{"id":6977,"date":"2017-12-14T09:40:52","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T09:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/?p=6977"},"modified":"2018-09-27T00:20:55","modified_gmt":"2018-09-27T00:20:55","slug":"tehillim-psalms-130-part-2-mercy-forgiveness-restoration-ways-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/tehillim-psalms-130-part-2-mercy-forgiveness-restoration-ways-god\/","title":{"rendered":"Tehillim \/ Psalms 130, \u05e1\u05e4\u05e8 \u05ea\u05d4\u05d9\u05dc\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05dc, Part 2, Mercy, Forgiveness, and Restoration are the Ways of God"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"gI8OnMjtICw\"><iframe title=\"Tehillim \/ Psalms 130, Part 2, Mercy, Forgiveness, and Restoration are the Ways of God\" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gI8OnMjtICw?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">In this week\u2019s study from <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:1-8<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, the psalm opens saying, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05dc\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b7\u05e7\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d1 \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05de\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d6\u05b0\u05e0\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05e7\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05bb\u05d1\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05dc\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05d7\u05b2\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. 130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The psalmist seeks the Lord from the deepest recesses of his heart for the Lord to hear and move in his life to overcome the trial or tribulation he is going through. The psalmist ascribes anthropomorphic attributes to the Lord God in heaven having hears to listen to his prayer. There is nothing wrong with such an assertion, it allows us to visualize how the Lord hears our prayers. The psalmist admits his own short comings in relation to God\u2019s Torah saying the following, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d2 \u05d0\u05b4\u05dd-\u05e2\u05b2\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05b8\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b8\u05d4\u05bc \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b9\u05d3:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> David recognizes that all men fall short of the glory of God, that none can stand and relies upon the mercy of God to forgive saying the following, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d3 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05e2\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e1\u05bc\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9\u05d7\u05b8\u05d4 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b8\u05e8\u05b5\u05d0:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Note how he states the forgiveness of God within the context of fearing the Lord. We are not to take God\u2019s forgiveness for granted! We with great respect and fear approach the Lord with repentant hearts to seek counsel and make petition for forgiveness. He continues saying the following, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d4 \u05e7\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e7\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b0\u05ea\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d3\u05b0\u05d1\u05b8\u05e8\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05d7\u05b8\u05dc\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9: \u05d5 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d0\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Psalmist concludes saying, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d6 \u05d9\u05b7\u05d7\u05b5\u05dc \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05e2\u05b4\u05dd-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b7\u05d7\u05b6\u05e1\u05b6\u05d3 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e4\u05b0\u05d3\u05d5\u05bc\u05ea: \u05d7 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05bc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc \u05e2\u05b2\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. 130:8 And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Redemption is found in the Lord, for mercy, forgiveness, and restoration are the ways of God\u2019s love for His people.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"_idContainer000\" class=\"Basic-Text-Frame\">\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-6\"> \u05e2\u05d1\u05e8\u05d9\u05ea Hebrew<\/span> <span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-6\">\u05d0\u05e8\u05de\u05d9 Aramaic \u03b5\u03bb\u03bb\u03b7\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2 Greek<\/span><\/p>\n<table id=\"table001\" class=\"Basic-Table\">\n<colgroup>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-1\" \/>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-2\" \/>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-3\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Basic-Table _idGenTableRowColumn-4\">\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-1\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text CharOverride-7\">\u05e1\u05e4\u05e8 \u05ea\u05d4\u05dc\u05d9\u05dd \u05e4\u05e8\u05e7 \u05e7\u05dc<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\">\u05d0 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05dc\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b7\u05e7\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d1 \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05de\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d6\u05b0\u05e0\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05e7\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05bb\u05d1\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05dc\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05d7\u05b2\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9: \u05d2 \u05d0\u05b4\u05dd-\u05e2\u05b2\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05b8\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b8\u05d4\u05bc \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b9\u05d3: \u05d3 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05e2\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e1\u05bc\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9\u05d7\u05b8\u05d4 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b8\u05e8\u05b5\u05d0: \u05d4 \u05e7\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e7\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b0\u05ea\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d3\u05b0\u05d1\u05b8\u05e8\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05d7\u05b8\u05dc\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9: \u05d5 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d0\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8: \u05d6 \u05d9\u05b7\u05d7\u05b5\u05dc \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05e2\u05b4\u05dd-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b7\u05d7\u05b6\u05e1\u05b6\u05d3 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e4\u05b0\u05d3\u05d5\u05bc\u05ea: \u05d7 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05bc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc \u05e2\u05b2\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5: <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-2\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-2\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"CharOverride-6\">\u05e1\u05dd\u05e8 \u05d8\u05d5\u05d1\u05d9\u05d4 \u05e4\u05e8\u05e7 \u05e7\u05dc<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\">\u05d0 \u05e9\u05d9\u05e8\u05d0 \u05d3\u05d0\u05ea\u05d0\u05de\u05e8 \u05e2\u05dc \u05de\u05e1\u05e7\u05d9\u05d9\u05df\u05f4\u05de\u05e1\u05d5\u05e7\u05d9\u05df#1#\u05f4 \u05d3\u05ea\u05d4\u05d5\u05de\u05d0 \u05de\u05df \u05e2\u05d5\u05de\u05e7\u05d9\u05d0 \u05e7\u05e8\u05d9\u05ea\u05da \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4\u05c3 \u05d1 \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 \u05e7\u05d1\u05d9\u05dc \u05e6\u05dc\u05d5\u05ea\u05d9 \u05ea\u05d4\u05d5\u05d9\u05d9\u05df \u05d0\u05d5\u05d3\u05e0\u05d9\u05da \u05e6\u05d9\u05d9\u05ea\u05d9\u05df \u05dc\u05e7\u05dc \u05e6\u05dc\u05d5\u05ea\u05d9\u05c3 \u05d2 \u05d0\u05d9\u05df \u05e2\u05d5\u05d9\u05d9\u05df \u05ea\u05d8\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d9\u05d4 \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 \u05de\u05df \u05d9\u05e7\u05d5\u05dd\u05c3 \u05d3 \u05d0\u05e8\u05d5\u05dd \u05d2\u05d1\u05da \u05e9\u05d1\u05d9\u05e7\u05d5\u05ea\u05d0 \u05de\u05df \u05d1\u05d2\u05dc\u05dc \u05d3\u05ea\u05ea\u05d7\u05de\u05d9\u05c3 \u05d4 \u05d0\u05de\u05ea\u05d9\u05e0\u05d9\u05ea \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 \u05de\u05ea\u05d9\u05e0\u05ea \u05e0\u05e4\u05e9\u05d9 \u05d5\u05dc\u05d0\u05d9\u05e7\u05e8\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d0\u05d5\u05e8\u05d9\u05db\u05d9\u05ea\u05c3 \u05d5 \u05e0\u05e4\u05e9\u05d9 \u05d0\u05d5\u05e8\u05d9\u05db\u05d0 \u05dc\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 \u05de\u05df \u05e0\u05d8\u05d5\u05e8\u05d9 \u05de\u05d8\u05e8\u05ea \u05dc\u05e6\u05e4\u05e8\u05d0 \u05d3\u05e0\u05d8\u05e8\u05d9\u05df \u05dc\u05e7\u05e8\u05d1\u05d0 \u05e7\u05e8\u05d1\u05df \u05e6\u05e4\u05e8\u05d0\u05c3 \u05d6 \u05de\u05d5\u05e8\u05d9\u05da \u05d9\u05e9\u05e8\u05d0\u05dc \u05dc\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 \u05d0\u05e8\u05d5\u05dd \u05d2\u05d1\u05d9 \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 \u05d7\u05e1\u05d3\u05d0 \u05d5\u05e1\u05d2\u05d9 \u05e2\u05de\u05d9\u05d4 \u05e4\u05d5\u05e8\u05e7\u05df\u05c3 \u05d7 \u05d5\u05d4\u05d5\u05d0 \u05d9\u05e4\u05e8\u05d5\u05e7 \u05d9\u05ea \u05d9\u05e9\u05e8\u05d0\u05dc \u05de\u05db\u05dc \u05e2\u05d5\u05d9\u05d9\u05ea\u05d9\u05d4\u05c3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-3\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-8\" lang=\"en-US\">\u03a8\u0391\u039b\u039c\u039f\u0399<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-9\" lang=\"en-US\"> 130<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-10\" lang=\"en-US\">130:1 \u1fa0\u03b4\u1f74 \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f00\u03bd\u03b1\u03b2\u03b1\u03b8\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f10\u03ba \u03b2\u03b1\u03b8\u1f73\u03c9\u03bd \u1f10\u03ba\u1f73\u03ba\u03c1\u03b1\u03be\u1f71 \u03c3\u03b5 \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5 130:2 \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c3\u1f71\u03ba\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03bf\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03c6\u03c9\u03bd\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u03b7\u03b8\u1f75\u03c4\u03c9 \u03c4\u1f70 \u1f66\u03c4\u1f71 \u03c3\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u1f73\u03c7\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c6\u03c9\u03bd\u1f74\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03b4\u03b5\u1f75\u03c3\u03b5\u1f7d\u03c2 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 130:3 \u1f10\u1f70\u03bd \u1f00\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u1f77\u03b1\u03c2 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u1f75\u03c3\u1fc3 \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5 \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5 \u03c4\u1f77\u03c2 \u1f51\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u1f75\u03c3\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 130:4 \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70 \u03c3\u03bf\u1f76 \u1f41 \u1f31\u03bb\u03b1\u03c3\u03bc\u1f79\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd 130:5 \u1f15\u03bd\u03b5\u03ba\u03b5\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03bd\u1f79\u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c3\u03bf\u03c5 \u1f51\u03c0\u1f73\u03bc\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd\u1f71 \u03c3\u03b5 \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5 \u1f51\u03c0\u1f73\u03bc\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd\u03b5\u03bd \u1f21 \u03c8\u03c5\u03c7\u1f75 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bb\u1f79\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd \u03c3\u03bf\u03c5 130:6 \u1f24\u03bb\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd \u1f21 \u03c8\u03c5\u03c7\u1f75 \u03bc\u03bf\u03c5 \u1f10\u03c0\u1f76 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78 \u03c6\u03c5\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03c0\u03c1\u03c9\u1f77\u03b1\u03c2 \u03bc\u1f73\u03c7\u03c1\u03b9 \u03bd\u03c5\u03ba\u03c4\u1f79\u03c2 \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78 \u03c6\u03c5\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03c0\u03c1\u03c9\u1f77\u03b1\u03c2 \u1f10\u03bb\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u1f71\u03c4\u03c9 \u0399\u03c3\u03c1\u03b1\u03b7\u03bb \u1f10\u03c0\u1f76 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03ba\u1f7b\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd 130:7 \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70 \u03c4\u1ff7 \u03ba\u03c5\u03c1\u1f77\u1ff3 \u03c4\u1f78 \u1f14\u03bb\u03b5\u03bf\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1f74 \u03c0\u03b1 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff7 \u03bb\u1f7b\u03c4\u03c1\u03c9\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2 130:8 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03c2 \u03bb\u03c5\u03c4\u03c1\u1f7d\u03c3\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u0399\u03c3\u03c1\u03b1\u03b7\u03bb \u1f10\u03ba \u03c0\u03b1\u03c3\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f00\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03b9\u1ff6\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table id=\"table002\" class=\"Basic-Table\">\n<colgroup>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-5\" \/>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-6\" \/>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-7\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Basic-Table _idGenTableRowColumn-8\">\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-4\">\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-7\">Tehillim Psalms 130<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\" lang=\"en-US\">130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. 130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. 130:3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. 130:7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. 130:8 And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities. (NASB)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-5\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-7\" lang=\"en-US\">Toviyah Psalms 130<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\" lang=\"en-US\">130:1 A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. From the depths I have called you, O Lord. 130:2 O Lord, receive my prayer; may your ears be attentive to the sound of my prayer. 130:3 If you will take note of iniquities, O Yah, Lord, who will remain? 130:4 For there is forgiveness with you, so that you might be seen. 130:5 I have waited, O Lord; my soul has waited, and for his glory I have waited long. 130:6 My soul has waited long for the Lord, more than the watchmen on the morning watch who watch to offer the morning sacrifice. 130:7 Israel waits long for the Lord, for with the Lord is kindness, and with him is much redemption. 130:8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (EMC)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-6\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-7\" lang=\"en-US\">Psalmoi Psalms 130<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left- ParaOverride-3\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\" lang=\"en-US\">A Song of Degrees. 130:1 Out of the depths have I cried to thee, O Lord. 130:2 O Lord, hearken to my voice; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. 130:3 If thou, O Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 130:4 For with thee is forgiveness: for thy name\u2019s sake 130:5 have I waited for thee, O Lord, my soul has waited for thy word. 130:6 My soul has hoped in the Lord; from the morning watch till night. 130:7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 130:8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (LXX)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> In this week\u2019s study from <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:1-8<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, the psalm opens saying, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05dc\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b7\u05e7\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d1 \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05de\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d6\u05b0\u05e0\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05e7\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05bb\u05d1\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05dc\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05d7\u05b2\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. 130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The psalmist seeks the Lord from the deepest recesses of his heart to hear and move in his life to overcome the trial or tribulation he is going through. In <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Mark 5:21-43<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> we read two stories about people who are really, truly, desperate. One describes a powerful leader seeking healing for his daughter. The other describes a poor woman seeking healing for herself. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Mark 5:21-43<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">5:21 When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore. 5:22 One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet 5:23 and implored Him earnestly, saying, \u2018My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.\u2019 5:24 And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. 5:25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 5:26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse 5:27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 5:28 For she thought, \u2018If I just touch His garments, I will get well.\u2019 5:29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 5:30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, \u2018Who touched My garments?\u2019 5:31 And His disciples said to Him, \u2018You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, \u2018Who touched Me?\u2019\u2018 5:32 And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 5:34 And He said to her, \u2018Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.\u2019 5:35 While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, \u2018Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?\u2019 5:36 But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, \u2018Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.\u2019 5:37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 5:38 They came to the house of the synagogue official; and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. 5:39 And entering in, He said to them, \u2018Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.\u2019 5:40 They began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child\u2019s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. 5:41 Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, \u2018Talitha kum!\u2019 (which translated means, \u2018Little girl, I say to you, get up!\u2019). 5:42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. 5:43 And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat. (NASB)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Mark 5:21<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> opens with Yeshua exiting a boat and the crowds come immediately to find and draw near to him. Jarius was one of those in the crowd desperate and seeking help. Yeshua at this time had only a few faithful disciples who believed he was a teacher, friend, and leader. They sought the Lord God our Father in heaven by drawing near to the Messiah. Jarius was a leader and his daughter was ill. He humbled himself, fell on his knees, and begged for the life of his daughter. Yeshua responds by going with Jarius. While they were walking, a woman crept up behind him and touched his garment thinking all she had to do was touch Yeshua and she would be healed. Healing power left Yeshua and set this woman free from hemorrhaging. In the case of Jarius, a synagogue official, he invited Yeshua into his home and to the bed of his dying daughter. Yeshua took her by the hand and commanded her to raise up. We are told <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">5:42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. 5:43 And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that something should be given her to eat. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> When Jarius trusted our Father in heaven hears Yeshua\u2019s prayers, his daughter was healed. <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalm 105<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> calls God\u2019s people to give Him thanks and praise in response to his <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cwonders\u201d <\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">(<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">105:5<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). The Psalm highlights God\u2019s special work with the Israelites, beginning with the covenant with Abraham and focusing on the exodus from Egypt and movement to the Promised Land. <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 105:4<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> urges us to pay attention to the Lord God in a particular way saying, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cSearch for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Hebrew verbs translated here as <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201csearch\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> and <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cseek\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> are familiar in where <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cSearch\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (darash) suggests care and intentionality in the process of looking for something, such as drashing out a verse. To \u201cseek\u201d (baqash) implies the searching out in eagerness and desire. In this context, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalm 105:4<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> may be paraphrased, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cCarefully search for the LORD and his strength; continually and eagerly seek him.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> How do we seek the Lord and what does this mean for those of us who are in covenant relationship with him? In part, seeking the Lord God is a matter of paying attention, being humble, and drawing near in His Word. We find this nuance in the translation of <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalm 105:4<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cKeep your eyes open for GOD, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> If we\u2019re seeking the Lord, then we are watching for him and his work each day as we go about our business. We pay attention to him from the moment we awake to the moment we close our eyes at night. Seeking the Lord also involves being intentional in our relying upon Him, just as these people did in Mark chapter 5. <\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">We are to search for <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cHis strength\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> by calling out to him for help and allowing His Spirit to guide and empower us. We seek the Lord with purity of heart and a desire to honor him with our lives. The psalmist states we are to seek the Lord <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201ccontinually.