Discernment in the Old Testament
DISCERNMENT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
WHO USED THE GIFTS TO DISCERN?
KINGS DISCERNED
The two predominate duties of the king were to judge the people and lead them in warfare against their enemies. The Israelites demanded that they be given a king patterned after other nations: “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge [8199] us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (1 Sam 8:19-20 KJV)
Similar to our Supreme Court, issues not settled by the elders were taken to the king to judge. Listen to Solomon’s prayer as he begs for discernment:
Therefore give to Your servant an understanding [8085] heart to judge Your people, that I may discern [995] between good and evil. For who is able to judge [8199] this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding [995] to discern [8085] justice [4941], behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. (1 Kings 3:9-13 NKJV)
Notice that in the Lord’s answer, the Hebrew words were switched or interchanged between understanding and discernment. Solomon asked for understanding [8085] to discern [995] between good and evil. The Lord quoted back to him the opposite: understanding [995] to discern [8085] justice. This implies that the two words were very close to the same meaning.
OLD TESTAMENT:
Understanding
OT:8085
shama‘ (shaw-mah’); a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.):
KJV – X attentively, call (gather) together, X carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear (-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim (-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell, understand, whosoever [heareth], witness.
Discern
biyn (bene); a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand:
KJV – attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill (-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand (-ing), view, (deal) wise (-ly, man).
Judge
OT:8199
shaphat (shaw-fat’); a primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively):
KJV – + avenge, X that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge (-ment), X needs, plead, reason, rule.
Judgment
OT:4941
mishpat (mish-pawt’); from OT:8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or [participant’s] divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant’s right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style:
KJV – + adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just (-ice, -ly), (manner of) law (-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.
God said Solomon needed discernment for:
-
- a) matters that needed justice,
- b) people that needed sentences passed for their unlawful behaviors. Solomon asked for discernment between good and evil.
The purpose of discernment in this context was to discern between good and evil behavior and possibly motives.
JUDGES DISCERNED
In the process of Moses judging [8199] and settling problems, he was given advice from his father-in-saw to set up elders who helped. They were appointed as leaders over groups of people to judge between right and wrong and resolve the two with justice. And later, just as Solomon prayed for discernment to judge between right and wrong, the elders duties and needs were the same.
Ex 18:13-25 NLT
“The next day, Moses sat as usual to hear the people’s complaints against each other. They were lined up in front of him from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “Why are you trying to do all this alone? The people have been standing here all day to get your help.” Moses replied, “Well, the people come to me to seek God’s guidance. When an argument arises, I am the one who settles the case. I inform the people of God’s decisions and teach them his laws and instructions.” “This is not good!” his father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing him their questions to be decided. You should tell them God’s decisions, teach them God’s laws and instructions, and show them how to conduct their lives. But find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men can serve the people, resolving all the ordinary cases. Anything that is too important or too complicated can be brought to you. But they can take care of the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God directs you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.”
And now scroll up to the above translations of these Old Testament words, understanding, discern, judge and judgment and compare them to the New Testament words for discern: “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern [1253] both good and evil.” (Heb 5:14 NKJV) They are very similar. They are connected to the judicial process.
Discern
NT:1253
diakrisis (dee-ak’-ree-sis); from NT:1252; judicial estimation:
KJV – discern (-ing), disputation.
NT:1252
diakrino (dee-ak-ree’-no); from NT:1223 and NT:2919; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate:
KJV – contend, make (to) differ (-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.
NT:2919
krino (kree’-no); properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:
KJV – avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
The purpose of discernment in this context was to discern between good and evil behavior and possibly motives.
PROPHETS DISCERNED
Daniel, the seer was given discernment to understand visions and dreams. With this gift he was able to separate the various symbols and nuances the unravel the mysteries of God.
Dan 1:3-4, 17
And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding [995] science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans… As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding [995] in all visions and dreams.
Discern
OT:995
biyn (bene); a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand:
KJV – attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill (-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand (-ing), view, (deal) wise (-ly, man).
He was given end time revelation of the antichrist and because of his discernment he was able to discern between the good and evil of those days to come:
“His army will take over the Temple fortress, polluting the sanctuary, putting a stop to the daily sacrifices, and setting up the sacrilegious object that causes desecration. He will flatter those who have violated the covenant and win them over to his side. But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him. “Those who are wise will give instruction to many.” (Dan 11:31-33 NLT)
The purpose of discernment in this context is to discern between good and evil spiritual food.
