1. THE LOVING-KINDNESS OF GOD

2. INTRODUCTION  In this lesson, we consider the Hebrew word chesed, one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, which is reflected in our relationship with God, and our duty to one another.

3. DEFINITION  The Hebrew word chesed/hesed, derived from chasad [to be good, kind], refers to the qualities of “goodness, kindness” [Thomas 2617a].

4. OCCURRENCES IN NASB In the NASB, it occurs 245x in 239 verses, and is variously translated “deeds of devotion” (2x), “devotion” (1x), “devout” (1x), “faithfulness” (1x), “favor” (2x), “good” (1x), “kindly” (7x), “kindness” (32x), “kindnesses” (1x), “loveliness” (1x), “lovingkindness” (176x), “loving kindnesses” (7x), “loyal deeds” (1x), “loyalty” (6x), “mercies” (1x), “merciful” (2x), “mercy” (1x), “righteousness” (1x), and “unchanging love” (2x).

5. OCCURRENCES IN NASB

6. HOLLADAY’S DEFINITION  obligation to the community in relation to relatives, friends, guests, master & servants, & c. unity, solidarity, loyalty:  ḥ esed in relation of God to people or individuals, faithfulness, kindness, grace:  plural ḥ as̄dîm, ḥ asdê & c. individual acts flowing from solidarity: (of men) godly deeds, & (of God) evidences of grace.

7. THE RELATIONSHIP OF MARRIAGE  Ruth showed chesed by turning to Boaz to fulfill the next-of-kin’s obligation to marry a deceased brother’s wife, regarding the levirate law of the Old Testament (Deut. 25:5-10).

8. THE RELATIONSHIP OF MARRIAGE  Boaz blessed her for having turned to him rather than going after some younger man. This means that the chesed she shows to her deceased husband by leaving Moab and following Naomi back to Judah was matched by the loyalty she showed him in marrying his near kinsman (Ruth 1:8-9; 2:19-20; 3:10).

9. THE OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN RELATED TRIBES  The Kenites showed chesed to the Israelites at the time of the exodus from Egypt (Exod. 18:9-10; Judg. 1:16; 4:11).  In return, they were shown chesed when King Saul spared them while fighting the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:6-7).

10. THE OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN HOST & GUEST  In ancient Semitic culture, when you invited a guest into your home, you were obligated to offer protection and provision.  This extension of chesed toward guests is seen in Lot’s offer of his virgin daughters to the men of Sodom who sought to molest the strangers (angels) who were visiting him.

11. THE OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN HOST & GUEST  The host’s duty to his guests was so sacred that Lot risked his own life and the lives of his family in order to provide for the safety of his visitors.  In turn, they showed chesed to Lot by protecting him from the wicked men of Sodom and by foretelling the city’s destruction so that he and his family might escape to safety in the surrounding mountains (Gen. 19:1-22).

12. THE RELATIONSHIP OF ALLIES  After becoming king, David wished to show chesed to Saul’s house for the sake of his friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan (1 Sam. 18:1- 3; 2 Sam. 9:1-7).  This loyal love was based on the fact that David had loved Jonathan like a brother. He felt a sacred obligation toward Jonathan’s relatives, even though Saul had been a hostile, relentless enemy.

13. THE RELATIONSHIP OF RULERS & SUBJECTS  Rulers and subjects also shared mutual rights and obligations. As the historical record of Israel shows, chesed was sometimes violated.  Josiah the king did not remember the kindness (chesed) which Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him. Therefore, he had Zechariah killed (2 Chron. 24:20-22).

14. THE COVENANT BETWEEN GOD & ISRAEL  The meaning of chesed is expanded in prophetic literature, where it represents the reciprocal relationship between God and Israel.

15. THE COVENANT BETWEEN GOD & ISRAEL  Particularly, the Book of Hosea illustrates the importance of chesed. God provided for His people, granting them rest and peace, standing by to help in time of need, blessing them materially and spiritually.  For their part, the people of Israel were obligated to obey God’s commandments, heeding His demands, and remaining faithful in thought and deed.

16. THE COVENANT BETWEEN GOD & ISRAEL  In Hosea 4:1 and Micah 6:1, God has a controversy with His people because they did not fulfill their obligations to the covenant (Hos. 4:1-6; Mic. 6:1- 8).  This fact is further illustrated by a full listing of the occurrences of chesed in the Book of Hosea (Hos. 2:19; 4:1; 6:6; 10:12; 12:6).

17. CONCLUSION  Let us rejoice in God’s loving-kindness, but never take it for granted. He acts toward us in strength, steadfastness and love.  God loves us, but He will also judge us in that final day when we will be called to account for our thoughts, words and deeds. Are you ready to stand before God (Psa. 136; Prov. 16:3-6)?