Adventistische Schriften über: "Is fat in the Bible symbolically associated with a sinful life, luxury, and carelessness toward one's neighbor (cf. Amos 5, Ezekiel 34, and Sodom)?"

In biblical symbolism, “fat” is often equated with wealth, luxury, and power, but it can also describe the spiritual condition of hardness of heart and sinfulness. Regarding Sodom, it becomes clear that abundance and carelessness led to pride and neglect of the poor, which brought about God’s judgment. In the sanctuary service, the fat also symbolized sin, which had to be separated from the individual and destroyed in fire.

The Meaning of Fat as Wealth

»FAT means wealth. In Jeremiah 5:28 the expression “they have become fat” is explained by the Targum as: they have become rich. And in Psalm 22:30 the “the fat ones on earth” are the rich, the noble, and the powerful.«

1 - Signs of the Times [J.V. Himes], The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 1 (HST August 21, 1844, page 22.21)

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Fat in the Sacrificial Service as a Symbol of Sin

»If we remember that the fat represented sin, we see that it was an appropriate ceremony. ... He saw in it only ash as the final end of all those who would not separate themselves from sin; for if sin was a part of themselves, then when the sin was burned, they would be burned with it.«

2 - Stephen Nelson Haskell, The Cross and its Shadow (CIS 126.2)

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Sodom’s Sin: Excess and Indifference Toward the Poor

»The prophet Ezekiel lists the causes that led to Sodom’s sin and destruction: “Pride, abundance of bread and carefree ease were among her and her daughters, but the hand of the needy and poor did not strengthen her.” All who wish to escape the fate of Sodom must avoid the path that brought God’s judgments upon that godless city.«

3 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 232.3)

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The Corruption Through Luxury and Selfishness

»How many pleasure‑seekers spend thousands to please themselves ... while the world is full of need and poverty. The prophet describes their course as: “... they have become fat, they shine; indeed, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; they do not bring the cause of the orphan to victory so that they may succeed, and they do not uphold the rights of the needy.”«

4 - Ellen Gould White, Bible Echo and Signs of the Times (BEcho January 8, 1894, par. 5)

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