In "No Country for Old Men," Cormac McCarthy explores themes of violence, morality, and the silence of a seemingly indifferent universe. The quote about God purging the land with salt and ash suggests a grim judgment or cleansing process, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by the characters in the novel. This imagery evokes a sense of desolation and loss, reflecting both the physical landscape and the moral decay surrounding the characters' lives.

Additionally, the idea of God living in silence speaks to the existential struggles faced by individuals in a chaotic world. It highlights the characters' search for meaning and justice in an environment where moral certainties have eroded. McCarthy's narrative invites readers to contemplate the implications of divine absence and the turmoil of human experience in the face of such silence.