels, the striking of the
hammer, the hanging of theplummets, he would say, some artificer made it; so...
The Comforter Given
... to the Father of an alien or a diverse will, but His intercession, mysterious as
it is, and unfathomable to our poor, short lines and lightplummets, must mean...
Mighty to Save
... We trace His great sacrifice to His love, and we can never sufficiently adore that
incomparable manifestation of a love deeper than ourplummets can fathom....
The Eternity of God
... who can fathom it? Mariners have theirplummets to measure the depths of the sea;
but what line or plummet shall we use to fathom the depth of eternity?...
John's Witness to Jesus, and God's
... Mysteries beyond ourplummets are contained in this story; but however unique it
is, it has this which may be reproduced, that prayer unveiled heaven, and...
Joy and Faith, the Fruits of Christ's Departure
... The depths of Deity are far too deep to be sounded by ourplummets, and he is a
bold man who ventures to say that he knows what is impossible in reference to...
Grieving the Spirit
... We do not get into a contradiction when we thus speak, we only touch the edge
of a great ocean in which ourplummets can find no bottom....
God's Ways and Man's
... Perhaps ourplummets do not go to the bottom of the bottomless after all; but is
it needful that we should have gone to the rim of the heavens, and round about...
Christian Morals. Part I.
... heaven. Hang earlyplummets upon the heels of pride, and let ambition have
but an epicycle [49] and narrow circuit in thee. Measure...
Of Uncharitable Truth.
... may split us, yet the lading may be preserved; but Pride like a Gulf swallows us
up; our very virtues when so leavened, becoming weights andplummets to sink...
Thesaurus
Plummets (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Plummets (1 Occurrence).
... And he shall stretch out upon
it the line of waste, and the
plummets of emptiness. (DBY).
...Plummet (4 Occurrences)
Plump (2 Occurrences)
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