Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "pleadings" often refers to the act of making earnest appeals or requests, particularly in prayer or in seeking justice. The concept of pleading is deeply rooted in the relationship between humanity and God, as well as in interpersonal relationships where justice and mercy are sought.
Pleadings with GodThe Bible frequently depicts individuals pleading with God, often in prayer, for mercy, guidance, or intervention. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of Abraham pleading for Sodom. In
Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham intercedes on behalf of the city, asking God to spare it if righteous people can be found there. This passage highlights the role of pleading as an act of intercession and the belief in God's justice and mercy.
In the Psalms, we see numerous instances of pleading with God.
Psalm 28:2 states, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." Here, the psalmist pleads for God's attention and assistance, demonstrating a deep reliance on divine intervention.
Pleadings for JusticePleadings are also evident in the context of seeking justice. The prophets often acted as advocates for the oppressed, pleading with the people and their leaders to return to righteousness and justice. In
Isaiah 1:17 , the prophet exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse underscores the biblical mandate to plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, emphasizing the importance of justice and advocacy.
Pleadings in Interpersonal RelationshipsIn interpersonal relationships, pleadings can be seen in the context of reconciliation and forgiveness. The New Testament provides guidance on how believers should handle disputes and seek reconciliation. In
Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus instructs, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." This passage suggests a form of pleading for understanding and resolution, aiming to restore relationships within the community of believers.
Pleadings and the Role of Jesus ChristThe ultimate example of pleading in the Bible is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the mediator between God and humanity, Jesus pleads on behalf of sinners.
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." Christ's intercession is the perfect and eternal pleading for humanity, ensuring salvation and reconciliation with God.
ConclusionThe concept of pleadings in the Bible encompasses a range of interactions, from personal prayers to divine intercession. It reflects the human need for God's mercy and justice, the call to advocate for others, and the ultimate intercession of Christ. Through pleadings, believers are reminded of their dependence on God and their responsibility to seek justice and reconciliation in their relationships.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n. pl.) The mutual pleas and replies of the plaintiff and defendant, or written statements of the parties in support of their claims, proceeding from the declaration of the plaintiff, until issue is joined, and the question made to rest on some single point.
Library
God's PatientPleadings
... GOD'S PATIENTPLEADINGS.... It suggests". I. God's antagonism to sin. II. The great
purpose of all Hispleadings. III. God's tender and unwearied efforts. IV....
The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... To the guidance andpleadings of that Advocate they could implicitly trust themselves,
for He was the Spirit of Truth.' The world, indeed, would not listen to...
Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... thought proper to lay before the judges: yet what shall become of him when unforeseen
questions arise, which often are suddenly started on the back ofpleadings...
The Pleading Note in Prayer
... So much so, that a young advocate could study no finer model of the loftiest rhetoric
of his great profession than just the passionatepleadings and appeals of...
The Dismissal of Judas
... Thus, when we determine to set ourselves against thepleadings and the beseechings
of divine love, the truest kindness is to fling the reins upon our necks...
In Memoriam.
... And this feature marked him all over his course. You felt as you listened to his
pleadings that sin and salvation were terms brimful of meaning to him....
Constant, Instant, Expectant
... To such the Lord sendeth down his angel to strengthen them or in some way heareth
theirpleadings in that concerning which they were filled with anguish....
The Entreaties of God
... is an awful and a solemn power that every poor little speck of humanity has, to
lift itself up in God's face, and say, in answer to all Hispleadings, 'I will...
A Kingdom's Epitaph
... Refuse to hear God'spleadings, and you will sell your freedom, and become
the lowest and only real kind of slave"the bondsman of evil....
A Doomed People
... There was no other power by which they could be delivered. The Jewish nation was
a symbol of the people of all ages who scorn thepleadings of Infinite Love....
Thesaurus
Pleadings (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pleadings (2 Occurrences). Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning.
Listen to the
pleadings of my lips. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV).
...Pleading (12 Occurrences)
Pleads (9 Occurrences)
Jethro (10 Occurrences)
... of Moses to detain him (Exodus 18:27), whereas Hobab, though at first he refused
to remain with the Israelites, seems to have yielded to thepleadings of Moses...
Traverse (5 Occurrences)
... work. 8. (n.) A formal denial of some matter of fact alleged by the opposite
party in any stage of thepleadings. The technical...
Rostrum (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A stage or elevated platform for public speaking; the platform in the forum
where orations,pleadings, funeral harangues, etc., were delivered; -- so...
Pleader (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) One who draws up or forms pleas; the draughtsman of pleas orpleadings in
the widest sense; as, a special pleader. Multi-Version Concordance...
Brief (7 Occurrences)
... 12. (vt) To make an abstract or abridgment of; to shorten; as, to brief
pleadings. Multi-Version Concordance Brief (7 Occurrences)....
Contentions (20 Occurrences)
... known shall serve me. (See JPS NAS). Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen
to thepleadings of my lips. (See NAS). Psalms 18:43 Thou...
Answer (2099 Occurrences)
... 23. (n.) A counter-statement of facts in a course ofpleadings; a confutation of
what the other party has alleged; a responsive declaration by a witness in...
Resources
Who was Polycarp? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is revivalism? | GotQuestions.orgPleadings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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