In the biblical context, "vexations" refer to experiences of distress, annoyance, or affliction that can affect individuals both spiritually and emotionally. The term is often associated with the trials and tribulations that believers may encounter in their walk of faith. The Bible addresses vexations in various passages, offering insight into their nature and the appropriate response for the faithful.

Old Testament References

The concept of vexation is notably present in the Old Testament, where it is often linked to the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 28:20 , the Lord warns the Israelites of the curses that will follow if they fail to obey His voice: "The LORD will send curses upon you, confusion and rebuke in everything you do, until you are destroyed and quickly perish because of the wickedness of your deeds in forsaking Me." Here, vexation is depicted as a divine response to unfaithfulness, serving as a tool for correction and a call to repentance.

In Ecclesiastes, the theme of vexation is explored in the context of human endeavors and the pursuit of worldly wisdom. Ecclesiastes 1:14 states, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." The Preacher reflects on the futility and vexation of spirit that accompany earthly pursuits, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly achievements and the ultimate fulfillment found in fearing God and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

New Testament Insights

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "vexation," the concept is present in the trials and persecutions faced by early Christians. Jesus Himself warned His followers of the challenges they would encounter for His name's sake. In Matthew 5:11-12 , He encourages believers, saying, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of vexation in his letters, urging believers to endure hardships with patience and faith. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 , Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." Here, Paul acknowledges the reality of vexations but emphasizes the sustaining power of God's presence and the hope of eternal glory.

Spiritual Perspective

From a spiritual perspective, vexations are seen as opportunities for growth and refinement in the life of a believer. James 1:2-4 encourages Christians to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage highlights the transformative potential of vexations, which can lead to spiritual maturity and a deeper reliance on God.

Practical Application

In dealing with vexations, believers are called to respond with faith, prayer, and trust in God's sovereignty. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This instruction underscores the importance of seeking God's peace and guidance amidst life's challenges.

Ultimately, the biblical perspective on vexations encourages believers to view them as part of the Christian journey, trusting that God uses these experiences to shape and strengthen their faith.

Vexations
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First CCCLXII VEXATIONS. Each trial has its weight;
which, whoso bears Knows his own woe, and need of succouring grace; ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccclxii vexations.htm

To Brother Raimondo of Capua at Avignon
... by its opposite. How is purity tested and won? Through the contrary"that
is, through the vexations of uncleanliness. For were a ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother raimondo of capua 2.htm

Epistle Xli. To Castorius, Bishop.
... and also the said monastery, being subject henceforth to none but general or canonical
jurisdiction, and free from all annoyances and vexations, may accomplish ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xli to castorius bishop.htm

Matt. xvii. 10
... to give birth." But if ye are not willing, for these reasons, to abstain; at least
on account of the despondencies which come of it, and the vexations, do ye ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvii matt xvii 10.htm

In Danger of Death
... two years in which he was always under a strain, always having to control his anger,
to be patient and sweet-tempered amidst a thousand vexations; two years ...
/.../chapter viii in danger of.htm

St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of ...
... Who can worthily express with how great vexations he was harassed, with what insults
he was assailed, with what unrighteous acts provoked,[337] how often he ...
/.../chapter iii st malachy becomes.htm

How a Religious Man Should Commit Himself to God in all ...
... Let your spirit therefore arm itself against all temptations, vexations, and injuries
so that it can persevere steadily in God when attacked by either face of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 8 how a religious.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... A crown of gold cannot be made without thorns. It has so many vexations
belonging to it, that it is apt to make the headache. Which ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... I, indeed, propounded three things to myself while I turned them over, that I might,
as much as I could, either under-value those vexations of reading, or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/title page.htm

Paul Before Felix.
... Under his government the people were subjected to innumerable vexations and injuries,
and their property and lives were wantonly sacrificed, to gratify his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

Vexations (3 Occurrences)
...Vexations (3 Occurrences). ... And doth reprove me, Oil of the head my head disalloweth
not, For still my prayer 'is' about their vexations. (YLT). ...
/v/vexations.htm - 7k

Vexed (37 Occurrences)

/v/vexed.htm - 16k

Vexation (36 Occurrences)

/v/vexation.htm - 18k

Disalloweth (2 Occurrences)
... in' kindness. And doth reprove me, Oil of the head my head disalloweth not,
For still my prayer 'is' about their vexations. (YLT). ...
/d/disalloweth.htm - 7k

Discomfitures (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 15:5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor
to him that came in; but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the ...
/d/discomfitures.htm - 6k

Pester (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To trouble; to disturb; to annoy; to
harass with petty vexations. 2. (vt) To crowd together in ...
/p/pester.htm - 7k

Countries (86 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 15:5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor
to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the ...
/c/countries.htm - 35k

Fix (36 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 66:4 I also -- I fix on their vexations, And their fears I bring in to them,
Because I have called, and there is none answering, I spake, and they have ...
/f/fix.htm - 18k

Beat (85 Occurrences)
... kindness. And doth reprove me, Oil of the head my head disalloweth not, For
still my prayer 'is' about their vexations. (YLT). Proverbs ...
/b/beat.htm - 35k

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