Summary/Abstract
Hesed is one of the most ubiquitous and important principles of the Old Testament, defining both the nature of God and the theological framework of God’s relationship with human beings. The primary qualities of hesed include loyalty, kindness, justice, and grace. Hesed also describes the reciprocity of God’s covenant with human beings. God addresses and responds to sin, transgression, and rebellion with the principles of hesed throughout the Old Testament, including a righteous combination of forgiveness and fairness. In fact, hesed can also be described as a paternal form of love, one that flows freely and unconditionally from parent to child, which is filled with grace and kindness and yet which is also willing and able to guide, teach, and even to punish when necessary. Hesed is significant from a theological standpoint but also an ethical one because it showcases how human beings can respond to moral turpitude in biblical ways.
Principles of Love
Loyalty
One of the ways hesed is distinguished from other types of love in the Old Testament is via the quality of loyalty, expressed both by God and by His people. Hesed is mentioned twice in Exodus 34:67, in which God reveals Himself to Moses as the Lord who abounds in loyal love and faithful commitment to His people. Thus, hesed is linked conceptually to the covenants between God and His people, which are bilateral agreements rooted in fidelity and love (Sproul, 2013). Furthermore, God’s loyal love for His people can become an ideal for human loyalty, steadfastness, and commitment. Associated concepts include devotion, which is linked to the mutual respect required to maintain loyalty and fulfill one’s promises. Loyalty and love expressed as hesed are also unconditional and authentic (Cooper, 2005). There is no deception with hesed, and there are no boundaries or limitations on God’s love. Furthermore, hesed is eternal and enduring:...
References
Bible: NIV
Cooper, B.A. (2005). The Biblical concept of revival in the desert and some implications for today’s church regarding the restoration of man’s covenential relationship with God. Master of Theology Thesis, South Africa Theological Seminary.
Duguid, I. (2011). Loyal-love. Ligionier Ministries. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/loyal-love-hesed/
Kynes, W. (2010). God’s grace in the Old Testament: Considering the hesed of the lord. Knowing and Doing, Summer 2010, http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/webfm_send/430
Reid, John William (2013) The love of God in biblical and Reformed theology. MTh(R) thesis.
Sproul, R.C. (2013). What is hesed? Ligionier Ministries. https://www.ligonier.org/blog/what-hesed/
He uses rhetorical questions in order to cause His people to think the consequences of their actions. Proverbs 21:21 explores this, "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." When God shows his love or mercy, he manifests this by a certain action. Other verses to consider are Proverbs 3:3; 11:17 as well as 20:28. Chesed occurs the first time in the Old Testament in Genesis 19:19.
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