WATCHMEN DISCERNED
The watchmen looked for good and bad news and then announced such with their voices or their trumpets. In the Hebrew language they had 3 different words that described the various watchmen.
- Sentinels on the city walls and in watchtowers.
Because of the height of where they stood, they were able to see long distances and their voices traveled a great distance too. They rotated various hours keeping the watch. It was their duty to peer in the distance looking for any possible danger, or even good news coming from without the city walls. There also built watch towers in the middle of vineyards. These were placed to protect the harvest from being stolen or rampaged.
(2 Sam 18:25; 2 Kings 9:18; Ps 127:1; Isa 62:6, Isa 21:6, Isa 5:2; Matt 21:33; Mark 12:1)
Watchman
OT:6822
tsaphah (tsaw-faw’); a primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await:
KJV – behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch (-man).
- Watchmen that go about the city.
These were perhaps like roving security guards whose duty it was to protect the innocent from unlawful behavior and answer the questions of wanderers.
(Song 3:3; 5:7)
Watchman
OT:8104
shamar (shaw-mar’); a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:
KJV – beward, be circumspect, take heed (toself), keep (-erself,), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).
-
- c) Watchmen on a hill top.
These were warriors who stood their ground to defend their turf, or to offensively take ground by secretly waiting to besiege territory.
(Jer 31:6, 4:16)
Watchman
OT:5341
natsar (naw-tsar’); a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):
KJV – besieged, hidden thing, keep (-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve (-r), subtil, watcher (-man).
Like the various duties of the watchmen in the cities, walls and towers, the Lord used this analogy to appoint spiritual watchmen to alarm of incoming danger. These spiritual watchmen brought messages from God showing people their sins, threatening judgment, calling for repentance and announcing pardon. Although scripture does not tell us that they had the gift of discern, the very nature of their calling required discernment. Even as the watchmen on the walls looked for good and bad news and then announced such, so it was for the spiritual watchmen. The spiritual watchmen needed to discern between the good and bad news and announce accordingly.
The prophet Ezekiel, was commissioned from the Lord to be a spiritual watchman. The people of that day were acquainted with the duties of a watchmen and so the allegory communicated well.
Ezek 33:1-9 NLT
“Once again a message came to me from the LORD: “Son of man, give your people this message: When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose a watchman. When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he blows the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action—well, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the warning but wouldn’t listen, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. But if the watnhman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their deaths. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman accountable. “Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to warn them about changing their ways, then they will die in their sins, but I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will not be held responsible.”
The purpose of discernment in this context is to discern between good and evil news.
PRIESTS DISCERNED
The priests were to approach God on behalf of man. They were like mediators standing in the breach of man’s sins against God. They did this through identification as one person, on behalf of all the people. The sins of many (the people) became the sins of one (the priest) and the sins of one (the priest) became the sins of many (the people). Trespasses & consequences were passed both ways. (Ex 28:12, 19, Lev 4:3) The priests’ function were to offer sacrifices for the atonement of these sins. (Heb 5:1; 8:3). They were also to teach the people the difference between the holy and the profane and to judge in matters of controversy between people.
Neh 8:7-9
And the Levites, caused [995] the people to understand [995] the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [995] them to understand [995] the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught [995] the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God;
Ezek 44:23-24 KJV
And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern [3045] between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment [4941]; and they shall judge [8199] it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.
Discern
OT:3045
yada‘ (yaw-dah’); a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.) [as follow]:
KJV – acknowledge, acquaintance (-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, [un-] awares, can [-not], certainly, comprehend, consider, X could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be [ig-] norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have [knowledge], (be, make, make to be, makeself) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have [understanding], X will be, wist, wit, wot.
Judgment
OT:4941
mishpat (mish-pawt’); from OT:8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or [participant’s] divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant’s right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style:
KJV – + adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just (-ice, -ly), (manner of) law (-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.
Judge
OT:8199
shaphat (shaw-fat’); a primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively):
KJV – + avenge, X that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge (-ment), X needs, plead, reason, rule.
The purpose of discernment in this context is to understand the laws about good and evil.
