Characteristics of Those Who Have Had a Personal Encounter
A "personal encounter" with God, in biblical and theological contexts, often refers to a profound, experiential knowledge that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding [3]. This type of encounter can lead to discernible characteristics in an individual.
One characteristic is a deepened sense of accountability. The prophet Amos highlights that Israel's privileged relationship with God, described using a word that signifies intimate and experiential knowledge, meant they would be held accountable for all their sins [3]. This suggests that those who have had a personal encounter may feel a heightened awareness of their moral responsibilities and the consequences of their actions. Similarly, the Levitical law concerning unintentional defilement implies that even an unknown contact with an unclean thing could lead to an offense, requiring purification once the individual became aware [2]. This reflects a sensitivity to spiritual purity that can stem from a close relationship with the divine.
Another characteristic is a transformation in one's capacity for speech or understanding. In the book of Daniel, after a vision, Daniel describes being touched on the lips, which enabled him to speak, suggesting a restoration or empowerment of communication following a divine interaction [4]. This can imply that a personal encounter might affect one's ability to articulate spiritual truths or to comprehend divine messages.
Furthermore, such encounters can foster a state of intimate communion with God. Samuel, for instance, is described as having "constant familiarity" with God, indicating a continuous and close relationship [5]. This intimacy suggests a characteristic of ongoing dialogue and responsiveness to divine guidance.
The concept of "knowledge" in Proverbs also touches on characteristics related to personal encounter. "One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper is a man of understanding" [1]. This verse suggests that true knowledge, which can be gained through personal experience, leads to wisdom, self-control in speech, and a calm disposition. The "man of war" in Isaiah is described by Abraham Ibn Ezra as one who has "experience," linking personal encounter with practical wisdom and capability [6].
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 17:27 (YLT) — One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper <FI>is<Fi> a man of understanding.”
- Leviticus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Leviticus 5:2: TOUCHING ANY THING UNCLEAN. (Lev 5:2-3) if a soul touch any unclean thing--A person who, unknown to himself at the time, came in contact with any thing unclean, and either neglected the requisite ceremonies of purification or engaged in the services of religion while under the taint of ceremonial defilement, might be afterwards convinced that he had committed an offense.”
- Amos (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Amos 3:2: 3:2 The word translated been intimate indicates personal and experiential knowledge that often extends beyond mere intellectual awareness. It can indicate formal recognition and acknowledgment (Exod 1:8; 5:2), personal experience (Gen 2:17), or sexual relations (Gen 4:1). This word is frequently used of God’s relationship with Israel (Hos 5:3) and of Israel’s ideal relationship with God (Hos 2:20). Because of Israel’s privileged status, God would hold them accountable for all their sins, not just some of them. God holds people accountable in terms of what has been gi”
- Daniel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Daniel 10:16: Like the similitude of the sons of men - I think Gabriel is here meant, who appeared to Daniel in a human form; and so in Dan 10:18, and see also Dan 9:21. Touched my lips - Before this he was unable to speak. By the vision - The vision that I have already had, and of which I have not a proper knowledge has greatly afflicted me, because I see it intimates grievous calamities to my people. See Dan 9:26.”
- 1 Samuel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Samuel 9:17: Behold the man whom I spake to thee of - What an intimate communion must Samuel have held with his God! A constant familiarity seems to have existed between them.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 3:2: The man of war. He who has the experience.”