Topical Bible: Slander: Enemies of the Jews

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Slander, as depicted in the Bible, is a malicious act of spreading false statements with the intent to harm someone's reputation. This sin is condemned throughout Scripture and is often associated with the enemies of God's people, particularly the Jews. The Bible provides numerous accounts where slander is used as a weapon against the Jewish people, highlighting the spiritual and communal challenges they faced.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, slander is frequently mentioned as a tool used by adversaries to undermine the Israelites. One notable instance is found in the book of Nehemiah. As Nehemiah sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. These adversaries attempted to intimidate and discredit Nehemiah through slanderous accusations. Nehemiah 6:6-7 records a letter sent by Sanballat, falsely claiming that Nehemiah intended to rebel against the king and proclaim himself king in Judah. This slander was designed to incite fear and halt the rebuilding efforts.

Another example is found in the account of Esther, where Haman, an enemy of the Jews, slandered them before King Xerxes. In Esther 3:8 , Haman described the Jews as a people whose customs were different from those of other nations and who did not obey the king's laws. His slanderous words led to a decree for the destruction of the Jewish people, showcasing the deadly potential of slander when wielded by those in power.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, slander continues to be a significant issue for the Jewish people, particularly the early Christians who were often of Jewish descent. Jesus Himself warned against the dangers of slander, emphasizing its destructive nature. In Matthew 5:11 , Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." This statement acknowledges the reality of slander faced by His followers and offers encouragement in the face of such trials.

The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue of slander in his letters. In Romans 3:8 , Paul refutes false accusations made against him and other believers, stating, "Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, 'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is deserved." Here, Paul highlights the unjust nature of slander and its potential to distort the truth of the Gospel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, slander is not merely a social or ethical issue but a spiritual one. It is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature of humanity, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with God's truth and righteousness. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse underscores the connection between slander and inner moral corruption.

For the Jewish people, slander has historically been a tool of persecution, often used to justify discrimination and violence against them. The biblical narrative reveals that despite the slander and opposition they faced, God's covenant with Israel remained steadfast. The endurance of the Jewish people through slander and adversity serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, the Bible calls believers to refrain from slander and to speak truthfully. Ephesians 4:31 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This directive is part of the broader Christian ethic of love and integrity, urging believers to reflect the character of Christ in their speech and actions.

The biblical treatment of slander, particularly against the Jews, serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility of God's people to uphold truth and justice. Through the examples provided in Scripture, believers are encouraged to resist the temptation to slander and to stand firm in the face of false accusations, trusting in God's ultimate vindication.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 4:7-16
And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pontius Pilate
... could it enter into the minds of His enemies among the ... informed that Jesus claims
to be the king of the Jews. ... Is the charge but a piece of malicious slander? ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/pontius pilate.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... mischief to our neighbour, whom even Jews were commanded ... minds of those who have
given ear to slander. ... in opinion, but even towards declared enemies of truth ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... instruments of injustice, the most desperate enemies of all ... 9. Another kind of slander
is, imputing to our ... he that troubleth Israel?" The Jews by provocation ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Introductory Note to the Epistle of Barnabas
... The Maccab??an spirit of the Jews never burned more furiously than after ... speakers,
which laid even the apostle open to the slander of enemies (2 Corinthians ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /introductory note to the epistle.htm

The Armour of God
... that Cyrus was about to send the Jews home to ... to treat all men, not as their enemies,
not as ... the truly fiery darts of misrepresentation, slander, scorn, or ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

John Chapter viii. 31-36
... Jews, in a large measure indeed His enemies, but also ... 2. In short, the Jews also
so understood and "answered Him ... It is not lawful, you might slander Him before ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xli john chapter viii.htm

The World Turned Upside Down
... We believe that what these Jews said of the Apostles, was ... in a court of law against
any slander, he just ... Our enemies cannot hurt us, unless we hurt ourselves. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm

Endurance of the World's Censure.
... Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, by the Jews, as St. ... meek and gentle under
ill-usage, cheerful under slander, forgiving towards enemies, and silent ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon x endurance of the.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... wrote was above suspicion even in the opinion of enemies. ... were envious of Him and
tried to slander Him, although ... And not only did the Jews thus oppose Him, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Psalm CIX.
... 4917] and other passages of the like purport: so Judas doth represent those Jews
who were enemies of Christ ... "This is the work of them that slander me before ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm