A better understanding about "Grace"
How many times do you hear Christians speak of God's Grace?
How many time do we see books, devotionals, essays, church studies, or hear sermons, about "Grace?" It seems entire churches are often found built upon the this one word "GRACE", but how many have truly ever taken the time to study the word "GRACE" to see if they could discover just "what is so amazing" about God's "Grace?"
Are we truly " saved by Grace?"
Or is there more to the bigger picture?
May the Grace of God be with you, and me, as we attempt to go through the entire Holy Bible studying God's Word and "Grace," to see if we can understand about the Grace of God.
This is the first time this author has ever attempted such a study, so it should be rather interesting to see where GOD will lead us.
Before we begin, I want to take this time with you the reader, to stop and ask YHWH, Almighty God for His Guidance and His Wisdom, in seeing and understanding as we study God's Word looking at the topic of "Grace."
May YHWH open our minds and keep us focused and guide us into all of His pure Truth, His Holy Word, as you read this study and I create it.
YHWH willing, we will both be enriched and in His Holy Spirit to understand and better comprehend what His Will is in this amazing topic and better be able to communicate it to others.
In the name of JESUS, the Christ, I pray.
Let's now begin to look at God's Word seeking His "Grace."
Before we begin 'the meat' of the full study, I usually have found doing any Holy Bible study on any topic, that looking at the first use in the Holy Bible and comparing it to the last, is a quite fascinating study to see where we begin and where it is we end.
The first Holy Scripture using the word "Grace" in the entire (King James) Bible is Genesis 6:8
Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
But Noah found grace in the eyes of YHWH (the LORD).
The last Holy Scripture using the word "Grace" is:
Revelations 22:21 (KJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I want you to notice one difference between the two, and yet one absolute similarity.
In both Genesis 6:8 and Revelation 22:21 Grace ( as different in each language, as it will be found by root and meaning) is something that is retained or belongs to GOD, in both Scriptures God owns grace.
When we begin, it's "Noah" who found "Grace in the eyes of YHWH," meaning God saw (through HIS eyes) or found, or gave HIS Grace upon Noah— one righteous man whom God would save, or you could say, kept safely separate to Himself, along with seven others of his family.
When we end in last page of the Bible, it is implying a hope, a wish that "the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (to GIVE His Grace)
Grace, here, is now being given freely (by the Almighty Will of GOD).
Note this is being spoken from one within the Spirit, one within the Church (body of believers) of Christ to both all those outside Christ (non believers) or all those within the Church.
Grace is a free gift by GOD, ready for the giving, solely by GOD, (Who retains all Grace) to all who seek it (or even those who don't).
Note, we begin with GOD holding Grace for those whom He wills, and we end with grace given freely away; yet in both cases, the absolute rule is that GOD owns grace, and it is only a gift by GOD which HE chooses to give to man, His creation.
What a Wonderful, truly WONDERFUL GOD we serve.
2nd Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Now that we have only a glimpse of the what will unfold in the end, let's now look and in-depthly go through the Word of God to study "grace."
Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
But Noah found grace in the eyes of YHWH.
The word "grace" as used here, is the Hebrew Word chen, which comes from the Hebrew root word chanan.
chen, Hebrew 2580, Strong’s
chen, khane; from Hebrew 2603 (chanan); graciousness, i.e. subjectively(kindness, favor) or objective (beauty) :- favour, grace (-ious), pleasant, precious, [well-] favoured.
chanan, khaw-nan'; a primitive root [compare Hebrew 2583 (chanah)]; properly to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causat. to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition) :- beseech, × fair, (be, find, shew) favour (-able), be (deal, give, grant) gracious (-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, × very.
This scripture is speaking of grace as a kind of favor, or favored status, to be favored, to be dealt graciously, or dealt favor, to be shown favor, shown pleasantries, kindness, to show or bestow mercy, or pity upon one.
Now briefly look at the Biblical context of this Holy scripture.
Genesis 6:1-8 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, [2] That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. [3] And YHWH said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. [4] There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
[5] And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. [6] And it repented YHWH that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. [7] And YHWH said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. [8] But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Note that at this point in time, God is not well pleased with his own creation, for the wickedness (and Sin which has corrupted all of His creation) of man "and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Note that God repents his own creation and vows to destroy "both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air."
So we understand that God (the creator) is ready to set His wrath upon the earth and all in it, (his creation) then we read the next line "But Noah found grace in the eyes of YHWH."
So from the Hebrew definition, we can see GOD found favor with Noah, and therefore shows us HIS sovereign gift of God's kindness, bestowed on Noah, which includes God's mercy and His decision to save or keep safe Noah while God will destroy all others.
Of course we read that in addition to Noah, his wife and children were saved as a remnant:
Genesis 6:9-7:10 (KJV)
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. [10] And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. [11] The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. [12] And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. [13] And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
[14] Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. [15] And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. [16] A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. [17] And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. [18] But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. [19] And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. [20] Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. [21] And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. [22] Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
[7:1] And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. [2] Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. [3] Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. [4] For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. [5] And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him. [6] And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.
[7] And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. [8] Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, [9] There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. [10] And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.
Before we continue, note and ask yourself, WHY did GOD have mercy upon Noah?
What was so special about Noah that God saw (Noah found grace in the eyes of YHWH)?
Genesis 6:9-7:10 (KJV)
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
The next Scripture is Genesis 19:19, we see that Lot is speaking to two angels (or messengers of God) who are about to save Lot from the death and destruction which God had determined on the sinful and wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 19:19 (KJV)
Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:
This Scripture shows the favor God had toward Lot, the brother of Abram (Abraham).
Lot here, is thanking the angles and but hesitantly protesting in fear for his own life to follow the instructions of the angels of God to flee to a mountain for safety.
Note carefully that when GOD gives Grace or extends His mercy, there is always an impending wrath or destruction shortly coming.
In addition, whenever GOD gives grace or extends His mercy, God sets out distinct rules for the one given grace to follow. In all cases this is for one's ultimate safely, as God knows best.
While grace is a free gift , it also comes with rules and laws which God expects to be obeyed (again for our own good).
In Noah's case, God commanded Noah to build an ark and told him how to build the ark for his saftey. In Lot's case, the messengers of God commanded Lot to flee out of the city immediately and to not look back, to flee to the safety of a mountain.
Note how YHWH's grace involves mercifulness.
Genesis 19:15-29 (KJV)
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. [16] And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; YHWH being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
[17] And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. [18] And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: [19] Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: [20] Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. [21] And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. [22] Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
[23] The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. [24] Then YHWH rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; [25] And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
[26] But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
[27] And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord: [28] And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
[29] And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.
Before continuing, did you notice that Lot within grace of God protested the angel's commandments, and sought his own ideas even with God's grace and protection?
Look at what happened!
Lot fearful of his own life, and showing a lack of true faith in the abilities of the Sovereign Power of Almighty God, protested the command to flee to the mountain and instead said let me go to a little village nearby Zoar "and my soul shall live."
The angels granted or showed grace (favor) to Lot's request and surely Lot's "soul shall live," but there appears to have been a price paid for this act. Notice that Lot's wife looked back, she broke the rules laid out by the angels.
If Lot had obeyed the angels command to flee into the mountain, might Lot's wife not have been turned into a pillar of salt, for possibly the location would be far removed from her sight to look back. Only God knows if this might have changed the course of events.
But God clearly wants us through this story to understand here that even with God's sovereign grace there is expected obedience and there are rules or regulations one must also be willing to follow.
Lot truly was saved, but what more grace might have abounded in his life, had he diligently obeyed God!
Later we also learn in the Bible because Lot loses his wife, his two daughters whom he fled with, seek (themselves) to fix the problem (themselves) now in lot's life by committing abomination with their father as they get Lot drunk and with him conceive a child each. Thus a curse much larger is more evident upon the children of Lot.
Deuteronomy 23:3 (KJV)
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of YHWH; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of YHWH for ever:
"for ever" folks. O God have mercy on us (O we of little faith).
The story of Lot shows clearly that God's grace is not to be abused or taken lightly.
Another way of saying this is God's grace is not always unconditional.
Clearly, God sets forth conditions (for our sole good) along with God's given grace.
In this next scripture, we see Jacob (soon to be called Israel) speaking to his brother Esau. Jacob stole Esau's birthright and tricked Him out of his blessing, thus Esau in his wrath, hated his brother Jacob and sought to kill him.
Jacob now faces his brother and prepares to meet him for the first time since that occasion when he fled from his brother's wrath. Jacob therefore prepares a gift offering to Esau in the hope that Esau will not kill him or his family.
Genesis 32:5 (KJV)
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
Jacob here is seeking the favor, or pleasantry kindness and mercy or clemency of his brother.
