Death and the Grave Personified
The Last Enemy
Personifications · 6 verses
Scripture personifies Death as a king, a horseman, and a defeated enemy. Death reigns from Adam to Moses. Death rides a pale horse in Revelation, with Hades following. Death has a sting—sin—and strength derived from the law. Yet Death is an enemy destined for destruction: 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.' Christ holds the keys of death and Hades. He abolished death through His appearing. Death is swallowed up in victory through resurrection. In the end, Death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire—the second death. The personification allows Scripture to portray Christ's victory dramatically: He entered Death's domain, spoiled his house, and emerged triumphant, leading captivity captive.
Scripture References
“Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”
“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”