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> This includes all areas of our lives, when we are at school, at work, chatting with friends, or colleagues, we are to seek the Lord being open to His guidance, wisdom, and strength. This act of seeking the Lord is intentional to honor Him giving Him the place in our lives knowing He is watching. This enables us to live for His purposes and for His kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The psalmist admits his own short comings in relation to God\u2019s Torah saying the following, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d2 \u05d0\u05b4\u05dd-\u05e2\u05b2\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05b8\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b8\u05d4\u05bc \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b9\u05d3:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> David recognizes that all men fall short of the glory of God, that none can stand. This statement <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201call have sinned,\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> is found also in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 3:32<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cFor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) This basically means that we all have become lawbreakers because sin is the violation of God\u2019s Torah (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">1 John 3:40<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). Sin is the general characteristic of unrighteousness, godlessness, and wickedness. Because of the Yetzer Hara (Evil inclination) and man always choosing to give into the Tetzer Hara, we are all guilty before God. We are sinners by nature and by our own acts of transgression against God\u2019s Torah. Note how Paul wrote to the romans that all have sinned indicating that all of mankind has participated in sin in some form or another. This is the death sentence of mankind because of sin. Evangelical scholars interpret Paul\u2019s words in Romans 3 as federal headship, a view that each man had inherited guilt before God from Adam and Eve. The idea is when Adam sinned, he chose for the entire human race to die due to sin. A more Jewish interpretation is the view that <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201call have sinned\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> refers only to personal sin arising from our choosing to sin on an individual basis where we are not guilty for what Adam and Eve had done in the garden. Paul wrote in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 5:13-17<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> how personal sin is imputed and then spread, Paul explains why <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201call die,\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> because all have committed personal sin. The reason all receive this <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cdeath sentence\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">5:18<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) Paul argues it was through Adam\u2019s disobedience, all were <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cmade sinful\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (5:19). The verb made means <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cconstituted;\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> therefore, a man\u2019s choice to sin is in his nature, this is the inherited condition that leads to the sentence of death (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">5:13-14<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). This inherited condition is what creates personal sin. We all have sinned, and the consequence to sin is death. This is passed down from generation to generation throughout history. Note how children, even before they are mentally aware of the meaning of sin, they are naturally prone to disobey, to tell lies, and to be mean or bad towards one another or parents. David wrote in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 14:2 \u201cThe Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> David says the Lord states, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cAll have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 14:3<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The quoting commentaries on <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:4<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> have the following to say concerning sin and iniquity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Siftei Chakhamim, Genesis 4:13:2<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cAnd you cannot manage to bear my sin?\u201d This may be understood according to (Tehillim 130:4): \u201cForgiveness is with You, in order that You be feared.\u201d \u201cForgiveness is with You\u201d \u2014 nothing stops You [from forgiving sin]. \u201cIn order that You be feared\u201d \u2014 [this forgiveness increases fear of Hashem]. But a human king cannot grant pardon beyond the rules of protocol. Thus a transgressor [against him] thinks, \u201cI am surely lost!\u201d and therefore he will continue to sin more. [However, Hashem\u2019s forgiveness holds man back from further sin.] Accordingly, Kayin said: \u201cYou bear the worlds. Everything is Yours and no one holds You back [from forgiving]. Why can You not bear my sin? People will say that You are unable to forgive beyond the rules of protocol, Heaven forbid!\u201d (Tzeidah L\u2019Derech, citing Maharshal)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The significance of this commentary states that forgiveness is with God and this causes Him to be feared. The fear of the Lord leads to obedience to His commands. Note how the transgressor is described in the commentary as one who continues to sin. It states that HaShem holds a man back from further sin. This requires one to humble his life to the sovereign rule of God and the work of His Spirit in our lives. This is not an easy thing. Consider what Peter wrote in his epistle in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">1 Peter 4:12-19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">1 Peter 4:12-19<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 4:15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 4:18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. (NASB)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">Peter speaks of persecution for righteousness sake. He also says, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">4:18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Notice how he points out salvation for a righteous man is a difficult thing. Our salvation is not an easy matter, which is something that is not taught today in the Christian church. In fact, the church teaches us today that salvation is easy, all you have to do is believe. This doctrine or theology comes from a rejection of God\u2019s Torah and disobedience to His commands under the interpretation that we are under grace and not law. The point is, this doctrine is not taught in the Scriptures. The fruit of the Spirit that lives in us is part of who we are to be a people who are saved. Is it possible to say one is saved if he bears no good fruit? <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The psalmist relies upon the mercy of God to forgive saying the following, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d3 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05e2\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e1\u05bc\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9\u05d7\u05b8\u05d4 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b8\u05e8\u05b5\u05d0: <\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Note how he states the forgiveness of God within the context of fearing the Lord. We are not to take God\u2019s forgiveness for granted! We with great respect, fear, and trembling approach the Lord with repentant hearts to seek counsel and make petition for forgiveness. The commentary <\/span><a id=\"_idIndexMarker000\"><\/a><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Rabbeinu Bahya on Leviticus 5:10 Part 1<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> states the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Rabbeinu Bahya, Vayikra \/ Leviticus 5:10 Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05db\u05e4\u05e8 \u05e2\u05dc\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d4\u05db\u05d4\u05df&#8230;.\u05d5\u05e0\u05e1\u05dc\u05d7 \u05dc\u05d5<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201cand the Priest will provide him atonement&#8230;.and it shall be forgiven him.\u201d Forgiveness will originate in heaven as the guilt will disappear together with the burning up of the sacrifice. The meaning of <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05db\u05e4\u05e8<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> as making atonement occurs for the first time when Yaakov brought gifts (similar to sacrifices) to his brother Esau hoping that he would forgive him (<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05d0\u05db\u05e4\u05e8\u05d4 \u05e4\u05e0\u05d9\u05d5<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">) for obtaining the birthright by trickery (Genesis 32,21). There is a difference between what is described as <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05db\u05e4\u05e8\u05d4<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> \u201catonement,\u201d and <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e1\u05dc\u05d9\u05d7\u05d4<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201cforgiveness.\u201d The latter means that the guilt has been totally forgiven, is now \u201cnon-existent\u201d whereas the former is merely concerned with culpability for the sin committed. It is not within the capacity of human beings to grant forgiveness; only G\u2019d Himself can wipe the slate clean completely. This is why David writes in Psalms 130,4: \u201cforgiveness rests with You.\u201d The High Priest, while initiating the process of forgiveness, cannot complete it, only G\u2019d can. When someone was guilty of <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e2\u05ea \u05d1\u05d8\u05d5\u05d9<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, (verse 4) \u201ca false oath,\u201d there is atonement only. The Torah does not add the words that \u201cit will be forgiven him.\u201d [Swearing a false oath is hardly an unintentional sin qualifying for total forgiveness. Ed.]<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">Rabeinu Bahya comments upon the Priest who makes atonement before God on behalf of a person and his sin will be forgiven him. He says <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cForgiveness will originate in heaven as the guilt will disappear together with the burning up of the sacrifice.