Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Chesed is a Hebrew term that appears frequently in the Old Testament and is often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," "steadfast love," or "covenant faithfulness." It is a rich and multifaceted word that conveys the deep, enduring love and loyalty that God shows to His people, as well as the love and loyalty that He expects from them in return.Biblical Usage and Meaning The concept of chesed is central to the understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. It is a key attribute of God, reflecting His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Chesed is not merely an emotional feeling but is often demonstrated through actions that fulfill obligations and responsibilities within a covenant relationship. In the Berean Standard Bible, chesed is translated in various ways depending on the context. For example, in Psalm 136, the phrase "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, emphasizing God's eternal and unchanging chesed toward Israel. This psalm celebrates God's acts of creation, deliverance, and provision, all of which are expressions of His steadfast love. Examples in Scripture 1. Covenant with Abraham: Chesed is evident in God's covenant with Abraham, where He promises to make Abraham a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him (Genesis 12:1-3). God's faithfulness to this promise is an enduring testament to His chesed. 2. Exodus and Deliverance: In the account of the Exodus, God's chesed is demonstrated through His deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 34:6-7, God proclaims His name to Moses, saying, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin" . This declaration highlights God's merciful and faithful nature. 3. Davidic Covenant: God's chesed is also evident in His covenant with David, where He promises that David's throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Despite the failures of David's descendants, God's steadfast love ensures the continuation of the Davidic line, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 4. Prophets and Restoration: The prophets frequently call Israel back to faithfulness, reminding them of God's chesed and urging them to reflect this steadfast love in their own lives. For instance, Micah 6:8 states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . Here, "to love mercy" is a call to embody chesed in relationships with others. Theological Significance Chesed is foundational to understanding the nature of God's interactions with humanity. It underscores the idea that God's love is not conditional or fleeting but is rooted in His eternal character and covenantal commitments. This steadfast love is both a comfort and a challenge to believers, as it assures them of God's unwavering support while also calling them to live in a manner that reflects His faithfulness and mercy. In the New Testament, the concept of chesed is echoed in the Greek word "agape," which describes the selfless, sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus Christ. The ultimate expression of God's chesed is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, through whom believers experience the fullness of God's covenant love and faithfulness. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ChesedSmith's Bible Dictionary Chesed(increase), fourth son of Nahor. (Genesis 22:22) Easton's Bible Dictionary Gain, the son of Nahor (Genesis 22:22). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHESEDke'-sed, kes'-ed (kasdim; Chaszad): One of the sons of Nahor and Milcah (Genesis 22:22); was probably the father of the Casdim. The early Babylonian form Kasdu appears in Assyrian as Kaldu or Kaldu. English Versions of the Bible follows the Assyrian and Greek style of writing the name and uses Chaldees or Chaldeans instead of Casdim. The Chaldeans dwelt in the lower valley of the Euphrates, at the head of the Persian Gulf. Abram came from Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 11:28, 31; Genesis 15:7 Nehemiah 9:7). In Job 1:17 the Casdim are described as invading the land of Uz, the eldest brother of Chesed (Genesis 22:21, 22). In the days of Nebuchadrezzar the Casdim overran Syria and Palestine and carried the people of Judah in successive deportations into captivity (2 Kings 24:1-10; 2 Kings 25:1). In Daniel 2:2, 5 the Casdim are named with the magicians and astrologers as a learned class, skilled in interpretations. Casdim is sometimes used in Hebrew for the land of Chaldea (Ezekiel 23:15; Ezekiel 11:24). Strong's Hebrew 3142. Yushab Chesed -- a son of ZerubbabelYushab Chesed. 3141, 3142. Yushab Chesed. 3143 . a son of Zerubbabel. Transliteration: Yushab Chesed Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-shab ... /hebrew/3142.htm - 6k 1136. Ben-chesed -- "son of mercy," one of Solomon's leaders 2618. Chesed -- Hesed 2617a. chesed -- goodness, kindness 2617b. chesed -- shame, reproach 3777. Kesed -- a son of Nahor 2619. Chasadyah -- "Yah is kind," a son of Zerubbabel Library How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants. Chapter xxii Thesaurus Chesed (1 Occurrence)...CHESED. ke'-sed, kes'-ed (kasdim; Chaszad): One of the sons of Nahor and Milcah (Genesis 22:22); was probably the father of the Casdim. ...Chesed (1 Occurrence). ... /c/chesed.htm - 8k Uz (8 Occurrences) Jidlaph (1 Occurrence) Pildash (1 Occurrence) Bethu'el (10 Occurrences) Bethuel (10 Occurrences) Ches'alon (1 Occurrence) Chesil (1 Occurrence) Hazo (1 Occurrence) Genealogy (29 Occurrences) Resources What is love? What is the definition of love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Hasidic Judaism? What do Hasidic Jews believe? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Chesed (1 Occurrence)Genesis 22:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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