Fit for a King
Therefore, my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; also my flesh shall rest in confidence. Psalm 16:9
Glad – The Hebrew word sameach has a rich history; a history that we need to know in order to see the majesty in this simple idea. First, it’s found in Deuteronomy 16:15 where it describes the blessings of the Lord. In 1 Kings 1:40, it’s used to describe the great joy over the king’s anointing. In Psalm 126:3 it describes rejoicing over what God does for His people. In Proverbs 15:13, gladness produces health. Even in the dark book of Ecclesiastes (2:10), it finds a place in the description of satisfied labor.In fact, in terms of relative frequency, it occurs more often in Ecclesiastes than any other book.That seems pretty amazing.
The Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament tells us that this verb of “moving emotion” is so frequently combined with prepositional objects that it “is better classified as a verb of action.” This helps us understand what the Hebrew concept really means. It is about everything we do to express an inner feeling. It includes dancing, clapping, shouting, singing, and even “frisking about.” This is festival language. We took a look at the verb in a different form once before (March 24). What we learn is an essential aspect of the Hebrew view of human existence: Emotions are not separate from actions. My feelings and my behavior are intimately linked. Of course, we all know this, don’t we? You would think it is obvious. But consult with modern theories of psychology or behavior modification specialists or even medical practitioners and you get a very different view of human beings. The Hebrew view is one, unified person. Greek metaphysics divides us into parts – a body, a mind, a soul or spirit. You go to the doctor for one part, the psychotherapist for another and the minister for another. You are not an integrated whole.You are compartmentalized, and as a result, you are taught to live in little insulated boxes.Your job is in one box, your church life in another, your family life in another.Have you ever wondered why contemporary treatments of human ailments (all of them) usually break you into pieces?Now you know.Our view of the human being is fragmented, so our treatment of the human beings reflects our philosophy of fragmented compartmentalization.
But Hebrew is different. “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” You could translate this: “I was singing, dancing, jumping up and down, laughing, horsing around, clapping and shouting. I was so excited.” Is that your expression about going to the house of the Lord? Of course, you probably don’t go to the temple. That would be something, especially since it doesn’t exist at the moment. But if you’re missing some of the sameach that goes along with setting God before you, then maybe you’re too Greek to enjoy an integrated existence. Just asking.
Topical Index: sameach, samach, glad, moving emotion, person, Psalm 16:9
Hey,Skip! I really had to check myself out on this. I think I have a long way to go to arrive at the point of getting this excited in coming before “The Lord”. Thank you for bringing it to my attention! In Christ Jesus
Rex / Dottie George
hmmmmm…also, my flesh shall rest in confidence. This aspect of the Scripture I picked up on today as my flesh seems to be at war with what God is doing in me. I am in my sixth month of unemployment and as a single mother it brings fear. In spite of it all, I am rejoicing in the Lord with intention…in my desperation. It is bleak in a resort community where I live. The church family is very disinterested too….not something new by the way. I’ve been praising, worshipping and praying which seems to be the direction I am given each day….it just feels so lonely. Kelly
Today’s Word readers are all over the place. If you care to share where you live, perhaps there is someone else close by. You are part of community that helps each other, not just a community that reads. So, tell us how we can help.
Skip
Thank you for your graciousness. I do feel part of this community, Skip. I really do. I’ve been a follower of this ministry for several years and have even had the privilge of speaking with you over the telephone as I have tithed. I live in Southern California area – out near Palm Springs. I’ve been a part of a very large church and was even on staff there for years, yet even a phone call from a brother last night after I reached out, said “sorry to hear” – no prayer, not even to ask me if I have any needs. It’s the condition of the church. I am desperate for Christ…not man to help me in all due respect, although I know that Christ works through man. All this to say, keep challenging me in His Word, Skip. Keep faithful to this work…I’ve prayed for you often and know that you too are intimate with the Suffering Servant. I am honored to be part of this community…all these readers and doers of the Word who are desperate for Jesus! A Sister in Christ, Kelly
I have family and friends in Indio sister! Can I connect you?
Thank you for validating my exuberance in praising the Lord! I don’t want to draw attention to myself which is what others may think, so I sometimes try to keep my hands at ‘half mast’ or stand in the back in church. It’s just that I can’t contain myself whether I am at home or in a corporate worship service. “Bless the Lord, o my soul, and ALL that is within me bless His holy name!” His Name is highly to be exalted!!
I live in Clermont Florida if there is anyone else out there within an hour’s time…..
You stated that in Hebrew emotions are not seperate from actions, but let’s remember that also the Hebrew mindset and Science today agree (imagine that) that neither are the thoughts of a man seperate from his emotions. They are what creates his emotions. Such is why the scripture states that “as a man thinketh, so is he”. Thoughts fire neurons that produce specific chemicals in the nervous and endocrine system that have a very specific effect on the mind, memories, and emotions. Gee, the Bible was right all the time!!!