Topical Bible: The Jews: National Character of Pride of Descent

◄ The Jews: National Character of Pride of Descent ►

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The Jewish people, as depicted in the Bible, possess a distinct national character marked by a profound pride in their descent. This pride is deeply rooted in their identity as the chosen people of God, a status that is both a privilege and a responsibility. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into this aspect of Jewish identity, highlighting both its positive and negative implications.

Chosen People and Covenant Relationship

The foundation of Jewish pride in their descent is their unique covenant relationship with God. This covenant began with Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation, to whom God promised, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). This promise established a lineage that would carry the blessings and responsibilities of God's chosen people.

The covenant was reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, and later with the entire nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. In Deuteronomy 7:6, Moses reminds the Israelites, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth" . This divine selection fostered a sense of pride and distinctiveness among the Jewish people.

Pride and the Law

The giving of the Law through Moses further solidified the Jews' national identity. The Law was not only a set of rules but a testament to their special relationship with God. In Romans 2:17-18, the Apostle Paul acknowledges this pride: "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law" . The Jews took pride in their knowledge of God's will and their role as custodians of His commandments.

Challenges of Pride

While pride in their descent and covenant relationship was a source of strength, it also posed challenges. The prophets frequently warned against the dangers of misplaced pride and self-righteousness. In Amos 3:2, God declares, "You alone have I known from all the clans of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities" . The privilege of being chosen came with the expectation of obedience and humility.

Jesus addressed the issue of pride in descent during His ministry. In John 8:39, the Jews claimed, "Abraham is our father," to which Jesus responded, "If you were children of Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham" . Here, Jesus emphasized that true descent is not merely a matter of lineage but of living in accordance with God's will.

Apostolic Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the theme of Jewish pride in descent. Paul, himself a Jew, speaks to this in Romans 9:4-5, acknowledging the privileges of the Jewish people: "Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen" . Paul recognizes the honor of their heritage while also pointing to the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.

In Philippians 3:4-5, Paul reflects on his own heritage, stating, "If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee" . Yet, he ultimately considers all these advantages as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

Conclusion

The national character of pride in descent among the Jews is a multifaceted theme in the Bible. It underscores their unique role in God's redemptive plan while also serving as a caution against the pitfalls of self-reliance and arrogance. The biblical narrative calls for a balance between recognizing the honor of their heritage and embracing the humility and obedience that true faith requires.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 13:9
Thus said the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 8:33,41
They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how say you, You shall be made free?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of ...
... in the first place, in a felt national want on ... Great), and the exceptional favour
which the Jews for a ... in general give to the version the character of Jewish ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the jewish dispersion.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... the Synagogues, and such participation in national joy or ... the religious scruples
of the Jews, Pilate set ... God to man, would be his character; and triumphantly ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness
... had developed strength and decision of character, and through ... of Elijah he denounced
the national corruption, and ... The Jews regarded their natural descent from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm

To the Disciples - Two Events and their Moral.
... As good Jews, they would probably think that the fall of ... Messianic tendency (in the
shape of a national rising), nor ... seek to trace what is the character of its ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii to the disciples.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... first shown, by a reference to the national manners, that ... Apostles." At the same
time, the character of the ... were the sentiments with which the Jews beheld the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.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

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... out some of the strongest qualities of the Hebrew character. ... consecration, the dauntless
faith of the Jews of this ... and the cause of this lofty national purpose ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... the ancient world, and buried its national characteristics ... Everything was in character -
the city, its inhabitants ... obvious reasons often filled by Jews, was that ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

The Historical Books.
... were written, after the return of the Jews from the ... From the general character of
style and diction which ... the law and renewal of the national covenant, wrote ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... to go into Egypt with the fugitive Jews (chaps.42 ... unfold the connection between national
profligacy and national ruin. ... up to the world, in the character and fate ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm