Welcome to our Bible journaling series! Have you been following along? Today’s journal page features Psalm 19:7-10.
The law of YHVH is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of YHVH is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of YHVH are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of YHVH is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of YHVH is clean, enduring forever; the rules of YHVH are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. ESV
Many of you are probably familiar with this passage. I learned it set to music. You might even be singing the song right now. When we are familiar with a passage, I think it is that much more important that we study the passage more in depth. Otherwise, we tend to repeat the words without allowing our mind to ponder the deeper meaning.
1. Key words
We can get a better handle on a passage if we look for key words. This passage is set up in list form, so it wasn’t that hard. In Scripture, the words law, testimony, precepts, commandments, rules, statutes, etc. all are referring to Torah. All other Scripture builds on this foundation. So, in this passage, we are looking at several descriptors of Torah. I put boxes around the words perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. Some of these words can seem a bit vague at first, so let’s use our handy thesaurus to help.
2. Synonyms
As we saw in a previous passage, looking up synonyms can be very helpful in better understanding a passage. Here’s what I came up with when I looked up my key words.
perfect: complete, absolute, flawless, ideal
sure: certain, definite, secure, reliable
right: proper, suitable, appropriate, true
pure: virtuous, clean, undefiled, innocent
clean: pure, clear, unblemished, decent
true: real, genuine, faithful, authentic
Wow! When you look at all those descriptors, Torah is just amazing, isn’t it? It is complete, true, faithful, flawless, and genuine. We can solidly trust in YHVH and His Torah.
3. Application
We should always walk away from our time in Scripture changed in some way. I left this passage more confident in my Elohim. I can obey His Torah, knowing that it is perfect and solid. Knowing this helps me to more confidently obey Him throughout the day, especially where there may have been doubt before. This passage also brought about praise to my Creator. He truly is the One True Elohim. He has everything figured out and I can count on Him. Scripture should leave us in an attitude of prayer and praise. Anne Elliott talks about worshipful prayer here. (affiliate)
Want to learn more about Bible journaling? Be sure to read these previous posts.
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