RR Psalm 37:4 Part 2

Shalom,

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in Adonai, and He will give you the requests of your heart.

The first Hebrew word of verse 4 is “V’Hit’a’nag,” from the Shoresh “Anag” (Ayin-Nun-Gimel).  The meaning is to be delighted, as when you take a spa day.  The connotation of it is to delight yourself in the peaceful and soothing delicateness of the dainty type.  (Selah - LOL) The verb structure is “Hithpael.”  (See the Rabbi Trail below.)  It is easily recognized through the prefix, “Hit”

Rabbi Trail: In Hebrew verb structure, Hithpael is a type of verb in which the subject (the one performing the action) is also the direct object (the one receiving the action).  So a Hithpael verb is an action you are doing (the subject) and you are doing it to yourself (the direct object).  The most common use is “L’hith’ra’ot,” from the verb “to see,” meaning “until we cause ourselves to see each other again.”  It’s how we say “goodbye” or colloquially, “see you later” in Hebrew.  End RT.

Another useful way to study a verse in Hebrew is to look for the “Et’nach’ta.”  The “Et’nach’ta” appears as a miniature point up wishbone.  It is a cantorial mark that serves the function of a comma in English, separating a phrase or thought.  Here, the Et’nach’ta makes “Delight yourself in the Lord” the first phrase.  The word translated as “in” is in Hebrew “Al” (as in the Israeli Airline, “El Al,” meaning “God’s on board.”  Another translation would be “on” or “about.”  Therefore; “Delight yourself on or about Yehovah(YHVH).”  

And what would be the benefit of such delight?  For that answer, we go to the second half of the verse.  God will give you the “Mish’a’lot” of your heart.  A “Sh’ay’lah” is a question.  The “Mem” prefix indicates a switch to a gerund (when a verb becomes a noun, usually by adding “ing” to the end of the word).  Whatever you are desiring, petitioning or inquiring of God, when you delight yourself in Him, He is promising to give it (or the answer) to you.  

This verse is a partial repetition of Psalm 20:5(4) May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.  And, while we are here in Psalm 20, consider the testimony of the next few words that start verse 6(5)… “We will rejoice in thy salvation (Yeshua)….” KJV

What would you request from God?  Would you agree with John the Immerser, when he was asked about Yeshua performing immersions.  John 3:30 “He must increase, while I must decrease.”  Can we agree, “More of Him and less of me?”  May the Lord give you the desire of your heart, as you delight yourself on Him!  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon29 Sep 20257th of Tishrei, 5786
De 32:7-12Zec 82 Ch 29:1-19Rev 14(Ac 21:1-16)