Ingratitude, the failure to acknowledge or appreciate the kindness and benefits received from others, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This lack of thankfulness is often directed towards benefactors, those who have provided help, support, or blessings. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of such ingratitude, serving as cautionary tales and moral lessons for believers.

Biblical Examples of Ingratitude to Benefactors:

1. The Israelites in the Wilderness:
The Israelites frequently exhibited ingratitude towards God, their ultimate benefactor, during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing miraculous signs and receiving divine provision, they often complained and rebelled. 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, when we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this wilderness to starve this whole assembly to death."

2. The Healing of the Ten Lepers:
In the New Testament, Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one returned to express gratitude. This account, found in Luke 17:15-18 , highlights the rarity of thankfulness: "One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, glorifying God in a loud voice. He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan. 'Were not all ten cleansed?' Jesus asked. 'Where then are the other nine? Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?'"

3. The Unforgiving Servant:
In the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Jesus illustrates the ingratitude of a servant who, after being forgiven a massive debt by his master, refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. This parable underscores the expectation of gratitude and mercy towards others, reflecting the mercy received from God.

4. The People of Israel and the Prophets:
Throughout the Old Testament, the people of Israel often showed ingratitude towards the prophets sent by God to guide and correct them. In 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 , it is recorded, "Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy."

Theological Implications:

Ingratitude towards benefactors, especially towards God, is seen as a serious moral failing in the Bible. It reflects a heart that is hardened and unappreciative of the grace and mercy extended by God and others. The Scriptures encourage believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). The failure to do so not only dishonors the benefactor but also deprives the ungrateful person of the joy and peace that come from a thankful heart.Psalm 109:5
And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 9:15
Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The National Preacher.
... Spirit of prophecy announced this impious ingratitude, long before ... How often do men
express sentiments of the most ... religion is sure to be exhibited in places ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

Acts iv. 1
... after such a specimen of oratory as had been exhibited! ... What I have said often, I
say also now; let ... now had put the finishing stroke to their ingratitude." Comp ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x acts iv 1.htm

Of Civil Government.
... that as the best form, until he exhibited an image ... which, not without cause, is so
often set before ... previously subdued the Medes, while the ingratitude of the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

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