Rabbi’s Reflections – Sunday, June 23, 2024
Shavuah Tov,
Psalms
Psalm 10:12 – Part 8
Psalm 10:12 Arise, Adonai! O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted.
In the beginning of the Beatitudes, Yeshua addresses the “Anavim,” who are the poor, afflicted and humble. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Here, in Psalm 10, King David implores God in the negative, “Do not forget.” The tension between good and evil is the story-line of all of history. The righteousness of God will be victorious.
Numbers 10:35 is quoted in Psalms 68:2(1)… Numbers 10:35 Whenever the Ark would set out, Moses would say: “Arise, Adonai! May Your enemies be scattered! May those who hate You flee from before You!”
Rabbi Trail: Reading these verses in Hebrew reminds me of the Yiddish expression, “Oy-Vey.” We say “Oy-Vey” to express exasperation. Something just happened that caused me pain or discomfort, and my expression is “Oy-Vey.” “Oy’yev” is “enemy” in Hebrew. If something terrible just happened, I’m blaming it on my enemies by expressing, “Oy-Vey.” End RT.
Enough with my enemies. If the one true and living God is my God, then my enemies are His enemies. And we have to know that His enemies are defeated. This was done at the cross. Colossians 2:15 After disarming the principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross.
The cross had the physical appearance of defeat, but the reality in the realm of the spirit is exactly the opposite. This is why Yeshua’s last words are so meaningful. John 19:30 When Yeshua tasted the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. When we put our faith in Him, His victory becomes our victory too.
Paul makes the connection between the tension between good and evil and the victory of Yeshua. Romans 16:19 Your obedience has become known to all, so I rejoice over you—but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. 20 Now the God of shalom will soon crush satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Yeshua be with you.
Let’s pray that last phrase over each other… “May the grace of our Lord Yeshua be with you.” Now and forever. Amen.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
17 Sivan Sunday 23-Jun-24
Numbers 13:1-20 Jeremiah 30 Job 38 Mark 12:28-44 1 Corinthians 15:29-58