Examples of Simile in Sinners in The Hands of an Angry God

Imagine being held in the hands of an enraged deity, with no hope of escape or redemption. This is the terrifying scenario depicted in Jonathan Edwards' sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Through the use of vivid language, Edwards employs various literary devices to emphasize the severity of God's wrath and the dire consequences of sin. One such device is the simile, which allows for a deeper understanding of the unimaginable suffering awaiting sinners. By examining the similes used in this sermon, we can gain insight into Edwards' rhetoric and explore the powerful impact of figurative language in religious texts.

One of the central themes in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is the overwhelming wrath of God. Edwards compares this wrath to a raging fire, stating, "The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given" (Edwards 7). This simile not only conveys the intensity of God's anger but also the inevitability of its release. Just as water builds up behind a dam until it bursts forth with unstoppable force, so too does God's wrath accumulate until it is unleashed upon sinners. This comparison evokes a sense of impending doom and emphasizes the urgency of repentance.

Another striking simile in Edwards' sermon likens sinners to insects held over a fire. He states, "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked" (Edwards 8). This comparison serves to dehumanize sinners, reducing them to insignificant creatures at the mercy of a vengeful God. By likening sinners to spiders or insects, Edwards underscores their powerlessness and emphasizes the vast difference in power between God and humanity. This simile reinforces the idea that sinners are entirely at God's whim and underscores the need for repentance and salvation.

In addition to highlighting God's wrath, Edwards uses similes to emphasize the foolishness of sinners who believe they can escape divine judgment. He compares sinners to a person walking on a rotten bridge, stating, "There is nothing that keeps wicked men, at any one moment, out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God. By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty" (Edwards 8). This simile illustrates the precariousness of sinners' situation, as they are constantly at risk of falling into the depths of hell. Just as a person walking on a rotten bridge is one step away from disaster, so too are sinners one step away from eternal damnation. This comparison serves as a warning to the congregation to not underestimate the severity of their sin and the consequences it entails.

Edwards also employs similes to emphasize the fleeting nature of life and the uncertainty of salvation. He states, "The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given" (Edwards 7). This simile likens life to a dam holding back a torrent of water. Just as the dam may break at any moment, unleashing the destructive force of the water, so too can sinners face the sudden wrath of God. This comparison serves as a reminder of the temporality of life and the urgency of seeking salvation before it is too late.

In "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards utilizes similes to vividly depict the severity of God's wrath and the dire consequences awaiting sinners. By comparing God's anger to raging waters, sinners to insects, and life to a fragile dam, Edwards effectively communicates the urgency of repentance and the need for salvation. These similes not only serve to engage the reader but also to convey complex theological concepts in a relatable and understandable manner. The use of figurative language in religious texts allows for a deeper emotional and intellectual connection with the audience, making the message more impactful. Through the analysis of these similes, we can gain insight into Edwards' rhetoric and examine the power of figurative language in shaping religious discourse.