Rabbi’s Reflections – Friday, September 20, 2024
(Early) Shabbat Shalom,
Psalms
Psalm 18:15,16(14,15) – Part 16
Psalm 18:15(14) He shot His arrows and scattered them, hurled lightning bolts and routed them. 16(15) Then ravines of water appeared. The foundations of earth were exposed, at Your rebuke, Adonai, at a blast of breath from Your nostrils.
David is trying to express in words the power of God. Although he gives it his best, and his effort must be considered valiant, at the end of the day, this is a fools errand. Notice the words, “blast of breath” near the end of verse 16(15)? This is formed from two Hebrew words I want to study, plus I want to add a third word. All three can be translated as “soul” among other possible translations, but don’t be confused.
There are two Hebrew words translated as “blast of breath” in Psalm 18:16. They are “Nishmat Ruach,” but both could be translated as “breath” or “spirit.” There is also a third Hebrew word for breath found in Genesis 1:24 Then God said, “Let the land bring forth living creatures according to their species—livestock, crawling creatures and wild animals, according to their species.” And it happened so. “Nefesh Chayah” is translated “living creatures, but could be translated “breath of life.”
It is critical to our world view that we understand accurately the differences between these three words, “Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshama.” At the low end of this spectrum is the life force that God has placed in every animal. This is “Nefesh.” Every animal, human beings included, has a Nefesh. It is often coupled with “Chayyah” to form “Nefesh Chayyah,” meaning a “living soul or being.”
However; human beings go further in that we share a Neshama with God. In that respect, we are made in His image. A Neshama is the God-given life force that is distinct to humans on earth. It’s first mention is Genesis 2:7 Then Adonai Elohim formed the man out of the dust from the ground and He breathed into his nostrils a breath of life—so the man became a living being. “Breath of life” is “Nishmat Chayei,” which can also be “living soul.”
In the middle, between Nefesh and Neshama, is Ruach (found almost 400 times in the Hebrew Scriptures). It is translated as wind (107 times) or spirit (206 times) or breath (33 times) along with many other (less popular) translations, depending on the context.
The effect on our worldview is mostly centered on Nefesh, the life force that every animal has, and Neshama, the life force only humans and God have. With all due respect to PITA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (and my carbon footprint), the Bible gives preeminence to human life.
1Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that the Ruach Elohim dwells among you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
We must receive our value from how God values us. Our life is derived from His life. When we partake of communion we are affirming that covenant. Hear the words of Yeshua… John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly! Receive His life (Neshama) and live to the fullest. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
17 Elul Friday 20-Sep-24
Deuteronomy 28:7-69 Obadiah 2 Chronicles 11 Acts 4 Hebrews 12:15-29