Articles
Introduction of Love in the Old Testament
Introduction of Love in the Old Testament
Tyler King
The Hebrew word for love appears more than 250 times in the text of the Old Testament. This number of occurrences should come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with the content of God’s word. Love serves as a pivotal motivation, an unconditional expression, and a powerful reaction in the relationship between God and humanity. אהב (or “ahav”) can be defined as the “affection or attractive force found between two parties” (Holladay, 5). Interestingly, the two parties in which the love is exchanged can consist of divine, human, or animal and it can even extend to inanimate objects.
The first instance of אהב does not appear until the 22nd chapter of Genesis. Though, it is in this inceptive appearance of Genesis 22:2 that love establishes its gravity. Prior to Genesis 22, God made a promise to Abraham which included the gifting of a land to his offspring (Gen. 13:15). As Abraham’s relationship with God developed, he eventually speaks to God regarding his lineage, “O Lord God, what will you give me for I continue childless” (Gen. 15:2). God affirmed and reassured Abraham numerous times that he would indeed bear children through Sarah (Gen. 15:4,5; 17:16). Abraham and Sarah found themselves in a state of disbelief after getting news that she would bear a child; for this seemed impossible to someone of her age (Gen. 18:12,13). As the narrative progresses, the reader discovers God as one who keeps His promises as He provides Isaac to the elderly couple (Gen. 21:2). Isaac’s birth was much more than a miracle; it was an event that highlighted the power and faithfulness of the Lord.
Here's where things get interesting (as if the miracle of Isaac’s birth wasn’t cool already). After Isaac had grown and Abraham had sojourned, God commanded Abraham to rise, take his son Isaac, and offer him before the Lord. Though it is in this very command that God observes, “your son whom you love” (Gen. 22:2). That’s the first instance of the word. Additionally, the Hebrew is identified as QAL perfect, 2nd person masculine, meaning, it is God who is looking and witnessing the אהב (ahav) that a father has for his child. Isaac was one of the most cherished gifts that Abraham had received and his affection for him was obvious.
In establishing the foundation of Israel’s holiness, the Lord commanded to “love the Lord with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your might” (Deut. 6:5). If anyone seeks to follow God, it requires the utilization of one of the most powerful actions/emotions given to humanity: אהב. God instructs that this love is to be powered by all that an individual has in their character, all that they have in their identity, and all that they have in their strength. When one fully comes to terms with giving all that they think, seek, and do for God, they understand how love becomes the propellent that moves a faithful relationship through the most difficult and most joyous of occasions of life.
While love can be a one-sided affair, such is not the case on God’s behalf. God is one who continually loves and shows that love through unwavering steadfastness. In the chapter after Deuteronomy 6 and the instruction of the Shema, God reminds the listener of His love for them. Deuteronomy 7 begins with how God has destined His people to prosperity, success, and blessing on the condition that they follow Him. The intent of God is unveiled in Deuteronomy 7:8, “it is because the Lord loves you.” This use of אהב appears as a noun feminine singular construct. God is indicating His love is something that embodies who the Lord is and what He does. Later in the text, in 7:13, God’s love is described as a verb QAL perfect; something that God does for His people. Love is who God is and what He does. When we love, we are perfectly representing God’s truest attribute. So, love. Love your family, love your friends, love your enemies.
