A Worm

Psalms 22:6

​But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people.

Everything in the Scriptures points to Jesus. As an English speaker, when I read the word “worm,” I tend to think of a maggot or earthworm. However, that’s not the intended meaning, which is why it’s so important to go back to the original languages of Scripture with a reliable dictionary.

The Hebrew word תולע (worm – towla) appears 43 times in Scripture and means “worm, scarlet stuff, crimson.” This worm is a small creature (“coccus ilicis”), about the size of a ladybug. See the Science section below. One of these uses is found in Isaiah 1:18, where the LORD says, “Come now, and let us reason together… Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Faith in Greek means to have a conviction of a belief, to be persuaded. God always said, “come now, and let us reason together…” that is, to be persuaded through information.

Psalm 22 is a Messianic psalm. Jesus quoted its first line on the cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34): “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This was not a cry of despair, but a deliberate reference to the entire psalm, which describes a righteous sufferer enduring mockery and physical agony, images that mirror the crucifixion (Psalm 22:7–8, 16–18). Before chapter and verse numbers were added in 1227 AD, quoting the opening line was the common way to reference a whole passage. Jesus was pointing to Psalm 22 as a prophetic fulfillment of His suffering, not expressing actual abandonment, as God had promised never to forsake His own (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5).

The letter meanings (see below) for the word תולע declare:

    “A covenant secured by a nail that guides through understanding.”

In the context of towlameaning scarlet worm, this layered clarification is profound. The scarlet worm (coccus ilicis) clings to wood, dies, staining the wood which it was attached. Scripturally, the worm symbolizes Jesus, Whose blood brings a new covenant (Exodus 24:8; Jeremiah 31:31) (Tav – ת ), secured by the nails (Vav – ו), who teaches and leads (Lamed – ל), and who reveals truth and salvation to those with eyes to see (Ayin – ע)( Matthew 11:15). The conclusion: “A covenant secured by a nail that guides through understanding.” Fulfilling Isaiah 1:18!

The root of towlaʿ is the Hebrew verb yalʿa (ילע), meaning “to speak rashly, talk wildly, to swallow.” It appears only once in Proverbs 20:25: “It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, and only later to consider his vows.”

Jesus, sent by the Father, did not make a rash vow, He fulfilled it completely. As written in Ecclesiastes 5:4–5, Numbers 30:2, and Deuteronomy 23:21, a vow must be honored. Jesus gave Himself willingly, shedding His blood on a tree and becoming a curse for us (Deuteronomy 21:23, Galatians 3:13), so that we who were under the curse might be free and receive blessings. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Additionally, it is also reflected in Psalm 57:3, “He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth,” and in Jesus’ words in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me.”

Indeed, the world called Jesus crazy. Mark 3:21 says His own people thought He was “out of His mind,” and John 10:20 records, “Many of them said, ‘He has a demon and is mad, why do you listen to Him?’” Many departed from following Him after He said in John 6:53–56 “Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have life in yourselves. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. “

“Eat My flesh” and “drink My blood”

This is not about literal cannibalism, but about receiving Jesus fully, believing in Him as the true source of life. Just as food and drink sustain the body, Christ alone sustains the soul. To “eat” His flesh and “drink” His blood is to internalize His sacrifice, to accept by faith (being persuaded) that His death and resurrection are necessary for eternal life.

Participation in His Life and Death

Jesus is offering Himself as the bread of life (John 6:35). Eating His flesh means embracing the truth that His body was broken for our sins. Drinking His blood signifies accepting the new covenant made through His blood (Matthew 26:28). It’s about entering into His death so that we may also live through His resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5)

Ongoing Relationship, Not a One-Time Act

The verbs used in Greek are continuous, suggesting an ongoing, abiding relationship. Jesus says in John 6:56, “He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him.” This is about constant fellowship, sustained by continual trust and fellowship with Him.

To eat His flesh and drink His blood means to believe in Jesus fully, to accept His sacrifice as your own, and to live in daily dependence on Him. It is a picture of complete spiritual union, Christ in you, and you in Christ. (John 6:56)

Letter Meanings

Word: תולע (Tav, Vav, Lamed, Ayin)

1. ת (Tav) Meaning: Mark, sign, covenant, seal
Symbolism: Tav is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, often representing completion, truth, or a sign of the covenant.

2. ו (Vav) Meaning: Hook, connection, nail
Symbolism: Vav joins things together, often seen as a connector, peg, or nail, it symbolizes binding, continuity, or a connection between heaven and earth.

3. ל (Lamed) Meaning: Staff, goad, authority, teach
Symbolism: Lamed is associated with instruction, leadership, or urging forward, like a shepherd’s staff guiding sheep.

4. ע (Ayin) Meaning: Eye, insight, to see
Symbolism: Ayin represents vision, perception, or understanding, both physical and spiritual.

Science

The worm “coccus ilicis” ++++  When the female of the scarlet worm species was ready to give birth to her young, she would attach her body to the trunk of a tree, fixing herself so firmly and permanently that she would never leave again. The eggs deposited beneath her body were thus protected until the larvae were hatched and able to enter their own life cycle. As the mother died, the crimson fluid stained her body and the surrounding wood. From the dead bodies of such female scarlet worms, the commercial scarlet dyes of antiquity were extracted.  What a picture this gives of Christ, dying on the tree, shedding His precious blood that He might “bring many sons unto glory.” Hebrews 2:10.

(from page 73, “Biblical Basis for Modern Science”, 1985,  Baker Book House, by Henry Morris)

https://www.azerbaijanrugs.com/arfp-natural_dyes_insect_dyes.htm

Spodek, Malkie & Ben-Dov, Yair. (2012). Morphology of the first-instar nymph and adult female of Kermes echinatus Balachowsky, with a comparison to K. vermilio Planchon (Hemiptera, Coccoidea, Kermesidae). ZooKeys. 246. 11-26. 10.3897/zookeys.246.3766. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Kermes-echinatus-Balachowsky-first-instar-nymph-general-appearance_fig6_234012357

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Understanding ἁρπάζω in 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Introduction

Imagine hearing a word that carries the thrill of a sudden, powerful action—like being whisked away in an instant. In the Bible, the Greek word ἁρπάζω (pronounced “har-PAD-zo”) captures this kind of excitement. It appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, describing a dramatic moment when believers are “caught up” to meet Jesus. This essay explores what ἁρπάζω means in the New Testament, how it shapes the event described in 1 Thessalonians, when this event might happen, and what it looks like through examples you can relate to—all based on scripture alone.

Meaning of ἁρπάζω

To understand ἁρπάζω, let’s look at how it’s used in the New Testament. The word appears 13 times and often describes a forceful or sudden taking. For example, in Matthew 11:12, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (KJV). Here, ἁρπάζω suggests seizing something eagerly, like grabbing a prize. In John 10:28-29, Jesus says no one can “pluck” (ἁρπάζω) His sheep from His hand, implying a strong attempt to snatch something away. In Acts 8:39, after Philip baptizes the Ethiopian, “the Spirit of the Lord caught away (ἁρπάζω) Philip,” showing a sudden, divine act of removal. These verses show ἁρπάζω means a swift, forceful action, like grabbing or being swept away unexpectedly.

The Event in 1 Thessalonians 4:17

In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul writes, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (ἁρπάζω) together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (KJV). Here, ἁρπάζω describes believers being suddenly taken upward to meet Jesus. The context (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) explains that this happens after the dead in Christ rise first, at the sound of a trumpet and the Lord’s descent from heaven. This event, often called the “Rapture” (from the Latin for “caught up”), is a moment of victory for believers, uniting them with Jesus forever. The use of ἁρπάζω emphasizes the speed and divine power of this moment—like being instantly lifted from earth to heaven.

When Might This Happen?

Scripture doesn’t give an exact date for this event, but it offers clues about its timing. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Paul says, “The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (KJV), suggesting it will be sudden and unexpected. Matthew 24:36 reinforces this: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (KJV). This unpredictability is echoed in Matthew 24:43-44, where Jesus compares His coming to a thief, urging readiness. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul describes a similar event: “We shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (KJV). These passages point to a future, sudden event tied to Christ’s return, but its timing remains a mystery, meant to keep believers alert and faithful.

Examples for Understanding

To help you picture ἁρπάζω in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, think of these scenarios:

  1. The Soccer Game Snatch: Imagine you’re at a soccer game, and your team scores the winning goal. Suddenly, your best friend grabs your arm and pulls you from the stands to join the team’s victory celebration on the field. You didn’t expect it, but in a flash, you’re swept up into the excitement. That’s like ἁρπάζω—God suddenly pulling believers to join Jesus in the air, full of joy.
  2. The Surprise Field Trip: Picture you’re in class, bored with math, when your teacher announces a surprise field trip. Before you know it, you’re whisked out of the classroom onto a bus headed to an amusement park. The sudden shift from routine to adventure mirrors how ἁρπάζω describes believers being quickly taken to meet Jesus in a thrilling moment.

