Hebrew Salvation
Return, O LORD, rescue my soul, save me because of Your lovingkindness. Psalm 6:4 NASB
Rescue – The word translated “rescue” in this verse is halats. In its various forms it can mean “to draw away, to take off, to withdraw, to plunder.” It means “to rescue” only in one form found only in the Psalms, Job and Proverbs. In this verse, David calls on God to show His hand of compassion by rescuing him from his circumstances. There are many psalms that speak of deliverance. David’s experience with God often included cries for help. It’s no different today. Sometimes our moments of greatest need are the gateways that bring God closest to us. Everyone needs rescue. But David’s view of rescue doesn’t mean escape. It means reinforcements. It means being provided with what is needed in order to finish the battle.
David tells us why God is open to our cry for help. It is because God is filled with “lovingkindness.” We have already looked at this word. It is hesed and it means a good deal more than empathetic feelings. It is tied to God’s promise to us, God’s desire to be a benefactor toward us and God’s character as the protector and provider for us. David does not ask for God’s help because he deserves it. He doesn’t say, “God, I believe in you. I trust you. I have been a good and faithful follower. Therefore, come and help me.” David knows that he cannot negotiate with God. Instead of implying that he should be rescued, David throws himself entirely on who God is. He bets on God’s voluntary obligation toward him. He is really saying, “God, you told me that You have a hesed relationship with me. Remember your hesed commitment now and bring it to bear on me.” David sees that his rescue is up to God, and he knows God is faithful. But notice what David doesn’t do – he doesn’t tell God how he wants to be rescued. He doesn’t say, “Give me the money I need” or “Take these terrible circumstances away” or “Fix this mess I’m in.” He doesn’t make vows that if God will just fix things this time, he will be forever faithful. He leaves the method entirely up to God.
Everyday we each have the opportunity to experience the character of God in an expression of deliverance. God is always open to our cries for help. “Rescue me” is good theology. But take a hint from David. Throw your cares entirely on God’s faithful, voluntary obligation but don’t begin telling God how you want Him to fix things. He has a much better plan than we do. Ask and wait. Being content with God’s commitment is enough. Let Him take care of the reinforcements.
Topical Index: halats, rescue, hesed, Psalm 6:4
What a good word! I need this. What a great and mighty God He is when we dont specify what “kind” of a father/rescuer He should be according to our understanding. If I would approach Him always based on His goodnes rather than my own, I would never be disappointed.
Praise Yah!!
Thanks Skip.
~ Return, O LORD, rescue my soul, save me because of Your lovingkindness (es!) ~ Psalm 6:4
David is crying out to YHWH (an excellent practice for us today), “rescue” my soul. He is asking G-d, not to change his circumstances, not asking his Provider and Protector for anything other than, specifically “rescue my soul”.
Our Elohim is a God of rescue. Salvation-deliverance-rescue- all rolled up into one, and those of us whom G-d has seen fit, (because of His tender mercies) to rescue/deliverer/save, will testify, He is (everytime!), our “right-on-time” God!
“Providence occurs!” Whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, socially, – whatever our needs are, “G-d will provide..- and He always (without fail) gives to all of us and to each of us- what we need and when we need it..
Now, for some fun!- It’s crunch time!- Sometimes, what the spoiled child (me) needs is a spanking! Not punishment (we punish criminals), but a chastening, (we chasten our children). I am not only a fat and happy sheep, but I am also a spoiled sheep and have become- over the processes (and ravages?) of time and the wear and tear of the years, – a spoiled sheep and have become blind to my blessings!
This, my friends has been my prayer, recently: “May I not be blind to my blessings..”- for I am (now) awake and aware; I recognize and realize (in agreement with His inspired words)- “every good gift and every perfect gift is from Above and comes down from the Father of lights with Whom is no variableness (He doesn’t change)- neither shadow of turning- (with G-d it is always “high-noon!”)
Why do we (as fathers or mothers) sometimes have to *ahem* “apply the board of education to the seat of knowledge” on our children?
Is “pain” an attention getter? Hello? Yes (and amen!), it is. None better. – Been feelin’ any pain lately? Has your Father got your attention yet, or do we need to “kick it up a notch?” Friends, I am here to testify- “Providence (an old-fashioned Ben Franklin word) occurs” daily, and even moment by moment. Watch for it- it will be there.. – what we need and when we need it!
Just remember, (spoiled sheep..) – what does the spoiled child really need? Ah.. restoration of relationship..- how wonderful! Nothing between my soul and the Savior..
Pardon for sin.. and a Peace that endureth..- Thine own dear Presence to cheer and to Guide.. Strength for today and bright Hope for tomorrow..- blessings all mine with ten thousand beside..
~ Casting all your care on Him; for He cares for you ~ (1 Peter 5.7)
“. . . he doesn’t tell God how he wants to be rescued.”
Skip, thanks for this important reminder.
The struggle is between my control and my surrender. It’s emotional, psychological, spiritual, and tangible. The more I surrender, the less I need to control. More or less…my choice isn’t.
Most excellent – thank you!