Topical Bible: The Jews: National Character of Prone to Backsliding

◄ The Jews: National Character of Prone to Backsliding ►

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The concept of backsliding, particularly in relation to the Jewish people, is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. This notion refers to the tendency to fall away from faithfulness to God, often resulting in a return to previous sinful behaviors or idolatry. The Bible provides numerous accounts and warnings concerning this propensity, highlighting both the spiritual struggles and the enduring covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish nation.

Historical Context and Biblical Instances

The history of Israel is marked by cycles of faithfulness and apostasy. After the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites frequently struggled with maintaining their devotion to God. In the wilderness, they often expressed doubt and disobedience, as seen in their worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6). This incident exemplifies the early signs of backsliding, where impatience and lack of faith led to idolatry.

The period of the Judges further illustrates this pattern. Judges 2:11-13 states, "And 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. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them." This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a hallmark of the era, demonstrating the recurring nature of backsliding.

During the monarchy, despite the establishment of a centralized kingdom under David and Solomon, the nation continued to struggle with faithfulness. Solomon's later years were marked by idolatry, influenced by his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:4-6). The divided kingdom that followed saw both Israel and Judah frequently turning away from God, leading to prophetic warnings and eventual exile.

Prophetic Warnings and Calls to Repentance

The prophets played a crucial role in addressing the issue of backsliding. They were sent by God to call the people to repentance and to warn of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," lamented the spiritual state of Judah. In Jeremiah 3:6-8 , the LORD says, "Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there. And I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return."

Hosea's ministry also focused on the theme of backsliding, using the metaphor of an unfaithful spouse to describe Israel's relationship with God. Hosea 11:7 poignantly states, "My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to Him on high, He will not exalt them at all."

Covenantal Relationship and Divine Faithfulness

Despite the recurring theme of backsliding, the Bible consistently emphasizes God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The Jewish nation's propensity to stray is met with divine patience and a call to return. In Malachi 3:7 , God invites His people, "Return to Me, and I will return to you."

The New Testament continues this narrative, with Jesus Christ addressing the spiritual leaders of His time and calling the Jewish people to repentance and faith. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11, speaks of a remnant chosen by grace, affirming that God's promises to Israel remain steadfast.

Throughout Scripture, the national character of the Jews as prone to backsliding serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine grace. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the ever-present opportunity for repentance and restoration in the relationship between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 2:11-13
Has a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 8:5
Why then is this people of Jerusalem slid back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Education of the World.
... time than any other; and the national life of ... it is unquestionable that in Babylon
the Jews first attained ... the character long after the character would appear ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

The Preface
... a dishonourable light, by giving them a character that even ... own or of other churches,
yea and national churches also ... but true) saying of the Jews, "That great ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... omission of the scripture references; and with errors of so serious a character
as if ... is also a pretence of holiness, which he knew they were prone unto; "Ye ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... lad; and when he states his sad character, it is ... them not to rest content in any
national religion, but ... think his own religion rightest, both Jews and Moors ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm