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Hesed

The Hebrew word hesed occurs 246 times in the OT, over half of which are in the Psalms. It is often translated into English as "steadfast love", "loving kindness", or simply "kindness".

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Hesed

Hesed speaks of kindness, generosity, loyalty, grace, and compassion by a person acting on behalf of a loved one.

It is central to God's character.

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Hesed

In the book of Ruth, we see Ruth's kindness (hesed) to Naomi, and Boaz's kindness (hesed) to Ruth that transforms tragedy in chapter 1 to rejoicing by chapter 4.

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Hesed

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love (hesed) shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace (shalom) shall not be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

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Hesed

"He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (hesed), and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8

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Hesed

"For I desire steadfast love (hesed) and not sacrifice"

Hosea 6:6a

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Hesed

Twice in the Matthew's gospel, Jesus quotes this same Hosea passage in responding to the Pharisees.

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Hesed

The Pharisees ask why Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners.

Jesus replies:

"Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice." Matt 9:13a

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Hesed

When the Pharisees ask why His disciples are not keeping the sabbath, Jesus replies:

"And if you had known what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless." Matthew 12:7a

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Hesed

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

Romans 5:10

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Hesed - NT examples

  • Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
  • Parable of Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
  • Generous Vineyard Owner to workers (Matthew 20:1-16)

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Hesed

"Chessed (hesed) is the mark of a people joined by covenant. Covenant creates society as extended family; it means seeing strangers as if they were our long-lost brothers or sisters. [cont.]

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Hesed

[cont.] A community based on chessed (hesed) is a place of grace, where everyone feels honored and everyone is at home."

Jonathan Sacks, "Chessed: Love as Compassion"