What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL?

THE Jewish hasidim from the second century B.C.E. viewed themselves as truly loyal.  Their name comes from cha-sidh', the basic Hebrew term for "loyal." It is derived from the noun che'sedh, which is frequently translated "loving-kindness,"  "loyal love," "kindness," "goodness,"  "mercy."  According to the Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, che'sedh "is active, social and enduring [and ] designates  not just a human attitude, but also the act that emerges from this attitude.  It is an act that  preserves or promotes life.  It is intervention on behalf of someone suffering misfortune or distress.  It is demonstration of friendship."

Obviously, in many languages no one word can express the full meaning associated with this Hebrew term as used in the Bible.  In any case, loyalty in the Biblical sense means more than faithful adherence to commitments.  It includes the idea of loving attachment along with the taking of positive action so as to benefit others.  To understand what true loyalty means, consider how Jehovah demonstrated it toward Abraham, Moses, David, the nation of Israel and mankind in general.

Next time: Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

Watchtower, 2001