“Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
Proverbs 30:5 KJV
Goodness how I love His Word. Everyday I see something new and am changed a little more.
As I was studying and meditating this morning, I was drawn to the Hebrew. I wondered about the first phrase and wanted to know more. The original language is so fascinating!
Every word- [imrâ (H565): utterance, speech, word; word of God, the Torah] is pure- [ṣārap̄ – (H6884) primitive root; to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively):—cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try].
It’s so interesting to me that a welding term is used here. I only know one welder personally and I’ve seen – and heard – what he does. It’s HOT in his shop. It’s loud as he heats the metal then shapes it with hammers and other tools I don’t know of. It’s not for the weak! A welder is strong, patient, and visionary. He sees what will be, burns out impurities, and molds the metal into the image in his mind – something completely different from what it started as. Every word of G-d is like that – it purifies and refines us, it shapes and changes us. His Word is like the finest of metals. Perfect. Pure. Refined. And when applied to my life, His Word fuses my cracked heart back together.
He is a shield – māḡēn (H4043): (i.e. the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile:—× armed, buckler, defence, ruler, scale, shield…
Unto them that put their trust- ḥāsâ (H2620): flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in:—have hope, make refuge, (put) trust…in Him.
What a beautiful image. His Word fuses us to Him. His Word is wholly perfect and pure – lacking nothing. And if I look to Him for protection, if I confide in Him, if I make Him my “safe” place and my refuge, He will cover me like the skin of a crocodile and protect me.
When I’m feeling battered by life, the problem is usually that I’ve tried to handle something on my own instead of just come to Him. G-d is the ultimate craftsman. He transforms me daily through His Word and His presence. His Word is pure. His way is perfect. Every Word of G-d can be fully trusted. Will I choose, today, to make Him my safe place, my refuge? I’d be a fool not to.
Father – I love Your Word. I haven’t always. Please forgive me. Your Word is beautiful. Capture my heart more and more today. Go with me today and be my shield. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Proverbs 30-31
June 22, 2022