Conclusion

The Greek word ἁρπάζω in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 paints a vivid picture of a sudden, powerful act where believers are caught up to meet Jesus in the air. Its use across the New Testament shows it means a swift, forceful taking, fitting the dramatic event Paul describes. This “Rapture” is a hopeful promise for believers, uniting them with Christ forever, though its timing remains unknown, urging us to stay ready. Through examples like a friend pulling you into a celebration or a surprise trip, we can grasp the excitement and speed of this moment. As 1 Thessalonians 4:18 says, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (KJV)—this event is a source of hope, reminding us of God’s plan to bring us to Him.

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What a Beginning

Here’s the original discoverer of God’s Signature. I hope you like it. http://abdicate.net/whatabeginning.pdf

 

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The Heart of Christmas: Jesus Christ

At the core of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ, the son of God. His birth, as recounted in the scriptures, is the central event of the holiday.

  • The Tree: The Christmas tree itself can be seen as a symbol of the cross. Its shape, reaching upwards, can represent His crucifixion, a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.
  • The Lights: The shimmering lights adorning the tree symbolize Jesus as “the light of the world” (John 8:12). Just as the lights illuminate the darkness, Jesus brings correct understanding and love to all who believe in Him.
  • The Gifts: The act of exchanging gifts echoes the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, given by God the Father to humanity as a symbol of His love and forgiveness. He is the Present.

A Time of Reflection and Joy

The Gospel of John states that Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12). This aligns with the spirit of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of darkness and oppression. Hanukkah, the dedication of the living Temple, Jesus, the embodiment of light and truth with His call to change your mind about God, see Him as the hope for all humanity. His presence at this time of dedication further emphasizes His commitment to bringing salvation (the meaning of Jesus) to the world.

Christmas is a time for all to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus’ birth and the message of hope, peace, and love that it symbolizes.

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The Witness of the Stars

Decades ago, I learned about this amazing truth. But, that I didn’t know was that it wasn’t a new discovery. I found an online version and have included in my site.

The Witness of the Stars

Truly, the Good News is written in the stars!

Psalms 8:3
​When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;

Psalms 147:4
​He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.

Jeremiah 31:35
the LORD, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar; the LORD of Armies is his name, says:

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What is God’s Signature?

Since WordPress doesn’t let you add images easily, I decided to keep this article within a PDF file. I hope you find it useful. God’s awesome complexity is everywhere. So here’s His signature.

http://abdicate.net/gods_signature.pdf

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Unfolding Events

Misunderstanding the scriptures leads to a false relationship with God. Indeed, man’s interference is why there are an estimation of between 20,000 and 45,000 “Christian” denominations, with a staggering approximate 900 English bibles including partial, complete, and paraphrased translations.

The simple truth about the word of God is that it points to Jesus, God Almighty, the Sent One of the Lord, Who came to be born a sinless man, grow, learn, obey, pay for the sin of the world by dying on the cross, becoming our curse, taking our guilt, fulfilling the Law of God, and raising up from the dead to make us joint-heirs with Him and receive His innocence.

Fancy hidden words such as “repentance” simply means “change your mind.” Change your mind about what? God. Ask anyone if they want to speak about Jesus and you’ll get a plethora of answers and reasons not to speak about Him.

Another example of a misused word is “faith” which means “support; confirm” as a nurse or foster-parents support, or like a pillar that supports a doorway or portico. It also means “made firm, sure, lasting, confirmed, established, verified, reliable.” What do all these words imply? Truth. When you say “amen” at the end of a prayer, you’re saying “faith” in Hebrew. In Greek, “faith” means “conviction of the truth of anything, belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence).”

What does “change your mind” and “conviction of the truth” have to do with each other. The answer is in Isaiah 1:18, ​“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

To “change your mind” and have “conviction of the truth” you must have information. That is why Romans says to build your faith (gain truth) is to listen to the word of God, Romans 10:17. Indeed, we go to school, learn a trade, read the news, study, so that we can gather the truth. Misinformation isn’t new. Even Pilate said to Jesus, “What is truth?”

A counterfeit is an object or product that is made to appear to be something else, especially something of value, but is not genuine. Now you can understand the plethora of English bible versions, the twisted ungodly number of denominations, and the mixing of information from the word of God itself. Ephesians 4:4-6

Needing to lay the groundwork, the heart of this article is about the churning of events in the world; the systematic ruin of standards with the very pillars of truth being dismantled right before our eyes.

