Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in the biblical context, refers to the act of taking liberties or assuming a position or action without divine sanction or guidance. Among the Israelites, presumption often manifested as a failure to heed God's commands or a misguided confidence in their own strength and wisdom, leading to dire consequences.One of the most notable instances of presumption among the Israelites is found in the aftermath of the report from the twelve spies sent to Canaan. In Numbers 13 and 14, the Israelites, upon hearing the discouraging report from ten of the spies, rebelled against God's command to take possession of the land. Despite Caleb and Joshua's encouragement to trust in the Lord's promise, the people refused. As a result, God decreed that the current generation would not enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:30). In a subsequent act of presumption, the Israelites attempted to enter Canaan without God's blessing. Numbers 14:44-45 recounts, "But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the covenant of the LORD moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in the hill country came down and attacked them, beating them down all the way to Hormah." This episode illustrates the futility and danger of acting presumptuously, without divine approval. Another example is found in the account of Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, presumed to challenge the God-ordained leadership of Moses and Aaron. They questioned why Moses and Aaron set themselves above the assembly, claiming that the entire community was holy. This presumption led to their downfall, as God demonstrated His chosen leadership by causing the earth to swallow the rebels (Numbers 16:31-33). The Israelites' presumption is further highlighted in Deuteronomy 1:41-43 , where they confessed their sin of unbelief and decided to go up and fight as God had originally commanded, despite Moses' warning that the Lord was not with them. Their presumption led to a defeat at the hands of the Amorites. Throughout their history, the Israelites' presumptuous actions often stemmed from a lack of faith and trust in God's promises and commands. This tendency serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reliance on divine guidance rather than human understanding or initiative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 14:44But they presumed to go up to the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "In the Spirit and Power of Elias" Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ. Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief. The Poison and the Antidote Recognitions of Clement. An Unalterable Law On the First Commandment The Well-Spring of Salvation Ezekiel xiii. 22 General Index 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) |
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