Sep 185 min read

The Word Saint Appears 98 Times in Scripture: A Reflection on Deuteronomy 33:2 and Related Verses

The Bible is rich with references to saints, portraying them as beloved and protected by God. Let’s delve into some key verses that highlight the significance of saints in the biblical narrative.

Deuteronomy 33:2-3

“And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.”

These verses from Deuteronomy depict a majestic scene where God appears with ten thousands of saints, emphasizing His glory and the divine law given to His people. The imagery of God shining forth and the saints being in His hand illustrates the close relationship between God and His faithful followers.

1 Samuel 2:9

“He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.”

This verse reassures us of God’s protection over His saints. It highlights that while human strength is limited, God’s power is boundless, ensuring the safety and guidance of His saints.

2 Chronicles 6:41

“Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.”

Here, the saints are called to rejoice in God’s goodness. The verse connects the presence of God with the joy and salvation of His people, underscoring the blessings that come from being in His presence.

Psalms: A Celebration of the Saints

The Psalms are filled with references to saints, celebrating their role and God’s care for them. For instance:

Psalm 16:3: “But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.”
Psalm 30:4: “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”
Psalm 31:23: “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”
Psalm 34:9: “O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.”
Psalm 37:28: “For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”

These verses collectively paint a picture of the saints as those who are cherished by God, called to worship, and assured of His protection and provision.

Job’s Perspective on Saints

The book of Job offers a unique perspective on saints, reflecting on their role and God’s view of them:

Job 5:1: “Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?”
Job 15:15: “Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.”

These verses highlight the human struggle with understanding divine justice and purity. Job’s reflections remind us that even the saints, despite their righteousness, are part of a larger divine plan that transcends human comprehension.

Proverbs and the Wisdom of Saints

Proverbs provides wisdom on the paths of the saints:

Proverbs 2:8: “He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.”

This verse emphasizes God’s guidance and protection over the saints, ensuring they walk in righteousness and justice.

Daniel’s Vision of the Saints

In the book of Daniel, we see a prophetic vision concerning the saints:

Daniel 7:18: “But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.”

This powerful prophecy speaks of the eternal reign of the saints, highlighting their ultimate victory and inheritance in God’s kingdom.

The Psalms: Continued Celebration of the Saints

The Psalms continue to celebrate the saints, their joy, and their role in God’s plan:

Psalm 50:5: “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
Psalm 52:9: “I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”
Psalm 79:2: “The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.”
Psalm 85:8: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.”
Psalm 89:5: “And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.”
Psalm 89:7: “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”
Psalm 97:10: “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 106:16: “They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord.”
Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 132:9: “Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.”
Psalm 132:16: “I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”
Psalm 145:10: “All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.”
Psalm 148:14: “He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.”
Psalm 149:1: “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”
Psalm 149:5: “Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.”
Psalm 149:9: “To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.”

These verses from Psalms collectively emphasize the joy, praise, and reverence that the saints bring to God. They are called to worship, to live in righteousness, and to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and salvation.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of saints is one of honor, protection, and divine purpose. From the laws given at Sinai to the prophetic visions of Daniel, the saints are consistently depicted as cherished by God and integral to His divine plan. As we reflect on these scriptures, let us be inspired to live as saints—dedicated to God’s will, rejoicing in His goodness, and shining His light in the world.