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> This suggests forgiveness comes from the Lord alone. The forgiveness comes as being totally forgiven and the charge of guilt is non-existent, ceases to exist before God. The consequences of sin however remain. The commentary states <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cThis is why David writes in Psalms 130,4: \u201cforgiveness rests with You\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> which is interpreted as forgiveness is initiated by the High Priest, and is completed by God in heaven. We only initiate the process of Teshuvah, and the Lord works in our lives to overcome sin, to turn from unrighteousness, and return to His ways. This is why the Psalmist states, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d4 \u05e7\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e7\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b0\u05ea\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d3\u05b0\u05d1\u05b8\u05e8\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05d7\u05b8\u05dc\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9: \u05d5 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e4\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d0\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b9\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Ibn Ezra has the following to say concerning these verses in relation to <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Isaiah 62<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 62:6 Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Watchmen. By this name those that mourn for Zion are meant, who do nothing else but cry, who do not sleep during the night, but are like watchmen upon the walls,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 62:6 Part 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">nor do they sleep during the day, while watchmen may at least sleep during the day; comp. They that cause to watch for lying vanities, forsake their idol (Jon. 2:9).4 The prophet himself explains the expression watchmen by the words <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d4\u05de\u05d6\u05db\u05d9\u05e8\u05d9\u05dd \u05d0\u05ea \u05d9\u05d9<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> that remind the Lord. <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05de\u05d6\u05db\u05d9\u05e8\u05d9\u05dd<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> is a causative verb; lit., that cause the Lord to remember; comp. <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d4\u05d6\u05db\u05d9\u05e8\u05e0\u05d9<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> put me in remembrance (43:26)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">Ibn Ezra speaks of the watchmen (<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e9\u05c1\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) as functioning in mourning for God\u2019s people through the night and sleeping through the day. This is paralleled to watching for the enemy, lying vanities, and reminding the Lord of His people and His promises. Rabbeinu Bahya states the following in relation to the Psalm:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Rabbeinu Bahya Shemot \/ Exodus 5:22 Part 7<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">There is an allusion to our present exile under the descendants of Edom in the experience of the Jewish people in their first exile under the Egyptians. The Jews in Egypt had to bear up under increasingly difficult conditions only in order to experience a wonderful redemption and in seeing their oppressors being killed after suffering many plagues and then dying a painful death by drowning. Similarly, when the time comes we will experience a wonderful redemption when the Messiah will arrive, a redemption by comparison to which the Exodus of the Jewish people will fade into relative insignificance. David referred to this redemption in Psalm 130,6 where he described the longing of the <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05db\u05e0\u05e1\u05ea \u05d9\u05e9\u05e8\u05d0\u05dc<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> saying \u201cI am more eager for the Lord than watchmen for the morning.\u201d If in spite of our impatient wait for the redemption it has been delayed then this is only in order to add to the guilt of our oppressors in the interval and in order to punish them more severely for their sins against G\u2019d and against His people. Just as we find that oppression of the Jewish people reached a new intensity after Moses asked that his people be allowed to celebrate a holiday for the Lord in the desert, the redemption in the future will be ushered in after a period of unparalleled suffering by the Jewish people. The initial attempt at bringing about the final redemption will suffer setbacks just as the initial attempt by Moses to secure the release of the Jewish people encountered setbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Our sages in Shemot Rabbah 5,20 comment on verse 20 where Moses and Aaron are being assailed by the overseers of the Jewish laborers for having been instrumental in their situation deteriorating rather than improving, that after 6 months G\u2019d appeared to Moses in Midyan and said to him: \u201cgo back to Egypt (4,19) for all the people who wish to kill you have died.\u201d When Moses and Aaron met, the former coming from Midyan and the latter from Egypt, the overseers met them as they emerged from their audience with Pharaoh. We find a similar comment in Midrash Chazita on Song of Songs 2,9: \u201cMy beloved is like a gazelle.\u201d Just as a gazelle is visible to the eye one moment, disappears and then reappears, so the first redeemer appeared to the Jewish people, disappeared, and reappeared again in due course. Rabbi Tanchuma said that Moses disappeared for only three months and that this is the meaning of <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05d9\u05e4\u05d2\u05e2\u05d5 \u05d0\u05ea \u05de\u05e9\u05d4 \u05d5\u05d0\u05ea \u05d0\u05d4\u05e8\u05df<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">. [The expression <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05d9\u05e4\u05d2\u05e2\u05d5<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> always refers to an unexpected meeting, i.e. since both Moses and Aaron had returned to their previous abodes there was no reason to expect them at the palace gates of Pharaoh at the time (quoted in the name of <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e2\u05e5 \u05d9\u05d5\u05e1\u05e3<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">)]. When the prophet Micah 7,15 speaks of G\u2019d performing miracles \u201cjust as in the days when you came out of Egypt,\u201d he alludes to certain similarities between what preceded the Exodus from Egypt to what will occur when the final redemption will be at hand. We have another Midrash (Sanhedrin 98) according to which the meaning of Isaiah 59,19: \u201cfor he will come like a hemmed in stream which the wind of the Lord drives on,\u201d is that if you observe a certain generation being flooded by troubles from all sides like a river, await him (the Messiah), seeing that the prophet Isaiah continued there (verse 20) \u201cfor he shall come as a redeemer to Zion and to those who turn back from sin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The commentary speaks of God\u2019s people needing to go through difficult conditions in order to experience a wonderful redemption. This includes seeing the enemy being killed. This may be how Paul understood what it meant to be dead to sin. The phrase <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cdead to sin\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> originates from <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 6:11 \u201cIn the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.\u201d (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Here, Paul draws a contrast saying to be <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cdead to sin\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> is to be <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201calive to God in Yeshua the Messiah.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Those who have come to faith in our Father in heaven through His Son Yeshua are no longer to allow sin to control their lives. Instead, we offer ourselves to the Lord for the purpose of His influence in our lives to bear His testimonies. Paul speaks further on this concept in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 12:1-2 \u201cTherefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God\u2019s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God\u2014this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God\u2019s will is\u2014his good, pleasing and perfect will.\u201d (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The phrase <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cliving sacrifice\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> is a contradiction as sacrifices do not <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201clive\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> but die to make atonement. This is the context for our lives as we are dead to sin and alive to God. The emphasis here is on living a different life as a result of the Lord being present in our lives (His indwelling Spirit). We are no longer to follow the pattern of the world but live according to God\u2019s will. Being dead to sin is a life long process, because Paul made it clear he struggled with temptation and sin, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cFor I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do\u2014this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 7:19-20<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). Paul considered himself the <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cworst of sinners\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">1 Timothy 1:16<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">), and so we can be assured that our lives will continue to have conflict with sin as we seek the Lord, His kingdom, and His ways. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Psalmist concludes saying, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d6 \u05d9\u05b7\u05d7\u05b5\u05dc \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05e2\u05b4\u05dd-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b7\u05d7\u05b6\u05e1\u05b6\u05d3 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e4\u05b0\u05d3\u05d5\u05bc\u05ea: \u05d7 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05bc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc \u05e2\u05b2\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5:<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">130:7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. 130:8 And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities. (NASB)<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Redemption is found in the Lord, for mercy, forgiveness, and restoration are the ways of God\u2019s love for His people. In light of what we know based upon the Scriptures, one of the most significant aspects of our lives as God\u2019s people is the promise of His presence in our lives to overcome sin. The Lord gave us His Torah to show us the way of righteousness, justice, holiness, and truth. To be dead to sin means we no longer need to be controlled by our evil desires, but are empowered to overcome. <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 6:17<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> teaches us <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cthough you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Paul says before the coming of the Messiah, we were <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cslaves\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> to sin. Placing our faith in the Messiah Yeshua, we have a new Master. Sin continues to exist, but we are no longer dominated by it. Let\u2019s Pray!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-7\">Rabbinic Commentary<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"CharOverride-12\"> The Rabbinic Commentary (Midrash) on <\/span><span class=\"CharOverride-13\">Tehillim \/ Psalms 130 <\/span><span class=\"CharOverride-12\">has 2 parts. Reading through the Midrash we will be looking at Part 1 and 2. Let\u2019s begin by outlining <\/span><span class=\"CharOverride-13\">Midrash Tehillim Chapter 130, Part 1 and 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-1\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font CharOverride-6\">Outline of Midrash Tehillim \/ Psalms, Chapter 130, Part 1 and 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"CharOverride-14\">Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-5\">The Midrash introduces the Psalm with the <span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d3\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05ea\u05d7\u05d9\u05dc<\/span> (Dibur Hamathil) saying, <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cA song of ascents. Out of the depths have I called You, O Lord (Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:1).\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-5\">The <span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e4\u05ea\u05d9\u05d7\u05ea\u05d0<\/span> (Petihta) the homiletic introduction to the midrash states, <span class=\"CharOverride-16\">\u201cRabbi Jose son of Hanina said in the name of Rabbi Eliezer son of Jacob, A man should never stand upon a high place to pray, but should pray from a low place because it is said, Out of the depths have I called you.<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-6\">The <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05de\u05e9\u05dc<\/span> (mashal) <span class=\"CharOverride-16\">\u201cthe parable,\u201d<\/span> goes on to explain the <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05e4\u05ea\u05d9\u05d7\u05ea\u05d0<\/span> (Petihta), the rabbis describe the manner in which we should pray, not going up to the high places, but to be humble and go to the low places because of what the Scriptures state calling out to the Lord from the depths.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-6\">The <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05e0\u05de\u05e9\u05dc<\/span> (Nimshal) <span class=\"CharOverride-16\">\u201cexpansion on the parable\u201d <\/span>expands upon the <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05de\u05e9\u05dc<\/span> (mashal), the rabbis go on to define additional things that one should not do when praying (things not to stand upon).<\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-6\">The Concluding phrase says, <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cHence, it is said, Out of the depths have I called You, and it is also written, A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed (Tehillim \/ Psalms 102:1).\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"CharOverride-14\">Part 2<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-5\">The Midrash introduces the Psalm with the <span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d3\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05ea\u05d7\u05d9\u05dc<\/span> (Dibur Hamathil) saying, <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cFor with You there is forgiveness (Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:4).\u201d <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-5\">The <span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e4\u05ea\u05d9\u05d7\u05ea\u05d0<\/span> (Petihta) the homiletic introduction to the midrash states, <span class=\"CharOverride-16\">\u201cRabbi Abba taught, In the period from New Year\u2019s Day (To the Day of Atonement) forgiveness is held in abeyance from You. Why?<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-6\">The <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05de\u05e9\u05dc<\/span> (mashal) <span class=\"CharOverride-16\">\u201cthe parable,\u201d<\/span> goes on to explain the <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05e4\u05ea\u05d9\u05d7\u05ea\u05d0<\/span> (Petihta), the rabbis speak of forgiveness within the context of the day of atonement.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-6\">The <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05e0\u05de\u05e9\u05dc<\/span> (Nimshal) <span class=\"CharOverride-16\">\u201cexpansion on the parable\u201d <\/span>expands upon the <span class=\"CharOverride-15\">\u05de\u05e9\u05dc<\/span> (mashal), ask \u201cwhy?\u201d so that the Lord God Almighty would be feared.<\/li>\n<li class=\"Bulleted-List ParaOverride-6\">The Concluding phrase says, <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cThis is to say, in order that during the Day of Atonement the fear of You might lie upon all Your creatures.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Midrash Tehillim 130 Part 1 opens with the Dibur Hamathil (<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d3\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05ea\u05d7\u05d9\u05dc<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) saying, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cA song of ascents. Out of the depths have I called You, O Lord (Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:1).\u201d<\/span> <span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e4\u05ea\u05d9\u05d7\u05ea\u05d0<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (Petihta) the homiletic introduction to the midrash states, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cRabbi Jose son of Hanina said in the name of Rabbi Eliezer son of Jacob, A man should never stand upon a high place to pray, but should pray from a low place because it is said, Out of the depths have I called you.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> There is something to be said about not going upon a high place in order to call upon the name of the Lord. The rabbinic opinion is that pride is one of the reasons why we are to call from the depths as opposed to the high places. A connection to the Torah text may be found in Parashat Haazinu.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">33:29 \u2018Blessed are you, O Israel; Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, Who is the shield of your help And the sword of your majesty! So your enemies will cringe before you, And you will tread upon their high places.\u2019 (NASB)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-7\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05db\u05d8 \u05d0\u05b7\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05e8\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05de\u05b4\u05d9 \u05db\u05b8\u05de\u05d5\u05b9\u05da\u05b8 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dd \u05e0\u05d5\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b7\u05e2 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d9\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05de\u05b8\u05d2\u05b5\u05df \u05e2\u05b6\u05d6\u05b0\u05e8\u05b6\u05da\u05b8 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8-\u05d7\u05b6\u05e8\u05b6\u05d1 \u05d2\u05bc\u05b7\u05d0\u05b2\u05d5\u05b8\u05ea\u05b6\u05da\u05b8 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05d7\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05d5\u05bc \u05d0\u05b9\u05d9\u05b0\u05d1\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05dc\u05b8\u05da\u05b0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05de\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea\u05b5\u05d9\u05de\u05d5\u05b9 \u05ea\u05b4\u05d3\u05b0\u05e8\u05b9\u05da\u05b0: <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The Lord speaks through the song of Moshe saying that Israel is blessed, those who are saved by the Lord, the One who helps them, who shields them, and causes their success over her enemies, will cause them (Israel) to tread upon the high places of the enemy. The enemy establishes his idols in the high places and we know idolatry is paralleled to pride, deceit, falsehood, and immorality. This may be another reason why the rabbis state, based upon the psalm, a man should never stand upon a high place to pray, and that he should pray from a low place because it is said, out of the depths have I called you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Chizkuni on Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29 Part 1<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> states the following.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Chizkuni, Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29 Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05d9\u05db\u05d7\u05e9\u05d5 \u05d0\u05d5\u05d9\u05d1\u05d9\u05da \u05dc\u05da<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201cand when your enemies will try to deceive you, etc.;\u201d your enemies will sometimes pretend to be your friends in order to lull you into a sense of security.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">This is the way in which sin presents itself, as not being very bad, pretending to be our friend, and lulling us to perform the sin in the sense that we will be OK, just go ahead and sin a little. Chizkuni speaks of spiritual warfare when the enemy wages war against us based upon deceit. Note how the first sin in Parashat Bereshit, the enemy\u2019s use of deception caused Adam and Eve to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. The Apostle Paul wrote, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cI fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">2 Corinthians 11:3<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) This truth is what gives such importance to Yeshua\u2019s warning that Satan (the deceiver) is the father of lies (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">John 8:44<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) and is ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? Our defense is to saturate our hearts in the truth of God\u2019s Word. It is only God\u2019s Word, the truth, that can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Rashi on Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29 Part 4<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05d0\u05ea\u05d4 \u05e2\u05dc \u05d1\u05de\u05d5\u05ea\u05d9\u05de\u05d5 \u05ea\u05d3\u05e8\u05da<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> AND THOU SHALT TREAD UPON THEIR HIGH PLACES, just as it is said, (Joshua 10:24) \u201cPut your feet upon the necks of these kings\u201d (cf. Onkelos).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">Rashi concludes treading upon the enemy is synonymous to placing our feet upon the necks of the enemy, upon the kings who sought to destroy us. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Rabbeinu Bahya has the following to say concerning <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Rabbeinu Bahya, Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29 Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0\u05e9\u05e8\u05d9\u05da \u05d9\u05e9\u05e8\u05d0\u05dc \u05de\u05d9 \u05db\u05de\u05d5\u05da<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201cHail to you, Israel;\u201d this verse is an explicit promise to the Jewish people concerning life in the hereafter. Seeing that in the previous verse Moses had discussed the destination(s) of the body i.e. what is good for the body, such as the blessings bestowed on earth, abundant crops, conditions of secure tenure of the land, such as a land with ample supplies of grain and wine, a land benefiting from the beneficial dews descending from the skies, and even the promise that should the people ever be exiled, no conquering nation would ever feel at home in their land, now Moses addresses his attention to matters of benefit to the soul.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">We know about this already from Bileam\u2019s blessing in Numbers 23,9: \u201cthey are a nation which dwells in solitary splendor,\u201d <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d4\u05df \u05e2\u05dd \u05dc\u05d1\u05d3\u05d3 \u05d9\u05e9\u05db\u05d5\u05df<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">; Moses now takes up this theme when he refers to Israel being <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d1\u05d3\u05d3<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">. (verse 28) He is at pains to point out that the rosy future of the Jewish people comprises more than a secure and worry-free existence in Eretz Yisrael, accompanied by an abundance of material blessings. This is why he introduces the subject by describing a unique feature of the Jewish people, i.e. \u201chail to you Israel, who is like you?