Free to Serve
Ransom me from human oppression, that I may observe Your statutes. Psalm 119:134 (Robert Alter translation)
Human Oppression – What is human oppression? The Hebrew is ‘oseq ‘adam. We easily recognize the second common noun, ‘adam, but what about the first, ‘oseq? Don’t spiritualize this. The word is “concerned with acts of abuse of power or authority, the burdening, trampling, and crushing of those lower in station.”[1] This sort of terror occurs daily all over the globe. Lord Acton’s famous dictum, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” is on display in every human society. Notice the psalmist’s reasoning. Unless I am ransomed from this sort of abuse, I will not be free to observe the instructions of YHVH. Where oppression reigns, obedience wanes.
It’s easy to apply this reasoning to political and economic tyranny. But that isn’t the end of the story. Let’s expand ‘oseq ‘adam to the psychological and emotional realms. The result is the same. When I am oppressed by ‘adam, the man who is me, I find it extremely difficult to obey the Lord. When my emotions are chaotic, when I am fighting against the ego protection of the yetzer ha’ra, my delight in God’s torah is also under attack. Duty is often not quite enough to bring about obedience. Without a heart free to love YHVH, compliance alone is empty of purpose. What I discover is that the psalmist’s phrase captures much more than my external circumstances. I find that I am the victim of my own human oppression more often than I would like to admit.
What is to be done about this? Lord Acton offers some insight. “Liberty becomes a question of morals more than of politics.”[2] The freedom to obey is found in my moral choices, not in my political environment. When I choose to follow the leanings of the yetzer ha’ra, I oppress myself, and in that state I am not free to serve the Most High God. In order for me to serve with delight, I must be ransomed from my oppressor—me!
Human oppression includes the yetzer ha’ra convincing me that I cannot meet the standard of perfection. God is perfect. The terrible translation of Matthew 5:48 demands that I also be perfect. But, as we all know, this is impossible. I fail—constantly, and my yetzer is quick to oppress me with that fact. Since I am a failure, I stand worthless before the perfect God who judges me. What is the point of trying? I will only fail to be perfect once more.
What is the ransom from this tyranny? It is this: I am not asked to be perfect. I am asked to be good. And I can be good, because all that being good requires is making the choice to do what’s right at this moment. Moral victory produces the freedom to delight in His ways. I overcome my own human oppression each moment I choose what is right.
Topical Index: human oppression, ‘oseq ‘adam, perfect, good, Psalm 119:134
[1] Allen, R. B. (1999). 1713 עָשַׁק. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament.
[2] http://www.acton.org/research/lord-acton-quote-archive
Hello everyone Matthew 5:48 instead of the word perfect I was taught that the translation was using the word Holy which makes things different. Our Master Yeshua said love the Lord your God all your heart mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. The ideal model is loving God with everything you have and love your neighbor. In my case I think of being crucified with Christ but I am living it is Christ in me he is doing the work. Surrendering my will and emotions for His. Also I think not being conformed to this world but being transformed by the renewing of my mind also could apply. Casting down every evil imagination that exalts itself above the word of God. Just to quote a few examples I think I’m on the right track? It is the thoughts of my old self being controlled by my old master.
The Greek teleios can mean “perfect,” but since this is a citation of the commandment in the Torah, we know that the proper translation should have been “holy.” The Greek also supports “complete,” “fully grown,” and the sense of the goal of an action.
This TW gives hope, where the humanistic ideal of ‘perfection’ gives despair. Thank you!
Could we say that the Hebrew definition of “good” equates with obedience (action) which results in perfection (full connection)? What else could the word “perfection” mean in a cosmos where the word “love” means “connection”? In that sense, then, could “holy” mean fully specialized (individualized), or, materialized as distinct unto itself (“set apart”)? Now THAT would mean something interesting! Our Holy God would then mean He is fully set apart, or, actualized in His identity by means of His love (connection) with all, thus giving Him His identity (character) which is that love (connection).
To “sanctify” the Sabbath, then, would be the action of freeing it from confusion of identity with the other days of work and actualize it by giving it its own (non work). We are also called to become holy. Would that mean, then, that we are called to become fully ‘set apart’ from creation in our identity, or, personhood, which is only possible when we are fully connected with all around us, therefore completing the connections (love) necessary to bring about that identity of holiness?
