Rabbi’s Reflections – Friday, March 21, 2025
(Early) Shabbat Shalom,
Psalms
Psalm 26:3 – Part 7
Psalm 26:3 For Your love is before my eyes and I have walked in Your truth.
This verse is written with unspoken expectation, we expect the blessing of God’s grace. The Hebrew word translated as “love” in the above verse is (1) “Chesed”, which can also be translated as “grace.” So many have missed this important point. There are two other complementary Hebrew words, (2) “Chen,” which is a different word altogether, and (3) “Rachamim,” (from which we get the Yiddish word, “Rachmonos), both with similar meanings. This makes all three of them Hebrew synonyms for love, grace and favor.
Rabbi Trail: I had to clarify my own understanding of the differences among these three words, so I called two of the world’s foremost experts, Jerry Miller and David Harwood. They, themselves, would argue against my use of the term “world’s foremost experts,” but I’m not dissuaded by such humility. I’m not the only one who looks to both David and Jerry as authorities on God’s love and grace. Each of them have written books of the subject. Incidentally, they both write with excellence for the RR, and the honor is ours. Their writing is published on the weekends, so I get Shabbat off, David writes for every Saturday and Jerry writes for every other Sunday. Their input was valuable for what follows. End RT.
Chesed is God’s grace. It is constantly offered by God and found by us the moment we realize we need His undeserved love and ask Him for it. Chen is also God’s grace that is offered before we ask or think when God sees we are in need of His undeserved love and grace. They are frequently put together as in “Chen VaChesed.” Esther 2:17 Now the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she won his grace and favor (Chen VaChesed) more than all the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
There is yet another word, as mentioned earlier, that must be included in this discussion, “Rachamim.” Rachamim is God’s mercies. All three are closely related, frequently appearing together in Hebrew liturgy, and are inclusive of love and grace from God and by extension, from us as well. It is used here, together with Chesed. They are the last two Hebrew words of this verse… Psalm 103:4 He redeems your life from the Pit. He crowns you with lovingkindness (Chesed) and compassions (Rachamim). Both are also used here… Lamentations 3:22 Because of the mercies (Chesed) of Adonai we will not be consumed, for His compassions (Rachamov) never fail.
Rabbi Trail: Just a few years after I became a follower of Yeshua (43 years ago), I had a dream. In the dream I heard the angels singing a song I had never heard, but remember to this day. The lyrics consisted of two Hebrew words sung repeatedly, “HaRachamon Gibur,” At that time, I didn’t know the meaning of these Hebrew words, so I called a rabbi and asked what they meant. He translated them as, “The Merciful One is mighty.” Rachamon is derived from Rachmanot (plural) or Racham (singular, but rarely used that way). I’ve spent the last 40 years unpacking those two words and feel like I’ve only just begun. End RT.
Lastly for today, although these words all describe emotions, it is critical that we remember God is always practical. For every physical reality there is a greater spiritual reality. God does not have an emotion for which there is no practical purpose. For example, when God loves someone, He expresses it. As a result, God never gets frustrated, He acts on His emotions. We are the people of God, as we righteously walk before Him, surely His unmerited favor will follow. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri 21-Mar-2025 21st of Adar, 5785
Ex 37:17-29 Isa 13 Pr 10 Ac 9 (Rev 3)