The Doctrine of Dogs

Transcription

1 The Doctrine of Dogs Outline: I. Definition and Description II. Vocabulary III. Documentation IV. Old Testament V. New Testament I. Definition and Description A. References to the dog, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, are usually of a contemptuous character. B. A dog, and especially a dead dog, is used as a figure of insignificance. C. Goliath says to David (1 Sam 17:43): "Amos I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?" David says to Saul (1 Sam 24:14): "After whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea." D. Mephibosheth says to David (2 Sam 9:8): "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" E. The same figure is found in the words of Hazael to Elisha (2 Kin 8:13). F. The meaning, which is obscure in the King James Version, is brought out well in the Revised Version: "But what is thy servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?" G. The characteristically oriental interrogative form of these expressions should be noted. H. Other passages express by inference the low esteem in which dogs are held. I. Nothing worse could happen to a person than that his body should be devoured by dogs (1 Kin 14:11; 16:4; 21:19,23), etc.). J. (Job 30:1) says of the youth who deride him that he disdained to set their fathers with the dogs of his flock. In (Phil 3:2) and (Rev 22:15), dogs are coupled with evil-workers, sorcerers, etc. K. In (Mt 7:6) we read: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine." L. (Job 30:1) (cited above) refers to the use of dogs to guard flocks; and the comparison of inefficient watchmen with dumb dogs (Isa 56:10) implies that at least some dogs are useful. M. Domestic dogs have probably been derived from various species of wolves and jackals. N. In this connection, it is noteworthy that the dogs of certain regions greatly resemble the wolves of those regions. O. The pariah dogs of Syria and Palestine resemble the jackals, especially in color and in the tail, differing in their greater size and in the shape of muzzle and ears. P. It is fair to assume that they are much the same as existed in Bible times. Q. They are in general meek and harmless creatures, and are valuable as scavengers, but disturb the night with their barking. R. Each quarter of the city has its own pack of dogs, which vigorously resents any invasion of its territory. S. A dog which for any reason finds itself in foreign territory gets home as quickly as possible, and is lucky if it does not have to run the gauntlet of a pack of vicious foes. T. The pariah dog is sometimes brought up to be a sheep dog, but the best shepherd dogs are great wolfish creatures, which are usually obtained from Kurdistan. II. Vocabulary A. OT 1. Kelev (blk), dog (Dt. 23:18; 1 Kgs. 22:38; Is. 56:10f.). 2. `ekhes (sku), fetter, noose (Prv. 7:22). B. NT 1. Kuon (kuvon), dog. 2. Kunarion (kunavrion), little dog, puppy 2003 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1

2 III. Documentation A. OT 1. Deut 23:18, You shall not bring the hire of a harlot or the wages of a dog into the house of the LORD your God for any votive offering, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God. 2. Judg 7:5, So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink. 3. Job 30:1, But now those younger than I mock me, whose fathers I disdained to put with the dogs of my flock Sam 17:43, The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods Sam 24:14, After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea? 6. 2 Sam 3:8, Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, "Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman Sam 9:8, Again he prostrated himself and said, "What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?" 8. 2 Sam 16:9, Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head." 9. IKing 21:19, You shall speak to him, saying, "Thus says the LORD, "Have you murdered and also taken possession?"' And you shall speak to him, saying, "Thus says the LORD, "In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth the dogs will lick up your blood, even yours.""' 10. IKing 22:38, They washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood (now the harlots bathed themselves {there)}, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke. 11. II Ki 8:13, Then Hazael said, "But what is your servant, {who is but} a dog, that he should do this great thing?" And Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram." 12. Prov 26:11, Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. 13. Prov 30:31, The strutting rooster, the male goat also, and a king {when his} army is with him. 14. Isa 56:10-11, His watchmen are blind, all of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied. And they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each one to his unjust gain, to the last one. B. NT 1. Matt 7:6, Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. 2. Matt 7:15, Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 3. Matt 15:26, And He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 4. Luke 16:21, and longing to be fed with the {crumbs} which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 5. Phil 3:2, Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 6. 2 Pet 2:22, It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT," and, "A sow, after washing, {returns} to wallowing in the mire. 7. Rev 22:15, Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2

