Elders
Like most meanings in the Bible this can change depending on context to a meaning perverted into the opposite. Instead of a mind full of knowledge and love of the neighbor, the love can be twisted around to pride in one's own self-intelligence and lead toward evil instead of good. The elders and chief priests who sat in judgment on Jesus in Caiaphas' house show the other side of the representation. Elders are mentioned in the Bible mainly in two ways: First the elders of Israel: and second the 24 elders seated about the throne of God in Revelation. In both cases, they mean wisdom, which comes from using the truths we've learned to do what's right in our everyday lives. The elders of Israel mean the chief things of wisdom in the church called Israel. The elders mentioned in Revelation 4 mean the wisdom of the highest heavens, and by extension the whole of the heavens.
Psalms 79
1
A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen have come into thy inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
2
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be food to the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints, to the beasts of the earth.
3
Their blood have they shed like water around Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
4
We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to them that are around us.
5
How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
6
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
7
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling-place.
8
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily succor us: for we are brought very low.
9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
10
Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by avenging the blood of thy servants which is shed.
11
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
12
And render to our neighbors seven-fold into their bosom their reproach, with which they have reproached thee, O Lord.
13
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will show forth thy praise to all generations.