For the end times, consider the meaning of the word “prophet.” The word simply means a “speaker, or spokesperson.” This person makes known their thoughts, to declare, and to say. While the “church” has put a “false prophet” as being someone who speaks the future falsely, politicians certainly are included.

True the phrase, “If you can buy a politician, you can buy a scientist.” World health issues, world climate change, world economics, with fearmongering of future scenarios all playing out on the evening news by scientists and politicians to change the mind of people to further their own agenda.

What does this have to do with the end times? The scriptures foretell of a time when man will be rarer than gold (Isaiah 13:12), abstain from foods (1 Timothy 4:3), cause the image of the beast to live (research transhumanism – Revelation 13:13-15), calling good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20), being offended (Matthew 24:10), misinformation (Matthew 24:11), lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). Indeed, there are more citations than time to read them all. Research the terms “moral exploitation,” “pathological altruism,” and “coercive control.”

As these things occur, look up, Jesus is coming (Luke 21:28).

References

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Thanksgiving

First, I want to say how thankful I am to God for His Love, Mercy, Truth, and Grace.

As America celebrates Thanksgiving to God (original purpose1) for the bounty and protection He gives us, I want to talk about lions instead of turkeys.

Proverbs 19:12 ​
The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

As a king of the house, how many have had dads whose bark (roar) was worse than his bite? I am very certain many have suffered equally from the bite as much as others from the bark. Others wish they had a dad’s roar to even hear.

The stresses of life generate frustrations and frustrations generate anger. This same bite/bark process happens everywhere these days with our bosses, our relationships, watching the news, social media. As such we apply this thinking to God. “Oh, this or that happened, I guess God’s mad at me.” When those thoughts abound, here’s who’s really doing the roaring – it’s not God.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

When those thoughts of “God is angry at me” come and flood your mind, remember the devil is impersonating God. The word “Satan” (haSatan) in Hebrew means “The Accuser” and even uses our own pronoun saying, “God hates me.” “God is angry with me.” “I am a terrible person.” These are the words from the devil roaring at you “like a lion.”

So, is the King angry with me? Absolutely NOT!  

God has promised that after Jesus’ death for us, burial, and resurrection, explained in Isaiah 53, Isaiah 54 says:

Isaiah 54:9-10
​“For this is like the waters of Noah to me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah will no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. ​For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness will not depart from you, and my covenant of peace will not be removed,” says the LORD who has mercy on you.

Jesus paid (redeemed) for our sins. Therefore, God no longer has wrath towards us, but grace (loving kindness) and mercy. Call upon Him and give Him thanks.

Romans 8:32
He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reference

1. Pres. Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation https://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm

Joseph Prince – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtNHO414gNI

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Meditate and I will demonstrate

Much of what I post is actually for me. As I learn, I like to share. Many times, we suffer from ignorance (Hosea 4:6.) Being absorbed by society’s to-do list and social media, we find time slipping away. The intended five minutes to “check things” turn into two hours. Am I right?

If we spent those five minutes (aka two hours) in the word of God to muse on His writings, we’d be more stable in our Christian walk. Read my entry on Musing or Amusing. Some time ago I wrote about How much to you believe what you read. In this entry, I’ve returned to that subject.

Let’s mediate (muse) on these verses.

In this love has been made perfect amongst us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement, because as he is, even so are we in this world.

1 John 4:17

As He is even so are we in this world – not the world to come, but here, now, today. Jesus doesn’t have cancer. Jesus doesn’t have a deviated septum. Jesus isn’t hungry. Therefore, we too are free of these thing via Jesus’ finished work. As HE IS SO ARE WE. Do you believe?

Speak

Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.

Mark 11:22-24

Be Persuaded / Convinced

As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were. Besides hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your seed be.” Without being weakened in faith, he didn’t consider his own body, already having been worn out, (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what he had promised, he was also able to perform. Therefore it also was “credited to him for righteousness.” Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone, but for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in him who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the dead, who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.

Romans 4:17-25

Be Convinced which is the meaning of faith – strong conviction of a belief – Isaiah 1:18.

One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.

Romans 14:5

Meditating and speaking the word of God moves mountains. If you have a mountain, speak to it.

Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.

John 14:12-14

If the Ferrari you ask for is for His glory alone, then you’ll get it. But asking for something to satisfy your lustful flesh then it isn’t going to happen, James 4:3.

John 14 is quoting Jesus’ own words. Due to the lack of the power in the “church” many do not believe the word of God. They remain sick, poor, and ignorant. When things get tough, everyone quotes Romans 8:30, but they never seem to quote verse 32.

