Non Sequitur

My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.  Psalm 119:139  NASB Because – ṣāmat – put an end to, cut off, destroy.[1]  The opening verb in the verse.  “The verb is a very strong word for destruction or for completely silencing someone.”[2]  What has been cut off, completely destroyed?  “Zeal– qinʾâ.”  The Hebrew…

Dead End (2)

Your burning anger has passed over me;  Your terrors have destroyed me.  Psalm 88:16  NASB Destroyed – Not just any trauma.  No, this is trauma of a special kind: bi·ʿûṯ.  “events that cause fear and destruction or death, with some focus on the wrath of the punisher.”[1]  What is the result?  ṣāmat The word ṣāmat occurs…

The Nuclear Option

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; I will not endure one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart.  Psalm 101:5  NASB Destroy – This psalm makes an incredible claim.  God will totally eliminate those who slander others in secret.  It’s hard to miss the audacity of this statement.  The Hebrew verb, ṣāmat, used…

Dead End

Your burning anger has passed over me;  Your terrors have destroyed me.  Psalm 88:16  NASB Destroyed – Not just any trauma.  No, this is trauma of a special kind: bi·ʿûṯ.  “events that cause fear and destruction or death, with some focus on the wrath of the punisher.”[1]  What is the result?  ṣāmat The word ṣāmat occurs…