“The Spirit of Adonai spoke through me,
His word was on my tongue.”
-2 Samuel 23:2
We’re in the midst of a discussion about the words of divine revelation that David received.
I mentioned that the original Hebrew says the RUACH of YAHWEH DABBAR was dwelling in David.
When the ancient Jewish sages examined this verse, it was the word DABBAR that stood out to them.
Why?
Well, according to Rashi, in Holy Scripture, this word DABBAR is NOT used to describe any other of David’s Psalms or songs.
And in case you don’t know who Rashi is, let me just say he is the most influential commentator in Jewish history on the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud.
Let me also remind you that what the Christian world calls the Ten Commandments is a complete mistranslation.
In Hebrew, the word for commandments is MITZVOT.
However, the term used for the 10 Commandments is DABARIM.
That’s plural for DABAR and means “words.”
So what Moses received on top of Mount Sinai were 10 Words, NOT 10 Commandments.
Ya feeling me here?
Onward.
Let’s examine the ancient mindset when it comes to divine speech.
In the Biblical era, folks viewed a word from the gods as an awe-inspiring thing.
The Israelites especially viewed a word or prophecy from Adonai as an unstoppable force of power.
This makes sense given that in the opening chapter of Genesis, we’re told the Lord literally spoke the universe into existence.
Some modern commentators will claim that saying God “spoke” everything into existence is metaphorical avoidance.
That it’s just a convenient way to sidestep the issue of explaining how the Lord created the heavens and the earth.
Not true.
Consider that in the New Testament, we’re also told that the Messiah is the Word or DABBAR of Adonai.
So when we speak about divine speech in Scripture, we’re not talking about some ethereal concept.
We’re talking about a real and tangible force that represents God’s essence.
Just as the Holy Spirit is a real and tangible part of the Lord’s essence.
That leads to our takeaway for today.
Pay attention to your words in daily life.
Because how you use your words directs your destiny.
If you speak words of hope, peace, and encouragement…
That is the fruit you will produce in your life.
And of course, the opposite is true.
If you speak words of negativity, cynicism, and discouragement…
That’s what will also unfold in your life.
You will reap what you sow!
Done.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
“And the Word became flesh
and dwelt among us,
and we saw His glory,
glory as of the only begotten
from the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
— John 1:14
“For the word of God is living
and active and sharper
than any two-edged sword,
and piercing as far as the division
of soul and spirit,
of both joints and marrow,
and able to judge the thoughts
and intentions of the heart.”
— Hebrews 4:12
“But I tell you that every
careless word that people speak,
they shall give an accounting
for it in the day of judgment.
For by your words
you will be justified,
and by your words
you will be condemned.”
— Matthew 12:36–37
“So also the tongue is a small
part of the body,
and yet it boasts of great things.
See how great a forest is set
aflame by such a small fire!”
— James 3:5
“Let no unwholesome word
proceed from your mouth,
but only such a word as is
good for building up according
to the need of the moment,
so that it will give grace
to those who hear.”
— Ephesians 4:29
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