2 Corinthians 11:21; I am Bold Also

2 Corinthians 11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

The Apostle Paul’s defence is well summed up in the introductory words of Jude in his epistle providing warning on the character of false teachers – Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

He was exposing them with holy courage. A boldness borne out of his love for the brethren. Such holy boldness enabled him to write clearly and emphatically so that he might steer the hearts of the Corinthians, veered from ungodly influence, be brought back to spiritual bearing!

Jeremiah the prophet in the Old Testament to Israel resembled the Apostle Paul’s predicament. How both men were watchful to the welfare of the flock God had them to shepherd. This is well depicted in the story of “The Biblical Almond Tree”

The almond tree is the first fruit tree in Israel to emerge from winter dormancy. It is noted for availing itself of every warm spell during the cold rainy winter in Israel to blossom and produce young fruit, sometimes as early as the first days of December. Frequently an entire grove of almond trees can be seen in full blossom long before any other tree has begun to show signs of new life.

The Hebrew name for almond is “shaked.” From the same root, shakod, come several Hebrew words meaning to be alert, vigilant, and reliable, to stand on guard. For example:

“The lord asked me, ‘Jeremiah, what do you see?’

“I answered, ‘A branch of an almond tree.’

” ‘You are right,’ said the Lord, ‘and I am watching [shoked] to see that my words come true’ ” (Jeremiah 1:11-12).

From these words in Jeremiah it appears that the almond tree (shaked) was the symbol of watchful vigilance (sh’kida). The use of the verb shakod in the Bible has the connotation of standing on guard, of being on constant alert, as can be seen in the following verses: “A leopard lies in wait (shoked) by their towns.”(Jeremiah 5:6) “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman keeps vigil (shoked) in vain.” (Psalms 127:1) “Happy the men who listens to me, watching (lishkod) daily at my threshold with his eyes to the doorway.” (Proverbs 8:34) — Nogah Hareuveni¹

Amen.

¹Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.