Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of intercession is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the role of individuals who stand in the gap between God and humanity, pleading on behalf of others. Intercession is an act of prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another, often seen as a demonstration of love, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Old Testament ExamplesOne of the earliest examples of intercession is found in the life of Abraham. In
Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham intercedes for the city of Sodom, pleading with God to spare the city if righteous people can be found within it. Abraham's boldness in approaching God and his persistence in negotiating for the lives of others highlight the power and importance of intercessory prayer.
Moses is another prominent intercessor in the Old Testament. In
Exodus 32:11-14, after the Israelites sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses intercedes on their behalf, imploring God to relent from His anger and not destroy His people. Moses appeals to God's promises and reputation, demonstrating the intercessor's role in reminding God of His covenant and mercy.
The prophets also played a significant role in intercession. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often interceded for the people of Judah, despite their persistent rebellion. In
Jeremiah 14:7-9, he pleads with God to remember His covenant and not forsake His people, even as they face impending judgment.
New Testament ExamplesIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor. His entire ministry can be seen as an act of intercession, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross.
Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Jesus' role as intercessor is ongoing, as He continually mediates between God and humanity.
The Apostle Paul frequently interceded for the early churches and individual believers. In his letters, he often mentions his prayers for others, such as in
Ephesians 1:16-17 : "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him." Paul's intercessory prayers reflect his deep concern for the spiritual growth and well-being of the believers.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in intercession.
Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Holy Spirit's intercession is a profound mystery, providing believers with divine assistance in prayer, especially when they are unsure of how to pray.
The Call to IntercedeBelievers are called to follow the example of Christ and the saints by engaging in intercessory prayer.
1 Timothy 2:1 urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." This call to intercede is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a commitment to love and serve others through prayer.
Intercession is a powerful expression of faith and love, bridging the gap between God and those in need. It is a divine invitation to participate in God's redemptive work, standing in the gap for others and seeking His mercy, grace, and intervention in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Intercede.
Strong's Hebrew
6293. paga -- to meet, encounter, reach... Word Usage approach (1), attack (2), attacked (1), came (1), cut him down (1), entreat
(2), fall (7), fell (4), happen (1), intercede (2),
interceded (1), kill
...6419. palal -- to intervene, interpose
... root Definition to intervene, interpose NASB Word Usage expected (1), intercede
(2),interceded (1), interposed (1), made judgment favorable (1), make...
Library
In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some...
... yet my mind could not be toward this people" (Jer.15:1). How (they ask) could he
have spoken thus of the dead but because he knew that theyinterceded for the...
Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... he pleaded concerning the promised heir, at another time he cried, "O that Ishmael
might live before thee," and on one special occasion heinterceded for Sodom...
His Past Work.
... ate of a honeycomb and a piece of fish. In His presence Abrahaminterceded.
This Lord, who visited Abraham later, made fire and...
He Blesses God for the Faith of his Little Girl
... He prayed as he never prayed before; he entreated andinterceded, in tones so tender
and fervent that it melted the desperate man, who cried for mercy....
Epistle xi. --To Hermammon.
... sovereignty was in a prosperous position, and when affairs were turning out according
to his wish, [876] he oppressed those holy men whointerceded with God on...
From Jezreel to Horeb
... outpouring. In an attitude of humility, "his face between his knees," he
interceded with God in behalf of penitent Israel. Again...
Christ Thwarted
... that, as a rule and in the general, our Lord's miracles require faith, either on
the part of the persons helped, or on the part of those whointerceded for them...
Men as Trees
... Jesus, nor pleaded his own cause, like Bartimaeus. Others brought him,
andinterceded for him. This may be so, but since he was...
Chrysostom and Theophilus. His First Deposition and Banishment.
... Heinterceded in their behalf with Theophilus, who replied with indignant remonstrance
against protecting heretics and interfering in another diocese....
Concerning Bernice's Petition to Florus, to Spare the Jews, but in...
... he would not comply with her request, nor have any regard either to the multitude
of those already slain, or to the nobility of her thatinterceded, but only...
Thesaurus
Interceded (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Intercede. Multi-Version Concordance
Interceded (4 Occurrences). Numbers 21:7 The people
...Ebed-melech (6 Occurrences)
... Heinterceded with the king in Jeremiah's behalf, and was the means of saving him
from death by famine (Jeremiah 38:7-13: Comp. 39:15-18). Int....
Ebedmelech (6 Occurrences)
... Heinterceded with the king in Jeremiah's behalf, and was the means of saving him
from death by famine (Jeremiah 38:7-13: Comp. 39:15-18). Int....
Intercede (12 Occurrences)
Aaron (343 Occurrences)
... On the return of Moses to the camp, Aaron was sternly rebuked by him for the part
he had acted in this matter; but heinterceded for him before God, who...
Gemari'ah (5 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Jeremiah 36:25 And also Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah haveinterceded
with the king not to burn the roll, and he hath not hearkened unto them....
Intercedes (3 Occurrences)
Elna'than (5 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Jeremiah 36:25 And also Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah haveinterceded
with the king not to burn the roll, and he hath not hearkened unto them....
Delai'ah (6 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Jeremiah 36:25 And also Elnathan, and Delaiah, and Gemariah haveinterceded
with the king not to burn the roll, and he hath not hearkened unto them....
Medad (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua suggested that Eldad and Medad be stopped, but Mosesinterceded on their
behalf, saying, "Would that all Yahweh's people were prophets!" (Numbers 11:26...
Resources
In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Jeremiah die? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of 40 days in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgInterceded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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