RR Psalm 60:14 Part 8

Shalom,

Psalm 60:14 With God we will do mighty things, and He will trample our foes.

Last Friday (in the RR for August 7th) we meditated on the frequently used name for God, Elohim, which begins the last verse of Psalm 60.  Today, let’s continue with the two words (connected to each other by a hyphen, which shows they are one thought) “Na’aseh-Chayil.”  These two words coupled together will require more unpacking, so let’s continue.  

“O’seh” is Hebrew for “I make,” or “I am making.”  With the “Nun” prefix, it becomes “we will make.”  What follows, answers the question, “What will we make?” The answer in Hebrew is “Chayil,” but our understanding is not so simple.  Nobody ever went to the store for a pound of Chayil.  Chayil is not physical in nature (although it does have physical qualities).  It is spiritual and emotional.

“Chayil” is translated as “might, power, valor, and even virtue.  One of its most well known uses in Scripture is found in Proverbs 31, as we pray over our wives as we begin Shabbat.  “Ayshet Chayil,” (The TLV translates “Chayil” as “accomplished”)  Proverbs 31:10  An “accomplished woman” who can find? Her value is far beyond rubies.

Chayil is bravery in the face of danger.  Chayil is a force for what is good and strong.  Chayil is the substance of virtue, when a lack of Chayil causes  us to crumble.  Interesting to note, our subject verse, Psalm 60:14(12) is exactly the same as Psalm 108, verse 14(13).  

The second part of verse 14, in both Psalms 60 and 108, is direct and to the point, saying, “He (speaking of God) will trample our enemies.”  When the Bible speaks of “trample,” there is a figurative connotation of being made useless.  Yeshua used this when He spoke… Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt should lose its flavor, how shall it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

In God, we will act valiantly, and God, Himself, will perform miracles to subdue (trample) our enemies.  Psalm 89:14 Your arm is mighty, Your hand is strong, exalted is Your right hand.  It is a wise person who puts his/her faith in God’s power to deliver us from our foes.  May His name be blessed.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon10-Aug 202627th of Av, 5786
De 17:14-20Ez 481 Ch 262 Ti 4 (Jn 12:20-50)