Genesis 33:1-17 (KJV)
And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. [2] And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. [3] And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. [4] And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. [5] And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. [6] Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. [7] And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. [8] And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. [9] And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. [10] And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. [11] Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. [12] And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee. [13] And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. [14] Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. [15] And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.
[16] So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. [17] And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
Note when Esau arrives, he shows grace first by kissing and embracing his brother Jacob who has before hand prepared messengers to seek out Esau announcing a gift, and also prepared this massive "present" for his brother Esau so "to find grace in the sight of my lord" (Esau).
Esau at first declines to accept this freewill offering, but none the less shows his favor toward his brother Jacob. Notice Jacob does not automatically assume the grace of Esau, he says "Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand:"
Note that Jacob also glorifies God in Esau "for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. [11] Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough."
Did you notice Jacob who once stole Esau's blessing, now gives Esau a blessing, or his grace, sharing with Esau the wealth that God had in grace blessed upon Jacob.
Esau then offers Jacob a gift in return for his gift, but Jacob is giving, yet wanting nothing in return, declines the return favor saying to Esau "What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord."
In this short story, Jacob teaches us how God's grace works.
You see God gives Grace and Blessings and these gifts by God are non-repayable (non-repayable from the receiver). God expects nothing back in return for the gift, it is freely given, except for any stated conditions which may come with the gift.
Yet those who are shown the gift of the grace of God are expected by God to show the same grace, giving grace freely and not receiving.
The next scripture involves the Bible story of Shechem, a Hivite, or of the Canaanites who the Hebrew children of Israel were commanded were not to mingle with.
Shechem forcibly took Dinah, the daughter of Leah Jacobs wife, and had his way with her, and apparently loved the woman. Shechem was also hoping to marry her, and willing to make right or pay restitution so it seemed by marrying her.
Shechem even approached Jacob and proposes to make payment or do what ever it took in marriage. Here in Scripture Shechem is speaking to Jacob and Dinah's brothers.
Genesis 34:11 (KJV)
And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.
This is an interesting story for had later God's law (with grace) at Mt Sinai been in effect Shechem might have had a case for being able to marry Dinah, and live, although more conditions would need to be met and agreed to.
Shechem has done to Dinah unlawfully a grievous crime and pays for his mistake when Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers betray their oath or promise they deceitfully made to Shechem.
They say he can marry their sister only if he and all his males and people of their village submit to the Hebrew law —their covenant of circumcision which God made with Abraham.
Shechem and his father and all the village men willfully agree and submit to their request expecting peace and a new daughter- in- law, but Simeon and Levi kill everyman in the village including Shechem and his father.
In this story we see clearly man's wrath instead of grace and mercy.
Genesis 34:1-26 (KJV)
And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. [2] And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. [3] And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. [4] And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. [5] And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
[6] And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. [7] And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done. [8] And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. [9] And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. [10] And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. [11] And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. [12] Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. [13] And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: [14] And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: [15] But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; [16] Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. [17] But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. [18] And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. [19] And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
[20] And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, [21] These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. [22] Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised. [23] Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. [24] And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
[25] And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. [26] And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
Before going on, a few things to note. First, Simeon and Levi did wrong, when they gave an deceitful oath, lied, and killed, and later they both as tribes pay for their wrong.
Secondly, perhaps the ambition of the men of Hivites were not all that pure in all cases with statement, "Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us."
Thirdly, the Canaanite, Hivite peoples living and intermingling or mixing with the Hebrews was not going to happen, for it would have drastically changed consequences of God's future plans for the children of Jacob /Israel, and as you now will see, this event has already in part effected two tribes in their prophecy later given to all twelve tribes by Israel (Jacob their father).
Genesis 49:5-7 (KJV)
Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. [6] O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. [7] Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Lastly, we can see that man's anger and his wrath is deadly, fierce, cruel, and can have deadly consequences especially when it's mixed with deceitfulness or lies.
This Bible story clearly shows that wrath is contrary to grace, mercy, forgiveness and kind favor.
Therefore it's God's grace which saves one from God's wrath or His judgment.
In this next Scripture We read about Joseph the most favorite son of Jacob who was trapped by his other jealous brothers and sold into captivity, later taken to Egypt where he is sold to the house of pharaoh. The Bible shows how YHWH was with Joseph to protect and bless him (with grace).
Genesis 39:4 (KJV)
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
First in this Scripture, we can see that Joseph finds favor or grace in eyes of pharaoh. But why did Joseph receive Pharaoh's favor?