3 IV. Old Testament Usage A. The OT refers to both literal dogs and using the word dogs a metaphor and derogatory term. B. In ancient Israel, the dog was not "man's best friend." C. In fact, calling someone a dog was one of the most offensive ways of insulting that person. D. The Bible mentions dogs frequently; most of the references are derogatory. E. Even in New Testament times, Jews called Gentiles "dogs" (Matt. 15:26). F. The term "dog" also referred to a male prostitute (Deut. 23:18). G. Unbelievers who were shut out of the New Jerusalem were also termed "dogs" (Rev. 22:15)-- probably a reference to their sexual immorality. Moslems later applied the insult to Christians. H. The dog may have been the first animal in the ancient world to be tamed. I. Ancient Egyptians raced greyhounds, mentioned by Solomon in his Proverbs (Prov. 30:31), (NKJV), and the Greeks raised mastiffs. J. But dogs in Palestine were more wild than tame. K. They often banded together in packs and lived off the refuse and food supplies of a village. L. Some dogs were useful as watchdogs or guardians of sheep, but even they were not altogether reliable (Is. 56:10). M. In Bible times, as now, troops of hungry and half-wild dogs roamed the fields and the streets feeding upon dead bodies and other refuse (1 Kin. 14:11; 16:4; 21:19,23; 2 Kin. 9:10,36; Jer. 15:3); etc.) and thus became objects of dislike. Fierce and cruel enemies were called dogs (Ps. 22:16,20; Jer. 15:3). N. The dog being an unclean animal, the terms "dog," "dead dog," "dog's head" were used as terms of reproach, or of humiliation if speaking of one's self (1 Sam. 24:14; 2 Sam. 3:8; 9:8; 2 Kin. 8:13). O. The watch of the house, and of the flock (Isa. 56:10-11; Job 30:1). P. More commonly ownerless, and banded in troops which divide cities into so many quarters; each halfstarved, ravenous troop keeps to its own quarter, and drives off any intruder; feeding on blood, dead bodies, and offal; therefore regarded as "unclean" (1 Kings 14:11; 16:4; 21:19,23; 22:38; 2 Kings 9:10,35-36). Q. Their dismal howlings at night are alluded to in (Ps. 59:6,14-15): "they return at evening, they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city"; perhaps in allusion to Saul's agents thirsting for David's blood coming to Michal's house at evening, and to the retribution on Saul in kind, when he who had made David a wanderer himself wandered about seeking vainly for help against the Philistines, and went at last by night to the witch of Endor. R. As unclean (Isa. 66:3), dog, dead dog, dog's head, are terms of scorn or else self-abasement (1 Sam. 24:14; 2 Sam. 3:8; 9:8; 16:9; 2 Kings 8:13). S. A wanton, self-prostituting man is called a "dog" (Deut. 23:18). T. One Egyptian god had a dog form. U. "Deliver my darling from the power of the dog," i.e. my soul (literally, my unique one, unique in its preciousness) from the Jewish rabble; as "deliver My soul from the sword" is Messiah's cry for deliverance from the Roman soldiery and governor. V. The Assyrian hunting dog as vividly depicted on Assyrian sculptures resembled exactly our harrier or foxhound. V. New Testament Usage A. The NT employs the word for dog in both a literal and metaphorical sense. B. It too was derogatory term as it was in the OT. C. In the East "dog" is used for impure and profane persons and was used by the Jews respecting the Gentiles (Matt. 15:26). D. False apostles are called "dogs" on account of impurity and love of gain (Phil. 3:2). E. Those who are shut out of the kingdom of heaven are also called "dogs" (Rev. 22:15) on account of their vileness, probably a reference to homosexuality. F. Sometimes domesticated, as the Syrophoenician woman's comparison and argument imply, "the household ([kunaria (grk 2952)], `little' or `pet') dogs eat of the crumbs (Mt. 15:26-27; Mark 7:27-28) which fall from their master's table." 2003 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3

