Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "lieutenant" is not directly mentioned in most English translations, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the concept of a lieutenant, understood as a subordinate officer or deputy who acts with delegated authority, can be inferred from various biblical narratives and structures of leadership.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of delegated authority is evident in the hierarchical structures established among the Israelites. For instance, Moses, under the guidance of his father-in-law Jethro, appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to help govern the people (Exodus 18:21-22). These leaders acted as deputies or lieutenants, assisting Moses in the administration of justice and governance. The military structure of ancient Israel also reflects the use of lieutenants or subordinate officers. In 2 Samuel 18:1, David organized his army into units under the command of captains, who could be seen as lieutenants serving under the king's authority. Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 27, the divisions of the army are described, each with its own leader, indicating a structured chain of command. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Roman military presence in Judea and surrounding regions provides a backdrop for understanding the role of a lieutenant. Roman centurions, who commanded a century (approximately 100 soldiers), functioned as lieutenants within the larger Roman military hierarchy. The centurion mentioned in Matthew 8:5-13, who approached Jesus to heal his servant, exemplifies the authority and responsibility of such officers. His understanding of authority, both given and received, is highlighted in his interaction with Jesus: "For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes" (Matthew 8:9). Spiritual Application The concept of a lieutenant can also be applied spiritually within the Church. The New Testament describes various roles and offices within the early Christian community, such as elders, deacons, and overseers, who acted with delegated authority to serve and lead the congregation (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). These roles reflect a structure of leadership and service, akin to the responsibilities of a lieutenant, ensuring order and the effective functioning of the Church body. Conclusion While the specific term "lieutenant" is not used in the biblical text, the concept of delegated authority and subordinate leadership is prevalent throughout Scripture. From the organization of Israelite society to the Roman military and the early Church, the principles of leadership, responsibility, and service are consistently demonstrated. Easton's Bible Dictionary (only in A.V. Esther 3:12; 8:9; 9:3; Ezra 8:36), a governor or viceroy of a Persian province having both military and civil power. Correctly rendered in the Revised Version "satrap." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An officer who supplies the place of a superior in his absence; a representative of, or substitute for, another in the performance of any duty.2. (n.) A commissioned officer in the army, next below a captain. 3. (n.) A commissioned officer in the British navy, in rank next below a commander. 4. (n.) A commissioned officer in the United States navy, in rank next below a lieutenant commander. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LIEUTENANTlu-ten'-ant, lef-ten'-ant. Strong's Hebrew 323. achashdarpan -- satraps... lieutenant. Of Persian derivation; a satrap or governor of a main province (of Persia) -- lieutenant. 322, 323. achashdarpan. 324 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/323.htm - 5k 6496. paqid -- commissioner, deputy, overseer Library Of the Destruction of Ilium by Fimbria, a Lieutenant of Marius. Early Battles In the Homes of the People The Life of John Campbel Earl of Loudon. His Charge of Cowardice is Baseless: for Basil Displayed the ... Kate Lee's Secret But the Power, not the Will, to Resist, Failed Ithacius... Of Chrysanthus Bishop of the Novatians at Constantinople. Wesley visits the Irish Parliament House Defeating the Press-Gang Thesaurus Lieutenant... 4. (n.) A commissioned officer in the United States navy, in rank next below a lieutenant commander. Int. ...LIEUTENANT. lu-ten'-ant, lef-ten'-ant. See SATRAPS. ... /l/lieutenant.htm - 7k Lieutenants (4 Occurrences) Nurse (23 Occurrences) Lieu (1 Occurrence) Ensign (21 Occurrences) Deputy (7 Occurrences) Major (2 Occurrences) Commander (111 Occurrences) Jonathan (109 Occurrences) Salt (45 Occurrences) Resources Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.orgLieutenant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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