[Greek] κραυγάζω (kraugazō), [Latin] clamare: to crow, to cry out, to clamor, to yell loudly; Mt.12:19, Mt.15:22, Lk. 4:41, Jn.11:43, Jn.18:40, Jn.19:6,15, Acts 22:23
Job 38:41: Who provides nourishment for the raven when its young cry out to God, wandering about with food?
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, pronounced “krow-gad-zo”, suggests a rough or raucous sound like a raven or crow. The Greeks and Romans believed that crying, associated with demonic and magic spheres, was barbaric and unworthy of the gods. Hippolytus’ The Refutation of All Heresies 4.28.3 states “Then the sorcerer, appearing to be borne away under divine influence, utters a loud and harsh cry, unintelligible to all, and orders all those present to enter, crying out and invoking Phryn, or some other demon. Juvenal’s Satires 13.112 states “Such one plays a part, like the runaway buffoon of the witty Cattullus, but you, poor wretch, may shout so as to outdo Stention, or rather as loudly as the Mars of Homer.”
Old Testament: This term essentially pertains to crying out or calling on God in some emergency. God hears such crying out and responds to and delivers the oppressed. Sometimes God may refuse to hear these pleas. In this crying, man turns in prayer to God in various situations. This term can mean to shout, to cry out, and to sound a signal. This shouting (crying out) can be for religious impulses, applause, triumph, happiness, and sorrow.
Who provides nourishment for the raven when its sound cry out to God (Job 38:41). In their distress they cried to the Lord, who rescued them in their peril (Psa.106:6). When they cry to the Lord, He shall not answer them, because of the evil they had done Mic.3:4). But you, Lord, are a shield around me (Psa.3:4). I call upon you; answer me, O God (Psa.16:6). Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, they cried to one another (Isa.6:3). Hear my voice, Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me (Psa.26:7).
New Testament: This term, meaning to cry, occurs in various situations. A Canaanite woman cries out to Jesus in order to help her tormented daughter. Jesus breaks cultural traditions in helping a Gentile. Isaiah’s prophecy of the Chosen servant is fulfilled when Jesus withdraws after healing a man (with a withered hand) on the Sabbath. The crowd cries out for Jesus to be crucified. The crowd cries out for Barabbas to be released. As Jesus had brought Lazarus back to life, Jesus calls him to come out of the tomb. This foreshadows those in the tombs will hear His voice.
Scripture:
“And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, ‘Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.’” Mt.15:22
Jesus breaks cultural norms in helping a Gentile woman. This anticipates His mission to the Gentiles.
“And demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God.’ But He rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that He was the Messiah.” Lk.4:41
Even the demons were fearful of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Crow, clamor, exclaim
It was interesting to discover that crying out was considered unworthy of the gods. This idea gives evidence to the notion that the gods were often considered aloof or fleeting. It is also interesting to note that this term is pronounced “krow-gad-zo”. This brings up a picture of a crow or raven.
In the Old Testament, God is open to and welcoming to man’s pleas and cries out to Him. God will respond and alleviate the distressed. However, God may not hear those please from those who are evil. Crying out and shouting may occur in various situations.
In the New Testament, in His helping the Canaanite woman, Jesus begins his missionary work to the Gentiles. The crowd cries out for Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ crucifixion.
In our cries out to Him, while we ponder, weak and weary, Jesus will never abandon us, nevermore. (Quoth the blogger).