Rabbi’s Reflections – Sunday, November 24, 2024
Shavuah Tov,
Psalms
Psalm 20:9(8),10(9) – Part 7
Psalm 20:9(8) They have collapsed and fallen, but we rise up and support each other. 10(9) Adonai, save the king! Answer us on the day we call!
In verse 9(8), who are “they,” the ones who have “collapsed and fallen?” “They” in this verse are exactly opposite of the “we” in this verse. Both start in the same place, we are all lowly. However; they collapse (Kara – Kaf-Resh-Ayin) while we rise up (Qum – Quf-Vav-Mem). Our adversaries are described in the previous verse as those who count on their chariots and horses for salvation, while we call on the name of the One true and living God.
This contrast between those who have fallen and those who are raised up is a common theme in Scripture. Micah 7:7 But I—I will watch for Adonai. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I have fallen—I will arise. Though I sit in darkness, Adonai is my light. Check out the rest of Micah, chapter 7. In it Micah continues to prophesy the contrast between the shame of the nations and the mercy extended to the descendants of Jacob and Abraham.
Let’s return to Psalm 20, verse 10(9)… in it we call on the Lord to save us and answer us in the day we call. These words are often repeated in Hebrew liturgy. But liturgy, in itself, will not save you. Even the rabbinic tradition acknowledges that. The rabbis know prayer must be mixed with “Kavenah,” meaning “intentionality.” But even intentionality won’t get you to heaven.
Anyone can tell God, “Please save me,” even intentionality mixed with faith is not enough. Our intentionality and faith must be properly directed to be effective. Peter preached this to the Sanhedrin… Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!”
Is there evidence of this in the Hebrew Scriptures? Let’s look…
Psalm 14:7 O may He give Israel’s salvation out of Zion! When Adonai restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad!
Psalm 40:17(16) Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You. Let those who love Your salvation continually say: “Adonai be magnified!”
Psalm 51:14(12) Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Along with these examples, there are hundreds more. Our Savior has a name and we know it. His name is Yeshua, and there is power in that name. Joseph, Mary’s husband to be, received an angelic visitation and was given this prophecy… Matthew 1:20b …an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Miriam as your wife, for the Child conceived in her is from the Ruach ha-Kodesh. 21 She will give birth to a son; and you shall call His name Yeshua, for He will save His people from their sins.” Call on Him by name and be saved. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun 24-Nov-2024 23rd of Cheshvan, 5785
Ge 25:19-26:5 Jdg 8 Ps 34 Mt 24:29-51 (Ro 5)