Topical Encyclopedia
The term "sifted" in the biblical context often refers to a process of testing, trial, or separation, akin to the agricultural practice of sifting grain to remove chaff and impurities. This metaphor is used in Scripture to describe spiritual testing and purification.
Biblical References:1.
Luke 22:31-32 : "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." In this passage, Jesus warns Peter (Simon) that Satan desires to sift the disciples, testing their faith and loyalty. The imagery of sifting wheat suggests a process of shaking and separating, indicating that the disciples will face trials that will test the strength and purity of their faith. Jesus' intercession for Peter highlights the assurance of divine support and the potential for restoration and strengthening after the trial.
2.
Amos 9:9 : "For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will fall to the ground." Here, the prophet Amos conveys God's intention to sift the nation of Israel among the nations. This sifting serves as a judgment and purification process, ensuring that only the faithful and righteous remain. The imagery of a sieve emphasizes the thoroughness of God's judgment, where nothing escapes His notice.
Theological Implications:The concept of being sifted carries significant theological implications regarding the nature of trials and divine sovereignty. It suggests that God allows testing to refine and purify His people, separating true faith from superficial belief. The process of sifting is not arbitrary but serves a divine purpose, often leading to spiritual growth and maturity.
Spiritual Application:For believers, the idea of being sifted can be both sobering and encouraging. It serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the adversary's desire to challenge and weaken faith. However, it also reassures believers of Christ's intercession and the promise of restoration and strengthening. The process of sifting, though challenging, is ultimately for the believer's good, leading to a deeper, more resilient faith.
Historical Context:In ancient agricultural practices, sifting was a common method used to separate grain from chaff. This process involved shaking the grain in a sieve, allowing the lighter chaff to be blown away by the wind while the heavier, valuable grain remained. This imagery would have been familiar to the original biblical audience, providing a vivid picture of spiritual testing and purification.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of being sifted underscores the reality of trials in the life of a believer and the divine purpose behind them. It highlights the necessity of faith and reliance on Christ's intercession, assuring believers of God's ultimate control and the refining nature of spiritual challenges.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Sift.
Library
Before Proceeding Farther, Let the Question of Custom Itself be ...
... Chapter II."Before Proceeding Farther, Let the Question of Custom Itself Be Sifted.
But I will not, meantime, attribute this usage to Truth. ...
Call for Volunteers.
... Gideon's Band: Sifted for Service. ... And we want to mark keenly how these three hundred
men were sifted out of the thousands for service. They were sifted out. ...
A Great Fall and a Great Recovery
... Peter's vanity was sifted out of him, his self-confidence was sifted out of him,
his rash presumption was sifted out of him, his impulsive readiness to blurt ...
Cicero's Opinion of the Roman Republic.
... absence upon a state, Pilus, one of the company present at the discussion, struck
in and demanded that the question should be more thoroughly sifted, and that ...
To the Philadelphians
... Jesus Christ does not cultivate it since the Father did not plant it. [247]
Not that I found schism among you"rather had you been sifted. ...
Jesus as a Friend.
... He did not save Peter from being sifted; it was necessary that his apostle should
pass through the terrible experience, even though he should fail in it and ...
Quiet Talks on Service
... Paul's Prison Psalm. He Touched Her Hand. Gideon's Band: Sifted for Service.
(1 Corinthians i:18-31; Judges vi and vii.). God Wants the Best. ...
Christian Morals. Part ii.
... Severus. Capital truths are to be narrowly eyed; collateral lapses and
circumstantial deliveries not to be too strictly sifted. ...
Sources of the Pentateuch.
... faith to what the rabbins said about the origin of this book, and this is not
altogether surprising; but in these days when testimony is sifted by criticism we ...
Introduction.
... Text lies in its being logically deducible and to be deduced from all the varied
evidence which the case supplies, when it has been sifted, proved, passed ...
Thesaurus
Sifted (2 Occurrences)...Sifted (2 Occurrences). Luke 22:31 "Simon, Simon, I tell you that Satan has obtained
permission to have all of you to sift as wheat is
sifted. (WEY).
...Sift (5 Occurrences)
... Amos 9:9 "For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among
all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will ...
Kernel (4 Occurrences)
... Amos 9:9 "For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among
all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will ...
Obtained (61 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 22:31 "Simon, Simon, I tell you that Satan has obtained permission
to have all of you to sift as wheat is sifted. (WEY). ...
Flock (242 Occurrences)
... 7. (sing. / pl.) Very fine, sifted, woolen refuse, especially that from shearing
the nap of cloths, used as a coating for wall paper to give it a velvety or ...
Millstone (9 Occurrences)
... placed underneath the mill. To make the flour fine it is reground and
sifted. Larger stones 4 ft. to 5 ft. in diameter, working ...
Pebble (2 Occurrences)
... Amos 9:9 "For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among
all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will ...
Permission (23 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 22:31 "Simon, Simon, I tell you that Satan has obtained permission
to have all of you to sift as wheat is sifted. (WEY NAS). ...
Sifter (2 Occurrences)
Sieve (2 Occurrences)
... Amos 9:9 "For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among
all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will ...
Resources
What is the Masoretic Text? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Satan have to get God's permission before he can attack us? | GotQuestions.orgIs giving a child a Christian education important? | GotQuestions.orgSifted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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