Topical Encyclopedia The concept of appeasement in the Bible often involves actions or offerings intended to pacify anger or avert judgment, particularly the wrath of God. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both human attempts to appease divine anger and God's provision for reconciliation.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, appeasement is frequently associated with sacrifices and offerings. The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law was a means by which the Israelites could atone for their sins and restore their relationship with God. Leviticus 1-7 outlines various offerings, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, which were intended to appease God's righteous anger against sin. One notable example is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, fearing Esau's wrath, sends gifts ahead of their meeting to appease his brother's anger. Genesis 32:20 states, "And be sure to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease him with these gifts that are going ahead of me. After that, I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” The concept of appeasement is also evident in the account of the Israelites and the golden calf. When the people of Israel sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses interceded on their behalf to appease God's anger. Exodus 32:11-14 describes Moses' plea for mercy, which results in God relenting from the disaster He had threatened. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the ultimate act of appeasement is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is presented as the means by which God's wrath against sin is satisfied. Romans 3:25 states, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." The Greek term "hilasterion," often translated as "propitiation" or "atoning sacrifice," underscores the appeasement of God's wrath through Christ's sacrifice. This concept is further emphasized in 1 John 2:2 : "He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Human Attempts at Appeasement Throughout Scripture, there are instances where individuals attempt to appease others, often with mixed results. In addition to Jacob's efforts with Esau, King Saul sought to appease David's anger by offering his daughter Michal in marriage (1 Samuel 18:20-27). However, these human efforts often fall short of true reconciliation, highlighting the need for divine intervention. Divine Provision for Appeasement The Bible consistently points to God's provision as the only effective means of appeasement. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who alone can fully satisfy God's justice and offer peace to humanity. Hebrews 9:14 declares, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!" In summary, the theme of appeasement in the Bible underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. While human efforts to appease are often inadequate, God's provision through Jesus Christ offers the ultimate reconciliation and peace. Library Of Conversion What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice. Of the Power of Prayer. The Second Chapter: Humility On the Necessity of the Christian Religion Letter xviii. --Fruit of Death to Self. September the Twenty-Fourth after the Triumph! Whether Anger is More Natural than Desire? Which are the Better, the Continent, or those who Delight in ... Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, ??therius, virgilius, and Desiderius ... Thesaurus Appeases (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Appeases (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife. (WEB). ... /a/appeases.htm - 6k Appeased (11 Occurrences) Appeaseth (5 Occurrences) Wrathful (11 Occurrences) Contention (24 Occurrences) Stirs (23 Occurrences) Slow (43 Occurrences) Strife (71 Occurrences) Resources What is propitiation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Roman Catholicism? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Appeases (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 15:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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