Topical Encyclopedia Pelting, in the context of biblical times, refers to the act of throwing stones or other objects at someone, often as a form of punishment or public humiliation. This practice is closely associated with stoning, a method of execution prescribed in the Mosaic Law for certain offenses. Pelting, however, can also refer to less severe acts of aggression or mockery, where stones or other objects are thrown to express disdain or hostility.Biblical Instances and Context 1. Stoning as Punishment: The most formalized form of pelting in the Bible is stoning, a judicial act commanded in the Law of Moses for various transgressions. For example, in Leviticus 20:2, the Israelites are instructed, "Say to the Israelites, ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molek is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him.’" This reflects the severity with which certain sins were regarded and the communal responsibility in executing justice. 2. Mockery and Hostility: Pelting is also seen in the context of mockery or hostility. In 2 Samuel 16:5-6, as King David is fleeing from Absalom, Shimei, a man from the house of Saul, comes out and curses David, pelting him with stones: "As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left." 3. Persecution of Prophets and Apostles: The New Testament also records instances where pelting is used against the followers of Christ. In Acts 7:58-59, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is stoned: "They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'" 4. Symbol of Rejection: Pelting can symbolize the rejection of God's messengers. Jesus Himself refers to the stoning of prophets in Matthew 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" Cultural and Theological Significance Pelting, particularly in the form of stoning, reflects the communal nature of justice in ancient Israel. It was not merely an act of individual vengeance but a collective enforcement of divine law. The severity of stoning as a punishment underscores the holiness and justice of God, as well as the seriousness with which sin was regarded under the Old Covenant. In the New Testament, the act of pelting, especially against the apostles and early Christians, highlights the persecution faced by the early church. It serves as a testament to the hostility of the world towards the message of the Gospel and the suffering endured by those who faithfully proclaim it. Pelting, therefore, is a multifaceted concept within the biblical narrative, encompassing themes of justice, persecution, and the rejection of divine truth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pelt.Library On Hearing These Matters, those who were Present Gave Great Glory ... Eutyches is Indignant Letter viii . --To a Student of the Classics. M. Jones Very. The Son. The Case of Certain Idiots and Simpletons. Christ to Jairus The Agony, and the Consoler The Syrian Persecution. What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ... Political Religion Thesaurus Pelting (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pelt. 2. (a.) Mean; paltry. Multi-Version Concordance Pelting (1 Occurrence). Acts ... /p/pelting.htm - 6k Lighted (36 Occurrences) Welcome (31 Occurrences) Remarkable (3 Occurrences) Pelted (1 Occurrence) Pelusium (2 Occurrences) Strange-speaking (1 Occurrence) Resources What is GotQuestions.org's review of the Living Biblically TV series? | GotQuestions.orgPelting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pelting (1 Occurrence)Acts 28:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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