Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in a biblical context, refers to an overstepping of bounds, often characterized by arrogance and a lack of reverence for God. It is a trait frequently associated with the wicked, who act with undue confidence in their own abilities and judgments, often disregarding divine authority and wisdom.Biblical Instances and Descriptions 1. Defiance Against God: Presumption is often seen in the actions of those who defy God’s commands and act according to their own desires. In Deuteronomy 17:12-13, the law warns against presumptuous behavior, stating, "The man who acts presumptuously by not listening to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, that man must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. Then all the people will hear and be afraid, and will no longer behave arrogantly." 2. False Prophets: Presumption is a hallmark of false prophets who claim to speak for God without His command. Jeremiah 23:21-22 highlights this, "I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied." 3. Self-Reliance and Pride: The wicked often exhibit presumption through self-reliance and pride, believing they can succeed without God. Proverbs 21:24 describes such individuals: "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocking are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." 4. Ignoring God’s Warnings: Presumption leads the wicked to ignore God’s warnings and continue in sin. Psalm 19:13 pleads for protection against such behavior: "Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression." 5. Rebellion and Disobedience: The Israelites’ rebellion in the wilderness is a classic example of presumption. Numbers 14:44-45 recounts their decision to go up to the hill country despite God’s warning, resulting in their defeat: "But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses departed from the camp. Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, attacked them, and beat them down all the way to Hormah." Consequences of Presumption The Bible consistently portrays presumption as leading to downfall and destruction. It is a sin that blinds individuals to their need for God’s guidance and mercy. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The presumptuous, in their arrogance, often find themselves opposed by God, as James 4:6 states, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Contrast with Humility In contrast to presumption, the Bible extols humility and submission to God’s will. The humble recognize their dependence on God and seek His guidance in all things. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this ideal: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Presumption, as a characteristic of the wicked, stands in stark opposition to the biblical call for humility and reverence before God. It is a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and the dangers of relying solely on human wisdom and strength. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm. Presumptuous Sins Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ... The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Tares. The Seventh Book Ananias and Sapphira. The Exile --Continued. The Crucifixion. Preliminary Definition of the Subject Resources What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus Yahweh? Is Jesus Jehovah? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |