Topical Bible: Gentiles: Often Ravaged and Defiled the Holy Land and Sanctuary

◄ Gentiles: Often Ravaged and Defiled the Holy Land and Sanctuary ►

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The term "Gentiles" in the Bible generally refers to nations or peoples who are not of Israelite descent. Throughout biblical history, the Gentiles have played a significant role in the narrative of the Israelites, often as adversaries who invaded, ravaged, and defiled the Holy Land and its sacred spaces. This entry explores the instances and implications of such actions as recorded in the Scriptures.

Historical Context and Biblical Accounts

The Holy Land, promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was often under threat from surrounding Gentile nations. These nations, driven by political, economic, or religious motives, frequently sought to conquer and dominate the land of Israel. The Bible records numerous instances where Gentile forces invaded and desecrated the land and its holy sites.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Gentile aggression is found in the Book of Judges, where various Canaanite tribes oppressed the Israelites. The Philistines, a prominent Gentile group, are frequently mentioned as adversaries. In Judges 10:6-7 , it is noted, "Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines. Thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him. So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites."

The Assyrian and Babylonian empires are notable for their invasions and destruction of the land. The Assyrians, under King Sennacherib, invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19. The Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, are infamous for the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC. 2 Kings 25:9 states, "He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building."

Desecration of the Sanctuary

The defilement of the sanctuary, the sacred space where the Israelites worshiped Yahweh, is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. The Gentiles' desecration of these holy sites was not only a physical assault but also a spiritual affront to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The Book of Daniel recounts the desecration of the Second Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Hellenistic Greek king of the Seleucid Empire. Daniel 11:31 prophesies, "His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation."

The Roman Empire, another Gentile power, also played a significant role in the defilement of the Holy Land. The destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70 by Roman forces under Titus was a pivotal event in Jewish history. This act fulfilled Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:2 , "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

Theological Implications

The repeated invasions and desecrations by Gentile nations serve as a backdrop for understanding the Israelites' relationship with God. These events are often depicted as divine judgment for Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry. However, they also highlight God's sovereignty and the eventual hope of restoration and redemption.

The prophets frequently called the Israelites to repentance, warning them of the consequences of their disobedience. Yet, they also spoke of a future where the nations would acknowledge the God of Israel. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a time when "all nations will stream to" the mountain of the LORD, seeking His ways and His law.

In the New Testament, the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through faith in Jesus Christ marks a significant theological shift. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11:11-12 , speaks of salvation coming to the Gentiles to make Israel envious, indicating a divine purpose in the historical interactions between Israel and the Gentile nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 79:1
O God, the heathen are come into your inheritance; your holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 1:10
The adversary has spread out his hand on all her pleasant things: for she has seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom you did command that they should not enter into your congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook