Topical Encyclopedia Ingratitude is a recurring theme in the history of Israel as depicted in the Bible. Despite the numerous blessings and deliverances provided by God, the Israelites frequently displayed a lack of thankfulness and appreciation for His providence and guidance. This ingratitude is often highlighted in the context of their relationship with God, who chose them as His people and delivered them from bondage.Deliverance from Egypt One of the most significant instances of ingratitude is seen in the aftermath of the Exodus from Egypt. God performed miraculous signs and wonders to free the Israelites from slavery, yet their response was often one of complaint and dissatisfaction. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, "If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, where we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death." The Wilderness Wanderings During their journey through the wilderness, the Israelites repeatedly expressed ingratitude for God's provision. Despite receiving manna from heaven, they longed for the food of Egypt, demonstrating a lack of appreciation for the sustenance God provided. Numbers 11:4-6 records their lament: "Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!" Rebellion and Idolatry Ingratitude also manifested in the form of rebellion and idolatry. When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, the Israelites constructed a golden calf and worshiped it, quickly forgetting the God who had delivered them. In Exodus 32:7-8 , the LORD said to Moses, "Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. How quickly they have turned aside from the way I commanded them!" The Promised Land Even after entering the Promised Land, the Israelites continued to show ingratitude. Judges 2:10-12 describes how a new generation arose that "did not know the LORD or the work that He had done for Israel." They forsook the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, turning away from the God who had given them the land. Prophetic Rebukes The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for their ingratitude and unfaithfulness. In Isaiah 1:2-3 , the LORD declares, "I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand." This highlights the depth of Israel's ingratitude, as even animals recognize their benefactors. Consequences of Ingratitude The ingratitude of Israel often led to severe consequences, including divine judgment and exile. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and faithfulness. The history of Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of ingratitude and the importance of remembering and appreciating God's blessings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 17:4And Moses cried to the LORD, saying, What shall I do to this people? they be almost ready to stone me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Vile Ingratitude! Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ... a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet A Spiritual Revival The Stupidity of Godlessness The King after Man's Heart A Kingdom's Epitaph Weighed, and Found Wanting Resources What does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.orgIs ISIS a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org Have any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org Ungrateful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ingratitude to God: A Characteristic of the Wicked Ingratitude to God: Exceeding Folly of Ingratitude to God: Illustrated Ingratitude to God: Inexcusable Ingratitude to God: Nebuchadnezzar Ingratitude to God: Prosperity Likely to Produce Ingratitude to God: Punishment of Ingratitude to God: Unreasonable Ingratitude to God: Warnings Against Ingratitude: A Characteristic of the Wicked Ingratitude: David's Companions to David Ingratitude: Israelites to Gideon Ingratitude: Israelites to Moses Ingratitude: Jeremiah's Enemies Ingratitude: Men of Keilah to David Ingratitude: Often Exhibited by Relations Ingratitude: Often Exhibited by Servants Ingratitude: Often Exhibited: To Benefactors Ingratitude: Often Exhibited: To Friends in Distress Ingratitude: Pharaoh's Butler to Joseph Ingratitude: Saints should Avoid the Guilt of Ingratitude: should be Met With: Faithfulness Ingratitude: should be Met With: Persevering Love Ingratitude: should be Met With: Prayers Related Terms |
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