Bible Question: Are there any references to Hell in the Old Testament? I see many "punishments" but nothing eternal. |
Bible Answer: Hell in the Old Testament AMPLIFIED Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned back [headlong into premature death] into Sheol (the place of the departed spirits of the wicked), even all the nations that forget or are forgetful of God. 'Hell 'Place of God's final retributive punishment. Scripture progressively develops this destiny of the wicked: the Old Testament outlines the framework, while the New Testament elaborates on it. Jesus, however, is most responsible for defining hell. 'The Old Testament. In the Old Testament Sheol denotes the abode of the dead; conscious souls face a shadowy existence in this "land of oblivion" (Job 10:21; Psalm 88:12; Eccl 9:10; Isa 14:10). Since death is not a natural occurrence but issues from the fall, the Old Testament confidently awaits God's demonstration of his lordship over Sheol by raising the righteous to life (Gen. 2-3; Psalm 16:10; 49:15; Isa 25:8; Hosea 13:14). While God's kingship also has implications for the wicked, here the Old Testament is more reserved. The Old Testament infrequently suggests a bodily resurrection for the wicked (Dan 12:2), a final judgment and retribution for evil deeds (Psalm 21:10; 140:10; Mal 4:1-2). Nevertheless, the contemptible and horrible destiny of the wicked, irretrievably isolated from the righteous, is clear (Psalm 9:17; 34:15-16).' AMPLIFIED Psalm 34:15-16 The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. [I Pet. 3:10-12.] (http://bible.crosswalk.com/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/) |