Pleading, in the biblical context, often refers to the act of earnestly appealing or entreating, whether in prayer to God or in interactions with others. It is a demonstration of deep emotion, urgency, and sincerity, reflecting the human condition and the need for divine intervention or justice.

Old Testament References:

1. Genesis 18:23-33 · Abraham's Plea for Sodom: Abraham engages in a profound dialogue with God, pleading for the city of Sodom. He appeals to God's justice and mercy, asking if the city would be spared for the sake of the righteous within it. This passage highlights the power of intercessory pleading and God's willingness to listen to His faithful servants.

2. Exodus 32:11-14 · Moses' Intercession for Israel: After the Israelites sin by worshiping the golden calf, Moses pleads with God to spare them from destruction. He appeals to God's promises and reputation among the nations, demonstrating the role of a mediator who stands in the gap for others.

3. 1 Samuel 1:10-11 · Hannah's Prayer for a Child: In her deep anguish, Hannah pleads with the Lord for a son, vowing to dedicate him to God's service. Her heartfelt plea is a testament to the power of persistent prayer and faith in God's ability to fulfill desires.

4. Psalm 4:1 · "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer." This verse captures the essence of pleading as a cry for divine attention and intervention, trusting in God's past faithfulness.

5. Isaiah 1:18 · "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Here, God invites His people to plead with Him, offering forgiveness and redemption despite their transgressions.

New Testament References:

1. Matthew 15:22-28 · The Canaanite Woman's Faith: A Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her persistent faith and humility lead to her request being granted, illustrating the importance of perseverance in pleading.

2. Luke 18:1-8 · The Parable of the Persistent Widow: Jesus tells a parable about a widow who persistently pleads with an unjust judge for justice. Her relentless pursuit results in her receiving justice, teaching the value of persistent prayer and faith in God's ultimate justice.

3. Romans 8:26-27 · "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." This passage reveals the Holy Spirit's role in pleading on behalf of believers, ensuring that their deepest needs are communicated to God.

4. Hebrews 4:16 · "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Believers are encouraged to plead boldly before God, assured of His mercy and grace.

5. James 5:16 · "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse underscores the effectiveness of righteous pleading, particularly in the context of community and mutual support.

Pleading in the Scriptures is a multifaceted concept that encompasses intercession, supplication, and earnest requests. It is an expression of faith, dependence on God, and a recognition of His sovereignty and compassion.Deuteronomy 17:8
If there arise a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates: then shall you arise, and get you up into the place which the LORD your God shall choose;
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix V
... of advocacy, a piece of special pleading, where the ... The Holy Scriptures are called
"Instrumenta," because they ... the Conception "Literature" in general, and here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix v.htm

Concerning Perfection.
... the apostle saith of many saints in general, Ephesians 2:4 ... to the universal scope
of the scriptures, the testimony ... I. Proof I. The doctrine of pleading for sin ...
/.../proposition viii concerning perfection.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... In general, the tendency of these eighteen decrees was of ... by day with the study of
the Scriptures, and by ... for which He is represented as pleading, is extended ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... true religion which is delivered in the Scriptures, and which ... deny it to have been
a general Council, though ... are to have no opportunity of pleading their cause ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm

Solitude, Silence, Submission
... your case, next, to study the Scriptures concerning your case ... they have done it in
such general and insincere ... we say "on praying ground and pleading terms with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/solitude silence submission.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... his parents to read the Holy Scriptures, the necessity ... or control from their white
brethren, pleading that they ... they had received, or from the General Rules of ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Jesus' Knowledge of Truth
... In the scriptures he saw the underlying truth which ... In general, apocalypses were
written in times of great ... did not prevent the earnest pleading in Gethsemane ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iii jesus knowledge of truth.htm

The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail.
... brought before the justices, where the general indictment was ... left, it were the reading
of the scriptures. ... He prayed with great fervency, pleading his covenant ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr hugh 2.htm

The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston.
... be no lawful, full or free general assembly, say ... out much clear light from the
scriptures, and from ... articles of his indictment were, his pleading against Newton ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir archibald.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... that are condemned in the cited scriptures are some ... But such an argument the General
Assembly, 1648, made ... choose instruments, and no necessity pleading for it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

How could Job say, “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him”? | GotQuestions.org

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Pleading: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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