Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of sin is often intertwined with the justifications and rationalizations that individuals use to excuse their transgressions. One such rationalization is the plea of necessity, where the wicked argue that their sinful actions are justified by circumstances or needs.Biblical Instances and Themes 1. Saul's Disobedience: A prominent example of pleading necessity is found in the actions of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul offers a burnt offering in the absence of the prophet Samuel, fearing the Philistine threat and the scattering of his troops. Saul justifies his disobedience by claiming necessity due to the pressing military situation. Samuel rebukes him, stating, "You have acted foolishly," and emphasizes that obedience to God's command is paramount (1 Samuel 13:13). 2. Aaron and the Golden Calf: In Exodus 32, Aaron succumbs to the pressure of the Israelites and creates a golden calf for worship. When confronted by Moses, Aaron attempts to justify his actions by blaming the people's demands and the necessity to appease them. This incident highlights how the plea of necessity can lead to idolatry and grave sin. 3. The Israelites' Complaints: Throughout their wilderness journey, the Israelites frequently plead necessity to justify their complaints and lack of faith. In Numbers 11, they lament their lack of meat, expressing a desire to return to Egypt. Their plea for sustenance leads to rebellion against God's provision, demonstrating how necessity can be used to rationalize disobedience. 4. David's Deception: In 1 Samuel 21, David, fleeing from Saul, deceives Ahimelech the priest by claiming he is on a secret mission from the king. David's plea of necessity for food and protection results in the tragic death of the priests at Nob. This narrative illustrates the potential consequences of using necessity as a justification for deceit. Theological Reflections The plea of necessity is a recurring theme in Scripture, often used by individuals to justify actions that deviate from God's commands. This rationalization reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and sovereignty. The Bible consistently teaches that faithfulness and obedience to God should not be compromised, even in challenging circumstances. The wicked's plea of necessity is ultimately a reflection of a heart that prioritizes immediate needs or desires over divine instruction. Scriptural Warnings The Bible warns against the deceitfulness of sin and the danger of self-justification. Proverbs 14:12 states, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This verse underscores the peril of relying on human reasoning to justify sinful actions. The plea of necessity is a manifestation of this flawed reasoning, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness. Conclusion The biblical accounts of individuals pleading necessity for their sins serve as cautionary tales. They remind believers of the importance of unwavering obedience to God, regardless of circumstances. The Scriptures call for a heart that trusts in God's provision and guidance, rejecting the temptation to justify sin through perceived necessity. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 13:11,12And Samuel said, What have you done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you came not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Holy Spirit Convincing the World of Sin, Righteousness, and ... Allegation 2 "We Teach that God Ordained Men to Hell-Fire, and ... The Wages of Sin The Necessity of Actual Grace Sin is Spiritual Slavery Concerning Perfection. Blessed are they that Mourn Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ... Recapitulation of Former Exhortations. ... Resources Questions about Sin (All) | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to hate my own sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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