0301. 297. “Dust” in the Bible

297. “Dust” in the Bible

Sometimes dust is used metaphorically, such as, “The clouds are the dust of His feet” (Nah_1:3); sometimes “dust” expresses an act of humility—Jos_7:6; and often it denotes the actual dust of the ground.

1. Creation. “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground” (Gen_2:7). Man’s lowly origin and frailty.

2. Confession. “Lord, what am I but dust and ashes?” (Gen_18:27). To take a low place before God is to find a high place in Him.

3. Conversion. “He raiseth up out of the dust” (1Sa_2:8). From the dust of sin, and shame, and self, the Lord raises to the realm of His salvation, love, and grace.

4. Compassion. “He remembereth we are dust” (Psa_103:14). In His love He remembers we are of lowly origin, and helps us in our weakness.

5. Consecration. “Shake thyself from the dust” (Isa_52:2). Dusty garments are a disgrace, but the beautiful clothing of His grace beautifies us.

6. Consideration. “I exalted thee out of the dust” (1Ki_16:2). What the Lord has done for us is worthy of our grateful consideration.

7. Conquest. “His enemies shall lick the dust” (Psa_72:9). When Christ reigns all shall submit to Him.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH