Topical Encyclopedia Throughout biblical history, the relationship between Gentiles and Jews has been marked by tension, hostility, and animosity. This enmity is evident in various scriptural accounts, where Gentile nations often exhibited hatred and disdain towards the Jewish people. The roots of this animosity can be traced back to cultural, religious, and political differences, as well as the unique covenantal relationship between the Jews and God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often surrounded by Gentile nations that were hostile towards them. The Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites, among others, frequently opposed Israel. This hostility was not merely political but also spiritual, as these nations worshiped other gods and often sought to lead Israel astray from their covenant with Yahweh. One notable example is found in the book of Esther, where Haman, an Agagite, sought to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. Esther 3:5-6 states, "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the idea of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all the Jews, Mordecai’s people, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the animosity between Jews and Gentiles continued, often exacerbated by the Roman occupation of Judea. The Roman Empire, representing the Gentile world, imposed heavy taxes and strict control over the Jewish people, leading to resentment and uprisings. The Jewish historian Josephus records several instances of Roman brutality against the Jews, which fueled further hatred. The Apostle Paul, a Jew himself, experienced firsthand the hostility of Gentiles towards Jews. In Acts 21:28 , Paul is accused by the Jews of bringing Greeks into the temple, which led to a violent reaction: "Crying out, 'Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.'" Cultural and Religious Tensions The cultural and religious differences between Jews and Gentiles were significant sources of tension. The Jews were monotheistic, adhering strictly to the worship of Yahweh and the observance of the Mosaic Law, which set them apart from the polytheistic practices of surrounding Gentile nations. This distinctiveness often led to suspicion and hostility. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself encountered the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Gentiles. In John 4:9 , when Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman, she expresses surprise: "The Samaritan woman said to Him, 'How is it that You, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?' (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)" Prophetic and Eschatological Perspectives Despite the historical animosity, the Bible also contains prophetic visions of reconciliation and unity between Jews and Gentiles. The prophets foretold a time when Gentiles would come to worship the God of Israel. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a future where "all nations will stream to" the mountain of the Lord, seeking His ways and His law. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the mystery of the Gospel, where Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual blessings of Israel. Ephesians 2:14 declares, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." The historical enmity between Gentiles and Jews serves as a backdrop to the unfolding redemptive plan of God, where ultimately, through Christ, the barriers of hatred and division are broken down, paving the way for a new covenant community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 9:1,5Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 44:13,14 Psalm 123:3 Library How the Gospels came to be Written Salvation to the Jews Barriers Broken Down Pilate It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... "The Fullness of the Time" "Almost Thou Persuadest Me" The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews. The Civil Trial Judaism. Resources What are the times of the Gentiles? | GotQuestions.orgWhen did the separation of humanity into Jews and Gentiles occur? | GotQuestions.org Did Jesus come only for the Jews and not the Gentiles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gentiles: Blasphemous and Reproachful Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcised Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcision Gentiles: Christ Given As a Light To Gentiles: Comprehend all Nations Except the Jews Gentiles: Constant to Their False Gods Gentiles: Conversion of, Predicted Gentiles: Counsel of, Brought to Nought Gentiles: Excluded from Israel's Privileges Gentiles: First General Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: First Special Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: Given to Christ As his Inheritance Gentiles: Hated and Despised the Jews Gentiles: Israel Rejected Till the Fulness of Gentiles: Jerusalem Trodden Down By Gentiles: Not Allowed to Enter the Temple Gentiles: Often Ravaged and Defiled the Holy Land and Sanctuary Gentiles: Outer Court of Temple For Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Gentiles: Refusing to Know God Gentiles: The Gospel not to be Preached To, Till Preached to the Jews Gentiles: The Jews: Despised, As If Dogs Gentiles: The Jews: Dispersed Amongst Gentiles: The Jews: Never Associated With Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Follow the Ways of Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Intermarry With Gentiles: The Jews: Often Corrupted By Gentiles: The Jews: Permitted to Have, As Servants Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Gentiles: United With the Jews Against Christ Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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