Topical Encyclopedia The term "wicked" in the context of the Israelites refers to those among God's chosen people who turned away from His commandments and engaged in sinful behavior. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are depicted as a people who, despite being recipients of God's covenant and blessings, frequently fell into patterns of disobedience and rebellion against God.Rebellion and Idolatry One of the most prominent examples of wickedness among the Israelites is their repeated turn to idolatry. Despite the clear commandment in Exodus 20:3-4, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol," the Israelites often worshiped foreign gods. In Judges 2:11-12, it is recorded, "And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt." This pattern of idolatry was a recurring issue, leading to divine judgment and oppression by surrounding nations. Moral Corruption and Social Injustice The prophets frequently condemned the Israelites for their moral corruption and social injustices. In Isaiah 1:4, the prophet laments, "Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of depravity! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him." The wickedness of the Israelites was not only in their idolatry but also in their failure to uphold justice and righteousness, as seen in Amos 5:12, "For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous, taking bribes and depriving the poor of justice at the gates." Consequences of Wickedness The wickedness of the Israelites often led to severe consequences, including exile and destruction. In 2 Kings 17:18-20, it is stated, "So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, and even Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God but followed the statutes Israel had introduced." The Northern Kingdom of Israel was ultimately conquered by the Assyrians, and later, the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced exile to Babylon due to their persistent wickedness. Call to Repentance Despite their wickedness, God continually called the Israelites to repentance. Through the prophets, God urged His people to return to Him and forsake their evil ways. In Ezekiel 18:30-31, the call is clear: "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the offenses you have committed, and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit." The narrative of the Israelites' wickedness serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the enduring call to repentance and faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 10:27But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 12:16-19 Library How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ... That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... The Antiquities of the Jews How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ... Of the Perturbations of the Soul which Appear as Right Affections ... Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Concerning the Wickedness of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; his Defeat ... How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Resources What does it mean that our citizenship is in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is natural law? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about paying taxes? | GotQuestions.org Citizens: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Citizens: Loyal: David's Soldiers Citizens: Wicked and Treasonable Citizens: Wicked: Bigthan and Teresh Citizens: Wicked: Hadad and Jeroboam Citizens: Wicked: Jozachar and Jozabad Citizens: Wicked: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Citizens: Wicked: Miriam and Aaron Citizens: Wicked: Sons of Sennacherib Citizens: Wicked: Theudas and Four-Hundred Seditious Persons Related Terms Fellow-citizens (1 Occurrence) |
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