Today’s Hebrew Testament chronological reading is in Genesis 49 and 50.
The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 46.
No Greek Testament reading today.
Essential Studies.
Genesis 49, When Shiloh comes
Additional studies: Genesis Index
Judah’s blessing contains an overt Messianic prophecy. On Shiloh: the root word from which it is derived, is the verb “to be at rest,” the same root that gives us shalom. Therefore this word can indicate the abstract concept of tranquility. The parable is of a sheep caught in a thicket by thorns (sin) entangled in its wool, so that the shepherd uses his staff (lamed) to draw the sheep out of the thicket, thus restoring it to a state of well-being (hey). Moses is preaching the Gospel of grace from Genesis.
Psalm 46, Exceedingly available help
Additional studies: Psalms Book Two (42-72) Index
God is to us a refuge and strength, an exceedingly available help in overwhelming trouble. Psa 46:1
This translation captures the nuance of the Hebrew in a way that the common English rendering doesn’t. ‘God is to us,’ and not ‘God is our’: The refuge and strength of God does not belong to us, as ‘our’ implies, but is rather available to us.
‘Exceedingly available help,’ and not ‘very present help’: ‘Very present’ locks the help into the immediate moment. Yes, His help is immediate, but the Hebrew says more than that; it’s not only immediate, but also available, accessible, and abundant. It’s about the quality and extent of the help, and not just the timing.
‘Overwhelming trouble,’ and not just ‘trouble:’ ‘Trouble’ in the Hebrew it is in its plural form, but the English translators don’t render it “troubles.” They understood it as an intensive plural—a single concept, but emphatic or magnified. Since the intensive plural in Hebrew indicates trouble on a greatly magnified scale, the translation restores that meaning.
So the Hebrew construction brings out a valuable insight: just as the trouble is magnified, so is His help exceedingly available. It’s help that not only matches the scope of the trouble, but outstrips it. Thus, “Therefore we shall not fear …” ♥
Three-year Bible.
The three-year plan is here.
Today’s reading is in 1 Corinthians 4.
Suggested study: 1 Corinthians 4, Bible for Beginners.
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