What about "Repentance"
in the Old Testament?
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The Old Testament Hebrew word related to repentance has a broader
focus than the New Testament Greek word. Though the idea of
"repentance from sin" is often present, the word is more
frequently used in reference to a person changing his actions
("repenting") for other reasons.
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In the Old Testament sense, a person can change his actions because
he has compassion or pity on someone who has been affected by those
actions - even though the actions, themselves, are not wrong. He
can also change his actions, when the circumstances requiring those
actions have changed.
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In this sense, even God can "repent." He can change his
actions toward people, when their actions (and attitudes) have
changed toward him. He can bring judgment upon a nation, when it
rebels against him... yet later, if that nation turns back to him, he
can "repent" by taking away the judgment and replacing it
with blessings.
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In the New Testament, the word "repentance" is used in this
broader sense, in Hebrews 12:17.
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[NOTE: Sometimes there may be a greater focus on the change of mind,
rather than the change of action. This could be a
change to a "positive" state of mind (related to comfort
and encouragement). Or it could be a change to a "negative"
state of mind (related to sorrow, regret and pity) - comparable to
the word "remorse," which is examined in a separate part of
this study.]
Dennis Hinks © 2001
041110
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