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SHEOL

The term Sheol is used in the OT to denote the underworld, i.e., the abode of the dead. In some instances, the word it may simply refer to death or the grave (cf. Genesis 37:35; 42:38; 44:29, 31; 1 Kings 2:6, 9). Conceived of as situated in the depths of the earth, Sheol is a place of physical death in contrast to the vitality of life on earth with all of its brightness and activity (cf. Job 10:21-22). Both the righteous and the wicked went to Sheol, although there is some indication of a distinction in their condition there (cf. Deuteronomy 32:22; Isaiah 57:1-2; Luke 16:23). Moreover, the righteous looked for ultimate deliverance from Sheol (e.g., Psalms 49:15; 73:24). (See also HADES).

location of

• Psalms 63:9; 86:13; Job 11:8; Psalms 139:8; Isaiah 14:9; Amos 9:2

place of all dead

• Genesis 25:8; 35:29; 49:33; 2 Samuel 12:23; 1 Kings 2:10; Job 21:13; 24:19; Psalms 9:17; 31:17; 49:14; 89:48

righteous redeemed from

• Psalms 16:10; 49:15; 86:13; Proverbs 15:24; Hosea 13:14

characteristics of:

♦ darkness:

• Job 10:21-22; 38:17

♦ limited activity (compared to earthly life):

• Ecclesiastes 9:10; Isaiah 38:10-20

♦ no praise of God from there:

• Psalms 6:5; 88:10-12; 115:17; Isaiah 38:18

♦ weakness:

• Isaiah 14:9-10

♦ silence:

• Psalms 94:17; 115:17

♦ a place of rest for the righteous:

• Job 14:13; Isaiah 57:1-2

♦ a place of God's wrath on the wicked:

• Deuteronomy 32:22

♦ God sovereign over

• 1 Samuel 2:6; Deuteronomy 32:22; Job 14:13; 26:6; Psalms 139:8; Proverbs 15:11

metaphorical uses:

♦ greed:

• Proverbs 27:20; 30:16; Habakkuk 2:5

♦ murder:

• Proverbs 1:12

♦ jealousy:

• Son 8:6

♦ troubles of life:

• Psalms 88:3

♦ grave situations:

• 2 Samuel 22:6; Psalms 18:5; 30:3; Jonah 2:2

♦ death:

• Isaiah 28:15, 18

This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.

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