Topical Encyclopedia Reproof, a term often associated with correction or rebuke, is a significant theme throughout the Bible, particularly in the context of the Israelites' relationship with God. The Israelites, chosen as God's people, were frequently subject to divine reproof due to their recurrent disobedience and idolatry. Despite the clear guidance and commandments provided by God, the Israelites often despised reproof, leading to various consequences.Biblical Instances of Reproof 1. Prophetic Reproof: The prophets of Israel were often the mouthpieces of God's reproof. For instance, in the book of Jeremiah, God repeatedly sends Jeremiah to reprove the Israelites for their idolatry and injustice. Jeremiah 5:3 states, "O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." 2. Reproof in the Wilderness: During the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, they frequently despised God's reproof. In Numbers 14, after the negative report from the spies, the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, showing contempt for God's promise. Numbers 14:11 records God's response: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?'" 3. Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of reproof, emphasizing the folly of despising it. Proverbs 1:23-25 warns, "If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. But since you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, since you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction." 4. Reproof and the Law: The Law given to Moses served as a constant source of reproof for the Israelites. Deuteronomy 8:5 reminds them, "So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you." Despite this, the Israelites often turned away from the Law, despising the reproof it represented. Consequences of Despising Reproof The Israelites' disdain for reproof often led to severe consequences, including exile and suffering. Their refusal to heed God's correction resulted in the Babylonian exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. This period of exile served as a profound lesson in the importance of accepting divine reproof. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the Israelites' despising of reproof highlights the human tendency to resist correction and the importance of humility and repentance. God's reproof is portrayed as an expression of His love and desire for His people to return to righteousness. Hebrews 12:5-6 echoes this sentiment: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" In summary, the theme of reproof, particularly as despised by the Israelites, serves as a cautionary tale and a call to embrace divine correction with a humble heart. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 14:9,10Only rebel not you against the LORD, neither fear you the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 26:11 Library The Prophet Micah. Second Sunday Before Lent The History of Saul The Duty of Searching the Scriptures The Uproar in Ephesus. That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... Divine Sovereignty Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Resources What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? | GotQuestions.org What is doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give Reproof: Leads to Understanding Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices Reproof: On Account of Unbelief Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked Reproof: when from God is for Correction Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints Related Terms |
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