How God Begins to Describe Himself in the Bible

Summary

This video script explores the concept of God's compassion, starting with the Hebrew word 'rakhum,' which is tied to the word for womb, illustrating God's deep emotional care similar to a mother’s love. It recounts biblical stories demonstrating God’s compassion through action, from rescuing the Israelites to Jesus embracing human suffering. The script highlights how Jesus embodied divine compassion and encourages believers to live similarly, being moved by others' pain and working to relieve suffering, mirroring God's tender love.

Takeaways

• 😊 Compassion is the first attribute used to describe God's character in the Bible, represented by the Hebrew word 'rakhum.'
• 👶 'Rakhum' is related to the Hebrew word for womb, 'rekhem,' highlighting compassion as a deeply emotional and nurturing trait, like a mother's love for her child.
• 😢 'Rakhum' not only conveys emotion but also involves action, as shown by God's compassion in responding to the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt.
• 🌾 God provides for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness, showing his compassion by giving them food, water, and guidance.
• 💔 Despite God's compassion, the Israelites repeatedly turn away from Him, leading to their exile and suffering.
• 👩‍👧 In the book of Isaiah, God compares His compassion to that of a mother for her nursing child, emphasizing His unwavering care and commitment to His people.
• 🙏 Jesus embodies God's compassion, described in Greek as 'oiktirmos,' as He heals the sick and cares for the marginalized.
• 🕊️ Jesus compares Himself to a mother hen protecting her chicks, showing His willingness to enter human suffering to bring people closer to God.
• 🤝 Jesus calls His followers to embody the same compassion, urging them to be moved by the pain of others and to alleviate suffering in the world.
• 💖 The message concludes that God's deep compassion is always present, especially in times of pain and suffering, offering comfort and support.

Q & A

What is the Hebrew word for 'compassion' used in the Bible, and what does it signify?

The Hebrew word for 'compassion' is 'rakhum.' It conveys intense emotion and is related to the word for womb, 'rekhem,' suggesting a mother's tender feelings for her vulnerable child.

How does the story of King Solomon illustrate the meaning of 'rakhum'?

In the story, King Solomon tests two women claiming the same baby. The real mother shows 'rakhum' by being deeply moved and offering to give up her child rather than seeing it die, revealing her true compassion.

What distinguishes 'rakhum' from being purely an emotional word?

'Rakhum' is not just about emotions; it also involves action. In the Bible, it often describes God's actions motivated by compassion, such as rescuing the Israelites from suffering in Egypt.

How does God show 'rakhum' to the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness?

God shows 'rakhum' by caring for the Israelites as his own children, providing them with food, water, and clothing, and guiding them personally through the wilderness.

Despite God's continual compassion, how do the Israelites respond, and what are the consequences?

The Israelites repeatedly reject God's compassion, turning to other gods and committing violence. As a result, they face exile and are scattered among the nations.

How does God describe his compassion in the book of Isaiah during Israel's exile?

In Isaiah, God compares himself to a mother who cannot forget her nursing child. He reassures Israel that even if a mother could forget, he will not forget them, showing his unwavering compassion.

How does the script point to Jesus as the ultimate expression of God's compassion?

The script explains that Jesus is Yahweh's compassion in human form. He is deeply moved by human suffering, cares for the sick, and ultimately enters into humanity’s suffering and death to rescue people.

What Greek word is used to describe compassion in the New Testament, and how does Jesus embody this quality?

The Greek word for compassion is 'oiktirmos.' Jesus embodies this by embracing the sick, caring for the outcast, and comparing himself to a mother hen protecting her chicks, symbolizing his deep care for humanity.

What call to action does Jesus give to his followers regarding compassion?

Jesus calls his followers to imitate God's compassion, urging them to be moved by the suffering of others and actively work to relieve pain and suffering in the world.

Why is 'compassionate' the first word used by God to describe himself?

'Compassionate' is the first word used because it emphasizes God's deep care for humanity. When people are in pain or suffering, they can be assured that God is deeply moved and ready to respond with compassion.