4 G. "Beware of the (Greek) dogs," those impure persons of whom I told you often" (Phil. 3:2,18-19); "the abominable" (Rev. 21:8); compare (Rev. 22:15; Mt. 7:6); pagan in spirit (Titus 1:15-16); dogs in filthiness, snarling, and ferocity against the Lord and His people (Ps. 22:16,20); backsliding into former carnality, as the dog "is turned to his own vomit again" (2 Pet. 2:22). H. The Jews regarded the Gentiles as "dogs," but by unbelief they ceased to be the true Israel and themselves became dogs (Isa. 56:10-11). I. Judaizers 1. The apostle Paul under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit describes the Judaizers in Philippians 3:2 as kunos dogs. 2. The Judaizers were both regenerate and unregenerate Jews who taught adherence to the various ordinances of the Mosaic Law along with faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 15:1-35). 3. Acts 15:5 and 21:20 states that many of the Pharisees who were teachers of the Mosaic Law believed in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation but after salvation they still adhered to the Mosaic Law rather than the Mystery Doctrine for the Church Age that Paul was teaching. 4. This is all indicated in Philippians 1:12-18, Now I want you all to know royal family that my circumstances have resulted rather for the advancement of the Gospel so that my imprisonment because of Christ has become well-known among the entire Praetorian Guard and all the rest. Even the majority from the Royal Family are confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, increasingly daring, fearlessly communicating the Word of God. In fact, some even are authoritatively proclaiming Christ because of jealousy and inordinate competition but some also because of proper motivation. In fact, some from virtue-love knowing that I have been appointed for the defense of the gospel. But others from inordinate ambition are proclaiming Christ everywhere, insincerely, because they keep on thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What under these circumstances is my mental attitude? Nevertheless, that by any manner, whether by pretext or by truth, Christ Himself keeps on being proclaimed everywhere and because of this I keep on rejoicing, yes, indeed, I myself will continue rejoicing. 5. The Judaizers were occupied with their own interests rather than the interests of Christ. 6. Their motivation in life was to seek followers for themselves rather than for Christ. 7. The Judaizers proclaimed Christ everywhere in Rome but from inordinate ambition resulting in improper motivation. 8. These individuals were doing the right thing in a wrong way, thus it was wrong. 9. The right thing: a. Philippians 1:15: authoritatively proclaiming Christ b. Philippians 1:17: proclaiming Christ everywhere 10. The wrong way: a. Philippians 1:15: because of jealousy and inordinate competition b. Philippians 1:17: from inordinate ambition c. Philippians 1:17: insincerely 11. The Judaizers were inordinately ambitious people seeking to gain proselytes for themselves at the expense of Paul. 12. In Philippians 3:1-3 Paul issues a warning to the Philippians to beware of these individuals and their legalistic teaching. 13. They followed Paul throughout his missionary journey s seeking to discredit and destroy his ministry (Acts 13:45; 17:5). 14. They were proclaiming Christ everywhere in Rome but from improper motivation. 15. Their motives were selfish. 16. They sought to destroy Paul and his ministry. 17. They coveted Paul s ministry. 18. The Judaizers were inordinately competing with the apostle Paul for adherents as teachers of the Scriptures. 19. They were promoting themselves rather than the Word of God, Bible doctrine. J. The NT Scriptures described the Judaizers with the following phrases: 1. Dogs, evil workers, the false circumcision (Phil. 3:2). 2. Drifting off course from grace (Gal. 5:4). 3. Enemies of the cross (Phlp. 3:18) William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4

