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The term "Elders of Israel" refers to a group of leaders and representatives who played a significant role in the governance and spiritual life of the Israelite community throughout biblical history. These individuals were typically older men, respected for their wisdom, experience, and leadership abilities. The concept of elders is deeply rooted in the social and religious fabric of ancient Israel, serving as a bridge between the people and God, as well as between the people and their leaders.

Biblical Origins and Role

The role of elders is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. InExodus 3:16, God instructs Moses, "Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.’" Here, the elders are seen as representatives of the people, entrusted with the responsibility of hearing and conveying God's message.

Throughout the wilderness journey, the elders continued to serve as leaders and advisors. InExodus 18:12, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises Moses to appoint capable men as leaders over the people, suggesting a structured leadership that includes elders. This system of governance is further solidified inNumbers 11:16-17, where God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to assist him: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Bring Me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you.'"

Judicial and Administrative Functions

Elders held judicial and administrative roles within the community. They were responsible for maintaining justice and order, as seen inDeuteronomy 19:12, where the elders are tasked with handling cases of manslaughter: "Then the elders of his city shall send for him, take him from there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood to die." Their role in legal matters is further emphasized inDeuteronomy 21:2-3, where they are involved in the investigation of unsolved murders.

Religious and Ceremonial Duties

In addition to their civil responsibilities, elders also had religious duties. They participated in significant religious ceremonies and were often present during covenant renewals and other important events. For instance, inJoshua 24:31, the elders are mentioned as part of the assembly that renews the covenant with God: "Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced all the works the LORD had done for Israel."

Elders in the Monarchical Period

During the period of the monarchy, elders continued to play a crucial role in the governance of Israel. They served as advisors to the king and were involved in important decisions. In1 Samuel 8:4, the elders of Israel approach Samuel to request a king: "So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah." This demonstrates their influence and authority in shaping the nation's political landscape.

Elders in the New Testament

The concept of elders carries over into the New Testament, where they are seen as leaders within the early Christian church. InActs 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in the churches they establish: "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed." This continuity underscores the enduring importance of elder leadership in maintaining the spiritual and communal well-being of God's people.

Conclusion

The Elders of Israel were integral to the social, judicial, and religious life of the Israelite community. Their role as leaders, judges, and spiritual guides highlights the importance of wise and experienced leadership in fulfilling God's purposes for His people.Elders of Israel

The heads of tribes, who, before the settlement of the Hebrew commonwealth, had a government and authority over their own families and the people. Moses and Aaron treated the elders as representatives of the nation,Exodus 3:16 4:29 12:21. When the law was given, God directed Moses to take the seventy elders, as well as Aaron, and Nadab and Abihu his sons, that they might be witnesses,Exodus 24:1,9. Ever afterwards we find this number of seventy, or rather, seventy-two, elders; six from each tribe.

In allusion to the Jewish elders, the ordinary governors and teachers of the Christian church are called elders, or presbyters,Acts 20:17,28Titus 1:5,71 Peter 5:12John 1:1.

4892. sunedrion -- a sitting together, hence a council, spec. the...
... learned in the law, and a lay element ofElders" (Souter). 4892 () is also used
of the smaller councils ("lower courts") throughoutIsrael which consisted of...

The Call of Moses
... Go, and gather theelders ofIsrael together, and say unto them, The Lord God of
your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me,...

The True vision of God
... As an Old Testament believer he knew that Moses had once led theelders ofIsrael
up to the mount where 'they saw the God ofIsrael,' and that to many others...

Achan's Sin,Israel's Defeat
... water.6. And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before
the ark of the Lord until the eventide, he and theelders ofIsrael, and put...

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... "Moses called for all theelders ofIsrael, and said unto them, Draw out and take
you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.......

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... 'And He said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu,
and seventy of theelders ofIsrael; and worship ye afar off.2. And Moses...

Faithlessness and Defeat
... four thousand men.3. And when the people were come into the camp, theelders of
Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines?...

The Healing of the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate
... Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, "Rulers of the people
andelders ofIsrael, if we are being examined this day for a good deed done...

One Fold and one Shepherd
... inIsrael: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed My peopleIsrael, and thou
shalt be a captain overIsrael.3. So all theelders ofIsrael came to the king...

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people,
andelders ofIsrael, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the...

The First Blast of Tempest
... 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people,
andelders ofIsrael, 9. If we this day be examined of the good deed done...

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