Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, June 17, 2024
Shalom,
Psalms
Psalm 10:3 – Part 3
Psalm 10:3 For the wicked one boasts about his soul’s desire. The greedy one curses, reviling Adonai.
The Hebrew word translated as “boast” is a word with which most of us will be familiar. It is based on “Hallal,” which is the basis of Hallelujah. The “u” is a contraction for “our,” while the “jah” is really “Yah,” which is God’s holy name. We know it means “our praise (to the) Lord.” However; this verse is about the wicked one who praises himself.
Jeremiah has something to say about this, speaking prophetically with the voice of God. Jeremiah 9:22(23) Thus says Adonai: “Let not the wise boast in his wisdom nor the mighty boast in his might nor the rich glory in his riches.23a(24a) But let one who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me. What is the opposite of one who praises himself? One who is humble.
The Scriptures put high value on humility. Andrew Murray wrote the classic book, “Humility.” Last year, I used that book as a text for a series of teachings on humility.
Rabbi Trail: My conclusion is that humility is elusive. As soon as you think you’ve got some, it turns into pride. There is a constant tension in our lives between pride and humility. If I can do anything to help keep you humble, please let me know. Oh, and you can do the same for me. End RT.
Along with the preponderance of Scripture, Paul places a premium on humility. Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called— 2 with complete humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Ruach in the bond of shalom.
Rabbi Trail: I object to the TLV use of “putting up with one another.” I prefer the less harsh “forbearing,” or even “enduring” with one another. In other words, let’s not give up on each other. End RT.
If we take out some of Paul’s more flowery phrases, we clearly see the instruction… “walk…with complete humility,” loving one another. Let’s do that and avoid the sin of pride. Both parts of our subject verse make the connection to the sin of selfishness. Love is always self-sacrificing, preferring the welfare of others before our own.
John 15:13 No one has greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.
David is calling us to lay down my “soul’s desire,” and being “greedy” which results in cursing God. We lay aside selfishness in favor or selflessness, and in doing so become the righteousness of God. 2Co 5:21 He made the One who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/
11 Sivan Monday 17-Jun-24
Numbers 8:15-26 Jeremiah 24 Job 33 Mark 9:30-50 1 Corinthians 12