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Elul 6

All My Ways

“…and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Ps 139:3 HRB)

The American intelligence community is well acquainted with all of the different sects of Islam, and the various terrorist organizations that they spawn.  Most certainly, this does not interpret to mean they have a positive, friendly relationship with those they are acquainted with.  The intelligence that is gained is for the purpose of limiting and eventually destroying the violent activities of these groups, to the benefit of the American people.

And so it is with this section of verse 3, of Ps 139.  We have already determined that the first portion of this verse deals with judgment, and it continues in this passage.  Stop and think for just a moment; remember the times you have used the phrase: “Yea, well, I know what that person is like”, or “I know what that individual is capable of”, always being spoken in a derogatory manner.  What is being referred to in this verse is of a similar nature.

The Hebrew word that has been translated as ‘acquainted’ is the word sâkan (Strong’s H5532), and

while ‘acquainted’ and ‘having knowledge of’ is correct as far as the definition is concerned, there is more that is implied.  Sâkan incorporates the acquaintance and knowledge as something that is of benefit, or of use, and not always in a good way.  The connotation also includes that which is endangered, and that which is brought to want and poverty.  How, then, does all of this apply to us?

Elohim is well familiar with all of the ‘rabbit trails’ we allow ourselves to wander off on, many of which are – if we are truthful with ourselves – borderline wrongdoing.  Our Creator is well aware of the battles we fight on a daily basis with our yetzer hara, our evil, selfish, carnal inclination, and how easily we are led astray.  He is well acquainted with our ‘ways’.  Yes, we can justify ourselves – like Flip Wilson – and recite “the devil made me do it”.  Yet, when it comes right down to where ‘the rubber meets the road’, it is always our own choice that led us where we should not have gone.

The month of Elul is the season of teshuvah, a time of intense internal auditing.  Can we look inward, and admit to those ‘rabbit trails’ that are filled with flashing warning lights?  Can we acknowledge those actions we took that did not bring honor and esteem to the One who is our Master?  And can we make the decision to turn away from those ‘ways’ that are not pleasing to our Abba Father?

“Seek יהוה while He is to be found, call on Him while He is near. Let the wrong forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to יהוה, who has compassion on him, and to our Elohim, for He pardons much.” (Isa 55:6-7 ISR)

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