Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Tsadhe

We now come to the Hebrew letter Tsadhe. Today, we read about how God's word is right and trustworthy. In the Hebrew, we can translate righteous/right as what is right or just or normal, rightness, justness (of weights and measures) or straight, upright, correct, right. When we read trustworthy, the original Hebrew can be translated as firmness, faithfulness, truth, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness. Count how many times right or righteous is mentioned. Count how many times words meaning trustworthy are mentioned. Let's read!

137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.

138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.

139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.

143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.

144 Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.

Psalm 119:137-144

Discussion Questions

  • How many times was right or righteousness mentioned? 5 Define it
  • How many times were words meaning trustworthy mentioned? 2 Define it
  • Do you think if these are repeated over and over they are important?
  • What does the Psalmist say about how he feels about God's word?
    • He loves it (v. 140)
    • He delights in it (v. 143)
  • What are some situations the Psalmist says God's word helps him?
    • when people don't like him (v. 141)
    • when he's having trouble (v. 143)
  • How does he know God's word will help him? it is right and trustworthy
  • Do you think God's word can help you? When?

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