Topical Bible: The Jews: Despised by the Nations

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Throughout history, the Jewish people have often found themselves marginalized and despised by various nations. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in both historical events and biblical narratives. The Bible provides numerous accounts and prophecies that highlight the challenges faced by the Jews, as well as the reasons behind their persecution.

Biblical Context

The animosity towards the Jews can be traced back to the early biblical narratives. In Genesis, God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2-3). This divine favor, however, often set the Israelites apart, leading to jealousy and hostility from surrounding nations.

The enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt is one of the earliest examples of this enmity. Exodus 1:8-10 describes how a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, viewed the growing number of Israelites as a threat and subjected them to harsh slavery. This pattern of fear and oppression continued throughout the Israelites' history.

Prophetic Warnings and Fulfillment

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently warned of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, which included being despised and scattered among the nations. In Deuteronomy 28:37 , Moses warns the Israelites that if they turn away from God, they will become "an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you."

The Babylonian exile is a significant fulfillment of these warnings. The destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent captivity of the Jews in Babylon were seen as divine judgment for their unfaithfulness. Psalm 137 poignantly captures the sorrow and longing of the exiled Jews, who were mocked by their captors.

Post-Exilic Period and Beyond

Even after the return from exile, the Jews continued to face hostility. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah recount the opposition they encountered while rebuilding Jerusalem. Nehemiah 4:1-3 describes how Sanballat and Tobiah mocked and ridiculed the Jews' efforts to restore their city.

In the intertestamental period, the rise of Hellenistic culture further marginalized the Jewish people. The Maccabean Revolt was a direct response to the forced assimilation and persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, as detailed in the books of the Maccabees.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament also reflects the tension between Jews and other nations. In the Gospels, Jesus Himself acknowledges the animosity towards the Jews, as seen in John 15:18-19 , where He tells His disciples, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first."

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, addresses the challenges faced by Jewish Christians who were often caught between their Jewish heritage and the Gentile world. Romans 11:28-29 speaks to the complex relationship between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing God's enduring covenant with Israel despite their current rejection of the Gospel.

Historical Continuation

The pattern of Jewish persecution continued into the early Christian era and beyond. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD by the Romans marked another significant period of suffering and dispersion for the Jewish people. Throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times, Jews have frequently been scapegoated and subjected to pogroms, expulsions, and systemic discrimination.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the persistent enmity towards the Jews is often seen as a manifestation of spiritual warfare. The Jewish people, as the chosen people of God, have been at the center of God's redemptive plan, which has made them a target for opposition. Despite the trials and tribulations, the Bible affirms God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, as seen in Jeremiah 31:35-37 , where God promises that Israel will never cease to be a nation before Him.

The enduring presence and resilience of the Jewish people serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine purposes throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 36:3
Therefore prophesy and say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that you might be a possession to the residue of the heathen, and you are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How, Upon Antiochus's Prohibition to the Jews to Make Use of the ...
... Country Mattathias, The Son Of Asamoneus, Alone Despised The King ... to Modin, that
they might compel the Jews to do ... and that if all the other nations would obey ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how upon antiochuss.htm

How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ...
... Gentiles are who are converted to Christ than the Jews. ... it, He set the bounds of
the nations according to ... been called by God through the despised and shameful ...
/.../chapter cxxxi how much more faithful.htm

Psalm XLVII.
... Not yet was it said to the sons of Korah, "O clap your hands, all ye nations." For
that ... For even Christ seen, the Jews despised; unseen, the Gentiles adored. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvii.htm

The Jews violate the Eternal Law, and Interpret Ill that of Moses.
... Chapter XII."The Jews violate the eternal law, and interpret ... for a witness to the
people: nations which know ... 1971] This same law you have despised, and His ...
/.../chapter xii the jews violate the.htm

It is Evident That, by the Preceding Remarks, Celsus Charges the ...
... venerable and distinguished polity of the Jews, when it ... present method of worship
among other nations, there are ... portion of God" that they despised all kinds ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlii it is evident.htm

[Greek: En Toyto Nika]
... the Romans, that they might conquer them, and all the nations upon earth ... He was despised
and rejected ... so he opened not his mouth.' Then said the Jews" This is ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiv greek en toyto.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast ...
... was the meanness, [2686] which the Jews despised; there the dearness, [2687] by
which the Jews were delivered. ... to speak with the tongues of all nations. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxx on the words.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. ... which could be interpreted to
exalt themselves, and to show how God despised all other nations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 39, "Ye Search the Scriptures ...
... repentance and remission of sins should be preached throughout all nations." [3886]
Wherefore ... Compare yourselves with the Jews: they despised Him hanging ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxix on the words.htm

The Second Part.
... institutions, as to have lost the form of Jews; but hath ... dread: and that He whom
on earth they despised, in heaven is adored by all nations, they wonder ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part 2.htm