Mocking, treating with scorn, ridiculing, scoffing

[MatthewG]

These are some general references to mocking. What’s interesting is the first seen was with Sarah and Hagar. What’s is fascinating is that God made Hagar, the Egyptian woman whom bore a son for Abraham, was blessed by God to have a great nation founded in Genesis 21:9, (Galatians 4:21-30).

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭21‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Definition and Meaning:
The term "scoff" refers to an expression of scornful derision or mockery. In the biblical context, scoffing is often associated with a dismissive attitude towards God, His commandments, and His people. It is an act of contempt that reveals a hardened heart and a lack of reverence for divine truth.

Biblical References:
Scoffing is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the spiritual danger and moral implications of such behavior.

 

[MatthewG]

Samson untruthful, three times (I think) like Peter denied Jesus three times.

“Then Delilah said to Samson, “Look, you have mocked me and told me lies. Now, please tell me what you may be bound with.””
‭‭Judges‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Finally Samson does reveal the truth, as his soul was vexed to death.

 

[MatthewG]

Job, reproaching his pitiless friends (Job 16) Job reproved his friends for their lack of mercy; 17 he asserts in innocence.

“I also could speak as you do, If your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you;”
‭‭Job‬ ‭16‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Mocking is unhealthy, I believe Job is saying here. Stating he could respond in similar manner, but chooses not to do so.

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.

I could be wrong about anything I write about, however it seems to me that mocking leads to spiritual bondage. Where looking and seeking faithfully towards God and his Son whom makes us right with God, because of his righteousness, those whom seek faithfully are rewarded spiritually.

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Proverbs 17:5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

See here, that there is some type of bondage going which is suffered.

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocks his father, and scorn obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

This reminds me of what Jesus states to the Pharisees of his time.

Mark 7: 9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, 13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Isaiah 28:22 Now therefore, do not be mockers least your bonds be made strong; for I have heard from Yahavah God of hosts, a destruction determined even upon the whole earth.

While some may take this to mean the whole planet, I do believe this would be more of the lands which Israel had settled in. You may have a different take on the passage as a whole. Myself, again it suggests that mocking leads to bondage, which can become stronger over time. The mocking of the corrupt priest makes this so... and destruction was determined for them because of having despised the sent Word, and having the Lord Yeshua killed.

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Isaiah 57:4 Whom do you ridicule? Against whom do you make a wide mouth and stick out the tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of falsehood?

This was spoken by God through the prophet Isaiah, concerning the times of Yeshua, and they would be condemned for what they had done.

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Lamentations 1:7 In the midst of her sadness and wandering, Jerusalem remembers her ancient splendor. But now she has fallen to her enemy, and there is no one to help her. Her enemy struck her down and mocked at her downfall.

I believe today, it's the heavenly Jerusalem which the writers of Hebrews had looked for, and I believe today we do as well.

Hebrews 12:22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.

 

[MatthewG]

Founded in Lamentations 2:15 All who pass by jeer at you. They scoff and insult beautiful Jerusalem, saying "is this the city called 'Most beautiful in all the world', and joy of all the earth?

This kind of reminds me of Yeshua, whom came to complete his mission for his Father. Was Jesus the most beautiful in all the world, and the joy of all earth or lands? To those of faith, they were brought joy, and made in a right place of standing with God which is beautiful. While the nation in that day in age dealt with things materially, the spirit of Yahavah fell upon some of those whom sought after him, and that is why we have these writings today. Just think about how joy is brought to us, through Yeshua (presumably Israel in a spiritual sense).

Galatians 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Romans 5: Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Do we not experience peace when we come to the Father, because of Yeshua, and seeing ourselves being made right with God because of Yeshua and his righteousness? Does this not bring joy to heart, despite setbacks? Looking to God faithfully?

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Hebrews 6:11 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

 

[MatthewG]

Mocking and ridicule.

Jesus was looked at on the cross, and laughed at and mocked. "He saved others, but he can't save himself." "Come down off the cross, Jesus." Jesus said not a retort. He did say a few different things on the gospel narratives, but he didn't retort at them.

Isn't that hard to do? When someone down plays you, or mocks you? To not strike back? In Christ it's possible not to do such things because he will be working in and through you.