\u201d He means that whereas all the other nations, at best, can look forward to a worry-free life of plenty on terrestrial earth, Israel will experience an additional dimension of life in the celestial spheres. This is the meaning of the words <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e2\u05dd \u05e0\u05d5\u05e9\u05e2 \u05d1\u05d4\u2019 \u05ea\u05e9\u05d5\u05e2\u05ea \u05e2\u05d5\u05dc\u05de\u05d9\u05dd<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201ca nation delivered by Hashem Who extends His deliverance into 2 worlds\u201d [<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e2\u05d5\u05dc\u05de\u05d9\u05dd<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, pl. Ed.]. A true deliverance must include life in the world to come, or it is by definition not a true deliverance. [One may understand the words \u201ctrue deliverance\u201d as a deliverance from the initial curse that came on upon mankind, i.e. death, when Adam ate from the tree of knowledge. Every \u201ctrue\u201d deliverance should free one from that. Ed.]<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">After having told the people that there would indeed be a reward for keeping the Torah in the world to come, Moses proceeds to offer the Jewish people proof of this in the form of a miracle. He tells the people that G\u2019d Himself would be their shield, that they would be able to boast about G\u2019d being their \u201csword,\u201d <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05de\u05d2\u05df \u05e2\u05d6\u05e8\u05da<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">. This promise includes the attribute of Justice, even. The word <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05de\u05d2\u05df<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, shield, is an allusion to the attribute of Justice, seeing a shield is generally worn on the left, and the attribute of Justice is perceived as on the left side of the diagram of the emanations. David also speaks of G\u2019d being Israel\u2019s shield in Psalms 18,36, when he said: <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d5\u05ea\u05ea\u05df \u05dc\u05d9 \u05de\u05d2\u05df \u05d9\u05e9\u05e2\u05da<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201cYou gave me the shield of Your protection.\u201d He elaborates further in Psalms 84,12, saying: <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05db\u05d9 \u05e9\u05de\u05e9 \u05d5\u05de\u05d2\u05df \u05d4\u2019 \u05d0\u05dc\u05d5-\u05d4\u05d9\u05dd<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, \u201cfor the Lord is both sun and shield.\u201d In that verse David refers to the tetragrammaton, Hashem, as \u201csun,\u201d and to the attribute of Justice, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0\u05dc\u05d5-\u05d4\u05d9\u05dd<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">, as \u201cshield.\u201d Moses reassures the people that constant military success on earth against all their enemies is proof that they have a future in the very regions from which this success emanates, is orchestrated on their behalf by G\u2019d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">You may consider it a rule that all the various promises to the people of Israel as a whole, such as at the beginning of the portion Bechukotai, do not concern them themselves merely with the promise of reward in this finite world of ours. They are all similes for the kind of reward awaiting us in celestial regions after the death of our bodies. The success promised by the Torah in our terrestrial world is only to be viewed as proof of the far greater reward in store for us (if we keep the commandments) in a far better world than the terrestrial globe on which we have been born. It is most appropriate that the King of Israel, Moses, on the day when he himself readied himself for entry into that better world, tells his charges that he blessed them in this fashion, that all of them could look forward to that kind of a future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">Rabbeinu Bahya on <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 33:29<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> interprets the verse to say this is an explicit promise to the Jewish people concerning life in the hereafter. Moses refers to Israel being <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d1\u05d3\u05d3<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (verse 28) addressing matters of benefit to the soul. Rabbeinu Bahya states <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cA true deliverance must include life in the world to come, or it is by definition not a true deliverance. [One may understand the words \u201ctrue deliverance\u201d as a deliverance from the initial curse that came on upon mankind, i.e. death, when Adam ate from the tree of knowledge.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> This is why the message of the Gospel is so important, Yeshua was sent from our Father in heaven to deliver us from the initial curse that came upon mankind. Yeshua provides us with a true deliverance. Our faith in Yeshua causes the Lord God in heaven to send His Spirit to dwell within us. The power of the indwelling of God\u2019s Spirit empowers us, changes our hearts to turn from sin, and gives us success in our obedience to His commands. This is described in the following way, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cAfter having told the people that there would indeed be a reward for keeping the Torah in the world to come, Moses proceeds to offer the Jewish people proof of this in the form of a miracle. He tells the people that G\u2019d Himself would be their shield, that they would be able to boast about G\u2019d being their \u201csword,\u201d <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05de\u05d2\u05df \u05e2\u05d6\u05e8\u05da<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The point is the Lord God in heaven helps us to overcome sin in our lives to the obedience of His commands. The reward is in relation to our pursuit of His ways, to be consistent in our desire to serve the Lord each day. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The entire midrash states the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<table id=\"table003\" class=\"Basic-Table\">\n<colgroup>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-9\" \/>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-10\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Basic-Table _idGenTableRowColumn-11\">\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-7\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text CharOverride-7\">\u05de\u05d3\u05e8\u05e9 \u05ea\u05d4\u05dc\u05d9\u05dd \u05e4\u05e8\u05e7 \u05e7\u05dc \u05e1\u05d9\u05de\u05df \u05d0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\">\u05d0 \u05e9\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05e2\u05dc\u05d5\u05ea \u05de\u05de\u05e2\u05de\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05ea\u05d9\u05da \u05d4\u05f3. \u05d0\u05de\u05e8 \u05e8\u05d1\u05d9 \u05d9\u05d5\u05e1\u05d9 \u05d1\u05e8 \u05d7\u05e0\u05d9\u05e0\u05d0 \u05de\u05e9\u05d5\u05dd \u05e8\u05f3 \u05d0\u05dc\u05d9\u05e2\u05d6\u05e8 \u05d1\u05df \u05d9\u05e2\u05e7\u05d1 \u05dc\u05e2\u05d5\u05dc\u05dd \u05d0\u05dc \u05d9\u05e2\u05de\u05d5\u05d3 \u05d0\u05d3\u05dd \u05d1\u05de\u05e7\u05d5\u05dd \u05d2\u05d1\u05d5\u05d4 \u05d5\u05d9\u05ea\u05e4\u05dc\u05dc [\u05d0\u05dc\u05d0 \u05d1\u05de\u05e7\u05d5\u05dd \u05e0\u05de\u05d5\u05da \u05d5\u05d9\u05ea\u05e4\u05dc\u05dc] \u05de\u05e9\u05d5\u05dd \u05e9\u05e0\u05d0\u05de\u05e8 \u05de\u05de\u05e2\u05de\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05ea\u05d9\u05da. \u05ea\u05e0\u05d9\u05d0 \u05e0\u05de\u05d9 \u05d4\u05db\u05d9 \u05dc\u05e2\u05d5\u05dc\u05dd \u05dc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05e2\u05de\u05d5\u05d3 \u05d0\u05d3\u05dd \u05dc\u05d0 \u05e2\u05dc \u05d2\u05d1\u05d9 \u05de\u05d8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05dc\u05d0 \u05e2\u05dc \u05d2\u05d1\u05d9 \u05db\u05e1\u05d0 \u05d5\u05dc\u05d0 \u05e2\u05dc \u05d2\u05d1\u05d9 \u05e1\u05e4\u05e1\u05dc, \u05d5\u05dc\u05d0 \u05e2\u05dc \u05d2\u05d1\u05d9 \u05e9\u05e8\u05e4\u05e8\u05e3, \u05d5\u05dc\u05d0 \u05d1\u05de\u05e7\u05d5\u05dd \u05d2\u05d1\u05d5\u05d4 \u05d5\u05d9\u05ea\u05e4\u05dc\u05dc [\u05d0\u05dc\u05d0 \u05d1\u05de\u05e7\u05d5\u05dd \u05e0\u05de\u05d5\u05da \u05d5\u05d9\u05ea\u05e4\u05dc\u05dc] \u05e9\u05d0\u05d9\u05df \u05d2\u05d1\u05d4\u05d5\u05ea \u05dc\u05e4\u05e0\u05d9 \u05d4\u05de\u05e7\u05d5\u05dd, \u05e9\u05e0\u05d0\u05de\u05e8 \u05de\u05de\u05e2\u05de\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05ea\u05d9\u05da \u05d4\u05f3, [\u05d5\u05db\u05ea\u05d9\u05d1 \u05ea\u05e4\u05dc\u05d4 \u05dc\u05e2\u05e0\u05d9 \u05db\u05d9 \u05d9\u05e2\u05d8\u05d5\u05e3].<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-7\">\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Midrash Tehillim 130, Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">1. A song of ascents. Out of the depths have I called You, O Lord (Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:1). Rabbi Jose son of Hanina said in the name of Rabbi Eliezer son of Jacob, A man should never stand upon a high place to pray, but should pray from a low place because it is said, Out of the depths have I called you. It is also taught, A man should never stand upon a bed, upon a chair, upon a bench, upon a stool, or upon any high place to pray, but should pray from a low place, for there must be no haughtiness in the presence of the Lord. Hence, it is said, Out of the depths have I called You, and it is also written, A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed (Tehillim \/ Psalms 102:1).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The rabbis speak of the high places that are forbidden for God\u2019s people to approach to seek counsel of the Lord. They expand the idea of the high place saying, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cIt is also taught, A man should never stand upon a bed, upon a chair, upon a bench, upon a stool, or upon any high place to pray, but should pray from a low place, for there must be no haughtiness in the presence of the Lord.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The high place is presented in parallel to pride in the presence of the Lord. Midrash Tehillim 130 Part 1 concludes saying, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cHence, it is said, Out of the depths have I called You, and it is also written, A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed (Tehillim \/ Psalms 102:1).\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> When the Psalmist speaks of <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cout of the depths,\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> we learn deep waters are a common metaphor for distress and danger. The Psalmist does not think merely of personal suffering but also of national suffering, and the burden the enemy places upon all peoples. The prayer of affliction is one that seeks not only deliverance and help for one\u2019s self, but also for one\u2019s brothers and sisters and all people who are oppressed and who need to be set free by the Lord God in heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Midrash Tehillim 130 Part 2 opens with the Dibur Hamathil (<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d3\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05e8 \u05d4\u05de\u05ea\u05d7\u05d9\u05dc<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) saying, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cFor with You there is forgiveness (Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:4).\u201d<\/span> <span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e4\u05ea\u05d9\u05d7\u05ea\u05d0<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (Petihta) the homiletic introduction to the midrash states, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cRabbi Abba taught, In the period from New Year\u2019s Day (To the Day of Atonement) forgiveness is held in abeyance from You. Why?