Topical Bible: The Jews: Degenerated As They Increased in National Greatness

◄ The Jews: Degenerated As They Increased in National Greatness ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The history of the Jewish people, as chronicled in the Bible, presents a narrative of a nation chosen by God, blessed with His laws, and set apart for His purposes. However, as they increased in national greatness, there is a recurring theme of spiritual and moral degeneration. This entry explores the biblical account of this decline, highlighting key events and scriptural references.

1. The Period of the Judges

After the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the Israelites entered a period of cyclical sin and redemption during the time of the Judges. Despite being established in the Promised Land, they repeatedly turned away from God. Judges 2:10-12 states, "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation rose up who did not know the LORD or the works that He had done for Israel. So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt."

2. The United Monarchy

Under the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, Israel reached the zenith of its national power and territorial expansion. However, this period also saw significant moral and spiritual failings. Solomon, despite his wisdom, led the nation into idolatry. 1 Kings 11:4 records, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been."

3. The Divided Kingdom

Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom split into Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). Both kingdoms experienced periods of prosperity but also fell into deeper idolatry and immorality. The northern kingdom, in particular, was characterized by a succession of kings who "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 16:30). The prophets, such as Hosea and Amos, frequently condemned the social injustices and religious apostasy of the time.

4. The Exile and Return

The culmination of Israel's degeneration was the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of their persistent disobedience. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 states, "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, and there was no remedy."

After the exile, a remnant returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. However, the post-exilic community also struggled with issues of faithfulness, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets, rebuked the people for their half-hearted worship and moral laxity.

5. Lessons from History

The biblical narrative of the Jews' degeneration as they increased in national greatness serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of complacency and the seduction of prosperity. The prophets consistently called the people back to covenant faithfulness, emphasizing that true greatness is found in obedience to God and adherence to His commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 6:4
That lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves on their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the middle of the stall;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... cherished error, the majority, like the Jews in Christ's ... believed, and to live as
they had lived ... Therefore religion again degenerated into formalism; and errors ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... cherished error, the majority, like the Jews in Christ's ... believed and to live as
they had lived ... Therefore religion again degenerated into formalism; and errors ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... inveterate hatred and prejudice of the Jews, including his ... all the actions of Christ,
while they were fully ... His zeal never degenerated into passion or rashness ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the result was proportionate to their increased activity ... against the Philistines
for the disaster they had formerly ... or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... had always retained the memory of her past greatness. ... the boldest of them, announced
that they would observe ... gave their support to the national cause, but did ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm