In the context of the Bible, the concept of indictment can be understood as a formal accusation or charge of wrongdoing, often in a legal or moral sense. While the term "indictment" itself is not explicitly used in the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is present throughout Scripture, particularly in the context of God's judgment against individuals, nations, and even His own people, Israel.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of indictment through the prophetic literature, where prophets serve as God's messengers to bring charges against Israel and other nations for their sins and covenant violations. For instance, the prophet Isaiah presents a divine indictment against Israel for their rebellion and idolatry:

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: 'I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.'" (Isaiah 1:2)

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's charges against Judah, highlighting their unfaithfulness and the consequences of their actions:

"Therefore I will bring charges against you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring charges against your children’s children." (Jeremiah 2:9)

These prophetic indictments often serve as a call to repentance, urging the people to return to God and forsake their sinful ways.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of indictment is evident in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who often confront the religious leaders and the people with their spiritual failings. Jesus, for example, indicts the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy and legalism:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter." (Matthew 23:13)

The apostle Paul also addresses the idea of indictment in his epistles, particularly in the context of God's righteous judgment. In Romans, Paul explains that all humanity stands indicted before God due to sin:

"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God." (Romans 3:19)

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of indictment underscores the holiness and justice of God. It reveals the seriousness of sin and the necessity of accountability before a righteous Creator. The biblical narrative consistently points to the need for repentance and the hope of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, who bore the ultimate indictment for sin on behalf of humanity.

Practical Application

For believers, the biblical theme of indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of self-examination and repentance. It calls Christians to live in accordance with God's standards, recognizing the gravity of sin and the grace available through Christ. The awareness of divine indictment should lead to a life of humility, obedience, and a commitment to sharing the message of salvation with others.1. (n.) The act of indicting, or the state of being indicted.

2. (n.) The formal statement of an offense, as framed by the prosecuting authority of the State, and found by the grand jury.

3. (n.) An accusation in general; a formal accusation.

7379. rib -- strife, dispute
... 1), case (11), cause (9), complaint (2), contend (1), contention (1), contentions
(3), controversy (1), dispute (11), disputes (1), indictment (1), lawsuit (1 ...
/hebrew/7379.htm - 6k

5612. sepher -- a missive, document, writing, book
... missive, document, writing, book NASB Word Usage Book (47), book (79), books (2),
certificate (3), deed (6), deeds (3), illiterate* (1), indictment (1), letter ...
/hebrew/5612.htm - 6k

Whether an Accuser who Fails to Prove his Indictment is Bound to ...
... OF MATTERS CONCERNING UNJUST ACCUSATION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether an accuser who fails
to prove his indictment is bound to the punishment of retaliation? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an accuser who fails.htm

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
... First comes the great indictment (vs.2-4). A true prophet's words are of universal
application, even when they are most specially addressed to a particular ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great suit jehovah versus.htm

A Dialogue with God
... necked reply, 'Wherein shall we return?' (iii.7). In this sermon we may deal with
the first of these three cases, and consider, God's Indictment, and man's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dialogue with god.htm

God's Ways and Man's
... The former of them speaks of unlikeness and opposition, the latter of elevation
and superiority; the former of them is the basis of an indictment and an ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/gods ways and mans.htm

Here Followeth a Discourse Between My Wife and the Judges, with ...
... My lord, said she, he is kept unlawfully in prison; they clapped him up before there
was any proclamation against the meetings; the indictment also is false. ...
/.../grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here followeth a discourse between.htm

Mene, Tekel, Peres
... before. We have to deal with the indictment, the sentence, and the execution.
I. The indictment. Daniel's tone is noticeably stern. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/mene tekel peres.htm

The Lord that Healeth Thee'
... cry 'Unclean!' I do not want to exaggerate, and sure I am that if men will be honest
with themselves there is a voice that responds to the indictment when I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the lord that healeth thee.htm

The Fall of Judah
... Look at the piled-up clauses of the long indictment of Judah in verses 12 to 16. ...
But the points brought out in this indictment are instructive. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the fall of judah.htm

The Carnal Mind Enmity against God
... "The carnal mind is enmity against God""Romans 8:7. This is a very solemn indictment
which the Apostle Paul here prefers against the carnal mind. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the carnal mind enmity against.htm

The Life of Mr. James Guthrie.
... at present, and yet Mr. Guthrie's declining the king's authority in matters
ecclesiastical here, was made the principal article in his indictment some ten ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 3.htm

Indictment (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Indictment (4 Occurrences). ... (behold, here is my signature,
let the Almighty answer me); let the accuser write my indictment! ...
/i/indictment.htm - 7k

Present (577 Occurrences)
... for consideration, as before a legislature, a court of judicature, a corporation,
etc.; as, to present a memorial, petition, remonstrance, or indictment. 18. ...
/p/present.htm - 38k

Information (14 Occurrences)
... It differs from an indictment in criminal cases chiefly in not being based on the
finding of a grand jury. See Indictment. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/i/information.htm - 11k

Oath (286 Occurrences)
... n.) An appeal (in verification of a statement made) to a superior sanction, in such
a form as exposes the party making the appeal to an indictment for perjury ...
/o/oath.htm - 47k

Lay (524 Occurrences)
... 24. (vt) To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a particular county; to
lay a scheme before one. 25. (vt) To state; to allege; as, to lay the venue. ...
/l/lay.htm - 41k

Indifferent (2 Occurrences)

/i/indifferent.htm - 7k

Indicted (1 Occurrence)

/i/indicted.htm - 6k

Find (1784 Occurrences)
... 9. (vt) To arrive at, as a conclusion; to determine as true; to establish; as, to
find a verdict; to find a true bill (of indictment) against an accused person ...
/f/find.htm - 8k

Traverse (5 Occurrences)
... To traverse an indictment or an office is to deny it. 21. (vi) To use the posture
or motions of opposition or counteraction, as in fencing. 22. ...
/t/traverse.htm - 10k

Plea (35 Occurrences)
... barred. In criminal practice, the plea is the defendant's formal answer
to the indictment or information presented against him. ...
/p/plea.htm - 16k

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