I see the Greek ideal of ‘perfection’ (pagan idea of “holy”) as being separated from all other as a way to avoid contamination with impurity. I see the Hebrew understanding of ‘perfection’ as becoming fully connected with all other, resulting in peace, or, harmony, as well as actualized (matured, or, fully formed) in identity. If I am Greek, I am I only in contrast (which is the conclusion of conflict, or, fracture) with creation. Perfection = complete isolation. If I am Hebrew, my identity is only to be found by connection WITH creation. Perfection = complete connection. These are complete opposites!
For all creatures who do the will of the Father, then, perfection is to be found only through that obedience which makes that connection possible.
To make a cosmos and pronounce it “good” then, means simply that it was created already obeying love, already in harmony. But perfection calls for completed action. You said in the last comment to me in Woodshed Workshop that free will, essentially, calls for an open universe. Perfection would mean that all the actions are already completed, or, chosen, thus excluding free will. That is what I see you saying. Perfection is the goal, but it is the goal of the NEXT moment, we could say, then, as good is the action of the current one.
We are always going to be in a state of becoming by virtue of the fact that we will always be exercising choice. The universal statement of “good” can only be a description of the present, then. It is possible to have everything in harmony, or obedience, in the present, but perfection would be a statement about the PAST, or, completed action! Wait. Time problem alert! Perfection is only possible in either the past or the future? This is getting a little crazy! I like it!
Can you give up this idea of “perfection”? Your concept is basically philosophically Greek. Where does the Bible call for “perfection” in the sense of total complete without any possibility of change? I realize that this idea of perfection is deeply embedded in Christian thinking. It is, after all, the subject of one of my books. But it is not a biblical idea. A universe, this one or the next, with active free agency will ALWAYS be an open universe. That is the logical consequence of free agency. If “perfection” is the goal, then that implies the goal is to become NON-human. Do you see this?
Of course I see it! I just need to differentiate the Biblical use of the word (because it is used in the Bible) so as to make sure I am NOT confusing it with the Greek. I want to be becoming for forever, too!
I knew you would be on the same path. 🙂
We acted earlier on other post isn’t it funny how the brain works love you guys shalom maybe that’s a good word?☺
….and the universe rejoices that Skip and Laurita are in accord.
???
it’s very sad that my emoji’s do not have musical notes.
Skip, Which one of your books addresses “perfection”?
God, Time and the Limits of Omniscience
Good book! But I do not recall that it addressed the use of the word translated “perfect” in the Bible.
Noah and Job and king Asa were found “perfect” (past).
We are exhorted to be “perfect” (future goal?) like our Father in heaven in the Sermon on the Mount as well as in Deuteronomy
We are told YHVH’s work and His ways are “perfect”.
Job and Psalms have a lot to say about being perfect.
Ezekiel,in parable, says the the anointed cherub was found “perfect” until iniquity was found in him. Perfection lost. (I am not going to debate with Ester how.)
The Love Chapter tells of coming perfection, and Paul and others in the NT have a ton to say about perfection.
My burning question now is, how am I supposed to read all this?
I read it as redemption in me to be an example unto others… The children of the kingdom are being down. The perfection follows when we become examples to holy go to church people…
If this will help.
Hey Laurita, here’s something you might find worth a consideration. First, all these references use varying terms, (even though they are translated the same) so you would have to do a little digging to get at the heart of the terms, but, if you look at gen. 2 in the description of the 7th day it says that “was FINISHED the heavens and earth in all their vast array.” It’s kind of funny to note that, even though the plants springing up had been mentioned in day 3, we find that later, they were held in suspension until there was a man to work the soil. What I will try to point out is that the word translated “finished” (K-L-V) also is a form of “perfected” but it doesn’t speak of it in regards to the whole of creation, but the “design” of HOW creation works. To attempt to clarify, in gen. 1 man comes after the plants but in gen. 2, he’s formed before the plants spring out of the ground because they are waiting for him. Why is that, it’s because creation is responsive to the one who is given the ruler ship (btw, it’s not ruler ship OVER, but IN) as per gen. 1. But the term K-L-V can be read as K-L (the whole or all) and V (the plural of connection) in other words, finished is denoting the completion of the connecting, in operation, of the Heavens and the earth, not the “finishing/completion/end of all things created. Not every man, beast or tree had been created or the activities that these are engaged in, but it was the completion of “in the beginning God created the heavens and (V) the earth. They are enjoined. Hope this may help somewhat.
YHWH bless you and keep you……..
TRULY helpful, Robert. I always feel I get the better end of the exchange when it is you.
I still think we are involved in that original steward role with the whole of the cosmos, and that is why it “groans”, and is running down (2nd law of thermodynamics). I know, I know, that may be ‘only’ from our perspective (paradigm) but I also think paradigms have the power to limit or define reality. This ability defies a “spiritual” label, though, for it affects all dimensions and manifests in reality. The earth is under a curse that is so tied to us it is unreal. And we wonder why the food has less than half the nutrients it had a generation ago and we are all sick and the climate is going wonkers and the balance is knocked sideways, but it has to do with what our environment needs as a reflection from us. We give it its identity, too, but we have not been good stewards.
I am going to sleep on your perfection paradigm. Thank you!
Shalom Skip, I am new to your content and blog but just wanted ask if you typically post the Hebrew word with the vowels so it is easier to pronounce? That said, am I seeing it correctly above as עָשַׁק … which is pronounced ahshak ? Looking forward to meeting you in Sarasota in a few weeks at Y’shua’s Love. Blessings.
עֹשֶׁק (ʿōšeq) oppression, extortion.
Free to serve, if you obey and keep commandments Yeshua and God make an abode it us.
We are called to good works in Christ, we are intended to grow till the full stature of Christ.
If this be the serving how will we know we are doing the good works?
How will we know when and how we are growing in the stature of Christ?
Remember the seed is the children of the kingdom.
While the born from above is from the uncorruptible seed…
Are we doing good works by revealing what is found in the kingdom joy, peace and righteousness? Or are we doing good works by keeping the ten commandments…
Doing good works does not imply being born from above as Yeshua sent his disciples then made the final clarification when he ascended into heaven… Stay in Jerusalem till you receive power from the holy ghost that will reveal what you must do.
If Yeshua be salvation and his abode in us confirmation of salvation…
What does empowered by the holy ghost entail.
As everything till now is acting out choices we make and not working through the power of the holy spirit…
Doesn’t Matthew 25 tell us about good works?
Thomas verses 31-38 refer to works based on righteousness which is one standard found in the kingdom. This reason does not refer to the calling in Christ but more to a standard that should be present in all true believers.
I agree that this is a excellent start that is aligned with Torah.
I still do not read that these are works that need divine empowerment. The require choice based on conviction as Simon had to eat that which was deemed unclean in his vision.
The 5 talents are also a good example of doing and being the best with what you have.
And interesting enough, what is right “at this moment” may not be a right choice tomorrow or next month or next year! Get it? Life is a journey and one is constantly evolving and learning and situations differ greatly.
“Since I am a failure, I stand worthless before the perfect God who judges me. What is the point of trying? I will only fail to be perfect once more.”
I find this to be a terrible self-fulfilling prophecy. How negative and fatalistic to have this reasoning for ones life. But many subscribe to it. Bad choice! Please try again 🙂
It seems to be that choosing rightly(good) is being oppressed in America these days. It is fascinating to watch what has been going on since our presidential election determined a new leader. Unbelievable the prancing and dancing(pc calls it protesting) of ha’ra that so many are engaging in seemly without knowledge. How many are upset because their ha’ra is being denied freedom? What an eye opener as to how far this culture has fallen. Although there are signs that there is more “good” in the USA that one previously thought 🙂
Very down to earth post today.
“Holy” is not part of the semantic range for teleios, though the larger context is about holiness. Teleios can mean perfect (as in meeting the highest standard), complete, full-grown/mature, or fully developed. Its use in Matthew 5:48 is in a context of loving those outside your family and friends – your enemies, even. 5:48 is a recapitulation of verse 45 (be sons of your Father in heaven). Quoting Grant Osborne (Matthew, ZECNT, [Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010], p 214):
Skip wrote above: Q: Where does the Bible call for “perfection” in the sense of total complete without any possibility of change? A: In James 1:4. Peter Davids, in his NIGTC (James [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982], pp 69-70) comments:
The way I see this tension is that we are to strive for perfection now knowing full well that it’s only at the eschaton that we actually attain it. This comports with Paul’s words in 1 Cor. 13:9-12, in which when the perfect (to teleion [accusative form of teleios]) comes the partial will pass away. While Paul is referring to spiritual gifts, I think this is analogous to the entirety of our being; that is, where we are now partly holy, we’ll be wholly holy at the eschaton.
My two cents.