5 4. Coming short of the grace of God (Hb. 12:15) K. They are referred to in the following NT passages: 1. Acts 13:45 2. Acts 15:5 3. Acts 17:5 4. Acts 21:20 5. Galatians 1: Philippians 1: Philippians 3:1-3 L. Mosaic Law 1. These individuals were Jewish teachers of the Mosaic Law. 2. The Judaizers would publicly proclaim Christ but their real motive was to gain adherents to the Mosaic Law. 3. They followed Paul from city to city on his missionary journeys throughout the Rome Empire seeking to discredit and destroy his ministry and his message of grace. 4. Paul denounces their teaching in the book of Galatians. 5. They taught a different gospel according to Gal. 1:6 and distorted the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7). 6. They taught that one had to observe and practice the Mosaic Law in order to get saved. 7. Paul taught that salvation by grace through faith in Christ and not through the works of the Mosaic Law (Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 2:16). 8. The book of Galatians was a denunciation of their teaching and Paul warns the Philippians about them referring to them as dogs, evil workers, the false circumcision (Phil. 3:2). 9. Now, the question arises, why would Paul be so strident in his denunciation of them in the book of Galatians and not be upset that Christ was proclaimed by them here in Philippians 1:15-17?. 10. The answer is simple; Christ proclaimed is better than Christ not being proclaimed. 11. Even though the Judaizers would omit grace and would add the works of the Law to their proclamation of Christ, Paul was content to have Christ proclaimed rather than not at all. 12. Paul knew that the purpose of the Law was to ultimately lead you to faith in Christ anyway (Gal. 3:24), thus his reason for contentment where distress might be expected. 13. The Judaizers were those individuals who proclaimed Christ from improper motivation seeking to gain adherents for themselves while at the same time desiring to distress Paul in prison. 14. The Judaizers taught strict adherence to the Mosaic Law while Paul taught grace. 15. The Judaizers were ignorant of the fact that a new dispensation, the Church Age was now in progress and that the Age of Israel had ended. 16. The Judaizers failed to acknowledge that the Mosaic Law had been fulfilled completely by our Lord during the Great Power Experiment of the Hypostatic Union (Rom. 10:4). 17. The Judaizers failed to acknowledge that God had set aside the Ritual Plan of God for Israel for the Protocol Plan for the Church Age. 18. They failed to acknowledge that Israel had been temporarily set aside for the Church (Rom. 11:13-25). 19. The Judaizers failed to orient to the Protocol Plan of God because they failed to acknowledge that a new dispensation had indeed begun and that the Law had been fulfilled and Israel had been temporarily set aside for the Church. 20. Their stubborn adherence to the Mosaic Law made them totally incapable of executing God s Plan for their own personal lives. M. Jealousy 1. They were jealous of Paul s world-wide ministry and they were involved in inordinate ambition and competition. 2. Jealousy is a mental attitude sin. 3. Our Lord describes it as having an evil eye or soul filled with Satanic viewpoint (Mark 7:22). 4. It is the production of the old sin nature (Rom. 1:29; 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:20; Titus 3:3; James 4:1-2). 5. It is the sin of both unbelievers (Rom. 1:29; Titus 3:3) and believers (2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Rom. 13:13) since both have a sin nature. 6. Jealousy produces rottenness to the bones (Prov. 14:30) William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5

6 7. It is demonic (James 3:14-16). 8. Jealousy was the sin of Satan directed toward the Pre-Incarnate Christ as He received the worship of the angels. 9. Jealousy leads to revenge motivation (Prov. 6:34). 10. There was a grain offering in the Mosaic Law for the sin of jealousy (Num. 5:14-31). 11. Jealousy is not satisfied until its seeks its revenge (Prov. 27:4). 12. It is found in local assemblies among believers (Gal. 5:26; 2 Cor. 12:20; James 3:14-16). 13. Jealousy leads to murder (Rom. 1:29; Gal. 5:20). 14. It was the sin of the Pharisees who delivered our Lord over the Romans to be crucified (Matt. 27:18; Mark 15:10). 15. It was also the sin of the Judaizers who attacked Paul and sought to destroy his ministry (Acts 13:45; 17:5; Phil. 1:15). 16. Jealousy leads to inordinate ambition and competition (Phil. 1:15; 1 Tim. 6:4). 17. The Scriptures often place them side by side since one produces the other (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3; Phil. 1:15; James 3:14, 16). 18. Jealousy is the mental attitude sin that produces the overt sin of inordinate competition. 19. It is the sin among Pastor-Teachers within the Church. 20. Jealousy in believers is a result of negative volition towards Bible Doctrine and Satanic indoctrination (James 3:14-16) William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6