The last of the litany “Things God Hates” is “He that soweth discord among brethren.” God, in other words “loves” unity among His children!
The noun “discord” translates the Hebrew noun “medan.” It means “strife” or “contention.” Only found a very few times in Scripture (one experts says 3 times total), the word is derived from a root verb spelled “diyn.” And “diyn” means “to judge, to content, to plead, to vindicate (get even),” bitterness clearly being implied.
God, in Psalm 133, gives us His View of harmony among the brethren. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”
God “commands” a blessing, if there is love and kindness and fellowship in the midst!
Wow!
Next I asked, “What’s a good Bible example of a man sowing disunity among his own people?” And the Lord laid one on my heart, a Bible Text.
Absalom.
David’s Son.
Second Samuel 15:1-6 records the devious plot. Watch how deceptive Absalom is! Sowing discord every day! “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
Absalom literally incited rebellion by feigning (faking) love and concern for the people of Israel, all the while criticizing and undermining his Father (David the King).
God hates such!
Love and unity are critically important to the Christian faith!
Even being a tool for evangelism, according to Jesus.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Our Lord in John 13:35.
A hint from Brother Bagwell. Be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker down at your church! Get you a seed bag of love and peace and joy and longsuffering … and spread those graces everywhere you go!
What a thought today.
One which I plan to study more … and eventually preach somewhere in a revival meeting. “Things God hates!”
What a view into the Heart and Character of Almighty God!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell