Rereading
Depart from evil and do good, so you will abide forever. Psalm 37:27
Abide Forever – If we read this verse from an evangelical perspective, we will be quite happy with the translation “abide forever.” That translation fits our conception of eternal life. But the Tanakh has almost nothing to say about a life of eternal bliss following death and when David wrote this psalm, the idea of an eternal afterlife was far from the religious consciousness of the culture. Therefore, the Hebrew words ooshhon le-olam are probably more accurately translated as they would have been understood during the David monarchy, that is, “dwell for a very long time.” That changes quite a bit about our interpretation of this verse. Reading it in the context of the 10th Century BC does not allow us to import theological concepts that belong to the modern evangelical culture. It might be comforting to think that David said we would “abide forever” but its quite unlikely that he meant anything like heavenly habitation.
The two key words here are shakan and olam. Shakan does mean abide, but in the sense of dwelling in peace and security. It is used to describe lying down, resting or settling down in the land. While it could describe heavenly hostels, it is much more likely that David was thinking of resting in peace and security in Israel. The wars are over. The land is secure. Now we can enjoy what God has given His people for a long, long time.
The second word is olam, notoriously difficult to translate. While it usually means a long time looking toward the future, it is often used to express a long time looking toward the past. Of course, expressing either concept as a direction is a problem. So is using the verb “looking” since it also implies spatial descriptions. There are particularly difficult philosophical issues connected to the difference between our Greek-based spatially oriented idea of time and the Hebrew-based dynamic orientation of temporality. It is worth noting that Hebrew has no general word for “time.” The choice of “forever” is determined by the presupposed temporal categories of the translators, not by the text. In a world where there were no astronomical or mechanical clocks, where the length of a day varied according to the orbit of the planet, where the calendar was determined by the phases of the moon and the festivals determined by agricultural behavior, it is virtually impossible that David’s idea of eternity (forever) was anything like the concept of ex-temporal eternity that we include in our theology. Things are not as simple as they seem.
What does this verse mean in its context? Well, it may mean nothing more than this: “Quit doing evil. Do good. And you will dwell in the land in peace and security for a long time.” Isn’t that enough? Is it really necessary that we find hints of eternal bliss and heavenly abode in a line of poetry from an ancient king? Can we not be content with the practical application (a very Hebrew approach to the world) of avoiding evil, doing good and enjoying the benefits for quite awhile?
What’s the lesson here, aside from the obvious practical achievement of peace and security? Context, context, context. Stop rereading God’s words as if they were yesterday’s newspaper. Ask yourself what it meant for the ones who heard it first and you will be much closer to the text. And who knows, maybe you’ll discover that doing good does result in a long and peaceful life.
Topical Index: olam, shakan, forever, abide, dwell, time, Psalm 37:27
Wow! No heavenly abode. Who would have thunk it? Lol. How am I to preach the next funeral? I can’t tell the family their loved one is “walking the streets of gold?” Oh, the glories of vocational ministry. Great word Skip and glad you’re safely home!
Jimmy
What about what the New Testament says about the our resurrections, that we shall not marry after the resurrection and shall be like the angels, the new Jerusalem, the earth burning up, the new heavens and earth etc.? From your studies, what do you think these things mean. What do you think about how Yeshua and the disciples interpret the Torah and Tanakh concerning these things?
“our resurrections, that we shall not marry after the resurrection and shall be like the angels, the new Jerusalem, the earth burning up, the new heavens and earth”
Hi Robin,
I think what they were talking about in the New Testament is similar to what Skip described in Recovery Plan a couple of days ago.
In my view, it is all happening in the “here and now:” life without Spirit is an addiction that leads to “death.”
With God’s help we can break out of this vicious cycle: “Naphal (to fall) is followed by samak (to be upheld). That’s God’s recovery plan.”
For more information on the Hebrew view of afterlife, I would recommend that you read the documentation on Olam Ha-Ba at the following url:
http://www.jewfaq.org/olamhaba.htm
It is written -“If it is only for this life that we have put our hope in the Messiah, we are more pitiable than anyone. But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died. For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man. For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive.” (! Corinthians 15.19..)
“Quit doing evil. Do good. And you will dwell in the land in peace and security for a long time.”
I was listening to a woman speak on NPR this morning, regarding her experience in Columbia.
She had been put in prison for resisting the corruption there, and was sharing her experience.
At the conclusion of the discussion, she was asked how she felt about returning to Columbia.
In light of the fact that she had already suffered much pain and would be likely to suffer more.
If she were to return.
She said that pain was an opportunity for spiritual growth, like climbing a stairway to heaven.
And it was clear from her voice that she was dwelling in a profound state of peace and security.
And she was determined to return to her homeland and do good for her community at any cost.
“Is it really necessary that we find hints of eternal bliss and heavenly abode ..?”
Great question Skip. If we remove the promise of eternal life from our expectations, what is our motivation for walking according to the Father’s commandments and what price are we willing to pay in this life for doing so?
Yes, what is our motivation without the “reward” of heaven? Can I suggest that we should be motivated with the amazing grace God showers on us here and now – principally that He loves us and wants to be engaged with us. Isn’t that enough? What motivated Adam to walk with Him in the cool of the evening? Heaven? No, impossible. Adam was motivated by the love of being in His presence. What more do we need? Why to you suppose we as a general rule need to have the heavenly carrot dangling before us? Do you think that this heavenly state of mind really masks our true lack of immediate love and obedience?
Thanks Skip. Yes, daily, interactive relationship is central here, relationship between a Father and his sons and daughters. We want to follow his instructions because we know a little of his grace and love, because we’ve had a glimpse of his good heart towards us. So, we trust his instructions because we trust his heart.
Glad you arrived home safely. Thanks for visiting us all in Adelaide – we were very privileged to have that time with you, learning more about God’s intentions for his children.
Blessings to you and Rosanne.
First off, welcome back, Skip, then WHOA!! This is such an awesome idea to consider. When one ponders this question “Yes, what is our motivation without the “reward” of heaven?”, be ready to be zapped, convicted whatever you choose to call it. This is a powerful jolt of reality. Isn’t this the thing we must come to terms with concerning our relationship with our Father? Do we love Him or just what He can do for us?
In light of pre-Trib teachings on the Rapture…what if we are “left behind”…does that mean He is less of a good God? Is that why we serve Him? Do we tithe (if we do) because we think that is the deciding factor as to whether we will always be able to pay our bills and keep our heads above the financial rapids? Is everything we do “for God” part of a carefully designed formula so we can expect a payoff at the end OR do we consider, as you stated so powerfully Skip-“Can I suggest that we should be motivated with the amazing grace God showers on us here and now – principally that He loves us and wants to be engaged with us. Isn’t that enough?”
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12,13
Olam shakan may be the Vulcan (remember Star Trek?) equivalent of “live long and prosper.” Remember the greeting, “Oh King, live forever?”
Several questions come to mind this early a.m- When does “eternity” start? (When I die, or when you die?) No..- we “both” are standing in the flow. Right now, – this very moment. We possibly are a little dot on a long line extending backward and forward. I am not saying “time” is linear, but in this life, all we humans know is past, present and future and we all live (as does our G-d), in the eternal “now.” This is “now”, that was “then”- lol! And the “present” is a gift!- lol!
Next question- Is “eternal life” a quantity or a quality? My ex-pastor (who has graduated on to glory) used to say- (and I agree..)- “I’d be a Christian if there were no heaven”- “just to know Jesus in this life is enough”. He also would say- “if I had a thousand lives, I’d give every one of them to Jesus.” He also said- “Most folks aren’t all that interested in heaven or hell- they just want to know how to “hack it” on Monday morning..” – A great time to pause and reflect on the words of our Master- “I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly”. (John 10.10) Yes brother Skip- perisson- “to the top and overflowing”- right here, right now, today, this moment- “the LORD, thy G-d “in the midst” of thee, is mighty to save! Yogi Berra used to say- “the future is a lot like the present- only longer!” lol!- My friends, if you are not “enjoying Jesus” right here, right now- what make you think you will be comfortable in heaven? “forever?” Forever doing what? playing a harp on a cloud??- puh- lease… No,- “heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” -Get ready to party!
“Even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, He brought us to life along with the Messiah – it is by grace that you have been delivered. That is, G-d raised us up with the Messiah Yeshua and seated us with Him in heaven, in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is His grace, how great is His kindness (chesed) toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but G-d’s gift. (Ephesians 2)
Think of all the “delights” of this world. The colors, shapes, smells, tastes- incredible diversity and delight. G-d made it and then G-d called it good, and Carl said- amen. But this world, the world in which we live every day has a problem. Ever since Adam, we (we) have had a problem. Trouble in paradise.. A “little” three letter word has “messed up us.” Grandpa and grandma got booted from the garden because of it. Christ was crucified on the cross because of it. HaSatan was banished from heaven because of it. People fuss and fight and feud because of it. We are no longer rightly related to G-d and to each other because of it. We are unable to think clearly because of it. We are unable to see and to hear and to perceive and to understand and to discern because of it. G-d hates it and so should we. It has caused inestimable damage to the planet and to the inhabitants in it. It is a pollutant and a stain on this beautiful world my Father created. It destroys relationships between husband and wife, between brother and sister and between best friends. What is it?- and what to do about it? Is there a remedy? Is there a cure?
I would like to close with “shakan”, “dwelling in peace and security.” Is this possible?
“If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you. This is how my Father is glorified — in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim. “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay/remain/abide in my love. If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete. “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. This is what I command you: keep loving each other!” (John 15)
The only “command” ever spoken by Christ was “love one another.” Today, “now” is a great time to start practicing for the “heaven” yet to be. And if we were to “love one another,”- couldn’t we then see then, a bit of heaven right here on earth?
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14.2) “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” Are we ready? (today?)