Friday, June 23, 2006
The Assembly of God (PART II)
Not surprising, ekklesia was used before the birth of Christ and, therefore, before any New Testament writings. The Septuagint, the 1st to 3rd century B.C. Greek translation of the Old Testament, uses ekklesia often. One of the earliest appearances of ekklesia in the Septuagint is in Deuteronomy.
“No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the LORD. No one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation.” (Deut. 23:1-2 NIV)
“No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD. …” (Deut 23:1 NASB)
“No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD. …” (Deut. 23:1 ESV)
The Septuagint translates the Hebrew word qahal as ekklesia, where the three English versions translate the Hebrew word as assembly. But in this context what does the word assembly mean? Clearly eunuchs were not rejected in the nation of Israel (see Isaiah 56:4-5). Furthermore, the passage in Deuteronomy goes on to say that Ammonites or Moabites may not enter the assembly. However, Ruth is an example of a Moabite who was not excluded from Israel. Therefore, the word translated assembly in this passage probably refers to those Israelites who were allowed to bring the sacrifices to the temple.
The word ekklesia is also used in referring to an assembly of leaders. Once again, ekklesia is the Greek translation of qahal.
“David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. He then said to the whole assembly of Israel …” (1 Chronicles 13:1-2a NIV)
“Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader. David said to all the assembly of Israel …” (1 Chronicles 13:1-2a NASB)
“… And David said to all the assembly of Israel …” (1 Chronicles 13:2a ESV)
However, a more interesting use of ekklesia can be found in the Psalms.
“Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.” (Psalm 149:1-2 NIV)
“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones. Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.” (Psalm 149:1-2 NASB)
“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!” (Psalm 149:1-2 ESV)
From a quick glance, it appears that the Greek word ekklesia was used to translate the generic assembly of Israel.
“No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the LORD. No one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation.” (Deut. 23:1-2 NIV)
“No one who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD. …” (Deut 23:1 NASB)
“No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD. …” (Deut. 23:1 ESV)
The Septuagint translates the Hebrew word qahal as ekklesia, where the three English versions translate the Hebrew word as assembly. But in this context what does the word assembly mean? Clearly eunuchs were not rejected in the nation of Israel (see Isaiah 56:4-5). Furthermore, the passage in Deuteronomy goes on to say that Ammonites or Moabites may not enter the assembly. However, Ruth is an example of a Moabite who was not excluded from Israel. Therefore, the word translated assembly in this passage probably refers to those Israelites who were allowed to bring the sacrifices to the temple.
The word ekklesia is also used in referring to an assembly of leaders. Once again, ekklesia is the Greek translation of qahal.
“David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. He then said to the whole assembly of Israel …” (1 Chronicles 13:1-2a NIV)
“Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, even with every leader. David said to all the assembly of Israel …” (1 Chronicles 13:1-2a NASB)
“… And David said to all the assembly of Israel …” (1 Chronicles 13:2a ESV)
However, a more interesting use of ekklesia can be found in the Psalms.
“Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.” (Psalm 149:1-2 NIV)
“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones. Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.” (Psalm 149:1-2 NASB)
“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!” (Psalm 149:1-2 ESV)
From a quick glance, it appears that the Greek word ekklesia was used to translate the generic assembly of Israel.
# posted by Wesley Son of Cornelius @ 11:46 PM 
