Rabbi’s Reflections – Friday, September 6, 2024
(Early) Shabbat Shalom *|FNAME|*,
Psalms
Psalm 18:3(2) – Part 5
Psalm 18:3 Adonai is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in Him I take refuge, my shield, my horn of salvation, my stronghold.
“My God is my rock!” This time, David uses the Hebrew word “Tzur” which is another word for “rock.”
Rabbi Trail: As a principle of Scriptural study, we hold tight to the principle of first use. This principle teaches us that a word takes its meaning from the first time it is used in Scripture. And that all subsequent meanings must be consistent with the first meaning. This means that words don’t just change meanings due to convenience, but are consistent by definition. End RT.
The first use of “Tzur” is twice in the same verse. Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before you, there upon the rock in Horeb. You are to strike the rock, and water will come out of it so that the people can drink.” Then Moses did just so in the eyes of the elders of Israel. So all Israel (potentially six million persons) and their livestock drank from the fountain which poured forth from that smitten rock.
We know these things happened to ancient Israel to picture a future reality for us all. 1Corinthians 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and it was written down as a warning to us—on whom the ends of the ages have come.
Furthermore; we know that “rock” was Yeshua who promises the water of life. as He prophesied on Shemini Atzeret (the eighth day “add on” to the seven day Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). John 7:37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Yeshua stood up and cried out loudly, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture says, ‘out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”
Of course, Yeshua was speaking of a greater spiritual reality that far exceeded satisfying physical thirst with physical water. John 7:39 Now He said this about the Ruach, whom those who trusted in Him were going to receive; for the Ruach was not yet given, since Yeshua was not yet glorified.
Isaiah also prophesied concerning these events… Isaiah 43:19 Here I am, doing a new thing; Now it is springing up—do you not know about it? I will surely make a way in the desert, rivers in the wasteland. 20 The field animals honor Me—the jackals and the ostriches—because I give waters in the desert, rivers in the wilderness, to give drink to My chosen people, 21 the people I formed for Myself, so they might declare My praise.
Isaiah mentioned this previously, and made it practical, tying it to the coming of Yeshua in a very well known verse… Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation! I will trust and will not be afraid. For the Lord Adonai is my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (Yeshua). Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
3 Elul Friday 6-Sep-24
Deuteronomy 19:14-20:9 Hosea 7-8 1 Chronicles 27 John 13 Hebrews 5