Etymology and meaning of the term is determined by its use in, (1 Tim 2:1). “I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all and
men"." Supplications and “prayers” refer to general and specific petitions. “Intercessions” will then have the meaning of a request concerning others. Intercession is prayer on behalf of another and naturally arises from the instinct of the human heart. Intercession is to be regarded: As the spontaneous act of man for his fellow man; the official act of developed sacerdotalism (practices of a priesthood). Man’s intercession for his fellow man.
Patriarchal Examples:
Many such prayers are recorded in Scripture. The sacrificial act of Noah may have been partly of this nature, for it is followed by a promise of God on behalf of the race and the earth at large, Gen 8:20-22.
- Such also is Abraham’s prayer for Ishmael, (Gen 17:18).
- Abraham’s prayer for Sodom, (Gen 18:23-33).
- Abraham for Abimelech, (Gen 20:17).
- Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons is of the nature of intercession, (Gen 48:8-23).
- His dying blessing of his sons is hardly to be regarded as intercessory; it is, rather, declarative, although in the case of Joseph it approaches intercession.
