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Book of Matthew - Chapter 4 - Verse 6

4:6
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Meaning

In this verse, Satan tempts Jesus by quoting scripture and suggesting that if he truly is the Son of God, he should test God's protection by throwing himself off a high ledge. The devil quotes Psalm 91:11-12, which promises that God will send his angels to protect his people from harm. However, Satan takes this passage out of context, twisting it to encourage Jesus to act recklessly and put God to the test. Jesus, knowing the true meaning of the scripture, responds by saying that one should not put the Lord to the test. This verse serves as a reminder that we should not manipulate God's promises for our own gain or purpose, but instead trust in His timing and plans for our lives. By staying faithful and obedient to God's will, we can resist temptation and overcome the schemes of the enemy, just as Jesus did in this encounter with Satan.

Theological Overview

Matthew 4:6 recounts a tempting moment between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness. Satan quotes scripture, suggesting Jesus should prove himself by throwing himself down and relying on angels to save him. This verse has been interpreted in various ways theologically. Some see it as Satan's misuse of scripture to manipulate Jesus, while others view it as a test of Jesus' faith and reliance on God's protection. The phrase "He shall give his angels charge concerning thee" indicates God's care and protection over His chosen ones. The mention of angels symbolizes divine intervention and guidance in times of need. This verse highlights the importance of faith in God's protection and provision, as well as the need to discern and resist temptation. Overall, the theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the significance of trusting in God's promises and remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of adversity and temptation.

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