Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in a biblical context, refers to an overstepping of bounds, often characterized by an arrogant or disrespectful attitude towards God and His commands. It is a form of pride that leads individuals to act without divine sanction, often resulting in dire consequences. The Bible provides several examples of presumption, particularly in the context of opposing God.Nadab and Abihu One of the earliest and most striking examples of presumption is found in the actions of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. In Leviticus 10:1-2 , they offered "unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command." Their presumption in approaching God in a manner He had not prescribed resulted in their immediate death by divine fire. This incident underscores the seriousness of approaching God with irreverence and disobedience. Korah's Rebellion Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, exhibited presumption by challenging the God-ordained leadership of Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 16:3 , they accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the assembly of the LORD. Their rebellion was not merely against human leaders but against God's established order. The earth opened and swallowed them, demonstrating the severe consequences of presuming to oppose God's chosen servants and His divine will. King Saul King Saul's presumption is evident in 1 Samuel 13:8-14 , where he unlawfully offered a burnt offering in Samuel's absence. Saul's impatience and disregard for God's command through the prophet Samuel led to his rejection as king. This act of presumption highlighted Saul's lack of faith and obedience, ultimately costing him his dynasty. Uzziah's Incense Offering King Uzziah's presumption is recorded in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 . Uzziah, in his pride, entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved for the priests. Despite being confronted by the priests, Uzziah persisted, and as a result, he was struck with leprosy. His presumption in assuming a role not appointed to him by God led to his downfall and isolation. Peter's Rebuke of Jesus In the New Testament, Peter's presumption is seen when he rebukes Jesus for predicting His own suffering and death. In Matthew 16:22-23 , Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You!" Jesus responded sternly, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me." Peter's presumption in opposing God's redemptive plan, though well-intentioned, was a serious misstep. Warnings Against Presumption The Bible consistently warns against the sin of presumption. In Deuteronomy 18:20 , God warns that any prophet who presumes to speak a word in His name that He has not commanded shall die. Similarly, in Psalm 19:13 , David prays, "Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me." This plea highlights the need for humility and submission to God's will, avoiding the arrogance that leads to presumption. Presumption, particularly in opposing God, is a grave sin that reflects a heart of pride and rebellion. The biblical narrative provides these examples as cautionary tales, urging believers to approach God with reverence, obedience, and humility. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 15:25,26For he stretches out his hand against God, and strengthens himself against the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ... Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ... Acts XVII And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands ... Attributes of Love. The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. Atonement. The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered. section second. The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ... Resources Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |