Receiver
## The Biblical Concept of Receiving The biblical theme of receiving is foundational to the relationship between God and humanity. It describes the posture of accepting what is offered by God, whether it is covenant promises (Genesis 15:6), divine law (Exodus 24:3), prophetic revelation (Jeremiah 36:8), or, most profoundly, salvation through Jesus Christ (John 1:12). The act of receiving is often contrasted with rejecting or ignoring God's provision, framing it as an active response of faith and obedience.
## Key Instances and Narratives In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham received God's promise (Genesis 12:1-3), and Israel received the Torah at Sinai. The New Testament intensifies this theme, centering on receiving Jesus Christ himself. The Gospel of John repeatedly emphasizes that to those who received him, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). The early church is depicted as receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:38), a gift promised to all believers. Furthermore, believers are called to receive one another in love (Romans 15:7) and to receive spiritual gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
## The Receiver in Isaiah 33:18 A specific, though debated, use of the English term 'receiver' appears in the King James Version of Isaiah 33:18: 'Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?' Here, 'receiver' translates the Hebrew shoqel, meaning 'weigher,' likely referring to a foreign official who weighed out tribute or taxes from a conquered people. Modern translations like the ESV render it 'he who weighs the tribute,' clarifying the context of Assyrian oppression. The prophet's rhetorical questions point to a future day when such oppressive figures will vanish, replaced by God's peaceful reign.
## Theological and Practical Significance Theologically, the concept of the receiver underscores grace. Salvation is not earned but received by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It teaches that God initiates the gift, and human responsibility is to accept it. This shapes Christian identity: believers are fundamentally recipients of mercy, the Spirit, and inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4). Practically, it fosters humility, gratitude, and a posture of openness to God's ongoing work, while also modeling how to receive others in community.
Biblical Context
The theme appears throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, it is seen in receiving covenant blessings, law, and land. In the Gospels, the emphasis is on receiving Jesus, his teachings, and his kingdom (Mark 10:15). The Epistles expand on receiving grace, the Spirit, spiritual gifts, and fellow believers. The specific term 'receiver' (KJV) is used only in Isaiah 33:18, referring to a foreign tax official, a symbol of oppression that will be removed in God's salvation.
Theological Significance
This concept is central to the doctrine of grace. It highlights that the fundamental human posture before God is not as achievers but as recipients. It reveals God's character as a generous giver (James 1:17) and defines faith as the open hand that accepts His gift of righteousness and life. It also informs ecclesiology, as the church is a community formed by receiving Christ and, consequently, each other.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, the role of a 'receiver' or weigher of tribute, as in Isaiah 33:18, was a common administrative position in imperial systems like Assyria and Babylon. Tribute was paid in precious metals, requiring official weighers to assess its value. Archaeological finds include scales and weights used in such transactions. Understanding this role illuminates Isaiah's prophecy, contrasting the oppressive systems of earthly kingdoms with the just and secure kingdom of God.