Ancient Hebrew Understanding of ידע

[gregoryfl]

We are informed in a number of places in the Scriptures of 'Knowing the Lord'. As this is an important aspect of what Yeshua came to bring about, what does it mean to 'know the Lord'?

Here are a couple of scriptures that help me define it:

The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib; but Israel doesn't know, my people don't consider.
(Isa 1:3)

"The priests didn't say, 'Where is the LORD?' and those handling the Law didn't know me. The rulers transgressed against me, the prophets prophesied by Baal, and they followed that which does not profit.
(Jer 2:8)

He judged the case of the poor and needy. And then it went well for him. Isn't this what it means to know me?
(Jer 22:16)


When I consider the concrete sensory meaning of ידע, it speaks powerfully of universal reconciliation.

Consider the following in light of this:

When the prodigal son left his father and home and was living his own rebellious way, he did not know his father.

When he returned, once again he knew him.

ידע with reference to God is connected with proper relationship. Being separated and in rebellion is the equivalent of not knowing God. Being reconciled and in proper relationship with God is knowing him. To me then, it would be impossible for there to be even one person to be eternally separated in rebellion from God, for the testimony is clear. God declares:

ALL WILL KNOW ME

Ronen

[Seth]

 :dsunny: :dsunny:

[eaglesway]

Awesome and wonderful. :o)

[micah7:9]

 :dsunny: :HeartThrob: :happyclap: