Sunday, 6 August 2017

To make God's praises

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Psalm 111:10 "The fear of Adonai is the beginning of wisdom. All who follow His precepts have good understanding. His praise endures forever!" (TLV)

The second morning prayer a Jewish person says when awakening is taken from this verse. "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord." (The first prayer is one of thanksgiving that God "returned my soul within me.")

The following word is Sakhel (identically, which is also used in Yiddish) and is translated as "understanding" but it means more. Sakhel is "smart in a way that comprehends all the aspects of a given situation and attains a perspective that reflects that awareness, following the best path."

The Hebrew syntax is a little strange here. Remember, this is allowed because the Psalms are also poetry. The position of the etnakhta (under Osayhem) makes it challenging. Osayhem means "(who) do thems". What is the "them"? The next word (on the other side of the etnakhta) tells us, "His praises!" His praises endure (stand) forever. Those who do them are displaying wisdom and understanding.

How do we "do" or "make" His praises? Think of His tent (the Mishkan). Bring your offering to the door of His tent. No matter what we "do" we give Him praise in it. When we do that, we display wisdom and understanding. Give God the glory.