Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, November 14, 2024
Shalom,
Psalms
Psalm 19:14(13) – Part 13
Psalm 19:14(13) Also keep Your servant from willful sins. May they not have dominion over me. Then I will be blameless, free from great transgression.
These last four verses (starting with verse 12) of Psalm 19 form a concluding prayer, as once again, King David directs his comments directly to God. David has written a masterpiece prayer that will bless everyone who comes into agreement with it. This four verse prayer to God is built upon the previous four verses (8 through 11) which proclaim the value of Torah and the other elements of God’s kingdom. For review, they are testimony (Aydut) , precepts (Pikudei), mitzvot (positive commandments), fear of Adonai (Yirat Yehovah), and judgments (Mishpatei). Basically, they amount to instructions for us to reverently follow the will of God.
When we do that, this prayer speaks of the unavoidable benefits (called blessings). That’s the meaning of verse 12… Psalm 19:12 Moreover by them Your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward. Two blessings here, being warned to avoid sin, and being reminded of our promised reward.
Deuteronomy 5:30(33) You are to walk in all the way that Adonai your God has commanded you, so that you may live and it may be well with you and you may prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
Is that too much Torah for you? Probably not, but just in case, try this…. 1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dearly loved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord—because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Next, in David’s prayer (verse 13) we call upon God to open the eyes of our hearts to discern right from wrong, and to be cleansed from our faults. 2Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, loved ones, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Then, finally for today, we arrive at verse 14, in which we ask God to “keep us from pride (Zed: Zayin-Dalet). The TLV translates it as “willful sin.” The KJV uses the term “presumptuous.” I found this in the Berean Strong’s Lexicon: “The Hebrew word “zed” is used to describe a person who is arrogant or insolent, often characterized by a sense of pride that leads to defiance against God or others. It conveys a negative connotation, highlighting a moral failing or a rebellious attitude.
The verse concludes with three different expressions of a desire to be free and blameless of such a serious offense. All sin is rooted in pride. Jacob(James) 4:6 But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (Quoting both Psalm 138:6 & Proverbs 3:34)
Lord, we come into agreement with our subject verse today. Psalm 19:4 Also keep Your servant from willful sins. May they not have dominion over me. Then I will be blameless, free from great transgression. In Yeshua’s name, let us all say, “Amen.”
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Thu 14-Nov-2024 13th of Cheshvan, 5785
Ge 21:5-21 Jos 24 Ps 25 Mt 17 (1 Jn 5)