[Greek] ἀθέτησις (athetēsis), [Latin] destitution, [Latin] reprobatio: a setting aside, cancellation, a dis-annulling, abolition; Heb.7:18, Heb.9:26
Nebuchadnezzer Has Zedekiah’s Children Killed Before His Eyes: painting by Francois Xavier Fabre (1787)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means declaration of invalidity, a setting aside, abolition, annulling of a deed, rejection, and breach of faith. Polybius’ Histories 12.14.6 states “So in the case of abusive language, the first consideration should be, not what our enemies deserve to be called, but what our self-respect will allow us to call them. In the present instance, we may fairly reject this sense to the discredit of Philodas told by Timaeus.” Polybius’ Histories 9.36.10 states “On what ground are you so careful of breaking faith this people from whom you have never received any favor.”
Old Testament: This term means being unfaithful, being apostate (falling away), disregarding, breaking an oath, not paying heed to God. Thus the young mean sinned grievously in the presence of the Lord (1Kgs.2:17). Zedekiah became stiff-necked and hardened his heart rather than return to the Lord (2Chr.36:13). Her priests violate My law and profane what is holy to Me (Eze.22:26). He broke all agreements he had made with Simon and became hostile to him (1Macc.15:27). I will not violate my covenant (Psa.88:35).
King Zedekiah: He was installed as a puppet king of Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. As Zedekiah did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes, he was never fully accepted by the people of Judah as their king. As a weak and indecisive leader, Zedekiah revolted against Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar invaded and besieged Jerusalem. Zedekiah failed to humble himself to Jeremiah the prophet’s prophetic message to surrender to King Nebuchadnezzer. The wall of Jerusalem was breached and Zedekiah fled the city. The Babylonian army captured Zedekiah and brought him before King Nebuchadnezzer. Zedekiah was forced to watch the slaying of his sons. Zedekiah’s own eyes were put out and he was led way to Babylon.
New Testament: This term means annulment (setting aside of a regulation), and removal (doing away with). Jesus offers a more superior priesthood according to the order of Melchizadek. Jesus forever abolishes the Levitical priesthood and the law because they could neither effectively sanctify people. Jesus offers His own blood to take away sins. Jesus’s effective sacrifice is contrasted with the high priest’s repeated sacrifices (with blood not his own). At the end of ages refers to the Christian eschatology.
Scripture:
“On the one hand, a former commandment is annulled because of its weakfulness and uselessness.” Heb.7:18
Jesus provides a more effective and superior to the Levitical priesthood and Law.
“If that were so, He would have to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all He has appeared at the end of ages to take away sin by His sacrifice.” Heb.9:26
Jesus’ one and only sacrifices takes away sin. Jesus’ sacrifices with His own blood is superior to the high priests’ many sacrifices.
Conclusion:
Destitute, reprobation, reprobate
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the more nuanced uses of this term. In battle, there seemed to be a code of conduct in showing respect for your enemy. This also shows having respect for a people unseen.
In the Old Testament, this term is used extensively in aspects of man’s estranged relationship with God. This term can also apply to man’s relationship to each other. Zedekiah is a perfect example of a reprobate (an evil and sinful person). Zedekiah did not show loyalty to King Nebuchadnezzer. Zedekiah does not have the respect for the Hebrews. Most importantly, Zedekiah snubbed Jeremiah’s inspired pleas to surrender.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ more superior sacrifice annuls the ineffective Levitical priesthood and Law. Jesus’ one and only sacrifice (with His Blood) far surpasses the the Old Testament priest’s multiple blood sacrifices for the people.
Reprobation is the aspect of Christianity where the person completely rejects the gospel. In turn, God rejects that person.
I hope this post can readily set aside any doubts (for you sceptics) of what Jesus’ death and Resurrection has done for us.