Topical Bible: Industry: Jewish Elders

◄ Industry: Jewish Elders ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Jewish Elders" refers to the leaders and senior figures within the Jewish community, particularly during biblical times. These individuals held positions of authority and were often involved in decision-making processes, religious leadership, and the administration of justice. The role of elders is deeply rooted in the traditions and societal structures of ancient Israel, as depicted in the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, elders were recognized as leaders within the tribes of Israel. They were often chosen for their wisdom, experience, and ability to lead the people in accordance with God's laws. The Hebrew word for elder, "zaqen," implies age and experience, suggesting that these individuals were respected for their life experience and understanding of the law.

One of the earliest mentions of elders is found in the book of Exodus, where Moses is instructed to gather the elders of Israel to communicate God's message of deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 3:16). The elders played a crucial role in the governance of the people, serving as intermediaries between Moses and the Israelites. In Exodus 18:12, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises him to appoint capable men as leaders over the people, including elders, to help judge and manage the community's affairs.

The elders also had a significant role in the religious life of Israel. In Leviticus 4:15, the elders of the congregation are instructed to lay their hands on the head of a bull as part of a sin offering, symbolizing their representation of the people before God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of Jewish elders continues to be significant, particularly in the context of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jewish people. The Sanhedrin was composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders, who together made important legal and religious decisions. The elders are frequently mentioned in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles as part of this council.

For instance, in Matthew 26:3, the chief priests and elders of the people gather in the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas, to plot against Jesus. Their involvement in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus is further highlighted in passages such as Matthew 27:1, where it is noted that "all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death" .

The elders also appear in the early Christian church, as seen in the book of Acts. In Acts 15:6, the apostles and elders come together to consider the matter of Gentile believers and the requirements of the Mosaic Law, demonstrating their continued role in guiding the community and making doctrinal decisions.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The elders of Israel were not only political and judicial leaders but also custodians of tradition and religious practice. Their authority was derived from their knowledge of the Torah and their ability to interpret and apply its teachings to the lives of the people. This role was essential in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, ensuring that the community lived in accordance with divine commandments.

Throughout biblical history, the elders served as a stabilizing force within the community, providing leadership and guidance during times of crisis and transition. Their presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores the continuity of leadership and the importance of wise and experienced counsel in the life of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 6:14,15
And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Religious and Social State.
... Elders." This is also stated in the Jewish Encyclop??dia (New ... fire are meted out to
the Elders as retributive ... [48] "Soap making is the chief industry of modern ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 2.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... 265] Nor was the native industry inconsiderable. ... [268] In the choir of this Jewish
cathedral stood ... with precious stones, for the seventy elders who constituted ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

Judaism.
... by them as misanthropic, though by their judgment, industry, and tact ... 56] were, so
to speak, the Jewish Stoics ... Scriptures with the traditions of the elders so as ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 9 judaism.htm

Introduction
... asked lay Philadelphus of the Elders there are ... Greek philosophy was originally derived
from Jewish religion, so ... This industry was carried on by the Christians ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ...
... Aquila and Priscilla, who carried on with industry and success ... to confer with the
apostles and elders concerning the ... with his brethren of the Jewish capital. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the conversion of.htm

The Early Years of Jesus
... It was customary for a Jewish boy not long after ... came to know the traditions of the
elders and also ... may think that in quietness and homely industry, in secret ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the early years of.htm

Elucidations.
... or sect in the world, I feel grateful for his industry in collecting ... [4647] As in
the Jewish usages, [4648 ... know nothing of it when he says, "The elders who are ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/elucidations.htm

The Social Test of Religion
... according to the tradition of the elders, but eat ... At the time of Jesus the Jewish
sacrifices had ... from agriculture and rural settlements to industry and urban ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ix the social test.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... and that fishing was the main industry along the ... conversant the Gospel narratives
are with Jewish Law and ... account of this tradition of the elders,' [3314] the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

Acts XX
... he pushes the work forward with renewed industry, for the ... all of them who were Jews
or Jewish proselytes, and ... sent to Ephesus, and called for the elders of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm