Topical Encyclopedia Definition and ContextReprobacy, in a biblical context, refers to the state of being rejected by God due to persistent sin and disobedience. This concept is often associated with individuals or groups who have turned away from God's commandments and have been given over to a depraved mind. In the case of Israel, reprobacy is a theme that emerges throughout the Old Testament, highlighting periods when the nation strayed from its covenant relationship with God. Biblical Instances 1. The Wilderness Generation: One of the earliest examples of reprobacy in Israel is seen in the generation that wandered in the wilderness after the Exodus. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, this generation repeatedly disobeyed and tested God. As a result, they were denied entry into the Promised Land. Hebrews 3:16-19 reflects on this, stating, "For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?" 2. The Period of the Judges: The Book of Judges chronicles a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel repeatedly turned to idolatry and wickedness, prompting God to allow foreign nations to oppress them. Judges 2:11-12 notes, "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." 3. The Divided Kingdom: After the reign of Solomon, Israel split into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The northern kingdom, in particular, is noted for its persistent idolatry and rejection of God's prophets. 2 Kings 17:13-15 records, "Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, 'Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to all the law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.' But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God." 4. The Exile: The ultimate consequence of Israel's reprobacy was the Babylonian exile. Despite numerous warnings from prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the people continued in their rebellion. Jeremiah 25:4-7 states, "And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. They said, 'Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil deeds, and you can dwell in the land the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.' Yet you have not listened to Me, declares the LORD, so that you have provoked Me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm." Theological Implications The concept of reprobacy in Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry. It underscores the seriousness with which God views covenant faithfulness and the dangers of turning away from His commandments. The history of Israel's reprobacy is not only a narrative of judgment but also a call to repentance and a return to God. Throughout the Scriptures, God remains faithful to His promises, always extending the possibility of redemption and restoration to those who turn back to Him. Prophetic Hope Despite the theme of reprobacy, the prophets also spoke of a future hope for Israel. Passages like Ezekiel 36:24-28 promise a time of renewal and restoration: "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all the countries, and bring you back into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This prophetic vision points to God's enduring commitment to His people and His ultimate plan for their redemption. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 14:26-45And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 1:42,43 Library Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. Resources Questions about Theology (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sensuality? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about second chances? | GotQuestions.org Reprobate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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