Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, "exacting" refers to the act of demanding or requiring something, often with a sense of strictness or severity. This concept is frequently associated with the enforcement of laws, the collection of debts, or the imposition of burdens. The Bible addresses the notion of exacting in various contexts, highlighting both the human tendency to impose harsh demands and the divine call for justice and mercy.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several instances where exacting is depicted, often in the context of social justice and economic transactions. In Exodus 22:25, the Israelites are instructed, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not exact interest from him." This command underscores the importance of compassion and fairness, especially towards the poor and vulnerable. In Nehemiah 5:7, Nehemiah confronts the nobles and officials for exacting usury from their fellow Jews, saying, "I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, 'You are exacting usury from your own brothers!'" This rebuke highlights the moral obligation to treat others with equity and to avoid exploiting them for personal gain. Prophetic Warnings The prophets also address the issue of exacting, often in the context of social injustice. Isaiah 58:3-6 criticizes the people for their hypocritical fasting, which is accompanied by oppressive behavior: "Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed? Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please and exact all your laborers." The passage calls for a true fast that involves loosening the chains of injustice and setting the oppressed free. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the concept of exacting is often contrasted with the principles of grace and forgiveness. Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This teaching encourages a spirit of generosity rather than a strict insistence on repayment or recompense. The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35 further illustrates the dangers of an exacting spirit. The servant, having been forgiven a great debt by his master, refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The master's response is a stern warning against the lack of mercy: "Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:33). Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the concept of exacting is closely tied to the themes of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. While the law provides a framework for justice, the biblical narrative consistently calls believers to transcend mere legalism and embrace a heart of compassion. The tension between justice and mercy is resolved in the character of God, who is both just and the justifier (Romans 3:26). In summary, the biblical treatment of exacting serves as a reminder of the call to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). It challenges believers to reflect God's character in their dealings with others, balancing the demands of justice with the call to extend grace and mercy. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Exact.2. (a.) Oppressive or unreasonably severe in making demands or requiring the exact fulfillment of obligations; harsh; severe. Greek 1558. ekdikos -- exacting penalty from, avenging ... exacting penalty from, avenging. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: ekdikos Phonetic Spelling: (ek'-dik-os) Short Definition: avenging, an avenger ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1558.htm - 7k 840. austeros -- harsh, severe 3162. machaira -- a short sword or dagger Strong's Hebrew 5377. nasha -- to lend on interest, be a creditor... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to lend on interest, be a creditor NASB Word Usage debt (1), debtor (1), deceive (1), exacting (1), made (2). ... /hebrew/5377.htm - 6k 5383. nashah -- to lend, become a creditor Library 1 John iv. 17-21 The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method Herod is Made Procurator of all Syria; Malichus is Afraid of Him ... Whether Cruelty is Opposed to Clemency? On Certain Modern Writers and the Institution of the Family This Day are Opened, Our Mouths to Give Thanks Matt. vii. 1 The Ministry and Prayer Church and State in New England Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer Thesaurus Exacting (5 Occurrences)... severe. Multi-Version Concordance Exacting (5 Occurrences). Luke 19:21 for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take ... /e/exacting.htm - 8k Sow (61 Occurrences) Didn't (734 Occurrences) Lay (524 Occurrences) Nice (1 Occurrence) Jealous (43 Occurrences) Loan (9 Occurrences) Interest (35 Occurrences) Feared (134 Occurrences) Freemen (17 Occurrences) Resources How much of a role should media have in worship services? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is wisdom referred to as a she in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about stalking? | GotQuestions.org Exacting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Exacting (5 Occurrences)Luke 19:21 Luke 19:22 Nehemiah 5:7 Nehemiah 5:10 Nehemiah 5:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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