RR Psalm 35:22,23 Part 13

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

This Shabbat, September 13th, Shomair will be having a special prayer service to intercede for Israel, the country and the people.  We will be lifting up our friends who live there as we invite the Lord’s power and presence upon His beloved people.  Please join us for this special service in person or online (https://www.youtube.com/@shomairyisrael/streams).

Psalms
Psalm 35:22,23 – Part 13

Psalm 35:22 You have seen it, Adonai—be not silent! Adonai, be not far from me. 23 Arise, awaken to my defense, to my cause—my God and my Lord!

The English translation doesn’t quite do the Hebrew justice.  The last Hebrew word of these two verses is “L’Ribi” (Lamed-Resh-Yud-Bet-Yud) meaning “to my argument or quarrel.”  The English word “cause” doesn’t quite go far enough to describe the psalmist’s plea to God.  We are in a struggle that will end with life or death.  This is more than a “cause.”  It is a “raison de la vie,” French for “reason for life.”  It requires our passion!

Rabbi Trail:  “Al Tariv Im Rav” is a well known Hebrew phrase to many of you.  I’ve tried teaching it before, so for some, this will be review.  The Shoresh “Riv” (Resh-Yud-Bet) is the source of “L’Ribi” meaning “to my argument” above.  It has a similar sounding word you all know, “Rav,” meaning “rabbi.”  So “Al Tariv Im Rav” means “don’t argue with the rabbi.”  This is a blessed saying either in Hebrew or in English.  End RT.

When God speaks, things happen!  Creation happened because God spoke the world into existence.  For example… Genesis 1:9 Then God said, “Let the water below the sky be gathered to one place. Let the dry ground appear.” And it happened so.  None of us is an “accident.”  We are all purposefully preplanned by God to be properly equipped for fellowship with Him which includes being eternally in His presence. 

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life. Abundance of joys are in Your presence, eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

And we are also properly purposed to bless and encourage each other.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds. 25  And do not neglect our own meetings, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another—and all the more so as you see the Day approaching.

When you love God, His enemies are your enemies too.  We need His divine protection to both survive and thrive.  Psalm 46:2(1b) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Let’s receive that as the last word for this devotional and this week.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri12 Sep 202519th of Elul, 5785
De 28:7-29:1[28:69]Mic 72 Ch 17Rev 2:18-29(Ac 11)

Rabbi H Michael Weiner

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