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.

Outlines

00:00

💖 The Compassionate Nature of God

The Bible describes God's character using the terms 'compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness.' The first word, 'compassionate,' translates to 'rakhum' in Hebrew, which is related to the word for 'womb' ('rekhem'), suggesting deep, motherly compassion. This intense emotion is exemplified in the story of King Solomon and the two mothers, where the true mother’s compassion reveals her identity. Compassion in the Hebrew Bible, however, is not just a feeling but also a motivator for action.

💪 God's Compassion in Action

God’s compassion ('rakhamim') is most frequently expressed through His actions. When the Israelites suffer in Egypt, God's compassion drives Him to rescue them. During their time in the wilderness, God cares for them as His own child, providing food, water, and guidance. His compassion is a defining aspect of His character, yet the Israelites repeatedly turn away, showing allegiance to other gods and committing violence instead of showing compassion to one another.

😢 Israel's Rejection and God's Persistent Compassion

Despite God's continual compassion, the Israelites reject Him, leading to their exile. In the book of Isaiah, Yahweh compares Himself to a mother who cannot forget her child, declaring that even if a mother could forget, He will not forget His people. This motherly compassion signifies that God is committed to rescuing them, even entering into their suffering to bring them back to Him.

🌟 Jesus: The Embodiment of God's Compassion

Jesus is the manifestation of God's compassion ('oiktirmos' in Greek). He is deeply moved by human suffering and acts to relieve it, symbolizing His care by comparing Himself to a mother hen protecting her chicks. Ultimately, Jesus' compassion leads Him to suffer and die to rescue humanity. His followers are called to embody this same compassion, responding to the pain of others and participating in alleviating suffering, mirroring God’s compassionate nature.

❤️ Living Out Compassion in Our Lives

Jesus teaches His followers to 'be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.' This message emphasizes the significance of compassion as the foremost attribute God uses to describe Himself. When we experience pain or witness others' suffering, we can be assured of God's deep empathy and readiness to respond, meeting us with His unwavering compassion.

Keywords

💡Compassionate (Rakhum)

The term 'compassionate,' or 'rakhum' in Hebrew, is the first attribute used to describe God's character in the video. It conveys deep, tender emotion, similar to a mother's love for her child. This concept is central to the video, as it emphasizes God's empathy and care for humanity, demonstrated through acts of love and protection, such as when God rescues the Israelites or cares for them in the wilderness.

💡Rakhamim

'Rakhamim,' derived from the same root as 'rakhum,' refers to compassion or tender mercy. In the video, it describes the emotional and active aspects of God’s care. It highlights how God’s compassion leads to action, such as rescuing the Israelites from oppression. Rakhamim is also shown as the driving force behind God’s actions to relieve human suffering.

💡Womb (Rekhem)

'Rekhem,' the Hebrew word for womb, connects the concept of compassion to a mother's love and care for her infant. This metaphor is used in the video to illustrate the depth of God's emotional attachment to humanity, portraying God’s compassion as a nurturing, protective force that responds to vulnerability, much like a mother caring for her child.

💡Slow to Anger

This phrase highlights God's patience in the face of human disobedience and rejection. In the video, it reflects how, despite Israel's repeated failures and rejection of God's compassion, God remains slow to anger, offering mercy and forgiveness instead of immediate judgment. This characteristic emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s love.

💡Loyal Love

'Loyal love' refers to God’s unwavering commitment and faithfulness toward humanity, even when people turn away from Him. The video portrays this through God's constant care for Israel, providing for them in the wilderness and promising to never forget them, despite their disobedience. This love is steadfast, mirroring a covenantal bond that endures through trials.

💡Faithfulness

God’s faithfulness is a core attribute mentioned in the video, reflecting His consistent and reliable nature. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness and rebellion, God remains true to His promises, continuing to care for and protect His people. Faithfulness here underscores the certainty that God’s compassion and love are not fleeting but everlasting.

💡Motherly Compassion

The video uses the metaphor of a mother’s love to describe God’s compassion, comparing it to a mother’s care for her nursing child. This is particularly evident in the book of Isaiah, where God says, 'Can a mother forget her nursing child?' This motherly compassion reflects God's intimate and nurturing relationship with humanity, offering protection and comfort.

💡Exile

The concept of exile in the video represents the consequence of Israel’s rejection of God’s compassion. Despite God’s care and provision, Israel turns to other gods and engages in violence, leading to their scattering among nations. Exile symbolizes separation from God’s presence, yet even in exile, God’s promise of compassion remains, offering hope for rescue.

💡Oiktirmos

Oiktirmos is the Greek word for 'compassion,' and it is used in the video to describe Jesus' empathy and care for those who are suffering. Jesus embodies God's compassion in human form, healing the sick, comforting the outcast, and ultimately sacrificing Himself to alleviate human suffering. Oiktirmos highlights the active, self-sacrificial nature of divine compassion.

💡Jesus as Compassion Incarnate

In the video, Jesus is portrayed as the embodiment of God's compassion on earth. His actions—healing the sick, comforting the afflicted, and sacrificing Himself—are all driven by deep empathy for humanity’s suffering. Jesus' compassion, described as 'oiktirmos,' mirrors God’s motherly care, emphasizing the call for followers to live out this same compassion.

