The Bible presents numerous instances where saints, those set apart for God's purposes, express deep sorrow and grief over the disobedience of others. This grief is not merely an emotional response but a reflection of their alignment with God's holiness and righteousness. The saints' lamentations over disobedience underscore the seriousness of sin and the impact it has on the relationship between humanity and God.

Moses' Grief Over Israel's Disobedience

Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel, frequently experienced grief over the disobedience of the Israelites. One notable instance is when the Israelites crafted and worshiped the golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. Upon descending and witnessing their idolatry, Moses' anger burned hot, and he shattered the tablets of the covenant (Exodus 32:19). His subsequent intercession for the people reveals his deep sorrow and concern for their spiritual state: "But now, please forgive their sin. But if not, then blot me out of the book You have written" (Exodus 32:32).

Samuel's Mourning for Saul

The prophet Samuel grieved over King Saul's disobedience to God's commands. When Saul failed to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as instructed, God rejected him as king. Samuel was deeply troubled by this turn of events: "Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night" (1 Samuel 15:11). Samuel's mourning for Saul continued even after God's decision was made, demonstrating his sorrow over Saul's failure to uphold God's commands (1 Samuel 15:35).

David's Lament for Absalom

King David's grief over the rebellion and death of his son Absalom is another poignant example. Despite Absalom's betrayal and attempt to usurp the throne, David's heart was broken by his son's demise. His lament is recorded in 2 Samuel 18:33: "The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he walked, he cried out, 'O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!'" . David's sorrow reflects the pain of a father witnessing the consequences of disobedience and rebellion.

Jeremiah's Weeping for Judah

The prophet Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," is renowned for his lamentations over the disobedience and impending judgment of Judah. His writings in the Book of Lamentations capture the depth of his sorrow: "My eyes fail from weeping, my soul is in torment. My heart is poured out on the ground because of the destruction of my people" (Lamentations 2:11). Jeremiah's grief is a testament to his compassion and his alignment with God's heart for His people.

Paul's Sorrow for Israel

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expresses profound grief over the spiritual state of his fellow Israelites. In Romans 9:2-3, he writes, "I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood" . Paul's lament highlights his deep love for his people and his desire for their salvation, despite their rejection of the Messiah.

Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem

Jesus Himself expressed sorrow over the disobedience and spiritual blindness of Jerusalem. In Matthew 23:37, He laments, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling" . Jesus' lament reveals His compassion and the pain of witnessing the people's rejection of God's offer of salvation.

These examples illustrate that the grief of the saints over disobedience is a reflection of their deep connection with God's heart and their desire for His will to be fulfilled on earth. Their sorrow serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands.Psalm 119:158
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... God in duties, what there is in those Scriptures, in that ... the sinful folly of many
of the saints, who drench ... O, then, grieve not thy guide, quench not thy life ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xii directions how to.htm

The Second Commandment
... Stephen, and St. Luke; they canonise dead saints, but persecute living saints; and
do they love God ... 2) Make the Scriptures familiar to ... 3) When we grieve that we ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... inspiration of and care for preservation of Scriptures, [2983]407 ... abstain from, out
of respect to men, [3113]516 ... the world, [3259]386, [3260]403; saints in life ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... I grieve to see that others are In glory, life, and ... if thou lovest inward sanctity,
As all the saints do most ... be they That must be saved, as the Scriptures say ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... for those vehement inclinations that are in man, to all manner of looseness, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh: that must not be understood here; men are not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... a ms called "The Book of the Five Men," being an ... 19] , he read the lives of the saints
and imitated ... He afterwards set himself to study the Scriptures (no doubt ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... Besides, other scriptures also confirm this truth ... James 2:20) That is, men void of ...
the text, that as in God's house there are golden and silver saints, so there ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The Doctrine
... ye, ye believers, ye converted persons, ye saints, ye that ... say, however it be by
the laws of men where they ... even the right Jesus; "for the Scriptures cannot be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

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