Backwards Joy

In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.Esther 8:17  NASB Gladness/joy– Here we have an…

The Difference It Makes

For the Jews there was light and gladnessand joyand honor.  Esther 8:16  NASB Gladness/joy – The usual Hebrew word for “joy” is śimḥâ. It comes from the root śāmaḥ, “to rejoice.”  You would have expected it to be the Hebrew translated as “joy” in this verse.  But it isn’t. In this verse, śimḥâ is translated “gladness,” because there is…

After the End (2)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 NASB Joy – Is gladness missing…