But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14 NASB 1995 Trust – By now we should be quite familiar with bāṭaḥ (trust). TWOT’s reminder is important: in Hebrew, bāṭaḥ expresses that sense of well-being and security which results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence. It is significant that the LXX never…
My God, in You I trust. Let me be not shamed, let my enemies not gloat over me. Psalm 25:2 Robert Alter translation Trust – While we’re on the subject of trust, two prior Today’s Word editions are worth reviewing (today and tomorrow): Trust in God is more than a motto on the back of…
Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23 NIV You brought trouble – How we might wish that the…
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 NASB So easily entangles – I’ve always struggled with this verse. There are a few reasons (and…
Then you will say on that day, “I will give thanks to You, Lord; for although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:1-2 NASB Trust – What is…
He shall surely dispute with you if in secret you are partial. Job 12:10 Robert Alter Partial – The story of Job can be quite personal. Yes, there are academic issues involved. Who was the author? When was it written? What is the theological implication? Those are all important questions, but if they become the…
Then you would trust, because there is hope; and you would look around and rest securely. Job 11:18 NASB Hope – Do you trust God? Perhaps you’re surprised by the question. “Of course, I trust God,” would be the typical answer, as if the question itself is almost rhetorical. But notice what Zophar says about…
He puts no trust even in His servants; and He accuses His angels of error. How much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth! Job 4:18-19 NASB No trust – Eliphaz is pretty stark. According to him, God doesn’t “trust” men and He accuses…
“But reach out with Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will certainly curse You to Your face.” Job 1:11 NASB Certainly – The story of Job is the story of expectations. God expects Job to survive the test. haśśāṭān expects him to fail. Job, caught in the middle, expects God to treat…
May those who [ab]fear You see me and be glad, because I [ac]wait for Your word. Psalm 119:74 NASB See me – Doctrinal discussions. Statements of faith. Creeds. Tracts. Testimonies. You’ve heard them all. Perhaps too many times. Lots and lots of words. Did they really make a difference? Were you compelled to pursue God because of any…
