Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5402 market The market was a central feature of life in biblical times. Some of the biblical terms for redemption are drawn from the market-place. Ancient market-places 1 Kings 20:34 Ahab's treaty with Ben-Hadad suggests that by the 9th century B.C. there was a highly developed system of international trade. International trade in Tyre: The market as a place of commerce Methods of trading Cash: Genesis 23:10-18; John 2:14-16 Bartering: Sealing transactions Ruth 4:7 with a sandal; Jeremiah 32:11-12 by signature Other activities in the market-place It was where children played It was where labourers waited for hire It was where meat was sold 1 Corinthians 10:25 Some of this meat had come from pagan sacrifices. It was where magistrates were present God's work in the market-place Jesus Christ healed the sick Paul preached Sins in the market-place Greed, dishonesty and materialism See also Hosea 12:7; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11 The hypocrisy of the Pharisees Matthew 23:7 pp Mark 12:38 pp Luke 20:46; Mark 7:4 the problem was ritual defilement; Luke 11:43 Rough crowds The temple courts become a market John 2:14-16 pp Matthew 21:12-13 pp Mark 11:15-17 pp Luke 19:45-46 Markets will be destroyed in judgment See also Zephaniah 1:11; Revelation 18:11-13 Biblical terms for redemption are drawn from market language In the gospel call Proverbs 8:3-5 The city gates were often places for business deals; Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 55:1,2; Matthew 13:45-46 God's people have been bought Acts 20:28 See also Exodus 15:16; Psalm 74:2; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Corinthians 7:23; 2 Peter 2:1; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:4 God's people have been redeemed Galatians 4:4-5 The Greek word “exagorazo” means “to buy” and was used, for example, of the buying of slaves. See also Galatians 3:13-14; Revelation 14:3 The Greek “agorazo”, translated here as “redeemed”, may also be translated as “bought”. Elsewhere (e.g., Tit 2:14; 1Pe 1:18), “lutro” meaning “to release” is used, conveying a similar idea. Redeeming the time The Greek “exagorazo” here translated as “make the most of”: Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5 See also
1315 God as redeemer |
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