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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Day Seven: Promise

"The Twelve Days of Christ" series looks at Psalm 119's twelve Hebrew words for God’s Word, and a connection to the church for each one.







"God never
made a
promise
that was
too good
to be
true."

~ Dwight L. Moody





Day Seven: Promise
'arab: verb, "to braid, that is, intermix; also to give or be security; to exchange, to take or give as a pledge or guarantee"

Promise that you will help your servant;
don't let the arrogant oppress me!
~ Psalms 119:122 (GNB)

"Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise."
~ 1 Kings 8:56 (NKJV)


Many commentators don't see a synonym for God's Word in Psalm 119:122. Strictly speaking, the Hebrew word here, 'arab, is a verb, not a noun.

Since every other verse of Psalm 119 does contain a synonym for God's Word, I'm not about to exclude this verse based on such technicality. Incidently, 'arab is also the only one of the twelve synonyms which appears only once in the Psalm. Perhaps the psalmist thought one mention of God giving His promise was sufficient.

I'll offer as insight this definition of 'arab from Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible:

"... to mix or intermingle interests; to unite ourselves with others so that their interests come to be our own; and hence, to take one under our protection, to become answerable for, to be a surety for: as, when one endorses a note for another, he mingles his own interest, reputation, and means with his. So Christ becomes the security or surety of his people ... "

Every Promise of God is fulfilled in Him Whom we celebrate tonight and tomorrow: the Lord Jesus Christ. God became Man, united Himself to us, mingled His interest in our ours, and became our Surety for eternal life.

There has not failed one word of all His good promise. On this, the eve of Christmas, we wait to celebrate Christ's coming. It is the last day of observing the first Advent.

It remains to be seen which day it is of the second Advent.

But when the fullness of the time had come,
God sent forth His Son, born of a woman ...
~ Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)


Come, Lord Jesus!

#secondcoming
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to
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7 comments:

  1. As we look toward celebrating the birth of Saviour Christ, let us all look forward to celebrate His return! Merry Christmas, Anne and to all your readers! May this Christmas bring you joy abundant!

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  2. Every promise. I'm banking on it. Bless you and Merry Christmas. OXOX

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  3. Amen ~ Come, Lord Jesus! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  4. I’m brimming with celebration. Merry Christmas, Anne. Your devotions encourage my faith. I thank you for that.
    ~ Wendy

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  5. Braid. I like that. It takes three pieces to braid, of course, all intermingled together--perhaps a picture of the Trinity, or for today, Jesus who was, and is, and is to come. Methinks I will weave some Christmas ribbon in my daughter's braids today. :) Merry Christmas, dearest Anne!

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  6. Bible Lover, thank you for the cheer and blessing. Life lies beneath the winter cold. May it remind you of the many seeds you've planted and the abundant joy of both this season and the next.

    T. Anne, which of all His gifts thus far has not been good? And isn't the best always saved for last? (*squeal!*) I'm banking on that. xxooxxoo (both cheeks!)

    Patty, thank you for the amen. 2 Peter 3:11-12 May your Christmas contain a surprise glimpse of our Savior. : )

    Wendy, you're most welcome. How might I thank you for all you've been? Hugs to you. Darting hugs. May you not miss any of God's gifts to you.

    Dearest Gwen, another word similar to braid is qavah, translated "wait" in Isaiah 40:31. Those who wait upon the Lord are literally bound up with Him in the waiting. This word carries with the waiting an expectant hope. Isn't that perfect for Advent? I love you ever so much. I'll tell Abigail about the ribbons and we'll put some in her hair tonight.

    Russell, may light and life, laughter and love fill your Christmas—and your new year. Heb 6:10

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