Isaiah 57:1-2 says:
"The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away, and who remains to be troubled?
"Though you search for them, they will not come back to the land,
they cannot dwell there, because disaster has arrived."
These verses express a sense of sorrow and lamentation over the fate of the righteous and devout people. The passage suggests that even though these individuals are blameless and innocent, they are being taken away from the world, leaving no one to mourn their passing.
The phrase "the righteous perish" is particularly striking, as it implies that even those who are upright and just in God's eyes can still fall victim to death or suffering. This challenges the common assumption that righteousness guarantees a certain outcome or protection.
In this passage, Isaiah may be highlighting the reality of mortality and the seeming injustice of God's ways. The fact that disaster has arrived suggests that something is fundamentally wrong with the world, and that even the righteous are not immune from its effects.
Overall, these verses offer a somber reflection on the human experience, emphasizing the mysteries of God's justice and the fragility of human life.
The idea that "the good die young" is a common phrase that is often associated with a biblical quote, but it's not actually found in the Bible. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it may have originated from ancient Greek and Roman philosophers who believed that virtuous people were more likely to die at a younger age.
One possible source of this phrase is the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who wrote that "the good man is less likely to live a long life." Similarly, the Roman poet Ovid wrote that "the gods are more cruel to those who are good."
However, these quotes do not specifically say "the good die young," and they were not meant to be taken literally. Instead, they were philosophical musings on the nature of morality and mortality.
In reality, the Bible does not teach that good people die young. In fact, many biblical figures lived long lives, including some who are considered good examples in their faith. For example:
* Moses lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7).
* Abraham was said to have lived to be 175 years old (Genesis 25:8).
* Isaac lived to be 180 years old (Genesis 35:29).
* Jacob lived to be 147 years old (Genesis 47:28).
The Bible does teach that death is a natural part of life, and that it can come at any time regardless of one's character. However, it also teaches that the way we live our lives has an impact on eternity. The biblical view is that those who put their faith in God will experience eternal life, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation from Him.
It's worth noting that the phrase "the good die young" is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who dies suddenly or unexpectedly, especially if they are young. In this context, it may be a way of expressing shock and grief at the loss of someone who seemed full of life and potential. However, this usage is not necessarily related to the biblical concept of morality and mortality.
The Bible verse you're referring to is likely Job 2:6, which says:
"And when his sons and daughters were feasting with him, suddenly a messenger came to him from Saul's camp, saying, 'Your son Jonathan is dead.' And the old man fell from the chair overcome and faint; and news about those coming reached him while he was fainting, so that he fell to the ground and became weak." (NKJV)
This verse does not say that God takes the good ones first. Instead, it describes a situation where Job's sons and daughters are feasting with him, indicating that they are still alive at this point in time.
The phrase "God takes the good ones first" is not a biblical phrase or concept. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over life and death (Job 1:21), and that He has a plan for all people (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20). While it is true that some Christians have died at a relatively young age, we cannot assume that they were "taken by God" simply because of their good character or faith.
In fact, the Bible teaches that death comes to all people, regardless of their character or faith (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20). The only exception is Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and offers eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
It's important to note that the Bible does not teach that God takes the good ones first. This phrase seems to be a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of biblical teachings.
A beautiful and poignant passage from Psalm 37:20!
"What about God takes away; the righteous before the evil day"
Here's a breakdown of this verse:
* "What about God" - This phrase is often translated as "Will He...?" or "Doesn't God..." (NIV). It's an expression of wonder, asking if God will intervene.
* "takes away" - This verb "takes away" (Hebrew: קָחַם, qacham) means to remove something, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. In this context, it implies that God is the one who takes away what belongs to someone.
* "the righteous before the evil day" - The phrase "before the evil day" (Hebrew: בְּיוֹם רָע, b'yom ra') refers to a time of great distress, hardship, or calamity. The word "evil" (ra) can also mean "bad" or "wicked". So, the phrase as a whole describes a situation where righteous people are taken away before a particularly difficult or frightening period.
In essence, this verse asks if God will intervene to protect the righteous from harm, specifically when they are facing a time of great turmoil. It's an expression of trust in God and His power to deliver those who are devoted to Him.
This passage is often seen as a commentary on the suffering of righteous people at the hands of evil powers (e.g., Psalm 37:12-13). The psalmist may be suggesting that even when evil seems to prevail, God remains sovereign and can still intervene to protect His own.
The Bible verse "The good die young" is not a direct quote from the King James Version (KJV) or any other version of the Bible. However, there are several passages that may have led to this phrase being associated with the idea that good people often die at a relatively young age.
