Topical Encyclopedia The term "incumbent" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of incumbency, or the responsibility and duty associated with a position or office, is a theme that can be observed throughout Scripture. In biblical terms, incumbency often relates to the roles and responsibilities given by God to individuals, whether they be kings, priests, prophets, or other leaders.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of incumbency is evident in the roles of leaders such as Moses, Joshua, and the judges of Israel. These individuals were appointed by God to lead His people and were incumbent upon fulfilling their divine duties. For example, Moses was tasked with leading the Israelites out of Egypt and delivering God's laws to them. His incumbency is highlighted in passages such as Exodus 3:10, where God says, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." The kings of Israel and Judah also had incumbent responsibilities to lead the nation according to God's statutes. King David, for instance, is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and his incumbency involved ruling with justice and righteousness. The failure of kings to fulfill their incumbent duties often led to national consequences, as seen in the reigns of kings like Saul and Ahab. Priestly and Prophetic Incumbency The Levitical priesthood had specific incumbent duties related to worship and sacrifices. The priests were responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle and later the temple, as outlined in Leviticus and Numbers. Their incumbency was to mediate between God and the people, ensuring that the sacrificial system was upheld. Prophets, too, had incumbent roles as God's messengers. They were tasked with delivering God's word to the people, often calling them to repentance and warning of impending judgment. The prophet Jeremiah, for example, was called by God to be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5), and his incumbency involved proclaiming difficult truths to a rebellious people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of incumbency is seen in the roles of the apostles and early church leaders. Jesus Christ Himself, as the ultimate incumbent, fulfilled the role of the Messiah, taking on the responsibility of redeeming humanity through His life, death, and resurrection. His incumbency is reflected in passages such as John 10:11, where He declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." The apostles were incumbent upon spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 underscores their responsibility: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Christian Leadership and Incumbency In the epistles, the concept of incumbency extends to church leaders, such as elders and deacons, who are given specific qualifications and duties. Paul writes to Timothy about the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing the importance of character and ability to teach (1 Timothy 3:1-7). These leaders are incumbent upon shepherding the flock and maintaining doctrinal purity. The idea of incumbency in the Bible underscores the importance of faithfulness and accountability in fulfilling God-given roles. Whether in ancient Israel or the early church, those in positions of responsibility were called to act in accordance with God's will, serving as stewards of His purposes on earth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Lying; resting; reclining; recumbent; superimposed; superincumbent.2. (a.) Lying, resting, or imposed, as a duty or obligation; obligatory; always with on or upon. 3. (a.) Leaning or resting; -- said of anthers when lying on the inner side of the filament, or of cotyledons when the radical lies against the back of one of them. 4. (a.) Bent downwards so that the ends touch, or rest on, something else; as, the incumbent toe of a bird. 5. (n.) A person who is in present possession of a benefice or of any office. Library Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves ... Of Agreement as to Tithe, Composition, Notice, &C. The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ). Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ... Virtue Rational, Sin Irrational. The Treasure Hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the True Exposition ... Whether one Can Merit Eternal Life Without Grace Brady Religious Characteristics. The Sin of Silence Thesaurus Incumbent (1 Occurrence)... 4. (a.) Bent downwards so that the ends touch, or rest on, something else; as, the incumbent toe of a bird. ... Multi-Version Concordance Incumbent (1 Occurrence). ... /i/incumbent.htm - 7k Fill (126 Occurrences) Incur (7 Occurrences) Void (64 Occurrences) Incredible (2 Occurrences) Text (5 Occurrences) Residence (7 Occurrences) Creep (8 Occurrences) Crush (50 Occurrences) Abdon (8 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about honor? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I care if God exists? | GotQuestions.org What is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.org Incumbent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Incumbent (1 Occurrence)Ezra 10:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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