05 – The Spirit of Counsel

Introduction

1. The Tree of Life: We are what we eat
   1. Two trees
   2. How to partake God’s life: the pattern life of Christ
      1. Isa 7:11
      2. 2 Peter 1:3-11
2. A prophetic picture of burnt down forest and the revival thru a stamp (Isa 6. Isa 11) or the Branch
3. The growth of a spiritual life like a new born babe unto a matured man with the ministry of the Holy Spirit
   1. The external world or realm of life: Fear or reverence of God – God exists – revelation of God
   2. Into What – vision of life: Knowledge – who am I – revelation of Christ
   3. By what – the nourishment of the life: strength – Revelation of the Holy Spirit as source of strength – spiritual food or the word of God
   4. How to / Help and tutoring: Counsel – Holy Spirit as Counsel
   5. Why / With whom: Understanding
   6. In Whom: Wisdom / Who is the Son
   7. For Whom: Lordship or representative appointment and stewardship

Word Study

6783 I. עֵצָה (ʿē·ṣā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 6098; TWOT 887a—1. LN 33.294–33.298 advice, counsel, i.e., the act of telling someone what they should do based on a plan or scheme (2Sa 15:34), note: for another interp in Hos 10:6, see 6785; note: for another interp in Ps 13:3EB 2; 106:43, see 6784; note: Lisowsky switches 1 & 2 & 3; 2. LN 30.56–30.74 plan, scheme, purpose, i.e., to think about a course of action, often including consultation with a counselor or advisor (Ps 14:6)

יָעַץ vb. advise, counsel — Qal advise, counsel, c. acc. (subj. ˊי‍); (sq. לְ); oft. c. acc. cogn.; sq. אֶל against; sq. עַל against (of ˊי‍); c. acc. cogn. + sf. pers.; c. acc. pers. (+ rel. cl.); abs. (of ˊי‍) (c. adv. כאשׁר); of man; sq. inf.; sq. cl. without connective. Pt.act. as subst. = counsellor, king’s adviser; so fem.; of importance for people; and particularly פֶּלֶא יוֹעֵץ wonder of a counsellor, of the ideal ruler predicted. More generally, counsellor, adviser; = prophet, nearly = agents (hired by adversaries of Judah). Niph. (reflex. or recipr.) consult together, exchange counsel, of king with advisers, sq. אֶת־; and so of ˊי‍; sq. אֶל־; sq. עִם; abs. consider; in gen. consult, take counsel, abs.; sq. לֵב יַחְדָּו (with heart together) nearly = determine, sq. inf. Hithp. conspire against, sq. עַל.

I. עֵצָה n.f. counsel, advice (= עֵצָה(יְ)) — counsel, advice; political consultation; as acc. cogn.; c. הָבוּ give counsel; = design, purpose (sq. עַל = against); suitable counsel for war (= generalship); also עֲצַת שָׁלוֹם counsel of peace; practical wisdom, sagacity. Esp. in WisdLt and proph.; counsel = good counsel, wisdom; hearty counsel נֶפֶשׁ ˊע‍; counsel of wisdom, when wisdom is person if.; in bad sense; of plan of ˊי‍; ˊי‍ ˊע‍; instruction, guiding wisdom of ˊי‍; אִישׁ־עֲצָתוֹ i.e. counsellor of ˊי‍; in fig. אַנְשֵׁי עֲצָתִי = my counsellors, said of testimonies of God; = prophecy. מוֹעֵצָה n.f. counsel, plan, principle, device; in good sense; in bad sense.

887 יָעַץ (yāʿaṣ) advise, counsel

purpose, devise, plan. (ASV, RSV similar.)

Derivatives

887a עֵצָה (ʿēṣâ) counsel, purpose.

887b מוֹעֵצָה (môʿēṣâ) counsel, plan.

This verb is translated in LXX by bouleuō or a compound over seventy times, “to give counsel, deliberate, purpose, determine.” The first occurrence of yāʿaṣ is in Ex 18:19. Jethro, seeing the tremendous burden of Moses, says, “I shall give you ‘counsel,’ and God be with you.” He then gives him an organizational plan and advises him how to carry out the administrative responsibilities for ruling and judging his people. Jethro gives counsel from wisdom attained by age and/or experience. One may remember Rehoboam’s rejection of the counsel (ʿēṣâ) of the old men (I Kgs 12:8, 13). Moses, as chief administrator of the people of God, is not obligated to accept such counsel. A case in point is Absolom’s rejection of Ahithophel’s good counsel which was countered by Hushai’s evil counsel (II Sam 17). Jethro, as counsellor, presents a carefully thought out plan together with a procedure for its implementation. In II Kgs 18:20 Rabshakeh’s taunt of Hezekiah’s claim, “I have counsel and strength for the war” reflects the usual careful deliberation that goes into planning for battle, in this case for defense.

Psalm 33:10 speaks of nations and peoples devising counsels and plans (Heb maḥăšābâ “thought, device, plan, purpose”) albeit not in accordance with God’s “counsels (ʿēṣâ) and plans” (cf. Isa 8:10; 30:1).

In contrast to the counsels of men and nations, the OT speaks of the “counsel of the Lord.” Psalm 33:10f. presents this thought most clearly. “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The ‘counsel’ of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart from generation to generation.” Noteworthy here is the overruling power of God as he nullifies and frustrates the plans of men. The case of Ahithophel’s counsel is apropos. In II Sam 15:31 David prays to the Lord to “make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.” He thereby acknowledges that God sovereignly disposes what man proposes. Further, in II Sam 17:14 after Absalom chooses the advice of Hushai over that of Ahithophel, the inspired author makes the theological comment, “For the Lord had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order that the Lord might bring calamity on Absalom.” Cf. Neh 4:15 H 9.

The counsel of the Lord is eternal, “It stands forever.” The enduring character of God’s counsel and plan is grounded in the unchangeableness of God himself. The “plans of his heart” may be equated with “the secret things” which belong to the Lord our God. It is God who guarantees the accomplishment of his eternal decrees. Isaiah beautifully integrates these thoughts, “Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all my good pleasure’; Calling … the man of my purpose (lit. the man who executes my purpose, i.e. Cyrus) from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly, I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it” (46:9–11). It is well to remember that ʿēṣâ is translated in the LXX by boulē, a word replete with theological significance in the NT (see Acts 2:23; 4:28; 5:38–39; 20:27; Eph 1:11 where “the counsel of his will” expresses the immutable foreordination of God’s will); cf. Heb 6:17, “the unchangeableness of his purpose”).

Arising from the theological conceptualization are anthropological and ethical conclusions. Moses anticipates the waywardness of Israel as a “nation void of counsel,” i.e. not following the plans and purposes of God (Deut 32:28). Job acknowledges that through lack of knowledge, he has darkened counsel (42:3; cf. 38:2). In Prov, counsel is rejected and spurned to one’s own detriment (1:25, 30) but “he who listens to counsel” is a wise man (12:15). From Prov 19:20–21 we understand that the counsel the godly man is urged to listen to is the “counsel of the Lord” which will stand, in contrast to the many “plans in a man’s heart.” The blessed man of Ps 1:1 is one “who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.” Further, in Ps 32:8 the psalmist is encouraged by the Lord’s instruction and teaching, together with the assurance “I ‘will counsel’ (yāʿaṣ) you with my eye upon you” (cf. 73:24).

Two christological passages need to be studied in this connection. The only hope of Judah, Isaiah claims, is to be found in the person of the Messiah, who is characterized by four compound names, the first being “Wonderful Counsellor” (9:6). The child who is to come, on whose shoulders the government of the world shall rest, is one whose plans, purposes, designs and decrees for his people are marvellous. We further learn from 11:2 that “counsel” is a gift of God’s own Holy Spirit. Consequently, Jesus Christ is revealed as the counsellor par excellance.

Bibliography: THAT, I, pp. 748–52.

P.R.G.

888 יער (yʿr) I. Assumed root of the following.

888a יַעַר (yaʿar) I, forest, woods, thicket. LXX translates drumos. The Ugaritic cognate yʿr is quite common, used as a personal name, place name, and as gentilic. ASV and RSV use similar words.

Specific forests are identified in the OT, e.g. the forest of Lebanon (I Kgs 7:2), Ephraim (II Sam 18:6), Hareth (I Sam 22:5), the Negev (Ezk 20:47 H 21:3), Carmel (though this may be better translated “its choice cypresses,” II Kgs 19:23; Isa 37:24 as in RSV and NASB). Joshua designates the forested area in the hill country of Ephraim as the possession of the sons of Joseph, encouraging them by saying, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourself ’ (Josh 17:15; cf. v. 18).

The forests apparently were dense enough in OT days that wild animals roamed at will, e.g. bears (II Kgs 2:24), a roaring lion (Amos 3:4; Mic 5:8 H 7; Jer 5:6; 12:8), boars (Ps 80:13 H 14), and beasts generally (Isa 56:9; Ezk 34:25).

Psalm 29:9 ascribes glory to God by claiming that “the voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve (or “twists the oaks” NIV) and strips the forests bare.” Other metaphors or similes appear referring to the Lord’s judgments, as for example, judgment on Assyria in Isa 10:18, “And he will destroy the glory of his forest and of his fruitful garden.” Cf. Ps 83:14 H 15; Jer 21:14. Sometimes, the figure of judgment is turned around so that rather than being cut down, it is pictured as allowed to grow into a wilderness forest, as in Mic 3:12, “Zion will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the temple will become high places of a forest,” i.e. thick and overgrown.

The symbolism of a forest is not altogether negative, however. The Lord’s mighty act of salvation and forgiveness calls for shouts of joy, as in Isa 44:23, “Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob.” In a slightly different context, the maiden in the canticle speaks of her lover “like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took delight and sat down and his fruit was sweet to my taste” (Song 2:3).

Passages:

1. God’s counsel
   

   Micah 4:12 (NASB95)
   12 “But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, And they do not understand His purpose; For He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.

2. From wise man
   

   Ezekiel 7:26 (NASB95)
   26 ‘Disaster will come upon disaster and rumor will be added to rumor; then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but the law will be lost from the priest and counsel from the elders.

3. Counsel from God
   

   Psalm 13:1–3 (NASB95): How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
   How long will You hide Your face from me?
   2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
   Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
   How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
   3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
   Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,

4. Counsel from wrong sources

Counsel in the practice of Apostolic Discipleship

The Heavenly Pattern: Father/Son relationship (Psm 16, Isa.50)

Isaiah 50:4–5 (NASB95) 4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. 5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient Nor did I turn back.

An everyday example of a wise and good father teaching a son his mastery of something important: a skill, a business, a life style.

Entrusted to His Church or Apostolic Ministry as the ministry of spiritual oversight or leadership

• Intro: different way of love, fellowship and mutual support or unity
  • Vertical
  • Horizontal
  • Reproduction
  • what is counsel in this light?
• Tutorage or guardianship
  

  1 Corinthians 4:14–17 (NASB95)
  14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

  Galatians 4:1–6 (NASB95)1 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

• Oversight or shepherding
  

  1 Peter 5:1–10 (NASB95) 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

  Hebrews 13:7–10 (NASB95) 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.

  Hebrews 13:16–17 (NASB95) 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

• Clarify counsel in discipleship in the context of some unwholesome or unhelpful practices
  • Familial, Social & Psychology
  • New Age and other religious guides
  • Difference: What kind of wellbeing
  • A life-giving cycle or process: learn – practice – teach – oversee or counsel others : pattern of increase thru discipleship or passing on or impartation of spiritual
• Transformation of mind into Christ as a result
  

  Romans 12:1–2 (NASB95) 1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

  1 Corinthians 2:10–16 (NASB95) 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

How to practice it: (Psm. 32 and 34, using David’s life as an example)

1. Repentance in order to seek a righteous Life
2. Discipleship under spiritual oversight/God’s counsel
3. The giving and receiving as an economy of life

From Counsel to Understanding (the mind of God in Christ) Rom. 12:1-2