The Shift
Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Psalm 2:10
Discernment / Warning – The first rule of proper interpretation of Scripture is the rule of historical context. If I don’t know what the words would have meant to the audience that first heard them, then I don’t know what they can possibly mean to me. That means that I must do all that I can to understand the words within the context of their historical setting. I simply cannot apply my post-modern Christianity to the text and declare its contemporary meaning as though it were written yesterday.
This might seem obvious to you. After all, in this psalm, the historical context is from 1000 BC. The first place I need to look to determine what the psalmist is saying is to the language and culture of 3000 years ago in Israel. What you might not realize is that the very choice of words in translation often subtly affects how we understand the meaning. Unless we work hard at gaining a Hebrew, 9th Century BC perspective, we will miss the whole point.
Hebrew is a language that is rooted in active obedience, not mental assent. Greek, and the Greek-based culture we live in, focuses on rational and mental control of the world. We are taught to understand the “facts” and draw rational conclusions as the basis of decision-making. We believe we can think our way out of the problem. But not the Hebrew. The Hebrew looks first to action and obedience, not to rational explanation. Why? Because the Hebrew knows that man is frail and finite. No man sees the big picture well enough to know how to solve the problems of life. What man can do is listen to God and obey Him. The orientation is radically different. Rather than rely on my mind, I must rely on God’s word, even if I don’t always understand what God is doing.
Now, when we translate the Hebrew words sakhal (show discernment) and yasar (take warning), we must be sure that we remain Hebrew and not slip into Greek meanings for these words. That’s why the King James translation, “be wise” and “be instructed” is hopelessly inadequate. The King James implies that the words are about information and rational understanding. The translation is Greek even though the words are Hebrew. The New American Standard is better, but still misses some of the impact. Yes, sakhal is about discernment, but the basic idea is to act in such a way so as to avoid evil consequences. This is not primarily a mental choice, the way we think of discerning the right solution. It is about my behavior, not my reasoning. The case with yasar is even more misdirected. Yasar is a verb about punishment for the purposes of correction, discipline and chastening. Of course it covers warning. But warning is verbal and rational. Punishment is tangible and emotional. We must move from the cerebral to the physical if we want to appreciate this psalm written in the 9th Century BC. “Now, therefore, O kings, be prudent in your actions; discipline and punish, O judges of the earth.” Why? Because you are to serve the Lord with fear and trembling (the very next verse).
If you want to read the Bible for all its worth, ask the Lord to remove the post-modern blueprints in your mind, the patterns of this age. That’s what Paul meant in Romans 12. Time to seriously re-consider how you read.
Topical Index: Interpretation
