Every language and every culture has its own complex system of idioms, metaphors and other bits of figurative language that oftentimes perplex non-native speakers. The same is true in the Bible. However, even some of the most well-educated individuals don’t always know how even the most familiar phrases have come into the vernacular. While I will not be able to present a comprehensive list by any definition, the following summaries explore some of the more popular English-language idioms.

“And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, He went His way.” Luke 4:28-30

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (Luke 23:13-21)

“Read the Riot Act:” The idea of an “Act” in this idiom references a legal proclamation that did, in fact, exist. Under King George I, the real “Riot Act” was passed in 1714. Read out loud in order to quell gatherings of subjects, the throne tried to keep in check those it considered potentially threatening. Once the reading of the “Act” concluded the “rioters” were given one hour to disperse before getting slapped with penalties such as servitude and imprisonment.

There were times in the Bible where riots broke out — that day at the Synagogue when Jesus told the audience they were unable to hear his words of Grace and Truth, and when the people were calling for the crucifixion of Jesus. I guess we have to agree that people have been people since the beginning of time. I imagine the scene at the building of the Golden Calf started with such a riot.

I find that when I am at my most angry, I turn to the Word of G-d and prayer to calm my anger and soothe my nerves. It doesn’t always work immediately, but it gets me off the things that are upsetting me. It is a model that Jesus gives us — for when he was on the cross, he turned to Psalm 22: “My God, My God, why…….”

Pastor Dave