Topical Bible: Anger: Sinful: Jews

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Anger, as a human emotion, is addressed extensively in the Bible, often highlighting its potential to lead to sin. Within the context of the Jewish people, the Scriptures provide numerous instances where anger led to sinful actions, reflecting the broader human struggle with this powerful emotion.

Instances of Sinful Anger Among the Jews:

1. Moses' Anger at Meribah:
One of the most notable instances of sinful anger among the Jews is seen in the life of Moses. Despite his close relationship with God, Moses allowed anger to lead him into sin. At Meribah, when the Israelites quarreled for water, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. However, in his frustration and anger with the people, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. This act of disobedience, driven by anger, resulted in severe consequences. God said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them" (Numbers 20:12).

2. The Israelites' Rebellion:
Throughout their wilderness journey, the Israelites frequently exhibited anger and rebellion against God and Moses. Their anger often manifested in grumbling and complaining, which God viewed as a rejection of His provision and leadership. In Numbers 14:11, the Lord said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" . This persistent anger and rebellion led to the judgment that the generation that left Egypt would not enter the Promised Land.

3. Korah's Rebellion:
Another example is the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who, in their anger and jealousy, challenged Moses' leadership. Their sinful anger led to a direct confrontation with God's chosen leader, resulting in their destruction. Numbers 16:32-33 records, "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned; the earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly" .

4. The Golden Calf Incident:
When Moses delayed coming down from Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded Aaron make them gods to lead them. In their anger and impatience, they fashioned a golden calf and worshiped it, committing idolatry. This act of sinful anger provoked God's wrath, and Moses interceded on their behalf. Exodus 32:9-10 states, "I have seen this people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. Now leave Me alone so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation" .

Biblical Teachings on Anger:

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of anger leading to sin. Proverbs 29:22 states, "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression" . The Jewish experience, as recorded in Scripture, serves as a cautionary tale of how unchecked anger can lead to rebellion against God and His commandments.

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further emphasize the importance of controlling anger. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold" . This instruction underscores the need for self-control and reconciliation, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that calls for righteousness and peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 4:28
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus Defends Healing a Withered Hand on the Sabbath.
... to do good, when one is able, is harmful and sinful. ... The Jews held it lawful to defend
themselves on the ... about on them ^c all, ^b with anger, being grieved at ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxix jesus defends healing a.htm

The Courage of the Saviour
... knew the danger; they said, "Master, the Jews of late ... He who to save us sinful men,
endured the cross ... His mouth, even then in His fiercest anger, the Scripture ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxv the courage of.htm

That it was Previously Foretold that they Would Neither Know the ...
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. ... Ah sinful nation, a people filled with
sins, a wicked seed ... have sent that Holy One of Israel into anger." [3829] In ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/3 that it was previously.htm

A Kingdom's Epitaph
... prophets' messages; and two kindlings of God's anger"one which ... which were needed
to keep the Jews from becoming ... make idolatry or any sin more sinful, and its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a kingdoms epitaph.htm

John Chapter viii. 31-36
... the devil about to come in the persons of the persecuting Jews;""behold," He ... stage
of liberty, then, is to be free from crimes [sinful conduct ... Does anger rise ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xli john chapter viii.htm

The Kingdom of Heaven
... injustice and unholiness which vexes even poor sinful man ... depends, whether we shall
live under God's anger, or live ... What the Jews did in the end thereof you may ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxx the kingdom of.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... to the devil, [34]ib.; of momentary anger, [35]128 ... Body, not sinful in itself, but
sins, when left to ... by being a curse, [113]ib.; united both Jews and Gentiles ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Psalm XC.
... which He has fixed a limit to the sinful life of ... in bodily shape, as He has not that
anger which is ... things for the Faith which the impiety of Jews and Gentiles ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xc.htm

The Likeness of God
... our Lord, accused and blamed the Jews because they ... mocks and deceives poor miserable
sinful man, instead ... not mean real actual love,"God's anger, actual anger ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ii the likeness of.htm

The Third Commandment
... When the heathen saw the Jews, who professed to be God's people ... it is against sin:
but to sin in anger, to speak ... true, yet, if it be a rash oath, it is sinful. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm