In biblical terminology, the term "stead" is often used to denote a place, position, or role that one person or thing occupies in relation to another. While the specific word "stead" may not frequently appear in modern translations of the Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of leadership, substitution, and inheritance.

Leadership and Succession

The idea of one person standing in the stead of another is evident in the biblical narratives of leadership and succession. For instance, when Moses was nearing the end of his life, God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites in his stead. This transition is recorded in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 : "Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.'"

Substitution and Sacrifice

The concept of substitution is central to the biblical understanding of atonement and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system established by God required that animals be offered in the stead of the people, symbolizing the transfer of sin and guilt. Leviticus 16:21-22 describes the Day of Atonement ritual: "He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites—all their sins. He shall place them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man shall release it into the wilderness."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate substitute, taking the place of sinners and bearing the penalty for sin. This is articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 : "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Inheritance and Legacy

The notion of inheritance often involves one person standing in the stead of another, particularly in the context of familial and tribal legacies. The Bible frequently addresses the transfer of blessings, rights, and responsibilities from one generation to the next. In Genesis 48:5 , Jacob adopts Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, effectively placing them in the stead of his direct sons: "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you here, will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine."

Conclusion

The concept of "stead" in the Bible underscores the importance of roles, responsibilities, and relationships within God's covenant community. Whether in leadership transitions, sacrificial systems, or the passing of inheritance, the idea of one standing in the place of another is a recurring theme that highlights God's provision, justice, and faithfulness throughout the biblical narrative.STEAD; STEADS

sted, stedz (tachath, "(same) place"; AS stede, "place"): Occurs only in 1 Chronicles 5:22, "They dwelt in their stead (place) until the captivity."

Steads (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia STEAD; STEADS. sted, stedz (tachath ... captivity.".
Multi-Version Concordance Steads (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
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Steady (10 Occurrences)

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Steadily (11 Occurrences)

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Stead (117 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To fill place of. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. STEAD; STEADS. ... And they
dwelt in their steads until the captivity. (Root in KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
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