[The Lord] Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion. Psalm 103:4 NASB Lovingkindness – This Hebrew word (hesed) has a great deal more in its full meaning than we can capture in an English word. Our studies in the past have shown us its richer character. It is…
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8 NASB Found favor – Now this is important, so pay close attention. We have examined the Hebrew word hesed, discovering that it isn’t accurately portrayed by the single idea of “lovingkindness” or “mercy.” That’s because hesed presupposes obligation established by mutual relationship. Hesed,…
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” Luke 10:36 NASB Proved to be – It’s a matter of DNA. Spiritual DNA, in this case. You would know that if you read the Greek text. The choice for the verb here is…
Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness. Psalm 44:26 NASB For the sake of – Let’s think about salvation. Some Hebraic ideas help us clarify the notion that salvation is about forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We should note that the Hebrew idea of salvation is associated…
The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians,” Exodus 3:7-8a NASB Deliver – Did God…
But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 86:15 NASB Lovingkindness – On this day after Christmas, take a moment and ask yourself if you could provide God’s résumé in a single word. We could come very close with the Hebrew word hesed. …
And He said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 Love – Does this commandment apply to you today? Of course it does! I don’t know anyone in the believing community who would argue that this commandment…
What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Psalm 8:4 NASB What is man – It’s the wrong question, isn’t it? We would ask “Who is man?” We expect a list of personal attributes like “free will agent,” or “sinner,” or “decision-maker.” But the…
But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Genesis 39:21 NASB Gave him favor – Did you know that the Old Testament also contains language about Law and Grace? We often think that this issue began with Paul. We think it…
But Naomi said to her two daughter-in-law, “Turn back, each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt kindly with the dead and me!” Ruth 1:8 NJPS Deal Kindly – Once before we noticed that hesed is the crucial term of the story of Ruth. We…