\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The entire midrash states the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<table id=\"table004\" class=\"Basic-Table\">\n<colgroup>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-12\" \/>\n<col class=\"_idGenTableRowColumn-13\" \/> <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Basic-Table _idGenTableRowColumn-14\">\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-7\">\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text CharOverride-7\">\u05de\u05d3\u05e8\u05e9 \u05ea\u05d4\u05dc\u05d9\u05dd \u05e4\u05e8\u05e7 \u05e7\u05dc \u05e1\u05d9\u05de\u05df \u05d1<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Hebrew-Paragraph-Style--Right-to-Left-\" lang=\"he-IL\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\">\u05d1 \u05db\u05d9 \u05e2\u05de\u05da \u05d4\u05e1\u05dc\u05d9\u05d7\u05d4. \u05d0\u05de\u05e8 \u05e8\u05d1\u05d9 \u05d0\u05d1\u05d0 \u05d4\u05e1\u05dc\u05d9\u05d7\u05d4 \u05de\u05d5\u05e4\u05e7\u05d3\u05ea \u05d0\u05e6\u05dc\u05da \u05de\u05e8\u05d0\u05e9 \u05d4\u05e9\u05e0\u05d4, \u05d5\u05db\u05dc \u05db\u05da \u05dc\u05de\u05d4, \u05dc\u05de\u05e2\u05df \u05ea\u05d5\u05e8\u05d0, \u05d1\u05e9\u05d1\u05d9\u05dc \u05dc\u05d9\u05ea\u05df \u05d0\u05d9\u05de\u05ea\u05da \u05e2\u05dc \u05d1\u05e8\u05d9\u05d5\u05ea\u05d9\u05da \u05d1\u05d9\u05d5\u05d4\u05f4\u05db.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Basic-Table CellOverride-7\">\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Midrash Tehillim 130, Part 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">2. For with You there is forgiveness (Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:4). Rabbi Abba taught, In the period from New Year\u2019s Day (To the Day of Atonement) forgiveness is held in abeyance from You. Why? That You may be feared. This is to say, in order that during the Day of Atonement the fear of You might lie upon all Your creatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The rabbis say between the New Year (Rosh Hashanah, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05e8\u05b9\u05d0\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e9\u05b8\u05bc\u05c1\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">\u200e, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Vayikra \/ Leviticus 23:23\u201332<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, September 9-11, 2018) and the Yom Kippur (Yom Kippur, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d9\u05d5\u05b9\u05dd \u05db\u05b4\u05bc\u05d9\u05e4\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc\u05e8<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">\u200e, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Vayikra \/ Leviticus 23:27<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, September 18-19, 2018) forgiveness from God is held at bay. The number of days between the New Year and Yom Kippur is 7 days. The midrash states for seven days the Lord holds back his forgiveness. For what purpose? The rabbis say <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cThat You may be feared.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Tanach and the Apostolic Writings use the word <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cfear\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> more than 300 times in reference to the Lord God in heaven. This is an important point to be made. The fear of the Lord should not be something we do not understand. The mystery that is found within the fear of the Lord is illustrated in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">1 John 4:18<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> which states, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cperfect love expels all fear.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> So, this is understood in the sense that the fear of the Lord is showing a healthy respect and reverence for the Lord. Scripture is full of examples of how fearing God is a positive rather than a negative thing. For example in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Bereshit \/ Genesis 42:18<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, Joseph wins his brothers\u2019 trust when he declares he is a God-fearing man (<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d9\u05d7 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b2\u05dc\u05b5\u05d4\u05b6\u05dd \u05d9\u05d5\u05b9\u05e1\u05b5\u05e3 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9\u05dd \u05d4\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d6\u05b9\u05d0\u05ea \u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc \u05d5\u05b4\u05d7\u05b0\u05d9\u05d5\u05bc \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b8\u05e8\u05b5\u05d0:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). It was because the midwives feared God that they obeyed him instead of the authorities by sparing the Hebrew babies (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Shemot \/ Exodus 1:17<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d9\u05d6 \u05d5\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8\u05b6\u05d0\u05df \u05b8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05b0\u05d9\u05b7\u05dc\u05bc\u05b0\u05d3\u05b9\u05ea \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc \u05db\u05bc\u05b7\u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d3\u05bc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b2\u05dc\u05b5\u05d9\u05d4\u05b6\u05df \u05de\u05b6\u05dc\u05b6\u05da\u05b0 \u05de\u05b4\u05e6\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05d9\u05b4\u05dd \u05d5\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05d7\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b6\u05d9\u05df \u05b8 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b7\u05d9\u05b0\u05dc\u05b8\u05d3\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). Pharaoh brought disaster on his nation because he did not fear God (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Shemot \/ Exodus 9:29-31<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05db\u05d8 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b5\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b0\u05e6\u05b5\u05d0\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b6\u05e4\u05b0\u05e8\u05b9\u05e9\u05b9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05db\u05bc\u05b7\u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e7\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05d9\u05b6\u05d7\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05b8\u05dc\u05d5\u05bc\u05df \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05e8\u05b8\u05d3 \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d4-\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05d3 \u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05df \u05ea\u05bc\u05b5\u05d3\u05b7\u05e2 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u05e8\u05b6\u05e5: \u05dc \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05b8\u05d3\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d9\u05b8\u05d3\u05b7\u05e2\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d8\u05b6\u05e8\u05b6\u05dd \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05d5\u05bc\u05df \u05de\u05b4\u05e4\u05bc\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd: \u05dc\u05d0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e4\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c2\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e0\u05bb\u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05ea\u05b8\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c2\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d1\u05b4\u05d9\u05d1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b7\u05e4\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d2\u05bc\u05b4\u05d1\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05dc:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). Moshe chose leaders to help him on the basis that they feared God and wouldn\u2019t take bribes (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Shemot \/ Exodus 18:21<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05db\u05d0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05ea\u05b6\u05d7\u05b1\u05d6\u05b6\u05d4 \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05dc-\u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05b8\u05dd \u05d0\u05b7\u05e0\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b5\u05d9-\u05d7\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05dc \u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d0\u05b7\u05e0\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b1\u05de\u05b6\u05ea \u05e9\u05b9\u05b9\u05e0\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d1\u05b8\u05e6\u05b7\u05e2 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e9\u05b7\u05b9\u05de\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8 \u05e2\u05b2\u05dc\u05b5\u05d4\u05b6\u05dd \u05e9\u05b8\u05b9\u05e8\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b2\u05dc\u05b8\u05e4\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e9\u05b8\u05b9\u05e8\u05b5\u05d9 \u05de\u05b5\u05d0\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05e9\u05b8\u05b9\u05e8\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d7\u05b2\u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05e9\u05b8\u05b9\u05e8\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b8\u05b9\u05e8\u05b9\u05ea:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) and told the Hebrews that God met with them in a terrifying display of his power so that they wouldn\u2019t sin (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Shemot \/ Exodus 20:20<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d9\u05d6 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05de\u05b6\u05e8 \u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05b8\u05dd \u05d0\u05b7\u05dc-\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05d5\u05bc \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05dc\u05b0\u05d1\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05d5\u05bc\u05e8 \u05e0\u05b7\u05e1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea\u05b0\u05db\u05b6\u05dd \u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05d0 \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05d1\u05d5\u05bc\u05e8 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b8\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05e4\u05bc\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9\u05db\u05b6\u05dd \u05dc\u05b0\u05d1\u05b4\u05dc\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05b6\u05d7\u05b1\u05d8\u05b8\u05d0\u05d5\u05bc:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). The Torah cites the fear of God as a reason to treat the disabled and elderly with love and respect (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Vayikra \/ Leviticus 19:14, 32, <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d9\u05d3 \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0-\u05ea\u05b0\u05e7\u05b7\u05dc\u05bc\u05b5\u05dc \u05d7\u05b5\u05e8\u05b5\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e2\u05b4\u05d5\u05bc\u05b5\u05e8 \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05ea\u05b4\u05ea\u05bc\u05b5\u05df \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b9\u05dc \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b8\u05e8\u05b5\u05d0\u05ea\u05b8 \u05de\u05bc\u05b5\u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4: [\u05e9\u05e0\u05d9] [\u05d7\u05de\u05d9\u05e9\u05d9 \u05db\u05e9\u05d4\u05df \u05de\u05d7\u05d5\u05d1\u05e8\u05d9\u05df] \u05dc\u05d1 \u05de\u05b4\u05e4\u05bc\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e9\u05b5\u05b9\u05d9\u05d1\u05b8\u05d4 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05e7\u05d5\u05bc\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b8\u05d3\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8 \u05e4\u05bc\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d6\u05b8\u05e7\u05b5\u05df \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b8\u05e8\u05b5\u05d0\u05ea\u05b8 \u05de\u05bc\u05b5\u05d0\u05b1\u05dc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). Note also that Yeshua said, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Matthew 10:28<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). And Paul says to work toward complete holiness because we fear God (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">2 Corinthians 7:1<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). Based upon these select passages, fearing God is a good thing because it saves us from indulging in our sinful nature. Those who fear the Lord are trustworthy because they are more likely to keep their word and treat others with kindness. Paul wrote to the Romans saying the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Romans 3:9-20<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">3:9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 3:10 as it is written, \u2018There is none righteous, not even one; 3:11 There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; 3:12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.