Topical Bible: Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left

◄ Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of decision-making is often portrayed as a path that requires steadfastness and unwavering commitment to God's commandments. The imagery of not turning "to the right or to the left" is frequently used to emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to the path of righteousness and divine instruction.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 5:32-33 : "So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left. You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." This passage underscores the necessity of obedience to God's commands as a means of ensuring prosperity and longevity in the Promised Land. The directive to avoid deviation symbolizes a commitment to God's will.

2. Joshua 1:7 : "Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go." Here, God instructs Joshua to maintain a resolute focus on the law given through Moses. The success of Joshua's leadership and the prosperity of the Israelites are contingent upon this unwavering adherence.

3. Proverbs 4:25-27 : "Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil." The wisdom literature of Proverbs advises a disciplined focus on the path of righteousness, warning against distractions that lead to moral and spiritual deviation.

Theological Implications:

The biblical exhortation to avoid turning to the right or left is a metaphor for spiritual fidelity and moral integrity. It reflects the belief that true wisdom and blessing come from a life aligned with God's will. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God's commandments are not merely rules but a guide to a life that is pleasing to Him and beneficial to the believer.

Practical Application:

For believers, the call to not turn aside is a reminder of the importance of discernment and commitment in decision-making. It encourages Christians to seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, ensuring that their choices reflect His will. This principle is applicable in various aspects of life, including personal conduct, relationships, and community involvement.

Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the admonition to remain on the straight path was particularly relevant as the nation faced the temptation to adopt the practices and beliefs of surrounding cultures. The call to steadfastness served as a safeguard against idolatry and moral compromise, reinforcing the identity and distinctiveness of God's people.

Symbolism and Imagery:

The imagery of a straight path is a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing clarity, purpose, and divine direction. It contrasts with the crooked paths of wickedness and folly, which lead to destruction. This symbolism is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus describes the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

In summary, the biblical theme of decision-making, characterized by the refusal to turn to the right or left, is a call to unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. It serves as a guiding principle for believers seeking to live a life that honors God and reflects His righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 5:32
You shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God has commanded you: you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Women of the Frankish Church
... He was brought to the point of decision when, in ... Then, turning again to the king,
'What!' she cried ... of the Lombard king, whom Pope Stephen so bitterly opposed. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

The Faculty of Faith.
... after the Scripture, are in principle diametrically opposed. ... stood squarely upon
its shaft, turning with equal ... up as witnesses or make some important decision. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxviii the faculty of faith.htm

Jew and Gentile
... this false doctrine with promptness and opposed the introduction ... brethren with the
fact that, in turning to God ... prepared to accept willingly the decision of the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 19 jew and gentile.htm

The External History of the Pelagian Controversy.
... There could be no appeal from the civil decision, and it ... a leader in the cause he
had opposed, not only ... grace, but asserted that men began their turning to God ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/ii the external history of.htm

Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... Even here the decision is not wholly in favour of the ... Instead of turning Judah from
her sins, they were the ... To all these he opposed the Word of the Living God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 prophets and prophets xxiii.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... widow once told the writer of the turning point in ... He has reserved the decision,
where we should rejoice to ... Christ Jesus," in a spirit entirely opposed to this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

The Chronology
... the length of Jesus' ministry was not opposed to the ... The decision of the question
is not of vital importance ... the date of the spring equinox, the turning of the ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the chronology.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... hold fast to the exact truth, turning neither to ... daughter against all opinions that
opposed the grace ... Pelagius' answers and the synod's decision, showing that ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... We have now come to a turning point in ... the cities of Pisidia Paul was persecuted
and opposed. ... This decision was instrumental in determining that Christianity ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Take Ye Away the Stone.
... He is the God." That was the nation turning back to ... come at all, they must come to
a decision about it ... the ministers found that his Church was opposed to his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter i take ye away.htm