Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for possessions or wealth, is a theme addressed throughout the Bible, particularly in the context of the Jewish people. The concept is deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of the Old Testament, where it is frequently associated with idolatry and moral decay.Old Testament Context The prohibition against covetousness is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments, which form the cornerstone of Jewish law. Exodus 20:17 declares, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This commandment underscores the importance of contentment and respect for others' property, emphasizing that covetousness is not merely a private sin but one that disrupts community harmony. In Deuteronomy 5:21 , the commandment is reiterated with a similar emphasis, highlighting its significance in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Jewish people were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God, and covetousness was seen as a threat to this calling, leading individuals away from reliance on God and towards materialism. Historical Examples Throughout the history of Israel, instances of covetousness are recorded as cautionary tales. A notable example is the account of Achan in Joshua 7. Achan's covetousness led him to take forbidden items from Jericho, resulting in Israel's defeat at Ai and severe consequences for him and his family. This narrative illustrates the communal impact of individual sin and the seriousness with which God views covetousness. Another example is King Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21. Ahab's covetousness, spurred on by Jezebel, led to false accusations and the murder of Naboth. This incident highlights the destructive power of covetousness, leading to injustice and the abuse of power. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses covetousness, often contrasting it with the virtues of wisdom and contentment. Proverbs 28:16 warns, "A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days." This proverb links covetousness with poor leadership and oppression, suggesting that a disdain for dishonest gain is essential for longevity and righteousness. Ecclesiastes 5:10 offers a philosophical reflection: "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile." This verse underscores the futility of covetousness, as it leads to an insatiable desire that can never be fulfilled. Prophetic Warnings The prophets frequently condemned covetousness as part of their broader critiques of social injustice and idolatry. Isaiah 57:17 states, "I was enraged by his sinful greed; so I struck him and hid My face in anger, yet he kept turning back to the desires of his heart." Here, covetousness is linked with divine judgment, as it represents a turning away from God. Jeremiah 6:13 laments, "For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit." This indictment of widespread covetousness among the people and their leaders highlights its pervasive and corrupting influence. New Testament Reflections While the New Testament primarily addresses the early Christian community, its teachings on covetousness often draw on Jewish ethical traditions. Jesus, in Luke 12:15 , warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This teaching echoes the Old Testament's emphasis on the dangers of covetousness and the call to find true life in God rather than material wealth. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7:7 , reflects on the role of the law in revealing sin, stating, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'" This acknowledgment of the law's role in identifying covetousness underscores its enduring relevance in understanding human sinfulness. In summary, covetousness is a significant theme in the biblical narrative concerning the Jewish people, serving as a warning against the dangers of materialism and a call to live in faithful reliance on God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 56:11Yes, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 6:13 Library The Decalogue: ii. --Man and Man The vineyard of the Lord Righteousness is not Placed in Jewish Rites but in the Conversion ... That those who are Snatched from the Jaws of the Devil, and ... Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... Typology The Rich Man and Lazarus. Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind Acts iv. 36, 37 The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel. Resources What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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