The second and, in my opinion, most profound part of the word “וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י” (VeShavti), is found in the root of this word which is “שבת”. Two words can be derived from this Hebrew word; the first one is “to sit” and the other is “Shabbat”, or the Sabbath (Saturday).
In the Book of Beginnings (Genesis), we learn that God created the heavens and the Earth. The crown of His creation, mankind, He created on the sixth day. Then on day seven, a number that represents holiness and perfection, God Himself stopped from the work of creation and rested. Did He rest because He was tired? No. I believe the real reason God stopped from all of His work on the seventh day was because of His love for us.
After God created man, God wanted to spend time with him; He desired for man to stop all that he was doing, “sit”, and spend time with Him. It was intended to be a wonderful time of communion with the Creator! At my house, we always look forward to Friday night when the Sabbath comes in. It is a time when our computers are turned off, the iPad shuts down, the phones go on silent, and we come together as a family to spend time with each other. I believe this is a wonderful picture of that communion that God wants to have with us.
The Sabbath day is a wonderful picture of the eternal rest, which we will have in the future with the Lord; it is a picture of our eternal inheritance, a wonderful rest by which we will be free to do the will of the Lord.
In closing this blog series on Psalm 23, I want to encourage each of us once again to stop, reflect upon the Lord, and spend time with Him. Here is a recap of my translation of the 23rd Psalm:
1. A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not lack.
2. He causes me to lie down in green (grass) pastures; He leads me beside still (Comfort) waters.
3. He restores my soul; He leads me in circles of righteousness for His name's sake.
4. Even when I walk in the valley that reflects the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5. You set a table before me, against my adversaries; You anointed (fertilized) my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6. Surely only goodness and Grace pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell (rest) in the house of the Lord for length of days.
Shabbat Shalom,
Moran
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3 Comments on ““…and I will dwell (rest) in the house of the Lord for length of days.” Psalm 23:6b Part 3”
This is so true and so very beautiful.
Moran,
Thank you for your insight particularly from the Hebrew perspective. We in the western world need a lot of help in understanding our origins of faith from Israel. Enjoyed your recent blog on Psalm 23. I have used many of your insights in our local church.
Shalom
Dear Bro. Moran,
Just half an hour ago, I shared my thoughts in my webpage and it goes like this.
Jewish Passover, Christian Holy Week are neat interweaving of significance, complementary to one another. In the NAME of YESHUA HaMASCHIACH, The most holy YHVH reached down to mankind to give abundant life and eternal for the hereafter. Hallelu YAH !!! -RH
In matters of opinion, I honestly would like to open up to you. I don’t see any element of barrier between Judaism and Christianity. The hindrances are all in the mind. The Jews are never eternally condemned by our YHVH, they remain the favored ones, HIS Heritage. HIS end-time promise of reconciliation will take place and their understanding be enlightened about HIM. While the Christians enjoy grace and all heavenly benefits of their faith, Finally HIS Heritage will sit with HIM side by side. It’s painful that certain Christians join in the chorus of denunciation against the Jews, and I won’t name who’s who, but, it is apparent, the Jews are blessed by The ALMIGHTY and Christians should be sensitive of G-D eternal character, that HE is faithful and true not only to Christians but to HIS Heritage Israel as well.
I hope I should not be stirring any controversies here, simply that, a Christian to realize G-D’s attributes and character should erase divided opinion against the Jews.
So our ALMIGHTY, help me, I want also to love whom HE loves. In CHRIST JESUS’ NAME, amen.