Tuesday, 7 February 2017

Psalm 127 - God has commanded us to bless our enemies

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Psalm 127:5 "Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. NKJV

The first word of verse 5 is Ashre. This is quite familiar to us. It is onomatopoeic. A shout of joy is the Hebrew form of "horray!" So we understand that the strong young man (we spoke of in the previous verse) is happy because he has a quiver full of "them" (children, also spoken of in the previous verse).

And, why will he not be ashamed? Because he will speak (the Hebrew never says "speak to or with", it just says "speak") enemies in the gate.

What does it mean when at the end of the verse it says, "He will speak enemies?" This word Daber is one of the most used words in the Hebrew Scriptures. Spoken words are powerful. Furthermore; they are creative (God spoke the world into existence). So, this joyful young man has the power to speak a new reality over his enemies.

Lastly, notice this is done "at the gate". This is before the enemies enter in to the city (which God is protecting - see earlier in the Psalm). A new (covenant) reality is spoken over enemies at the gate. The atmosphere changes.