One passage that has been interpreted in this way is Job 14:21, which says:
"And who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. Who can withstand before thee? and who shall stand when thou art angry?"
Some interpreters have seen this verse as suggesting that God's anger or judgment may fall on the good person at a young age.
Another passage that has been linked to this idea is Psalm 39:12, which says:
"The days of my life are in thine hand: make thy memorial with me. Remember that I am dust."
Some have seen this verse as hinting that the good person may be taken from this world at a young age, leaving behind only memories and a legacy.
It's worth noting that these passages do not necessarily support the idea that all good people die young. The Bible also teaches that God values human life and is interested in preserving it (Genesis 9:5-6, Psalm 139:14).
Ultimately, the phrase "The good die young" is not a direct quote from Scripture and should not be taken as a biblical teaching. It may reflect cultural or societal biases about mortality and morality, rather than being based on specific biblical teachings.
Isaiah 57:1-2 is a significant passage in the Bible that speaks about God's judgment on those who are proud and self-righteous. Here's a breakdown of the passage:
**Verse 1:** "With mighty power, the Sovereign Lord is coming against them. Indeed, I will not keep silent because there is no one to plead their case; I must act for the honor of my reputation, even though these wicked people claim to know me."
In this verse, God is saying that He is coming against those who are proud and self-righteous, using His mighty power to judge them. The phrase "I will not keep silent" suggests that God has been patient with these individuals, giving them opportunities to repent and turn back to Him. However, since they continue to claim to know Him but ignore His ways, God must act to uphold His reputation.
**Verse 2:** "See how the righteous person, the one who is upright in their ways, laughs at you – and though I will mock those who are self-sufficient and despise the rich, my salvation I will make your treasure."
In this verse, God contrasts Himself with these proud and self-righteous individuals. The "righteous person" referred to here is likely someone who is genuinely humble and seeking after God's ways (compare with Psalm 1:6). This righteous person laughs at those who are self-sufficient and despise the rich, not because they are superior but because they recognize that true wealth and treasure come from a relationship with God.
God will mock those who are self-righteous and proud, implying that He sees through their external appearance of righteousness to their internal motivations. At the same time, God promises to make His salvation the treasure of these humble individuals who seek after Him.
In summary, Isaiah 57:1-2 is a warning to those who are proud and self-righteous, saying that God will come against them with mighty power because they claim to know Him but ignore His ways. On the other hand, it offers hope to those who are genuinely seeking after God, promising them true treasure and salvation through their relationship with Him.
A great question!
In the Bible, the concept of "dying before one's time" is indeed discussed. The Bible teaches that every human being will eventually die (Hebrews 9:27). However, there are some exceptions and nuances to consider:
1. **Old age**: According to Genesis 5:3-4, Adam lived for 930 years, and subsequent generations were expected to live for hundreds of years as well. It wasn't until the flood that human lifespan was shortened (Genesis 6:3). This implies that in the beginning, people could potentially die from natural causes after a long life.
2. **Violence**: The Bible also records instances where people died prematurely due to violence or sin. For example, Abel was murdered by Cain (Genesis 4:8), and many others died as a result of their own sinful actions (e.g., the Nephilim, Genesis 6:1-4).
3. **God's judgment**: In some cases, God intervened directly to take someone's life before their time. For example, He struck down Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the apostles (Acts 5:1-11) and killed Uzzah for touching the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
4. **Moral accountability**: The Bible emphasizes that every person is morally accountable for their actions. If someone dies prematurely due to their own sinful choices or neglect, they are still accountable before God (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27).
In summary, while the Bible doesn't explicitly teach that people can "die before their time," there are instances where individuals died prematurely due to various circumstances. However, these exceptions do not negate the universal principle of human mortality and moral accountability.
What specific aspect of this topic would you like me to elaborate on?
Another great song by The Cars!
"Good Times Roll" is indeed a fantastic song, and one of the band's most popular hits. Released in 1979, it was the lead single from their second album, "Synchronicity". The song has become an iconic classic rock staple, with its catchy guitar riff, memorable chorus, and lyrics that capture the essence of youthful energy and carefree living.
The song's title, "Good Times Roll", is often interpreted as a reference to the fleeting nature of good times, suggesting that they can pass quickly, like sand between one's fingers. The line "Good people die young" adds a hint of melancholy and introspection to the lyrics, acknowledging the impermanence of life and the importance of making the most of every moment.
Overall, "Good Times Roll" is an excellent representation of The Cars' unique blend of power pop, new wave, and classic rock, with its infectious hooks, clever wordplay, and nostalgic charm.