Highlights

God's character is described as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness.

'Compassionate' in Hebrew is 'rakhum,' related to 'rakhamim' (compassion), both tied to the word for 'womb,' symbolizing deep emotional care.

Compassion in the Hebrew Bible is likened to a mother's tender feelings for her vulnerable infant, representing profound emotional depth.

'Rakhum' conveys intense emotion and is often translated as 'deeply moved,' illustrated by King Solomon's story of the two mothers.

God's compassion ('rakhamim') leads to action, as seen in His response to the Israelites' suffering in Egypt, compelling Him to rescue them.

In the wilderness, God's compassion leads Him to provide for the Israelites' needs—food, water, clothing—acting as a nurturing parent.

Despite God's continual compassion, the Israelites turn away, showing allegiance to other gods and committing acts of violence.

During Israel's exile, Yahweh compares Himself to a mother full of compassion, affirming that even if a mother forgets her child, He will not forget His people.

Isaiah's prophecy hints that God will rescue His people by entering into human suffering, which points toward the coming of Jesus.

Jesus embodies Yahweh's compassion ('oiktirmos' in Greek) through acts of healing, care for the outcast, and His deep connection to human suffering.

Jesus likens His compassion to a mother hen gathering her chicks, symbolizing protection and care for humanity.

In the ultimate act of compassion, Jesus enters into death and suffering to rescue humanity and bring people closer to God.

Jesus calls His followers to embody compassion, encouraging them to be moved by others' pain and to actively relieve suffering in the world.

Jesus's command to 'Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate' mirrors Yahweh's character and encourages a life of empathy.

God's compassion ensures that when we or others are in pain, we can trust that He is deeply moved and present to respond.

Transcripts

- [Carissa] If you tried to describe what God is like,

it could be difficult or daunting.

But when the people who wrote the Bible pondered the mystery

of God, they consistently described God's character

in this way.

"Compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger,

overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness."

The very first word used in this description

of God is "compassionate,"

or in Hebrew, "rakhum."

This word also appears as a noun,

"rakhamim," or compassion.

And what's fascinating is that both

of these words are related

to the Hebrew word for womb, "rekhem."

So compassion in the Hebrew Bible is centered

in a person's core,

and the word invites us

to imagine a mother's tender feelings

for her vulnerable infant.

So "rakhum" is a word that conveys intense emotion.

Sometimes it's even translated as "deeply moved,"

like in the story of King Solomon

who meets two women who've just given birth.

One of their babies sadly dies,

but then both women claim

that the baby still living is theirs.

As a test, Solomon says

to cut the baby in two

and give each mother a half,

and the baby's real mother is deeply moved.

She would rather the other woman take her baby

than see her child die.

And it's her compassion

that reveals that she's the true mother.

But "rakhum" isn't just an emotional word,

it also involves action.

And surprisingly, the word is used most often

to describe God's actions

motivated by his emotions.

Like when the Israelites are suffering and oppressed

in Egypt, God hears their cries

and is compelled by his compassion,

his rakhamim, to rescue them.

Then, as the Israelites travel

through the dangerous wilderness,

they're hungry and thirsty

and God is rakhum,

caring for them as his own child.

He provides everything they need,

food, water, and clothing,

as he personally guides them.

So it's no surprise

that when Yahweh reveals his character

to the Israelites in the wilderness,

he begins by saying he's compassionate.

But despite Yahweh's continual rakhamim,

the Israelites turn away from him time and again.

They reject Yahweh's compassion

and instead give their allegiance to other gods.

And rather than showing compassion to each other,

they do violence.

And their rebellion results in exile,

and they're scattered among the nations.

And it's in this dark moment in Israel's story

that we come to the book of Isaiah,

where Yahweh compares himself

to a mother

full of rakhamim toward her baby.

He says, "Can a mother forget her nursing child,

or have no compassion," or rakhamim,

on "the child of her womb?"

"Even if she forgets,

I will not forget you!"

God is full of motherly compassion,

and he will rescue his people.

And as you read further in Isaiah,

you realize that God is going to do this

by entering into the suffering of humanity.

And this points forward

to a time when Jesus comes on the scene.

He is Yahweh's deep compassion become human.

In Greek, the word "compassion" is "oiktirmos."

And as Jesus embraces the sick and cares for the outcast,

He's deeply moved by human suffering.

Jesus compares himself to a mother hen using her wings

to shield her chicks from danger

as he gathers people into his embrace.

And in the ultimate expression of oiktirmos,

Jesus is moved by compassion

to enter into humanity's suffering,

into death itself,

to rescue and bring us near to God.

And it's this same life of compassion

that Jesus calls his followers to imitate,

allowing ourselves to be moved by the pain of others,

to embrace the hurting,

and to participate in relieving suffering in the world.

In this way, we, too, can embody the compassion

of Yahweh, or in Jesus's words,

"Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate."

Now you can see how fitting it is

that "compassionate" is the first word God uses

to describe himself.

So, when we're in pain or see others suffering,

we can be certain that God is deeply moved to respond

and that he's there to meet us with his deep compassion.

(mysterious music)