Execrations, in the biblical context, refer to curses or solemn denunciations pronounced upon individuals, groups, or objects. These are often invoked as a form of divine judgment or as a means of expressing intense disapproval and condemnation. The concept of execration is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where blessings and curses are seen as powerful expressions of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, execrations are frequently associated with the covenantal stipulations given by God to the Israelites. The Book of Deuteronomy, particularly in chapters 27 and 28, outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Deuteronomy 28:15 states, "But if you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you." This passage underscores the conditional nature of the covenant, where blessings and curses serve as incentives and deterrents, respectively.

Execrations are also evident in the prophetic literature, where prophets pronounce divine judgment upon nations and individuals who oppose God's will. For example, in Jeremiah 11:3 , the prophet declares, "Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant." Here, the curse functions as a warning to the people of Judah to adhere to the covenantal requirements.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of execration is less prominent but still present. Jesus Himself pronounces woes, which can be understood as a form of execration, upon the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. These woes highlight the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, serving as a stern warning of impending judgment.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the idea of execration in Galatians 1:8-9 , where he states, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" This passage emphasizes the seriousness of distorting the gospel message and the severe consequences that follow.

Execrations in Practice

Execrations in the biblical sense are not merely expressions of human anger or frustration but are seen as declarations aligned with divine justice. They reflect the holiness and righteousness of God, who cannot tolerate sin and rebellion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, curses were often formalized through rituals and oaths, underscoring their gravity and binding nature.

The use of execrations also serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual order established by God. They highlight the consequences of deviating from His commandments and the importance of living in accordance with His will. While the New Testament emphasizes grace and forgiveness through Christ, the reality of divine judgment remains a sobering truth for those who persist in unbelief and disobedience.

Conclusion

Execrations, as depicted in the Bible, are a significant aspect of the divine-human relationship, illustrating the seriousness of sin and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. They serve as both a warning and a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to align themselves with God's righteous standards.

Eutyches and Philip in Profundis
... they could not but be sensible that they had gained very little personally by the
gratification of their spite and rage, and that the execrations which they ...
/.../chapter lvi eutyches and philip.htm

Believe, Then, Your Own Books, and as to Our Scriptures So Much ...
... held accursed? Why does she make her protestations towards the heavens,
and pronounce her ordinary execrations earthwards? Why does ...
/.../tertullian/the souls testimony/chapter vi believe then your.htm

Fifth Day. Meekness.
... Suspended on the cross"the execrations of the multitude are rising around, but He
hears as though He heard them not; they extract no angry look, no bitter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/fifth day meekness.htm

And we Affirm Indeed the Existence of Certain Spiritual Essences.. ...
... cursing. In fact, they call upon Satan, the demon-chief, in their execrations,
as though from some instinctive soul-knowledge of him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxii and we affirm.htm

The Life of Mr. John Blackadder.
... However with great fury and terrible oaths and execrations in the middle of the
night they turned out the children from their beds, caused one of them to hold ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 12.htm

Christ's Look
... Still less could He have heard the denials in louder tones, and accompanied with
execrations, which seemed to have been repeated in the porch without. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christs look.htm

How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ...
... oaths, that they would, all their lives long, continue in good-will and fidelity
one to another; and he called God to witness, as to what execrations he had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how david when.htm

He Shows that the Opinion of the Catholics is the Mean Between ...
... co-eternal with God. They, moreover, attack the holy patriarchs and prophets
with as many execrations as they can. This is the way ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 25 ix he shows that.htm

Jesus' Conditions of Friendship.
... demonstrations. If he had been a Jewish rabbi, he would have thrust her
away with execrations, as bringing pollution in her touch. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter iv jesus conditions of.htm

The Vatican Decrees. The Constitution on the Catholic Faith.
... [296] Although this speech was greeted with execrations (see page 145), it had at
least the effect that the objectionable preamble was somewhat modified. [297]. ...
/.../ 32 the vatican decrees.htm

Execrations (2 Occurrences)
...Execrations (2 Occurrences). Numbers 5:23 And the priest hath written these execrations
in a book, and hath blotted 'them' out with the bitter waters, (YLT). ...
/e/execrations.htm - 7k

Execration (9 Occurrences)

/e/execration.htm - 10k

Blotted (15 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NAS RSV). Numbers 5:23 And the priest hath written these execrations in
a book, and hath blotted 'them' out with the bitter waters, (YLT). ...
/b/blotted.htm - 11k

Purim (5 Occurrences)
... of the 14th day, the Jews repair to the synagogues where the Book of Esther, one
of the meghilloth, is read with interpretations, execrations bursting out at ...
/p/purim.htm - 16k

Pur (3 Occurrences)
... of the 14th day, the Jews repair to the synagogues where the Book of Esther, one
of the meghilloth, is read with interpretations, execrations bursting out at ...
/p/pur.htm - 15k

Execute (83 Occurrences)

/e/execute.htm - 34k

Waters (386 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Numbers 5:23 And the priest hath written these execrations in a book,
and hath blotted 'them' out with the bitter waters, (YLT). ...
/w/waters.htm - 42k

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