Genesis 39:1-6 (KJV)
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. [2] And YHWH was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. [3] And his master saw that YHWH was with him, and that YHWH made all that he did to prosper in his hand. [4] And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. [5] And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that YHWH blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of YHWH was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. [6] And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
Notice that Joseph's grace received from God now gives Joseph more grace he receives from Pharaoh. Joseph in turn gives his services to Pharaoh because he was shown grace.
In return for Joseph's humble, loyal and diligent services displayed before Pharaoh, Joseph receives more grace from Pharaoh when "he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand."
But look even Pharaoh who displayed grace received the blessing of YHWH upon his house, which not only blessed Pharaoh but Joseph as well.
Again, where does the grace come from, but GOD? Grace received can bring more about grace and grace given bring back more grace!
In the next scripture we learn that sometimes grace must be bought, or paid for, with a price and servitude. This Biblical narrative deals with a time period in Egypt where a famine has hit the land and it shows what Joseph does and how he prospers even in times of great famine because he prepared before hand by gathering all the food stocks prior to the five year famine.
Genesis 47:25 (KJV)
And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.
Note that those who were grateful for the grace of Joseph, even though they still had to pay for that grace, these people now seek grace and in return will be willing to become as servants.
Genesis 47:13-26 (KJV)
And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. [14] And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. [15] And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. [16] And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. [17] And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. [18] When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands: [19] Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. [20] And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's. [21] And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof. [22] Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. [23] Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. [24] And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones. [25] And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. [26] And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's.
So we can see grace, mercy kindness, begets more grace.
Those who find grace will be willing to submit to those who give grace.
Some may think it strange that Joseph expected payment, but God's Word shows that there is an order to things and in this arrangement the grains, bread and food stock and all Joseph put his hand to was truly still owned by Pharaoh who Joseph served as well. So in obedience to his master (in obedience to the precept of YHWH and his moral codes and law), Joseph sold and prospered the kingdom, while showing kindness and grace to choose to sell to the ones coming and seeking food and willing to buy from him.
The next three Scriptures all share the idea of one asking another "If now I have found grace..."
In this first scripture Jacob, or Israel, is now in Egypt reunited with all his sons pleading his son Joseph to promise him when Israel dies not to burry or leave him in Egypt.
Genesis 47:29 (KJV)
And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:
This next scripture Genesis 50:4 is continuing this story, where Joseph pleads to Pharaoh if he found favor to let him go burry his father in the land of Canaan.
Genesis 50:1-6 (KJV)
And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him. [2] And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel. [3] And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days. [4] And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, [5] My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again. [6] And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear.
The next Scripture sharing this humble pleading common theme, is Exodus 33: 13.
Exodus 33:12-13 (KJV)
And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. [13] Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
Moses, YHWH most loyal prophet and leader of the children of Israel, is pleading to YHWH, for God to show him His ways and mercy. Moses seeks to see or God to reveal to him the face of YHWH, the glory of God.
Understand this most serious discussion between Moses and YHWH in tabernacle takes place after the children of Israel have sinned by making a golden calf, and Moses has in his anger destroyed the ten commandments tablets YHWH had delivered to him. In addition three thousand men of Israel have been put to death by the sword as part of the judgment for their sin against YHWH.
Exodus 33:11-23 (KJV)
And YHWH spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
[12] And Moses said unto YHWH, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. [13] Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. [14] And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. [15] And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. [16] For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. [17] And YHWH said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. [18] And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. [19] And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of YHWH before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. [20] And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. [21] And YHWH said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: [22] And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: [23] And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
So what we have here, is a discussion between YHWH and Moses about the grace of God.
Moses fearful of losing God's good favor, asked GOD if he has indeed has not only God's favor; God's grace, but God's mercy and His good favor for the children of Israel to be a separated holy people unto YHWH.
"If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. [16] For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth."
God showing his good grace agrees to this plea by his humble servant Moses.
And YHWH said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Having received confirmation of God's good favor, Moses presses for more. Moses asks to see YHWH's glory, to see God.
Closely notice what GOD replies to this bold request and teaches to Moses and all of us about God's sovereign grace and YHWH's mercy.
And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. [19] And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of YHWH before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. [20] And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. [21] And YHWH said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: [22] And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: [23] And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Grace and mercy are both in God's sole possession to give to whom HE Will.
