The term "instructest" is an archaic form of the verb "instruct," which means to teach or provide knowledge. In the context of the Bible, instruction is a significant theme, as it relates to the impartation of divine wisdom, guidance, and commandments from God to His people. The concept of instruction is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of learning and adhering to God's laws and teachings.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Divine Instruction: The Bible frequently highlights God as the ultimate instructor, imparting wisdom and guidance to His people. In Psalm 32:8 , God promises, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you." This verse underscores the personal and attentive nature of God's instruction, assuring believers of His ongoing guidance.

2. Parental Instruction: The role of parents in instructing their children is emphasized in the Scriptures. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This highlights the responsibility of parents to provide moral and spiritual education, ensuring that children grow up with a strong foundation in faith and righteousness.

3. Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs is particularly rich in references to instruction, often contrasting the wise, who heed instruction, with fools, who despise it. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Here, instruction is linked to the fear of the Lord, suggesting that true understanding begins with reverence for God.

4. The Role of the Law: The Law, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, serves as a foundational element of instruction for the Israelites. Deuteronomy 4:1 commands, "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you." The Law is presented as a divine curriculum, essential for the well-being and prosperity of God's people.

5. Instruction in the New Testament: Jesus Christ, as the Great Teacher, provides instruction through His teachings and parables. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This passage highlights the continuity of instruction from the Old Testament to the New Testament, with Jesus' teachings forming the core of Christian discipleship.

6. Apostolic Instruction: The apostles, following the example of Christ, continued the work of instruction in the early church. Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of sound teaching and doctrine. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , he writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This verse affirms the role of Scripture as the primary source of instruction for believers, equipping them for every good work.

Theological Implications

Instruction in the Bible is not merely about the transfer of information but involves the transformation of the heart and mind. It is closely tied to the concepts of wisdom, obedience, and discipleship. Through instruction, believers are called to grow in their understanding of God's will and to live lives that reflect His character and purposes. The process of instruction is ongoing, requiring humility, openness, and a willingness to be shaped by God's Word and Spirit.

How all the Words of God are to be Heard with Humility, and How ...
... 2. And I said, "Blessed is the man whom Thou teachest, O Lord, and instructest him
in Thy law, that Thou mayest give him rest in time of adversity,(2) and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter iii how all the.htm

So, Lord, So, I Beseech Thee, Let There Spring Up...
... For there Thou instructest us, to divide between the things intellectual, and things
of sense, as betwixt the day and the night; or between souls, given either ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xviii so lord so.htm

The Different Ideas of Philosophers on the Subject of Happiness. . ...
... of, both of these seem to have found open expression through the mouth of the holy
David; for it is written: "Blessed is the man whom Thou instructest, O Lord ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii the different ideas.htm

On Assembling in the Church.
... When thou instructest the people, O bishop, command and exhort them to come constantly
to church morning and evening every day, and by no means to forsake it ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vii on assembling in the.htm

John ix. 17, 18
... Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." ( Psalm
34:11.) And again, "Blessed is the man whom Thou instructest, Lord, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lviii john ix 17.htm

Book I.
... 65. To me, then, does this message come, and Holy Scripture says: "Dost thou
teach this, is it thus that thou instructest the people of God? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

Christian Behavior
... 4. Labour to convince them by a conversation answerable, that the things of which
thou instructest them are not fables, but realities; yea, and realities so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Instructest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Instructest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 94:12 Blessed
is the man whom thou chastenest, O Jehovah, And teachest ...
/i/instructest.htm - 6k

Instructers (1 Occurrence)

/i/instructers.htm - 6k

Instructeth (6 Occurrences)

/i/instructeth.htm - 8k

Happiness (54 Occurrences)
... habitually. (YLT). Psalms 94:12 O the happiness of the man Whom Thou instructest,
O Jah, And out of Thy law teachest him, (YLT). Psalms ...
/h/happiness.htm - 21k

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