The Context of Time
“Forever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89
The Context of Time
Forever – We are a mathematically derived temporal society. We mark the passage of time by the use of mathematically precise divisions. We view our world, in fact, our universe through the lens of the clock so much so that Einstein was able to show that temporal process is one of the basic elements of dimension (length, height, width and temporal position). We think, plan, anticipate, act and feel in the moments of time.
The Hebrew language is also a temporally contextual language. It may not have the same Greek mathematical precision that we have inherited, it may lack words that express time as an abstract concept, but it is nevertheless vitally concerned about time. In particular, it is concerned about God’s relationship to our temporal experience. And in this verse, David tells us what is most important about God’s interaction with us. It lasts.
There will never come a day when God’s word does not speak to us. There will never be a time when God will not guide us. There will never be an age when God will not command us, implore us, invite us or redeem us. God’s word lasts forever.
The Hebrew word olam finds it meaning in its relationship to the subject it describes. It does not describe the abstract concept time. It is always about the temporal character of something. And it is the subject that determines the length of time that olam expresses. So, olam can be a long time in the past when it describes the elders of Israel (Joshua 24:2) or a long time into the future when it describes Daniel’s vision (Daniel 9:24). The subject determines the context. Therefore, when it comes to olam and God, the context is based on how long God will be around. And that brings us to forever.
In Hebrew thought, the clock does not determine the length of time. God determines it. God is the basis of my understanding of my temporal realm. God is the basis of my appreciation of the past and the future. He sets the parameters of how I interpret time. I don’t serve the Day-Timer. I serve the God who makes the Day-Timer possible.
Why is the word of God settled forever in heaven? Because God is always. Then, now and later. Every second of my life, your life and the lives of everyone who ever lived or will live is found in the context of who He is. Time belongs to Him.
