Topical Encyclopedia Strife among the Israelites is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, reflecting both internal conflicts within the nation and external conflicts with surrounding peoples. This strife often arose from disobedience to God's commandments, leadership disputes, and interactions with neighboring nations.Internal Strife 1. Tribal Conflicts: The period of the Judges was marked by significant internal strife among the tribes of Israel. Judges 12:1-6 recounts the conflict between the Gileadites, led by Jephthah, and the Ephraimites, resulting in the death of many Ephraimites. This incident highlights the tribal tensions that plagued Israel during this time. 2. Rebellion Against Leadership: The Israelites frequently rebelled against divinely appointed leaders. In Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and authority. The earth swallowed the rebels as a divine judgment, demonstrating God's support for His chosen leaders. 3. Civil War: The division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign led to prolonged strife between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. 1 Kings 12 describes the initial split, with Jeroboam leading the northern tribes and Rehoboam ruling over Judah. This division resulted in ongoing conflict and weakened the nation. External Strife 1. Conquest and Settlement: The conquest of Canaan under Joshua involved significant strife as the Israelites battled various Canaanite tribes. Joshua 11:23 states, "So Joshua took the entire land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war." However, the incomplete conquest led to future conflicts with remaining Canaanite peoples. 2. Philistine Oppression: The Philistines were a constant source of strife for Israel during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy. The account of Samson in Judges 13-16 illustrates the ongoing conflict, as Samson's exploits against the Philistines were part of a larger struggle for dominance. 3. Assyrian and Babylonian Threats: The later history of Israel and Judah was marked by strife with powerful empires. The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom in 722 BC and the Babylonian exile of Judah in 586 BC were devastating events that resulted from both external aggression and internal unfaithfulness to God. Spiritual Strife 1. Idolatry and Apostasy: Spiritual strife was a significant issue for the Israelites, as they frequently turned to idolatry, provoking God's anger. The prophets repeatedly called the people back to faithfulness. For instance, Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) was a dramatic moment of spiritual strife, emphasizing the need for exclusive worship of Yahweh. 2. Covenant Unfaithfulness: The Israelites' strife with God often stemmed from their failure to uphold the covenant. The book of Hosea uses the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to describe Israel's spiritual adultery, highlighting the strife between God and His people due to their disobedience. Throughout their history, the Israelites experienced strife as a consequence of their actions and as a test of their faithfulness to God. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of obedience, unity, and reliance on God to overcome both internal and external conflicts. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 1:12How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? Nave's Topical Index Library The Lord Our Dwelling Place Recognitions of Clement. Third Sunday Before Lent The Chosen People Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. The Organization of the Apostolic Church. How to Split a Kingdom Weighed, and Found Wanting The Wilderness Is God in the Camp? Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
    |