He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?

Romans 8:32

All things. Believe the word of God.

Here’s the real translation of the Psalm.

​The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

Psalms 23:1

So many read other versions that say “I shall not want,” but with society’s microwave entitlement thinking, they latch onto “want” (“I want a Ferrari / win the lottery!”) which in the Hebrew want really means to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need. Let’s return to the word of God for the truth.

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Musing or Amusing

Psalms 39:3
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue

The prefix a- from Greek, can denote the meaning “not” and “without.”

  • Amoral = not moral
  • Atheist = not a theist
  • Atonal = without a tone
  • Asocial = not social
  • Away = not the way
  • Amuse = not muse

Then, what is musing? It means to be deep in thought, in contemplation, or in meditation.

To amuse is to capture one’s attention, occupy, entertain, divert, absorb. It used to mean to delude, to deceive, to mislead. The idea is like a magician deceiving you into believing in the magic by slight of hand. Today’s society provides a never-ending state of amusement. Without time to muse, creativity is lost, solutions unrealized, problems ignored, relaxation minimized. Artists still use the word muse to indicate they “found their creativity” in something or someone.

Amusement is often perceived as an enticing escape from reality. However, the reality is that it often exacerbates our own worries and fears, as we unconsciously absorb and internalize the concerns of the protagonists we encounter. In fact, the archaic definition of “amuse” still resonates today: to delude, to deceive, to lead us astray from the truth. The deceptive illusion created by our friends’ seemingly perfect lives on social media adds to the falsehood. We witness their flawless relationships, extravagant vacations, and seamless existence, while we struggle with our own imperfections, lacking that idyllic life, perfect partner, and rejuvenating getaways. It’s crucial to recognize that these representations are fabricated, serving as a means of control, designed to perpetuate fear and discontentment and narcissistic behavior.

Like many others, I find myself caught in the grip of my remorse, racing through a labyrinth of yesterday’s regrets, today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s uncertainties. My mind relentlessly plays out numerous scenarios, fueling anxiety and confusion, and mercilessly robbing me of peaceful sleep.

The devil has cunningly twisted and distorted countless words from the Lord, distorting their original meanings and leading people astray. While many how-to sites may advise clearing your mind, focusing on breathing, and practicing mindfulness, it is important to remember that the word of God provides a different instruction to individuals like Joshua and all of us. Instead of emptying our minds, the Scriptures encourage us to fix our gaze upon God’s word and make it the center of our focus and attention.

To muse in Hebrew is הגיג (hagiyg – haw-gheeg’ – H1901) meaning whisper, musing, murmuring. It is akin to the root word הגה (hagah – haw-gaw’ – H1897) meaning moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak, roar.

Hagiyg (הגיג) is only found twice in the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalms 39:3 and Psalms 5:1 when David cried to God, “Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.” Hagah (הגה) is found in 24 verses, but the first mention of meditation is found in Joshua 1:8.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Joshua was under the Covenant of Law, we are under the Covenant of Grace (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 54:13, Acts 10:43, Micha 7:18, Romans 11:27, Hebrews 8:8-12, Hebrew 10:16-17, John 6:45).

John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Grace transcends mere conceptualization or abstraction; it is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. While the law was conveyed as a distant communication, akin to receiving a letter from a faraway land, grace and truth arrived as an intimate and personal encounter – Jesus Christ.

In Greek, the word for “grace” is “charis” (χάρις). It carries a rich and multifaceted meaning that encompasses several related concepts. In its most basic sense, “charis” refers to an undeserved favor, kindness, or goodwill extended towards someone. It involves acts of generosity, mercy, and forgiveness that are bestowed upon others without any obligation or expectation of reciprocity.

In Hebrew, the primary word used to convey the concept of “grace” is “chen” (חן). “Chen” encompasses a range of meanings related to favor, charm, beauty, and graciousness. It is often associated with finding favor or acceptance in the eyes of another person, including God.

The first time חן is found in Genesis 6:8 when Noah found grace (חן) in the eyes of the Lord. What is amazing about Hebrew is that each letter has a meaning. Chet (ח) means to protect like a tent wall or fence, and separate. Nun (ן) means seed, fish, lifeto continue. Chen also means camp and beauty because the tent is where the family is together, free from outside influences and social norms.

Take time to muse in God’s word and speak it over an over to let it wash over you. Romans 10:17 Ephesians 5:26 Grow in faith.

NOTE: I have utilized AI to paraphrase my original text. Please let me if you find this version preferable to my usual choice of words.

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