Dictionary of Bible Themes The market was a central feature of life in biblical times. Some of the biblical terms for redemption are drawn from the market-place. 1 Kings 20:34Ancient market-places Isaiah 23:3Ahab's treaty with Ben-Hadad suggests that by the 9th century B.C. there was a highly developed system of international trade. Ezekiel 27:24International trade in Tyre: The market as a place of commerce Genesis 23:10-18Methods of trading John 2:14-16Cash: Genesis 47:17Hosea 3:2 Bartering: Ruth 4:7Sealing transactions Jeremiah 32:11-12with a sandal by signature Matthew 11:16-17Other activities in the market-place It was where children played Matthew 20:3pp Lk 7:32 It was where labourers waited for hire 1 Corinthians 10:25It was where meat was sold Acts 16:19Some of this meat had come from pagan sacrifices. It was where magistrates were present Mark 6:56God's work in the market-place Jesus Christ healed the sick Acts 17:16-17Paul preached See also Sins in the market-place Hosea 12:7Greed, dishonesty and materialism Amos 8:5Micah 6:11 Matthew 23:7 The hypocrisy of the Pharisees Mark 7:4pp Mk 12:38 pp Lk 20:46 Luke 11:43the problem was ritual defilement Acts 16:22; 17:5Rough crowds John 2:14-16The temple courts become a market pp Mt 21:12-13 pp Mk 11:15-17 See also pp Lk 19:45-46 Markets will be destroyed in judgment Zephaniah 1:11Revelation 18:11-13 Proverbs 8:3-5 Biblical terms for redemption are drawn from market language In the gospel call Isaiah 1:18; 55:1,2Matthew 13:45-46 The city gates were often places for business deals Acts 20:28See also God's people have been bought Exodus 15:16Psalms 74:2 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23 2 Peter 2:1 Revelation 5:9; 14:4 Galatians 4:4-5 God's people have been redeemed See also Galatians 3:13-14The Greek word "exagorazo" means "to buy" and was used, for example, of the buying of slaves. Revelation 14:3The 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. Ephesians 5:16Redeeming the time Colossians 4:5The Greek "exagorazo" here translated as "make the most of": See also 1315 God as redeemer5242 buying & selling 5407 merchants 5587 trade 6720 redemption 7140 people of God 7754 preaching |
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