This morning we start worship with:
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All thepaths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep hiscovenant and his testimonies.
When this was written, there were no four lane roads connecting cities. There were paths.
Those that hike know the difference between a bit of logging road that runs nearly flat and is wide enough to walk two abreast, and the narrow steep rocky trails up to a vista at the top of the mountain. When in unfamiliar territory a guide is necessary to choose the best path.
Those who are humble (ʿānāv) and willing to be redirected, He will guide into His paths.
Those that garden know that bushes need to be trimmed or they become overgrown, so too what grows along the path. Every hiking trail must be maintained or it quickly becomes impassible.
Our God maintains two paths "steadfast love" (ḥeseḏ) [many translations "mercy"] and "faithfulness" (ĕmeṯ) [many translations "truth"]. There is a duality in these verses because these nouns are not verbs, and are not strictly associated with either God or to us, but to the path.
No, God is not maintaining a pasture where we are simply to enjoy His steadfast love and faithfulness. We are on a path, where our humble obedience keeps us away from the dangers that lie just off the path. He is loving as we are merciful. He is faithful as we walk in truth.
No comments:
Post a Comment