\u2019 3:13 \u2018Their throat is an open grave, With their tongues they keep deceiving,\u2019 \u2018The poison of asps is under their lips\u2019; 3:14 \u2018Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness\u2019; 3:15 \u2018Their feet are swift to shed blood, 3:16 Destruction and misery are in their paths, 3:17 And the path of peace they have not known.\u2019 3:18 \u2018There is no fear of God before their eyes.\u2019 3:19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (NASB)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">Based upon these verses, the fear of God is good, and the nature of sin, those who indulge in wickedness, there is no fear of God before their eyes (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Romans 3:18<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">). <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> Midrash Tehillim 130 Part 2 concludes saying, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cThis is to say, in order that during the Day of Atonement the fear of You might lie upon all Your creatures.\u201d<\/span> <span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The first mention of the fear of God in the Hebrew Bible is in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Bereshit \/ Genesis 22:12<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, where Abraham is commended for putting his trust in God that is illustrated in his faithfulness to God\u2019s Word. In <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Isaiah 11:1-3<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">, the prophet describes the shoot that shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cThe spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b8\u05e6\u05b8\u05d0 \u05d7\u05b9\u05d8\u05b6\u05e8 \u05de\u05b4\u05d2\u05bc\u05b6\u05d6\u05b7\u05e2 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05e6\u05b6\u05e8 \u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b8\u05e8\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05e8\u05b6\u05d4: \u05d1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e0\u05b8\u05d7\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b8\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05d7\u05b7 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05d7\u05b7 \u05d7\u05b8\u05db\u05b0\u05de\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05bc\u05d1\u05b4\u05d9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05d7\u05b7 \u05e2\u05b5\u05e6\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05bc\u05d2\u05b0\u05d1\u05d5\u05bc\u05e8\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05d7\u05b7 \u05d3\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05ea \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05ea \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d2 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d4\u05b2\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05d7\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05ea \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b9\u05d0-\u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b5\u05d9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05e4\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9\u05d8 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b9\u05d0-\u05dc\u05b0\u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05b7\u05e2 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d6\u05b0\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d9\u05d5\u05b9\u05db\u05b4\u05d9\u05d7\u05b7:<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) Solomon states in <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Mishley \/ Proverbs 9:10<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> says that <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cfear of the Lord\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> is <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cthe beginning of wisdom.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Hebrew words <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05a3\u05ea<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (yira\u1e6f) is most commonly used word to describe the fear of God. <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 10:12<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> states, <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cAnd now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Talmud Bavli Berekhot 17a states the following<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Talmud Bavli Berekhot 17a<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05de\u05e8\u05d2\u05dc\u05d0 \u05d1\u05e4\u05d5\u05de\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d3\u05d0\u05d1\u05d9\u05d9 \u05dc\u05e2\u05d5\u05dc\u05dd \u05d9\u05d4\u05d0 \u05d0\u05d3\u05dd \u05e2\u05e8\u05d5\u05dd \u05d1\u05d9\u05e8\u05d0\u05d4 (\u05de\u05e9\u05dc\u05d9 \u05d8\u05d5, \u05d0) \u05de\u05e2\u05e0\u05d4 \u05e8\u05da \u05de\u05e9\u05d9\u05d1 \u05d7\u05de\u05d4 \u05d5\u05de\u05e8\u05d1\u05d4 \u05e9\u05dc\u05d5\u05dd \u05e2\u05dd \u05d0\u05d7\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d5\u05e2\u05dd \u05e7\u05e8\u05d5\u05d1\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d5\u05e2\u05dd \u05db\u05dc \u05d0\u05d3\u05dd \u05d5\u05d0\u05e4\u05d9\u05dc\u05d5 \u05e2\u05dd \u05e0\u05db\u05e8\u05d9 \u05d1\u05e9\u05d5\u05e7 \u05db\u05d3\u05d9 \u05e9\u05d9\u05d4\u05d0 \u05d0\u05d4\u05d5\u05d1 \u05dc\u05de\u05e2\u05dc\u05d4 \u05d5\u05e0\u05d7\u05de\u05d3 \u05dc\u05de\u05d8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05d9\u05d4\u05d0 \u05de\u05e7\u05d5\u05d1\u05dc \u05e2\u05dc \u05d4\u05d1\u05e8\u05d9\u05d5\u05ea<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> It was a favorite saying of Abbai: A man should always be cunning in the fear [of God], giving the soft answer that turns away wrath (cf. Prov. xv. 1), increasing peace with his brethren and relatives and with all men, even the heathen in the street; so that he may be beloved above and popular on earth, and acceptable to his fellow-creatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The Talmud states a man should always be cunning in the fear of God. The word cunning draws in the context of being wise to understand the purpose of fearing the Lord. The Hebrew text states <\/span><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0\u05d3\u05dd \u05e2\u05e8\u05d5\u05dd \u05d1\u05d9\u05e8\u05d0\u05d4<\/span> <span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201ca man is to be naked in fear\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> suggesting that one is to not put on a show but to be authentic in his fear of the Lord at the heart of the motivation for his actions. The purpose of fearing God is to turn away His wrath due to our sins, and this has its application amongst men, of being at peace with others in this world. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> The Talmud Bavli Bava Metzia 58b states the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Character-Style-1 CharOverride-11\">Talmud Bavli Bava Metzia 58b<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph ParaOverride-4\"><span class=\"Hebrew-verse-text\" lang=\"he-IL\">\u05d0\u05dd \u05d4\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d9\u05e1\u05d5\u05e8\u05d9\u05df \u05d1\u05d0\u05d9\u05df \u05e2\u05dc\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d0\u05dd \u05d4\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d7\u05dc\u05d0\u05d9\u05dd \u05d1\u05d0\u05d9\u05df \u05e2\u05dc\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d0\u05d5 \u05e9\u05d4\u05d9\u05d4 \u05de\u05e7\u05d1\u05e8 \u05d0\u05ea \u05d1\u05e0\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d0\u05dc \u05d9\u05d0\u05de\u05e8 \u05dc\u05d5 \u05db\u05d3\u05e8\u05da \u05e9\u05d0\u05de\u05e8\u05d5 \u05dc\u05d5 \u05d7\u05d1\u05d9\u05e8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05d0\u05d9\u05d5\u05d1 (\u05d0\u05d9\u05d5\u05d1 \u05d3, \u05d5) \u05d4\u05dc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05e8\u05d0\u05ea\u05da \u05db\u05e1\u05dc\u05ea\u05da \u05ea\u05e7\u05d5\u05ea\u05da \u05d5\u05ea\u05d5\u05dd \u05d3\u05e8\u05db\u05d9\u05da \u05d6\u05db\u05e8 \u05e0\u05d0 \u05de\u05d9 \u05d4\u05d5\u05d0 \u05e0\u05e7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05d1\u05d3<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\"> If torments are afflicting a person, if illnesses are afflicting him, or if he is burying his children, one may not speak to him in the manner that the friends of Job spoke to him: \u201cIs not your fear of God your confidence, and your hope the integrity of your ways? Remember, I beseech you, whoever perished, being innocent?\u201d (Job 4:6\u20137). Certainly you sinned, as otherwise you would not have suffered misfortune.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Basic-Paragraph\"><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">The rabbis state it is due to one\u2019s sins that a man is afflicted, burying his children, or having trouble with enemies. The fear of the Lord that is lacking is what has led one to this place. There are two types of fear that are described in the Tanach, one is a lower type of fear, that is the fear of punishment, the second is a higher type of fear that is related to being in awe of the glory of God. Maimonides categorized the fear of God as a positive commandment, as the feeling of human insignificance deriving from contemplation of God\u2019s <\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cgreat and wonderful actions and creations.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\"> (<\/span><span class=\"Character-Style-1\">\u201cFear of God\u201d Jewishvirtuallibrary.org<\/span><span class=\"Std-Hebrew-English-Greek-Font\">) In light of all of these things, it is in fear and awe we are to live our lives before the Lord. Let\u2019s Pray!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Tehillim-130-Part1-and-2.pdf\">Tehillim 130-Part1-and-2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this week\u2019s study from Tehillim \/ Psalms 130:1-8, the psalm opens saying, \u05d0 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05dc\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b7\u05e7\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e7\u05b0\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d1 \u05d0\u05b2\u05d3\u05b9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05de\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d9\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b8\u05d6\u05b0\u05e0\u05b6\u05d9\u05da\u05b8 \u05e7\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05bb\u05d1\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05dc\u05b0\u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05d7\u05b2\u05e0\u05d5\u05bc\u05e0\u05b8\u05d9: 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. 130:2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6981,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6977","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tehillim"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6977"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6977\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.matsati.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}