Exodus 33:19 (KJV)
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of YHWH before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
So we can clearly see that GOD wills to whom HE will show mercy and grace to, whomever God wills it. Understand that God makes the conditions and God makes the Law. God gives anyone grace or mercy, or appoints wrath or judgment according His will and His rules.
With this in mind, understand that we should not take God's grace or His mercy for granted, but instead be humble, submissive, and hope for grace, not proudly declaring it or demanding it or assuming to receive His favor, as if expecting it.
Note in the following Scriptures of Moses' humble and subservient tone when asking for the grace of YHWH to do what YHWH has proclaimed and said HE would do for Mosses and the twelve tribes of Jacob, the children of Israel.
Exodus 34:9 (KJV)
And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
This next scripture is a similar plea for favor by the children/tribe of Gad and the tribe of Reuben who both try at first to stay away from having to go fight over the river Jordan but later go to conquer and mark their inheritance, which YHWH promised the tribes by His grace.
Numbers 32:5 (KJV)
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
In the next Scripture we have Gideon being spoken to by YHWH, in the form of an Angel and yet Gideon though told by YHWH of HIS confidence in him, still requires after a sign to know that he has found the grace of YHWH.
Judges 6:17 (KJV)
And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
Notice how much work Gideon goes through and prepares to achieve the sign to know he has the grace of YHWH.
Judges 6:14-24 (KJV)
And YHWH looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? [15] And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. [16] And YHWH said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. [17] And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. [18] Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
[19] And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it. [20] And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
[21] Then the angel of YHWH put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of YHWH departed out of his sight. [22] And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of YHWH, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of YHWH face to face. [23] And YHWH said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. [24] Then Gideon built an altar there unto YHWH, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.
This next Scripture shows the example that grace is something to be found in others, or sought after.
In the book of Ruth we find Ruth the Moabitess is looking to find grace so she is going to work for that grace.
Ruth 2:2 (KJV)
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
It's interesting to note that Ruth looks for grace and is willing to earn it, working in a field to obtain that grace. Again nothing is taken for granted.
Ruth 2:1-3 (KJV)
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. [2] And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. [3] And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
Later we learn Ruth finds that grace and notice why Ruth finds grace in the eyes of Boaz.
Ruth 2:4-17 (KJV)
And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, YHWH bless thee. [5] Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? [6] And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: [7] And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. [8] Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: [9] Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. [10] Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? [11] And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. [12] YHWH recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of YHWH God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. [13] Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. [14] And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. [15] And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: [16] And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. [17] So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
Ruth was not only a disciplined, loyal, hard, diligent worker, but as Boaz points out Ruth is from Moab— a non Israelite, yet still a Hebrew (Abraham's brother Lot's kin), nation which serves not YHWH or His laws by their nature—yet Ruth whose dead husband was of the tribe of Judah, left her native land her family, and her people, to take care of Naomi, her mother-in-law, an Israelite, and has accepted Israel's God, and thus the Laws of YHWH.
Notice again, even though Ruth finds favor and grace she sought from Boaz, she asks for his favor not assuming now she is accepted saying, "Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens."
The next Scripture mentioning grace is the book of First Samuel, where Hannah who prays to YHWH for a child, as she is unable to bear children.
1st Samuel 1:18 (KJV)
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
Hannah is a devout women who loves YHWH, and on this occasion she prays sadly longing for for a child of her own, but Hannah's intense prayer is mistaken by Eli the priest as being drunken. After Eli realizes she is not drunken, but praying to God pouring out her broken soul, he says "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him" to which she replies the recorded Scripture above, "Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight."
1st Samuel 1:9-18 (KJV)
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. [10] And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. [11] And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. [12] And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth. [13] Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. [14] And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. [15] And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunken neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. [16] Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. [17] Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. [18] And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
Again here is a case of prayers being granted, yet still the courtesy of asking to obtain grace or favor in the sight of Eli.
Much of the old testament use of 'grace' is used to mean favor as the following Scriptures show.
1st Samuel 20:3 (KJV)
And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.
1st Samuel 27:5 (KJV)
And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?
2nd Samuel 14:22 (KJV)
And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, Today thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.
2nd Samuel 16:4 (KJV)
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.
In this next Scripture, found in the book of Ezra, we see Ezra the prophet praying to YHWH and asking for mercy repenting interceding for the children of Israel (of Judah) and their sins against God and their sinful rebellious ways.
Ezra 9:8 (KJV)
And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from YHWH our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.
We can see that God's grace is the reason for any remnant of the children of Israel, in this case, only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (a portion of Levi) which make up the (southern) house of Judah.
Ezra 9:5-15 (KJV)
And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto YHWH my God. [6] And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. [7] Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. [8] And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from YHWH our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. [9] For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. [10] And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, [11] Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. [12] Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever. [13] And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; [14] Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? [15] O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.
Ezra is acknowledging is that Israel has continually sinned against God and His Holy commandments and his laws. Ezra also acknowledges God's righteous punishments and judgments, exacted on the children of Israel, yet because GOD and His grace, YHWH gave Israel "a little space grace" to save out of Israel "a remnant" and bring them out of Babylonian captivity back to the land of Israel and even leave them Jerusalem, "a nail in his holy place" and yet still they sin. Ezra now fears because of Israel's sins and rebellion against God, shall they loose their grace "that there should be no remnant nor escaping" God's Wrath?
It's clear that Ezra understood God's grace, His mercy, and His Judgment and that God's grace was not to be taken lightly or abused.
Note that even long repetitive periods of the children of Israel rebellion and sin, where there followed long periods of God's decreed judgments, yet God still shows HIS mercy upon Israel at the time of God's appointing.
We know that God's mercy was not on the wicked doers, rather his Judgment, but a remnant was given grace for God's ultimate glory and His plan.
It's all for God's glory His larger plan, which may be unseen to us, except made visible through His prophets and His Word, which reveals that plan in the Holy Bible's Scriptures.
In the next scripture, we read about Esther, the Daughter of Mordecai of House of Judah (the Jews) who is brought in to appear before the Persian king looking to select a new wife and queen. In this Scripture we find a new Hebrew word similar to "grace" used in king James "favour".
Esther 2:17 (KJV)
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
The Hebrew word for "favour" is checed.
checed, Hebrew 2617, Strong’s
checed, kheh'-sed; from Hebrew 2616 (chacad); kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subjective) beauty :- favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
chacad, Hebrew 2616, Strong’s
chacad, khaw-sad'; a primitive root; properly perhaps to bow (the neck only [compare Hebrew 2603 (chanan)] in courtesy to an equal), i.e. to be kind; also (by euphemism [compare Hebrew 1288 (barak)], but rarely) to reprove :- shew self merciful, put to shame.
Esther obtained kindness and good favor, as the Strongs Hebrew definition says by implication (towards God), piety.
Esther 2:15-18 (KJV)
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. [16] So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. [17] And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. [18] Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
There was something graceful and blessed about Esther that she received this kind of admiration and notice (good grace) by the king and all around her.
In the next Scripture in the book of Psalms, speaking of the messiah, we see that one is blessed by one's amount of grace.
Psalm 45:2 (KJV)
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
The next Psalm we can see a correlation between the grace of God and that which is "good." Grace is positive and a "good thing" which God "will give" to those who show grace and "walk uprightly" according to his Holy Law of righteousness.
Psalm 84:11 (KJV)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: YHWH will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Again here we see some conditions attached to the receiving of God's "glory" and His "grace."
In the book of Proverbs we see several references of grace used to represent wisdom.
Proverbs 1:9 (KJV)
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Proverbs 8:8-9 (KJV)
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Proverbs 3:22 (KJV)
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Proverbs 3:19-22 (KJV)
YHWH by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
In this next scripture of Proverbs refers to God’s giving of grace to the lowly, just and righteous.
Proverbs 3:34 (KJV)
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
See the full context.
Proverbs 3:32-34 (KJV)
For the froward is abomination to YHWH: but his secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of YHWH is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Again, here is another use of grace to represent the idea of God’s wisdom.
Proverbs 4:9 (KJV)
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
Read the full proverb.
Proverbs 4:7-9 (KJV)
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
This next Proverb shows the idea of grace as something pure.
Proverbs 22:11 (KJV)
He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
There is only one use of the word "grace" in the book of Jeremiah the prophet.
Jeremiah 31:2 (KJV)
Thus saith YHWH, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
The book of the prophet Zechariah is the last of the Old Testament books to mention grace.
Zechariah 4:7 (KJV)
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Zechariah 4:1 (KJV)
And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: 3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of YHWH unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith YHWH of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
In this scripture of the book of Prophet Zechariah like the previous scripture you just read, this too refers to the Christ (the chief headstone) and the “spirit of grace” God will pour upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:10 (KJV)
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
This is the last use of the word “grace” in the Old Testament. We now will look at "grace" as used in the books of the New Testament.