Catena VIII

The Assembly of His Remnant. “But now for a brief moment mercy has been shown by Yahweh our God, who left behind for us a remnant, and given us security in his holy place— for our God to brighten our eyes and to give us brief relief in our bondage.” “I will surely assemble (ekklēsia) all of you, Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel. I will put them together like sheep in the fold” “Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly (ekklēsia) of men, women and all who could listen with understanding” “The Lord gave me the two tablets of stone written by the finger of God; and on them were all the words which the Lord had spoken with you at the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly (ekklēsia).” “The sons of the third generation who are born to them may enter the assembly (ekklēsia) of the Lord.” “Then the king faced about and blessed all the assembly of Israel, (ekklēsia) while all the assembly of Israel (ekklēsia) was standing.” “I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly (ekklēsia) I will praise You.” “saying, I will proclaim Your name to My brethren, In the midst of the congregation (ekklēsia) I will sing Your praise.” “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church (ekklēsia); and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” “In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.” “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God (ekklēsia) which He purchased with His own blood.”

The Catena:

Ezra 9:8 Micah 2:12 Nehemiah 8:2 Deuteronomy 9:10 Deuteronomy 23:8 1 Kings 8:14 Psalm 22:22 Hebrews 2:12 Matthew 16:18 Acts 20:28 Romans 11:5

Jesus could have chosen many words. Why did He choose the very word the Greek Old Testament had long used for God's covenant assembly?