Topical Bible: The Jews: National Character of Covetous

◄ The Jews: National Character of Covetous ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of covetousness, or an inordinate desire for wealth or possessions, is addressed throughout the Bible and is often associated with moral and spiritual decline. In examining the national character of the Jews in relation to covetousness, it is essential to consider the historical and scriptural context provided in the Bible.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous instances where the Israelites, as a nation, struggled with covetousness. The Tenth Commandment explicitly warns against coveting: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the importance of contentment and trust in God's provision.

Throughout their history, the Israelites often fell into the sin of covetousness, leading to idolatry and disobedience. In the wilderness, the Israelites grumbled about their lack of variety in food, expressing a desire for the luxuries of Egypt (Numbers 11:4-6). This dissatisfaction with God's provision is a form of covetousness, revealing a lack of faith and gratitude.

The prophet Micah condemned the leaders of Israel for their greed and exploitation: "They covet fields and seize them; they take houses and deprive others of them. They defraud a man of his home and a fellow man of his inheritance" (Micah 2:2). This behavior was symptomatic of a broader societal issue where covetousness led to injustice and oppression.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of covetousness directly. In Luke 12:15, He warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" . This teaching highlights the spiritual danger of covetousness, emphasizing that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the issue, particularly in his letters to the early Christian communities. In Romans 7:7, Paul reflects on the law's role in revealing sin, stating, "I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet'" . This acknowledgment underscores the pervasive nature of covetousness and its recognition as sin through the law.

Paul further admonishes believers in Colossians 3:5 to "put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" . Here, covetousness is equated with idolatry, indicating its potential to replace God in one's heart.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

The Jewish people, throughout their history, have been subject to various cultural and economic pressures that may have influenced perceptions of covetousness. Living under foreign rule and facing economic hardships, the temptation to covet wealth and security was a constant challenge. The prophets and leaders continually called the nation back to a reliance on God and a rejection of materialism.

The Jewish tradition, with its emphasis on the law and the prophets, consistently sought to address the issue of covetousness by promoting values of justice, charity, and contentment. The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, often contrasts the fleeting nature of wealth with the enduring value of righteousness and wisdom (Proverbs 11:28).

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents covetousness as a recurring challenge for the Jewish nation, reflecting a broader human struggle with material desires. The scriptures consistently call for a heart aligned with God's will, marked by contentment and trust in His provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 6:13
For from the least of them even to the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest every one deals falsely.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 33:31
And they come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 2:2
And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... The inherent weakness of his character left him in ... no one throughout the Empire dared
to molest the Jews. ... Synagogues, and such participation in national joy or ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

The Persecutions of the Apostolic Church, and Its Condition at the ...
... and spiritual religion was inflamed by national pride combined ... Cyrene," [173:6] for
if Jews from that ... and spiritual changes of a very extraordinary character. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter xi the persecutions of.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... decide concerning the interpretation of their national law, and ... The Jews who heard
the voice of Moses and ... sinners of the most worthless character, are "washed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

The Three Parables of Warning: to the Individual, to the Nation ...
... erroneous interpretation which the Jews were giving ... events, that, unless speedy national
repentance followed ... before explained) its utterly hopeless character. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi the three parables.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... of Jud??a, the taxing, and the national rising, as ... seeming ignorance of her Son's
true character: the necessary ... Among the Jews the contempt for manual labour ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... a Jew of high family traditions and personal character. ... life, and only after these
the national worship centred ... him down with them, but all the Jews which were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

Church Abuses.
... were clearly right in doing, the Jews' Naturalisation Bill ... What, then, was the character
of the amusements of ... Drunkenness was then, as now, a national vice, but ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Abraham, rich but not covetous: entertaining angels, [470]349 ... Jews in distress could
not listen, [1387]346 ... Job, his character shewn by affliction, [1394]338 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Bible
... the intent, desire and innermost character of God ... passing through her travail pains
of national birth, Daniel ... the Gentiles, who despise the Jews, should receive ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... of Grace, [705]184; and of Glory, [706]ib.; the time of, ordered by Christ Himself,
not the Jews, [707]190 ... Dedication, great national Feast of the, [740]222. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm