God loves righteousness and justice by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/045-GodLovesRight.html

God loves righteousness and justice

“For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD” (Psalm 33:4, 5).

Righteousness is the trait of being upright and consistently doing what is good. Job, for example, “was blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1).

Justice is the enforcement of moral and legal standards and the administration of appropriate discipline or retribution for violations. Discipline strives to improve behavior. Retribution satisfies the just requirement for a fair and adequate penalty.

“The LORD loves justice” (Psalm 37:28).

Love has attendant hate.

“Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:15). “You who love the LORD, hate evil!” (Psalm 97:10).

Of the Messiah it is said: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Psalm 45:6, 7). [Compare with Hebrews 1:9.]

God hates all workers of iniquity.

“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man” (Psalm 5:4-6).

Evil must be punished.

“The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness” (Psalm 11:5-7).

Because God loves righteousness, His soul hates the wicked. Because He loves justice, He will rain fire on evildoers.

Of course the wicked think this punishment is excessive. In their wickedness, they think evil is not that bad. But evil causes immeasurable harm. Because of this harm, a loving God is obligated to punish evil.

Vengeance and recompense belong to God.

God says, “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Because God created man with the ability to choose evil or good, evil must be tolerated temporarily. But God will set all things right on judgment day, and there is partial punishment of evil now, both by direct intervention and by governmental justice.

At Christ's return, the wicked will be punished, “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

Governments administer God's wrath, “For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:4).

Christians leave vengeance to God: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head'” (Romans 12:19, 20).

Because Christians are citizens of a heavenly kingdom (John 18:36; Philippians 3:20) they do not fight or avenge themselves, but defer to the wrath of God. They are ministers, not of wrath, but of reconciliation, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

The wrath of God arises from His love.

God's wrath results from His love for righteousness, for justice and for His children.

Parents understand this. What would your reaction be to someone who molested your child? Absolute indignation, and rightly so.

God's wrath is always earned.

God has destroyed exceedingly wicked people.

Because of His love for righteousness, God limits evil on earth.

God has used catastrophes, such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, to administer justice.

First, however, we must discuss a question that applies to all catastrophes. What about the innocent children who died in the flood? God loved them and they will be with Him in heaven, just like the innocent children who died in the tsunami of 2004. Of little children Jesus said, “In heaven their angels always see the face of My Father” (Matthew 18:10) and “Of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Also safe in the arms of God will be the millions of babies murdered by their mothers through abortion.

The history of the world shows that God is extremely patient with sinners, but the antediluvians were intolerably wicked! “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

There were exceptions. Enoch “walked with God” (Genesis 5:22) and warned of God's judgment: “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him” (Jude 14, 15).

In Noah's time he and his family were the only ones on earth who served the Lord! God “did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5).

Those who perished were evildoers by choice. God also gave them a final chance to repent. By the Spirit, Christ preached to those who were disobedient “when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared” (1 Peter 3:18-20).

During the 100 years it took to build the ark, the wicked had a chance to repent. When a man spent 100 years building a huge boat on dry land people certainly heard about it and also about his reason for doing so. But they refused to repent.

When God warned the Ninevites that their city would be destroyed, they repented “and He did not do it” (Jonah 3:10).

God uses governments to keep evil in check.

“If you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:4).

Under the Old Testament, God's people had a government that was ordained and led by God (a theocracy). God was the King of Israel (Isaiah 44:6).

God's use of the armies of Israel to wipe out evil nations involved direct commands that were to be obeyed precisely. They were simply instruments of God's wrath. This provides no precedent, because no nations are now directly led by God.

Through the ages, God has used rulers and armies providentially to accomplish His purposes. He used Nebuchadnezzar to punish Israel calling him 'My servant' (Jeremiah 25:8, 9).

God is patient, wanting the wicked to repent: “'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live'” (Ezekiel 33:11). “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

God would not have destroyed Sodom if there were ten righteous people in the city (Genesis 18:32).

But evil can become so extreme that God's love for righteousness and justice mandates immediate intervention.

God promised Abraham that He would give the land of Canaan to his descendents but only after the wickedness of those who lived there was complete. “But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16).

Moses explained to the people, “It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God drives them out from before you” (Deuteronomy 9:5).

Sins of these nations included adultery, homosexual practices, sexual intercourse with animals and the sacrifice of infants to Molech (Leviticus 18:20-30; 2 Kings 16:3).

Sacrifices to Molech varied from place to place and over time but descriptions by ancient historians [Cleitarchus (300 BC), Diodorus Siculus (90-30 BC) and Plutarch (100 AD)] can be summarized as follows: the hollow image had a human-like torso with a bull's head. A fire was built in a cavity at the belly. Outstretched arms which became red hot were flat and sloped back so a baby thrown into the arms would roll into the fiery stomach. Sometimes the baby was killed first, sometimes thrown alive into the arms of Molech. In that case drums were beaten and flutes played to cover the screams of the infant. Mothers were not allowed to show any sign of grief.

Such extremely evil practices have at times been punished by God with retribution on earth, but what about eternal retribution?

Justice will be done on judgment day.

God tolerates evil temporarily so man has an opportunity to repent, but because of His love for justice, judgment day will set all things right.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul says that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Romans 1:18). Since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) all stand condemned before God.

Through Christ, God provides an opportunity for salvation. “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9, 10). By dying on the cross Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.

Thus, even though God's love for righteousness and justice mandates retribution, His love for humanity (Titus 3:4) moved Him to provide a way of escape that would not violate the just requirement for punishment. “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:3, 4).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).

“The LORD tests the righteous” (Psalm 11:5). How people react to Jesus shows their attitude to God. People who love God will love Jesus. “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed” (1 Corinthians 16:22). “The wrath of God abides on him” who does not believe the Son (John 3:36).

Many claim to be saved although they do not believe Jesus when He says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16) or “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). The wrath of God remains on those who claim that baptism is not necessary for salvation because they do not believe Jesus and they do not obey Jesus.

To be saved we must obey the gospel (Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17). The gospel designates faith, repentance, confession and baptism as prerequisites for salvation (Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38).

What have we learned?

God loves righteousness and justice. God hates all workers of iniquity. Because God loves justice, evil must be punished. Vengeance and retribution belong to God. He will rain fire on the wicked.

God is patient and gives people time to repent, but when they become too wicked, His love for righteousness and justice requires immediate intervention. God uses catastrophes and governments to visit wrath on evildoers. Innocent children who die, go to heaven.

The wicked will be punished when Christ returns. Because of sin, we are all under the wrath of God. Only by faith in Christ, who paid the penalty for our sins, can we be saved. God's wrath remains on anyone who does not believe Jesus and obey the gospel. Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

 

Greek Words for Love in the New Testament by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/NTWordsForLove.html

Greek Words for Love in the New Testament

[1] = ἀγαπάω (agapaō), to love. - [2] = ἀγάπη (agapē), love. - [3] = φιλέω (phileō), to love; to kiss. - [4] = φίλος (philos), friend. - [5] = φιλία (philia), friendship, love. - [6] = φιλαδελφία (philadelphia), brotherly love. - [7] = φιλάδελφος (philadelphos), one having brotherly love. - [8] = φιλόστοργος (philostorgos), friendly affection. - [9] = φίλανδρος (philandros), love for one's husband. - [10] = φιλότεκνος (philoteknos), love for one's children. - [11] = φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpia), love for mankind, (loving) kindness. - [12] = φιλόθεος (philotheos), one who loves God.

Matthew 5:43 [1]
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
Matthew 5:44 [1]
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Matthew 5:46 [1]
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 6:5 [3]
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Matthew 6:24 [1]
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 10:37 [3]
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 11:19 [4]
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children.
Matthew 19:19 [1]
“'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Matthew 22:37 [1]
Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
Matthew 22:39 [1]
And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
Matthew 23:6 [3]
They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
Matthew 24:12 [2]
And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 26:48 [3]
Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.”
Mark 10:21 [1]
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
Mark 12:30 [1]
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
Mark 12:31 [1]
And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:33 [1]
And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Mark 14:44 [3]
Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.”
Luke 6:27 [1]
But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luke 6:32 [1]
But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 6:35 [1]
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Luke 7:5 [1]
for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.
Luke 7:6 [4]
Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.”
Luke 7:34 [4]
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
Luke 7:42 [1]
And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?
Luke 7:47 [1]
Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.
Luke 10:27 [1]
So he answered and said, “'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'”
Luke 11:5 [4]
And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves;'”
Luke 11:6 [4]
for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him;
Luke 11:8 [4]
I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
Luke 11:42 [2]
But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
Luke 11:43 [1]
Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.
Luke 12:4 [4]
And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Luke 14:10 [4]
But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.
Luke 14:12 [4]
Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.”
Luke 15:6 [4]
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
Luke 15:9 [4]
And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'
Luke 15:29 [4]
So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
Luke 16:9 [4]
“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.
Luke 16:13 [1]
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Luke 20:46 [3]
“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,
Luke 21:16 [4]
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
Luke 22:47 [3]
And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him.
Luke 23:12 [4]
That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.
John 3:16 [1]
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:19 [1]
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:29 [4]
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
John 3:35 [1]
The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
John 5:20 [3]
For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
John 5:42 [2]
But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.
John 8:42 [1]
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
John 10:17 [1]
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.
John 11:3 [3]
Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
John 11:5 [1]
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
John 11:11 [4]
These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
John 11:36 [3]
Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
John 12:25 [3]
He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:43 [1]
for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 13:1 [1]
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
John 13:23 [1]
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
John 13:34 [1]
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:35 [2]
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 14:15 [1]
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:21 [1]
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
John 14:23 [1]
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:24 [1]
He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.
John 14:28 [1]
You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I.
John 14:31 [1]
But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
John 15:9 [1] [2]
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
John 15:10 [2]
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
John 15:12 [1]
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:13 [2] [4]
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
John 15:14 [4]
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:15 [4]
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 15:17 [1]
These things I command you, that you love one another.
John 15:19 [3]
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 16:27 [3]
for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
John 17:23 [1]
I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
John 17:24 [1]
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 17:26 [1] [2]
And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
John 19:12 [4]
From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
John 19:26 [1]
When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”
John 20:2 [3]
Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
John 21:7 [1]
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.
John 21:15 [1] [3]
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
John 21:16 [1] [3]
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
John 21:17 [3]
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
John 21:20 [1]
Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
Acts 10:24 [4]
And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
Acts 19:31 [4]
Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.
Acts 27:3 [4]
And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.
Acts 28:2 [11]
And the natives showed us unusual kindness.
Romans 5:5 [2]
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:8 [2]
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:28 [1]
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:35 [2]
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Romans 8:37 [1]
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:39 [2]
nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 9:13 [1]
As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
Romans 9:25 [1]
As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved.”
Romans 12:9 [2]
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Romans 12:10 [6] [8]
Be [8] kindly affectionate to one another with [6] brotherly love
Romans 13:8 [1]
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:9 [1]
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 13:10 [2]
Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 14:15 [2]
Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.
Romans 15:30 [2]
Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
1 Corinthians 2:9 [1]
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 4:21 [2]
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
1 Corinthians 8:1 [2]
Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
1 Corinthians 8:3 [1]
But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
1 Corinthians 13:1 [2]
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:2 [2]
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3 [2]
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:4 [2]
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
1 Corinthians 13:8 [2]
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:13 [2]
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 14:1 [2]
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 16:14 [2]
Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:22 [3]
If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
1 Corinthians 16:24 [2]
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2 Corinthians 2:4 [2]
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
2 Corinthians 2:8 [2]
Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
2 Corinthians 5:14 [2]
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
2 Corinthians 6:6 [2]
by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
2 Corinthians 8:7 [2]
But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us - see that you abound in this grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:8 [2]
I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.
2 Corinthians 8:24 [2]
Therefore show to them, and before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 9:7 [1]
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 11:11 [1]
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!
2 Corinthians 12:15 [1]
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
2 Corinthians 13:11 [2]
Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:14 (13) [2]
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Galatians 2:20 [1]
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 5:6 [2]
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
Galatians 5:13 [2]
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:14 [1]
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:22 [2]
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Ephesians 1:4 [2]
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Ephesians 1:6 [1]
to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:15 [2]
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
Ephesians 2:4 [1] [2]
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Ephesians 3:17 [2]
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:19 [2]
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 4:2 [2]
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
Ephesians 4:15 [2]
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ -
Ephesians 4:16 [2]
from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 5:2 [1] [2]
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Ephesians 5:25 [1]
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Ephesians 5:28 [1]
So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:33 [1]
Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 6:23 [2]
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:24 [1]
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Philippians 1:9 [2]
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
Philippians 1:17 (16) [2]
but the latter [preach Christ] out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Philippians 2:1 [2]
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
Philippians 2:2 [2]
fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Colossians 1:4 [2]
since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
Colossians 1:8 [2]
who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
Colossians 1:13 [2]
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
Colossians 2:2 [2]
that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
Colossians 3:12 [1]
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Colossians 3:14 [2]
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Colossians 3:19 [1]
Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 [2]
remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
1 Thessalonians 1:4 [1]
knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
1 Thessalonians 3:6 [2]
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you -
1 Thessalonians 3:12 [2]
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,
1 Thessalonians 4:9 [1] [6]
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
1 Thessalonians 5:8 [2]
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 [2]
and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 [2]
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,
2 Thessalonians 2:10 [2]
and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 [1]
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
2 Thessalonians 2:16 [1]
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
2 Thessalonians 3:5 [2]
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
1 Timothy 1:5 [2]
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
1 Timothy 1:14 [2]
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:15 [2]
Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 4:12 [2]
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 6:11 [2]
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
2 Timothy 1:7 [2]
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:13 [2]
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:22 [2]
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 3:4 [12]
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
2 Timothy 3:10 [2]
But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
2 Timothy 4:8 [1]
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:10 [1]
for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica - Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.
Titus 2:2 [2]
that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
Titus 2:4 [9] [10]
that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children
Titus 3:4 [11]
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared [love ... toward man]
Titus 3:15 [3]
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Philemon 5 [2]
hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
Philemon 7 [2]
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
Philemon 9 [2]
yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you - being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ -
Hebrews 1:9 [1]
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”
Hebrews 6:10 [2]
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 10:24 [2]
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
Hebrews 12:6 [1]
For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Hebrews 13:1 [6]
Let brotherly love continue.
James 1:12 [1]
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 2:5 [1]
Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
James 2:8 [1]
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;
James 2:23 [4]
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.
James 4:4 [4] [5]
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that [5] friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
1 Peter 1:8 [1]
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
1 Peter 1:22 [1] [6]
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere [6] love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
1 Peter 2:17 [1]
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
1 Peter 3:8 [7]
having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous
1 Peter 3:10 [1]
For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
1 Peter 4:8 [2]
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 5:14 [2]
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2 Peter 1:7 [2] [6]
to godliness [6] brotherly kindness, and to [6] brotherly kindness love.
2 Peter 2:15 [1]
They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
1 John 2:5 [2]
But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
1 John 2:10 [1]
He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
1 John 2:15 [1] [2]
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 3:1 [2]
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 3:10 [1]
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:11 [1]
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,
1 John 3:14 [1]
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
1 John 3:16 [2]
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:17 [2]
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
1 John 3:18 [1]
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:23 [1]
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
1 John 4:7 [1] [2]
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:8 [1] [2]
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:9 [2]
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
1 John 4:10 [1] [2]
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:11 [1]
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:12 [1] [2]
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
1 John 4:16 [2]
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:17 [2]
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:18 [2]
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4:19 [1]
We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:20 [1]
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
1 John 4:21 [1]
And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
1 John 5:1 [1]
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
1 John 5:2 [1]
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.
1 John 5:3 [2]
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
2 John 1 [1]
The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,
2 John 3 [2]
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 5 [1]
And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.
2 John 6 [2]
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
3 John 1 [1]
The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
3 John 6 [2]
who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
3 John 14 (15) [4]
but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Jude 1 [1]
To those who are called, sanctified ['loved' in many manuscripts] by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:
Jude 2 [2]
Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Jude 12 [2]
These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;
Jude 21 [2]
keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Revelation 1:5 [1]
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
Revelation 2:4 [2]
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Revelation 2:19 [2]
“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
Revelation 3:9 [1]
Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie - indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
Revelation 3:19 [3]
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Revelation 12:11 [1]
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 20:9 [1]
They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
Revelation 22:15 [3]
But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

Verse fragments are from the NKJV.
Compiled by Roy Davison - http://www.oldpaths.com/RD

Jesus’ Furrowed Back by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

https://apologeticspress.org/jesus-furrowed-back/

Jesus’ Furrowed Back

Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

Inspiration of the Bible Prophecy

From Issue: R&R – December 2022

Article in Brief

The Bible’s attribute of inspiration is proof positive of its divine origin. The Old Testament foreshadowed the earth-shaking events that eventually surrounded the earthly life and death of Jesus Christ. A thousand years in advance, the psalmist predicted that Jesus’ back would be “plowed.”

The Wonder of Old Testament Prophecy

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into…. [K]nowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

The nature of Hebrew prophecy was such that the prophets were superintended by the Holy Spirit in their utterances. To be sure, their own minds were engaged as they reported the truths God wanted conveyed, but the Scripture they wrote did not arise from their own thinking or opinions. They did not necessarily grasp the full significance of their messages—particularly as those utterances pertained to the Messianic age far distant from their own day. Hebrew professor A.B. Davidson noted this circumstance:

[T]here are…passages in the Old Testament where the writer does not seem to be consciously speaking of anything future, but of things and persons then existing; while the New Testament applies the passages to the Messiah, and affirms that they were spoken of Him, not merely that they are applicable to him.¹

Since the Holy Spirit superintended the writing, being eternal and omniscient, He would be aware of future fulfillments and anticipations of which the human writer would not be aware. Hence, God could inspire and superintend a prophet—like Isaiah in 750 B.C.—to produce a prophecy that pertained largely to events contemporaneous with the prophet’s own day and yet, simultaneously, have the prophet embed in his prophecy an allusion or allusions that are worded in such a way that they also anticipate an incident or event in the life of the Messiah while He was on Earth. These allusions often also fit into the context of the contemporaneous situation and convey immediate relevance and application. Yet their meaning also anticipates moments in the life of Christ.²

Take, as an example, Isaiah chapter six which consists of the call and commission of Isaiah by God to his prophetic role. God informs Isaiah that his missionary effort to cause Judah to repent would fail, and that God would “cut Judah down in judgment until only a tenth or remnant remains.”³ Yet John could quote from verse 10 of the chapter and declare its fulfillment, along with Isaiah 53:1, as occurring nearly eight centuries later among those in the 1^st century A.D. who refused to believe in Christ despite the miraculous signs He performed in their midst (John 12:38-40). So, while Isaiah received a message from God that was intended for the immediate 8^th century B.C. audience of Isaiah, he also received bits of insights that pertained specifically and ultimately to the circumstances surrounding the Messiah’s incarnation. Consequently, John declared: “These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him” (John 12:41).

There are some Old Testament prophecies that are very nearly, if not wholly, describing the Messianic era, with no immediate historical context in view (e.g., Psalm 2:2; 110:1; Isaiah 9:6; 53). There are other prophecies that have an immediate historical context, but which also anticipate future events associated with the Messianic era (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-14; Isaiah 7). These latter prophecies differ with each other in terms of what percentage of the prophecy has both the immediate and the future in view. Still other prophecies appear to be almost completely intended to refer to circumstances that the prophet is himself facing and the immediate audience is, therefore, himself or his contemporaries. Yet, even in such a prophecy, a single Messianic anticipation may be divinely deposited which fully accords with the immediate context while also predicting a single instance in the life of the coming Messiah. It is nothing for God to deliver a message to an audience in 1000 B.C. and have every part of the message to have immediate and pertinent meaning to the original audience, while simultaneously wording the message to have a meaning for a subsequent audience hundreds of years into the future. What’s more, such anticipations may or may not be explained by later inspired writers, thereby leaving the student of the Scriptures to detect such long-term applications based on the tenor of Bible teaching, particularly as it relates to the culmination of the divine scheme of redemption in the New Testament.

Psalm 129:3

Psalm 129 appears to fit in this last category:

“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,” Let Israel now say—“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.”

The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked (129:1-4).

Interestingly, the original setting of this psalm cannot now be ascertained. As Barnes notes, “it is a psalm which would be applicable to many periods of the Jewish history.”⁴ As a “song of ascents,” Psalm 129 reassures the average Israelite that all the afflictions and persecutions heaped upon Israel by the wicked have been unable to terminate her national existence. Indeed, Israel’s enemies will be thwarted by a righteous God. What, specifically, are these afflictions that have been inflicted on Israel? The psalmist pinpoints only one—a statement that is striking if not puzzling: “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long” (vs. 3).

No doubt the psalmist’s contemporaries would have taken this statement metaphorically, acknowledging that the history of Israel had been such that they had endured harsh treatment at the hands of enemies whose mistreatment could be likened to a plow gouging one’s back. Yet, such a metaphor would seem to be a rather odd comparison. Barnes suggests: “the idea is that the sufferings which they had endured were such as would be well represented by a plough passing over a field, tearing up the sod; piercing deep; and producing long rows or furrows. The direct allusion would seem to be to stripes inflicted on the back, as if a plough had been made to pass over it.”⁵ He then recalls the Egyptian bondage to which Israel had been subjected for so many years. But if the reference is strictly to a beating, why compare it to a plow that creates furrows? The lash can certainly inflict substantial damage to the back, but one would not typically conceive of that damage in terms of the deep furrows of a plowed field. And why speak of the furrows as “long”? Barnes gives the sense of “long” as pertaining to length of time, i.e., prolonging—since he felt “it is difficult to see in what sense it could be said that stripes inflicted on the back could be made long.”⁶

However, what if this allusion is, in fact, intended to be a Messianic anticipation?⁷ If we assume Psalm 129:3 is an allusion to Jesus, what could the statement possibly mean? In what sense or in what way could Jesus have had His back “plowed” resulting in “long furrows”? We must first turn to the New Testament for possible clarification. When we do so, examining specifically the four Gospel narratives concerning Christ’s sufferings leading to the cross, we find that one of His ordeals consisted of a Roman scourging. Here are the inspired writers’ remarks on the subject:

Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified (Matthew 27:26; NKJV margin: “flogged with a Roman scourge”).

So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified (Mark 15:15).

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him (John 19:1).

The underlying Greek term rendered “scourged” in the first two verses is phragelloo while the term used in the third verse is mastigoo—both verbs meaning “to scourge.”⁸ What, precisely, was a Roman “scourging”?

Roman Scourging

In their efforts to keep the peace, the Romans employed a cruel, barbaric instrument called a flagrum (diminutive: flagellum⁹). Among the various forms of whips, “the terrible flagellum [was] the severest of all.”¹⁰ This instrument was used as a form of punishment for criminals, typically as a prelude to crucifixion and capital punishment—¹¹“the brutal preliminary to the still more brutal death of the cross.”¹² Historical sources are generally uniform in their depiction of the Roman flagrum. It consisted of a stout wooden handle to which were attached three or more leather thongs—sometimes plaited or braided—of variable length.¹³ Each strip of leather was impregnated and weighted with a variety of objects, attached intermittently at intervals along each thong, including small, jagged bits of bone, rough pieces of metal (iron, lead, or zinc), and even sheep bones (astragals).¹⁴ Sometimes balls of metal were attached that were “stuck full of small sharp points.”¹⁵ And sometimes the leather thongs were even “terminated by hooks.”¹⁶ The translators of the English Standard Version recognized these facts and inserted at both Matthew 27:26 and Mark 15:15 the following footnote for “scourged”: “A Roman judicial penalty, consisting of a severe beating with a multi-lashed whip containing imbedded pieces of bone and metal.”

The physical trauma inflicted on the human body by this devilish device is reflected in the third of Horace’s Satires—“the horrible scourge.”¹⁷ Similarly, in his Historia Ecclesiastica, written in the early fourth century, historian Eusebius of Caesarea described the scourging of second century Christian martyrs in Smyrna in these words: “the bystanders were struck with amazement when they saw them lacerated with scourges even to the innermost veins and arteries, so that the hidden inward parts of the body, both their bowels and their members, were exposed to view.”¹⁸ In their celebrated article on the death of Christ which appeared in The Journal of the American Medical Association, William Edwards, et al. described the impact: “the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh.”¹⁹ In his forensic inquiry into the crucifixion of Christ, Zugibe explained: “The bits of metal would dig deep into the flesh, ripping small blood vessels, nerves, muscle, and skin…. [resulting in] lacerations (tears) [and] puncture marks made by the weights or scorpions [as well as] lacerations with bleeding into the chest cavity.”²⁰

We must not miss the abhorrent, frightful reality of this nightmarish form of Roman punishment. The usual flogging or whipping, which has characterized many cultures throughout human history, inflicted wounds on the recipient consisting of bruises, whelps, and surface tearing or even stripping of the skin. In stark contrast, the flagrum inflicted far greater damage to the back. As Nicolotti observed, compared to the lash (scutica), “the scourge caused deeper wounds and could even lacerate the flesh…. [I]t produced deep wounds.”²¹ Referring to the flagellum in his A Dictionary of Roman and Greek Antiquities, Anthony Rich notes that “the nature of the wound produced by it is always specified by words which are descriptive of cutting, such as caedertre, secare, scindere.”²² Scholars repeatedly used the term “lacerate” to describe the wounds created by the flagrum.²³ Appleton’s Medical Dictionary defines “lacerate” as “having the margin deeply cut into irregular segments as if torn,” and “lacerated” as “cleft irregularly, as if torn,” and “laceration” as “a breach made by tearing.”²⁴ Collins Dictionary states: “If something lacerates your skin, it cuts it badly and deeply.”²⁵ Macmillan Dictionary has: “to make a deep cut in someone’s flesh.”²⁶

In view of these graphic depictions and descriptions of a Roman scourging, it is surely not without significance that the Hebrew term used by the psalmist to describe the injuries inflicted on the back of the first-person speaker bears a meaning that strongly resembles those descriptions. Brown, Driver, and Briggs define the term rendered “plowed” as “vb. cut in, engrave, plough, devise,” connecting the term “engrave” with a “worker in metals.”²⁷ Koehler, Baumgartner, et al. give the same two basic meanings of “to plough” and “to engrave on.”²⁸ A sample instance of the latter meaning is seen in Jeremiah 17:1—“The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with the point of a diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars.” Observe the two meanings are closely aligned, since the act of engraving on metal and the act of ploughing a field are the same, i.e., the object on which the action is performed in both cases receives a “cut” or “laceration,” creating essentially a lengthy groove or rut. Pierre Barbet uses the expression “long oblique furrows.”²⁹ “Oblique” is defined as “having a slanting or sloping direction, course, or position.”³⁰ Incredibly, the ancient descriptions of the Roman scourging’s horrific carnage inflicted on the back of its victims match the simple declaration of the psalmist: “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.”

Isaiah’s Allusions

Observe how this psalm bears a striking resemblance to Isaiah 53 in which the “man of sorrows” is despised and afflicted—but the outcome is positive. Significantly, the Messianic prophet Isaiah made two references to the passion of Christ as it relates to Christ’s “back.” The first comes in chapter 50 in which the Messiah declares: “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (50:6). The second appears in the famous “Suffering Servant” prophecy: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (53:5). As a marginal note for the term “stripes,” the NKJV has “blows that cut in.” The NASB has “and by His scourging we are healed.” The Orthodox Jewish Bible has in brackets “stripes, lacerations.” The Wycliffe Bible has “by his scourgings.”

Summary

Here we have another mystery hidden in the Divine Mind from all eternity. One cannot help but feel a sense of wonder concerning the incredible Old Testament foreshadowing of the earth-shaking events surrounding the earthly life and death of Jesus Christ—“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).³¹

Endnotes

¹ A.B. Davidson (1903), Old Testament Prophecy (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark), pp. 335-336.

² Bible scholars have for centuries bandied about the question of how to describe and categorize the various ways in which Old Testament prophecy functions. For example, Andres Fernandez coined the expression sensus plenior—the “fuller sense”—which refers to the additional or deeper meaning of a passage intended by God but not clearly recognized by the human author who recorded the original passage. See Raymond Brown (1955), The Sensus Plenoir of Sacred Scripture (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock); John Donahue, ed. (2005), Life in Abundance (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press), pp. 207ff.; “What Does the Term “sensus plenior” Mean? (2008), Monergism, https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/qna/plenior.html. Not referring specifically to this expression, Davidson nevertheless offered a similar description of this Old Testament phenomenon: “we may say quite fairly that the meaning or reference in the mind of the Spirit of Revelation was different from that of the Hebrew writer. To the one the whole was in view, the end was seen in the beginning, and the line, longer or shorter, of intermediate development, through which the beginning should rise into the perfect end, was visible in all its extent; while the view of the other was necessarily limited, and though he always spoke or wrote intelligently, and with an earnestness never surpassed by any teacher or moralist in other lands, yet his conception of the truth which he was teaching must have been coloured by the relations amidst which he stood, and by the nature of his own mind” (pp. 327-328). See also Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart (1982), How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Academie Books), pp. 164-167; Neale Pryor (1986), “Use of the Old Testament in the New” in Biblical Interpretation, ed. F. Furman Kearley, Edward Myers, and Timothy Hadley (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), pp. 276ff.

³ Frank Chesser (2016), The Heart of Isaiah (Huntsville, AL: Publishing Designs), pp. 34-35.

⁴ Albert Barnes (2005 reprint), Psalms: Notes on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), p. 255.

⁵ p. 256, emp. in original. Other commentators treat the allusion similarly. E.g., Joseph Alexander (1975 reprint), The Psalms Translated and Explained (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), pp. 519-520; H.C. Leupold (1969 reprint), Exposition of the Psalms (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), p. 900.

⁶ Ibid. A flagrum would wrap around the rib cage and be dragged across the torso around to the back.

⁷ In his comments on Psalm 129, Charles Spurgeon connected the plowing described as inflicted on Christ’s church in the wake of Jesus’ own sufferings: “The true church has in every age had fellowship with her Lord under his cruel flagellations: his sufferings were a prophecy of what she would be called hereafter to endure.” It is interesting that he linked the furrowing of the psalm with Jesus’ flagellations—(1978 reprint), The Treasury of David (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker), 7:56.

⁸ “In NT, however, mastigoo is a synonym for phragelloo”—J.C. Lambert (1908), “Scourge, Scourging,” A Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, ed. James Hastings (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark), 2:581.

⁹ “Flagellum,” Collins English Dictionary, http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/flagellum; “Flagellum,” Oxford Dictionaries, http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/american_english/flagellum; John Ayto (2005), “Flail” in Word Origins (London: A.&C. Black Publishers), second edition, https://books.google.com/books?id=hsRISNLSSHAC&pg=PT384&lpg=PT384&dq=Latin:+flagrum;+diminutive:+flagellum&source=bl&ots=d3C44_TwJC&sig=ACfU3U3dp2GJhqj5rMJmAaMsmgK36N34JQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjvpOuV54HoAhUDSa0KHUVVAS8Q6AEwEXoECAwQAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false; William Smith, et al. (1901), A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (London: John Murray), p. 864.

¹⁰ William Cooper (1869), A History of the Rod in all Countries from the Earliest Period to the Present Time (London: John Hotten), p. 34.

¹¹ Charles Anthon (1843), A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (New York: Harper & Brothers), p. 445; Henry Dosker (1915), The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, ed. James Orr (Chicago, IL: The Howard-Severance Co.), 4:2704.

¹² Lambert, 2:581. Also, Frederick Zugibe (2005), The Crucifixion of Jesus: A Forensic Inquiry (New York: M. Evans), p. 19—“the usual procedure among the Romans prior to crucifixion.” “In many cases it was itself fatal”—Carl Schneider (1967), “mastigoo, mastidzo, mastix,” Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans), 4:517.

¹³ Lambert, 2:582; Henry Dosker (1915), The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, ed. James Orr (Chicago, IL: The Howard-Severance Co.), 4:2704; William Edwards, Wesley Gabel, and Floyd Hosmer (1986), The Journal of the American Medical Association, 256, March 21; Cooper, p. 34.

¹⁴ Alexander Adam (1819), Roman Antiquities or an Account of the Manners and Customs of the Romans, rev. P. Wilson (New York: William Mercein), p. 529; Smith, p. 864; Dosker, 4:2704; Zugibe, p. 19.

¹⁵ Cooper, p. 35.

¹⁶ Anthon, p. 445. See also Philip Shaft and Henry Wace, eds. (1892), “The Ecclesiastical History, Dialogues, and Letters of Theodoret” in A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, trans. Blomfield Jackson (New York: The Christian Literature Co.), 3:124.

¹⁷ Horace (1883), The Works of Horace Rendered into English Prose, trans. James Lonsdale and Samuel Lee (London: Macmillan), I.3 (p. 113). Horace, who was the leading Roman lyric poet during the time of Caesar Augustus, died in 8 B.C.

¹⁸ Eusebius (312-324), Historia Ecclesiastica, Book 4, Chapter 15, Paragraph 4, https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.ix.xv.html#fna_iii.ix.xv-p3.2.

¹⁹ William Edwards, Wesley Gabel, and Floyd Hosmer (1986), “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ,” The Journal of the American Medical Association, 256[11]:1455-1463, March 21, p. 1457.

²⁰ pp. 20-22.

²¹ Andrea Nicolotti (2018), “What Do We Know About the Scourging of Jesus?” The Ancient Near East Today, 6[12], December, http://www.asor.org/anetoday/2018/12/What-Do-We-Know-About-Scourging-Jesus.

²² Anthony Rich (1881), A Dictionary of Roman and Greek Antiquities (New York: D. Appleton), p. 288, emp. added.

²³ E.g., D.D. Whedon (1874), A Popular Commentary on the New Testament (London: Hodder & Stoughton), p. 333.

²⁴ Smith Jelliffe, ed. (1915), Appleton’s Medical Dictionary (New York: D. Appleton & Co.), p. 474.

²⁵ “Lacerate,” Collins English Dictionary, https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/lacerate.

²⁶ “Lacerate,” Macmillan Dictionary, https://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/lacerate.

²⁷ Francis Brown, S.R. Driver, and Charles Briggs (2004 reprint), The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Hendrickson), p. 360.

²⁸ L. Koehler, W. Baumgartner, M.E.J. Richardson, & J.J. Stamm (1994–2000), The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, electronic edition), pp. 357-358.

²⁹ Pierre Barbet (1963), A Doctor at Calvary (Garden City, NY: Image Books), p. 92.

³⁰ “Oblique,” The American Heritage Dictionary, https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=oblique.

³¹ The author is fully cognizant of the fact that no New Testament passage identifies Psalm 129:3 as a Messianic prophecy, nor is he contending that we can know for certain that such is the case. We know the Old Testament contains a great deal of foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, and that Jesus, Himself, declared that the Old Testament is riddled with it: “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). One cannot help but wonder how much more foreshadowing exists in the Old Testament that the Holy Spirit did not choose to divulge in the New Testament. For example, the wording of Isaiah 62:1-2 is such that it is difficult not to see in it the grand two-phase culmination of the divine scheme of redemption with, first, the conversion of the first Jewish Christians on Pentecost in A.D. 30 (Acts 2) and, second, the conversion some years later of the first Gentile Christians (Acts 10), followed immediately by the divine bestowal of the name “Christian.” Yet, the New Testament does not explicitly allude to Isaiah 62 in the fruition of these earth-shaking events. One is reminded of the admonition of the Angel of the Lord to the high priest in Zechariah’s day: “Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come.” In any case, the author recognizes the need to show caution in drawing a firm conclusion regarding the possible Messianic import of Psalm 129:3. It is offered to the reader solely as a possibility. James Bales offered this guiding principle that reassures the author on the matter: “[H]ow shall we interpret those prophecies of the Old Testament, which pertain to the Messiah and his reign, which are not interpreted in the New Testament? These must be interpreted so as to harmonize with New Testament teaching”—(1971), The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible, ed. W.B. West, Bill Flatt, and Thomas Warren (Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate), p. 120, emp. added. Indeed, for 2,000 years men have been mining the treasures of Old Testament prophecy, digging ever deeper, in a feeble effort to uncover the unfathomable depths of inspired writ.

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Published December 1, 2022

A Call For Churches and Preachers To Return to Bible Preaching by –Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

https://thepreachersword.com/2017/07/20/a-call-for-churches-and-preachers-to-return-to-bible-preaching/#more-10985

A Call For Churches and Preachers To Return to Bible Preaching

When I saw the headline “The Hottest Thing at Church Today,” I wondered what kind of new promotion or gimmick some mega church had devised enticing people to attend.

Then I read the post by blogger Tim Challies.

“According to a new study by Gallup, the hottest thing at church today is not the worship and not the pastor. It’s not the smoke and lights and it’s not the hip and relevant youth programs. It’s not even the organic, fair trade coffee at the cafe. The hottest thing at church today is the preaching.”

As a preacher that got my attention. But then this really surprised me.
“Not only is it the preaching, but a very specific form of it—preaching based on the Bible.”

According to Christianity Today magazine, “Despite a new wave of contemporary church buzzwords like relational, relevant, and intentional, people who show up on Sundays are looking for the same thing that has long anchored most services: preaching centered on the Bible.”

The problem, as Challies correctly states it, has been a pragmatic approach by many preachers, pastors, and churches. “Pragmatism insists that the end justifies the means.” This philosophy has been applied by too many for too long. And it is not confined to one particular denomination. In my fellowship among churches of Christ, we have witnessed brethren abandoning the authority of the Scriptures and resorting to carnal and secular means and methods.

The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the church is supposed to “the pillar and ground of the Truth” (1 Tim 3:15). Furthermore, he solemnly charged this young evangelist to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim 4:2-3).

Motivational speaker and former Mars Hills preacher, Rob Bell, was wrong when he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and suggested the Bible is irrelevant in today’s culture. The truth is that the Bible has never been more relevant than it is in the 21st century.

I’ve heard it said that we need to make the Bible relevant today. No. It’s already relevant. What preachers and churches need to do is preach it. And apply its eternal principles to the problems and challenges in people’s lives.

What the Apostle affirmed in the first century, is still true today. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2Tim 3:16-17)

While times have changed and technology has drastically affected our culture, the basic nature of humankind has not changed. We face the same problems. Fears. Frustrations. Needs. Wants. And our #1 problem is still sin. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

The Bible reveals that Jesus is the Answer. He’s the way to the Father. The Savior of the World. And the atonement for our sins (Jn. 14:6; Lk 2:11; I Jn 2:1-2). Through Him, we can enjoy peace with God, discover our purpose for living and find fulfillment in life (Eph. 1:7-12; 2:14; Jn. 10:10).

Once I was preaching in a congregation where a sister invited her niece to attend.  The young lady said that she wasn’t interested.  She was tired of attending churches that preached politics, social issues and offered entertainment.  She was interested in the Bible.  When the Aunt assured her that we were strictly Bible focused, she reluctantly visited.  And was surprised.  A few weeks later she was baptized for the remission of sins (Ax 2:38).

It’s refreshing to know there may be a trend back to people wanting Bible preaching. However, whether it’s trending or not, Bible centered preaching and teaching is what people need, whether they know it or not.

“Preach the Word.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman