Hebrew Treasure - Bet
Psalm 119:9-16
This is the second installment of Hebrew Treasure from Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible.
Every other week I will be mining nuggets of gold from the original Hebrew and my goal is to make the riches of God’s Word more accessible to you—even if you don’t know any Hebrew!
9. How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10. With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11. I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12. Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13. With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14. In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15. I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16. I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
Baruch (בָּרוּךְ) is the first Hebrew word in Psalm 119:12 and begins with the letter bet/vet (ב). By translating this word as “blessed,” however, most English versions blur distinctions between the underlying Hebrew words: baruch and ashrei. As mentioned above, ashrei (vv. 1, 2), means joyfully satisfied and reflects our state of being blessed. Conversely here, baruch, comes from the Hebrew root word meaning “to bless” and points to the act of giving a blessing, rather than receiving a blessing. In other words, the word baruch is one that ascribes worth and imparts blessing. With this word, the writer is blessing God as the One to Whom blessing is due.
In fact, the opening phrase in v. 12, “Blessed are you, O Lord” translates the Hebrew, “Baruch Atah ADONAI,” which is the way most traditional Hebrew blessings begin. After blessing God, the writer goes on to petition God for help in learning His statutes crying out, “teach me your statutes.” Praise before petition. Adoration before asking.
As God’s beloved, our Heavenly Father desires to pour out His blessings upon you. One of the ways God leads you deeper into receiving His blessing is by drawing your attention off of yourself and more onto God and others and to be one who blesses. This is one reason it is truly better to give than to receive. Go forth today and baruch God and others!
Hebrew Treasure excerpt written by Thomas Boehm.
From The Psalm 119 Journey by Steve Allen, ©2022.
Used with permission.
Also, check out the Parashah Project’s 2024-2025 (5785) Annual Reading Cycle to join in the weekly readings along with links to helpful commentary.
Shalom!
Thomas