The concept of intercession, particularly the intercession of one person on behalf of another, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. Intercession involves standing in the gap for others through prayer, advocacy, or mediation, seeking divine intervention or reconciliation in human relationships.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, intercession is often seen in the actions of prophets, priests, and leaders who plead with God on behalf of the people. One of the earliest examples is Abraham, who interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham appeals to God's justice and mercy, asking Him to spare the cities if righteous individuals are found within them. This passage highlights the role of intercession in seeking God's mercy and justice.

Moses is another prominent intercessor. In Exodus 32:11-14, after the Israelites worship the golden calf, Moses pleads with God to relent from His anger and not destroy the people. Moses' intercession is characterized by his appeal to God's promises and reputation among the nations. Similarly, in Numbers 14:13-19, Moses intercedes again when the Israelites rebel, emphasizing God's steadfast love and forgiveness.

The role of the priest as an intercessor is institutionalized in the Levitical system. The high priest, particularly on the Day of Atonement, intercedes for the people by offering sacrifices to atone for their sins (Leviticus 16). This priestly intercession foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Christ.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, intercession continues to be a vital aspect of Christian life and ministry. The Apostle Paul frequently intercedes for the churches in his letters. In Ephesians 1:16-18, Paul writes, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him." Paul's prayers for the spiritual growth and enlightenment of believers exemplify intercessory prayer.

The New Testament also encourages believers to intercede for one another. In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." This exhortation underscores the communal responsibility of believers to pray for all people, including those in authority.

James 5:16 further emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This passage highlights the effectiveness of intercession in bringing about healing and restoration.

Theological Implications

Intercession of man with man reflects the biblical principle of love and concern for others. It is an expression of the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Intercession is an act of selflessness, where one puts the needs of others before their own, seeking God's intervention and blessing on their behalf.

The practice of intercession also acknowledges the communal nature of the body of Christ. Believers are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to support each other through prayer and encouragement. Intercession fosters unity and strengthens the bonds of fellowship within the Christian community.

Moreover, intercession is a reflection of Christ's own ministry. Jesus is the ultimate intercessor, who "always lives to intercede" for believers (Hebrews 7:25). His sacrificial death and resurrection provide the basis for all intercessory prayer, as He mediates between God and humanity.

In summary, the intercession of man with man is a vital aspect of biblical teaching, demonstrating love, unity, and the power of prayer in the life of believers. Through intercession, individuals participate in God's redemptive work, seeking His will and blessing for others.1 Samuel 2:25
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they listened not to the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
Nave's Topical Index

Of those who Fancy That, on Account of the Saints' Intercession ...
... Book XXI. Chapter 18."Of Those Who Fancy That, on Account of the Saints'
Intercession, Man Shall Be Damned in the Last Judgment. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 18 of those who fancy.htm

As the vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by ...
... For he knows that the intercession of the poor man is acceptable and influential
[255] with God. Both, accordingly, accomplish their work. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude second as the vine.htm

"And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
... us because he knoweth that his Father may justly exact of man personal satisfaction ...
strong cries and tears," and he is said still "to make intercession for us ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxv and if any.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... Interpreting the rich man's intercession for his brothers on the same principle,
I do not know and cannot learn here, whether those who have passed through ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm

Of the Union of Man's Will with God's in those Inspirations which ...
... by a number of miracles which God did by her relics and intercession, was recognized ...
A certain young man, having given his mother a kick, touched with a lively ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the union.htm

What Manner of Man Ought to Come to Rule.
... If, then, a man blushes to become an intercessor with another man on whom he has
no claim, with what idea can any one grasp the post of intercession with God ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x what manner of.htm

No Man is Assisted Unless He Does Himself Also Work. Our Course is ...
... us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." [1588] Now no man is assisted ...
shed abroad in our hearts [1592] that love, "which maketh intercession for us ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter xx 43 no man is.htm

O Jesus, Crucified for Man
... LM [186]Intercession: Arr. by John B. Dykes, 1853. W. Walsham How, 1871. O Jesus,
crucified for man,. O Lamb, all glorious on thy throne,. ...
/.../daily prayer friday 52 o.htm

The Holy Spirit's Intercession
... O, unbelievers you must first be made saints or you cannot feel the Spirit's
intercession within you. ... "To as man as received him to them gave he power to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the holy spirits intercession.htm

That Jesus Christ, at the Same Time God and Man, is the True and ...
... diseases [988] by Him who sitteth at Thy right hand and maketh intercession for
us ... We might think that Thy Word was removed from union with man, and despair of ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xliii that jesus christ at.htm

What is Jesus' High Priestly Prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about prayerlessness? | GotQuestions.org

Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.org

Intercession: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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