The term "forsaketh" is an archaic form of the verb "forsake," which means to abandon, desert, or leave entirely. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the act of abandoning God, His commandments, or one's faith. The concept of forsaking is significant in Scripture, as it highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of steadfastness in faith.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the theme of forsaking is frequently addressed, particularly in relation to the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The Israelites are repeatedly warned against forsaking the Lord and turning to other gods. For instance, in Deuteronomy 31:16, God tells Moses, "Behold, you will rest with your fathers, and this people will rise up and play the harlot with the strange gods of the land into which they are going. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I have made with them."

The consequences of forsaking God are severe, often resulting in divine judgment and calamity. In Jeremiah 2:13, the Lord laments, "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water." This imagery underscores the futility and self-destructive nature of abandoning God.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of forsaking is also present, though it often takes on a more personal dimension in the context of discipleship and following Christ. Jesus warns of the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the need to prioritize Him above all else. In Luke 14:33, He states, "In the same way, any one of you who does not forsake all he has cannot be My disciple."

The New Testament also provides assurance that God will not forsake His people. In Hebrews 13:5, believers are encouraged with the promise, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This echoes the Old Testament promise found in Deuteronomy 31:6, reinforcing God's faithfulness and commitment to His people.

Theological Implications

The act of forsaking, particularly in a spiritual sense, is a grave matter in biblical theology. It reflects a breach in the relationship between God and humanity, often resulting in spiritual and moral decline. The Bible consistently calls believers to remain faithful and warns against the dangers of turning away from God.

Conversely, the assurance that God will not forsake His people is a source of great comfort and hope. It underscores the steadfast love and faithfulness of God, who remains committed to His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's enduring presence and to remain faithful in their walk with Him.

Practical Application

For believers today, the concept of forsaking serves as both a warning and an encouragement. It calls for vigilance in maintaining one's faith and commitment to God, avoiding the temptations and distractions that can lead to spiritual abandonment. At the same time, it offers the comforting promise of God's unwavering presence and support, encouraging believers to rely on His strength and guidance in all circumstances.

Confession
... Chapter 4. Confession. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso
confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 4 confession.htm

Titus ii. 14-Nov
... For hear what He says concerning money; "Whosoever forsaketh not all that he hath"
(Luke 14:33.); but he nowhere says, "Whosoever forsaketh not his wife"; for ...
/.../homily v titus ii 14-nov.htm

On the Third Part of the Psalm.
... 8. "For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not His Saints" (ver.28). ... What then
becomes of what was said before: "And He forsaketh not His Saints"? [928]. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the third part of.htm

Introduction
... flight of birds. For he forsaketh the ways of his own vineyard, he has wandered
from the paths of his own little field. But he walketh ...
/.../cyprian/the seventh council of carthage under cyprian/introduction.htm

Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... friends, the value of a truthful grace-wrought confession of sin; it is to be prized
above all price, for he that confesseth his sin and forsaketh it, shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm

Consecration
... Him. Hence the Saviour says, "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not
all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:33. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 5 consecration.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... He himself thus told the story:""In this paper I read that he who confesseth and
forsaketh his sins, and trusteth in the righteousness of Christ, obtains ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

That those who are Snatched from the Jaws of the Devil, and ...
... any one should be retarded by any covetousness of wealth or attraction of his own
people from following Christ, He adds, and says: "He that forsaketh not all ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/7 that those who are.htm

Chapter six
... he cannot be my disciple." "And whosoever forsaketh not all that he hath,
he cannot be my disciple.". When Rachel Winslow and Virginia ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter six.htm

Luke xiv. 33
... LECTURE IX. LUKE xiv. 33. LUKE xiv.33. Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh
not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. In ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture ix luke xiv 33.htm

Forsaketh (17 Occurrences)
...Forsaketh (17 Occurrences). Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that
forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (KJV WBS). ...
/f/forsaketh.htm - 11k

Counselled (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing ...
/c/counselled.htm - 14k

Lads (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing ...
/l/lads.htm - 12k

Consulteth (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him,
and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing ...
/c/consulteth.htm - 8k

Sharply (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:13 And the king answereth the people sharply, and forsaketh the
counsel of the elders which they counselled him, (YLT). ...
/s/sharply.htm - 12k

Aged (63 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 10:8 And he forsaketh the counsel of the aged men that they counselled
him, and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, those ...
/a/aged.htm - 25k

Forsaking (29 Occurrences)

/f/forsaking.htm - 14k

Path (91 Occurrences)
... NIV). Proverbs 10:17 Keeping instruction is the path to life; but he that
forsaketh reproof goeth astray. (DBY NAS RSV). Proverbs ...
/p/path.htm - 33k

Answereth (144 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:13 And the king answereth the people sharply, and forsaketh the
counsel of the elders which they counselled him, (YLT). ...
/a/answereth.htm - 36k

Harshly (20 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 12:13 And the king answereth the people sharply, and forsaketh
the counsel of the elders which they counselled him, (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/harshly.htm - 11k

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