In the context of the Bible, the term "incites" refers to the act of stirring up, provoking, or urging someone to take a particular action, often with a negative connotation. This concept is significant in understanding the dynamics of temptation, rebellion, and the influence of both divine and malevolent forces throughout the biblical narrative.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable instances of incitement in the Old Testament is found in the account of King David. In 1 Chronicles 21:1, it is recorded, "Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." This act of incitement led David to conduct a census that was displeasing to God, resulting in severe consequences for Israel. This passage highlights the role of Satan as an adversary who seeks to lead God's people astray by inciting actions contrary to God's will.

In another instance, the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses' leadership is an example of incitement within the community of Israel. Numbers 16:1-3 describes how these men "rose up before Moses" and gathered others to challenge the authority given by God. Their incitement led to a significant rebellion, which was ultimately judged by God.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, incitement is often associated with the actions of religious leaders and others who opposed Jesus and the early Christian movement. In Acts 13:50, it is noted, "But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region." Here, incitement is used as a tool to oppose the spread of the Gospel and to persecute its messengers.

Another example is found in Acts 14:2, where it is written, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." This incitement led to division and hostility, demonstrating how incitement can be used to create discord and hinder the work of God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of incitement in the Bible underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the influence of both divine and demonic forces in the world. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and vigilance among believers to resist being led astray by false teachings or sinful desires. James 1:14-15 provides insight into the process of temptation and sin, stating, "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible warns against being an agent of incitement to sin or rebellion. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes" and "a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Believers are called to promote peace, unity, and righteousness, avoiding actions or words that might incite others to sin.

In summary, the concept of incitement in the Bible is multifaceted, involving the actions of both spiritual and human agents. It serves as a cautionary theme, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to be wary of influences that seek to lead them away from God's truth and righteousness.654. apostrepho -- to turn away, turn back
... Word Origin from apo and strepho Definition to turn away, turn back NASB Word Usage
incites...to rebellion (1), put...back (1), remove (1), turn away (4 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/654.htm - 8k

We must Guard Also against a visible Enemy when He Incites us by ...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter V. We must guard also
against a visible enemy when he incites us by silence? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v we must guard.htm

Translation from the Greek.
... 1. Since in the preaching of the Church there is included the doctrine respecting
a just judgment of God, which, when believed to be true, incites those who ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translation from the greek.htm

Whether Synderesis is a Special Power of the Soul Distinct from ...
... But "synderesis" and sensuality seem to be opposed to one another because "synderesis"
always incites to good; while sensuality always incites to evil: whence ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether synderesis is a special.htm

Whether the Desire of Glory is a Sin?
... Objection 2: Further, that which incites a mar to do good is apparently not a sin.
Now the desire of glory incites men to do good. For Tully says (De Tusc. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the desire of glory.htm

Whether one Angel Speaks to Another?
... Therefore one angel does not speak to another. Objection 3: Further, the
speaker incites the hearer to listen to what he says. But ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one angel speaks to.htm

Editor's Preface
... It incites him to labor for God's dear Son with the happy earnestness of those who
are entirely, as well as freely, forgiven; whose reward is his approving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/editors preface.htm

Of Patience Generally; and Tertullian's Own Unworthiness to Treat ...
... of wisdom. Grand testimony this is to it, in that it incites even the vain
schools of the world [9018] unto praise and glory! Or ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter i of patience generally and.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... dear progeny;" [977] and God the Father seeks His creature, and heals his transgression,
and pursues the serpent, and recovers the young one, and incites it to ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm

The Voices of the Dead
... little. So is there an impersonal presence of such an one; and, though far
away, he converses with us, teaches and incites us. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/the voices of the dead.htm

The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society ...
... its ever-increasing armament and its millions of brutalized men, ready, like chained
dogs, to attack anyone against whom their master incites them, would be ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xi the christian conception.htm

Incites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Incites (1 Occurrence). Luke 23:14 and said to
them, "You brought this man to me as one that perverts the ...
/i/incites.htm - 6k

Incited (10 Occurrences)

/i/incited.htm - 9k

Instigator (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who incites or provokes misbehavior.
Multi-Version Concordance Instigator (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/i/instigator.htm - 6k

Inciting (2 Occurrences)

/i/inciting.htm - 7k

Incentive (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) That which induces action, motivation; as a work incentive; that which incites,
or has a tendency to incite, to determination or action; that which ...
/i/incentive.htm - 7k

Enticement (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) That which entices, or incites to evil; means of allurement; alluring
object; as, an enticement to sin. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/e/enticement.htm - 6k

Motive (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which incites to action; anything prompting or exciting to choice,
or moving the will; cause; reason; inducement; object. ...
/m/motive.htm - 8k

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