A True Friend (Exodus 33:11; Luke 10:25-37)

Exodus 33:11 says, "... the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend..."

SHEPHERDING

This Hebrew word for "friend", is derived from a root word meaning  "shepherding", or "watching over" sheep. The meaning is then expanded to  "watching over" or "shepherding" people; and therefore the imagery of a "ruler"  or king emerges.

WATCHING OVER

A secondary meaning, that is derived from this primary definition, is that of "watching over" an individual. We would say, in our modern usage, "looking out for" someone, or their interests.

This idea of "watching over", or looking out for someone, is the foundation of the Hebrew word translated "friend" or "neighbor", in the scriptures.

According to Biblical usage then, a true friend, is one who "watches over", or looks out for someone or their best interests.

Having this basic understanding of the root word, from which the word "friend", in Exodus 33:11, is derived, colors the actual definition, or word picture presented.

FRIEND

This word has as its origins, the imagery of two groups of laborers approaching one another in the digging of a tunnel. The closer the workers get to each other, they call out to one another, to gage how close they are to completion. They continue to call out to each other, until finally, through their mutual effort, the task is accomplished, and their picks meet.

This is a very picturesque description of the original understanding, from the Hebrew, of the meaning of a "friend" or "neighbor", and the basis of a properly functioning group of people or society. A true "friend" or "neighbor", is one who is looking out for you and who, because of mutual advantage, works with you to accomplish tasks for the good of both of you. [i.e., the completion of the tunnel].

NEIGHBOR

It is interesting, however, that when the lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus who his "neighbor" was, Jesus told him the parable of, what we call, "the Good Samaritan" (Lk.10:25-37). The conclusion, of Jesus, was not who his "neighbor" was, but who would he be a "neighbor" to. (Lk. 10:36,37).

In other words, the obligation of responsibility, rests not in us, as Believers, looking for someone to be a "friend" or "neighbor" to us, but in we who are Christ's, being that "friend" or "neighbor" to others.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.