SHEVAT 17
Where Do You Sit?
“…shall not WALK in the counsel of the wrong, And shall not STAND in the path of sinners, And shall not SIT in the seat of scoffers …” (Ps 1:1, emphasis mine)
The Hebrew Word that has been translated as ‘sit’ is the word yâshab (Strong’s H3427) and means much more than just taking a seat. Included within the meanings of this word are dwell, remain, and abide, all pointing to a much more permanent position. Jeff Benner, in his Ancient Hebrew Dictionary includes in the definition of yâshab the word ‘settle’, giving an impression of someone making themselves comfortable, to stay for an extended period of time.[1] None of this is, by interpretation, in an evil or wrong way; however, when we examine where this individual is sitting, we have warning lights flashing.
Other translations of the Scriptures use ‘scornful’, and ‘mockers’ instead of the word ‘scoffers’; the picture portrayed is one who has a mouth (pun intended), and uses it with an insulting, arrogant, and contemptuous manner. “Extreme contempt; that disdain which springs from a person's opinion of the meanness of an object, and a consciousness or belief of his own superiority or worth; a subject of extreme contempt, disdain or derision; that which is treated with contempt” are just a few of the definitions given by Noah Webster, with the added example of Haman’s attitude towards Mordecai[2] (emphasis mine, see Esther 3). I do not believe I would be remiss in saying that this is not somewhere a child of the living Elohim should take up residence.
Let us follow the downward spiral found in this verse. First we find a casual contact with those who are ‘wrong’, also called ‘wicked’, or ‘ungodly’. I like Jeff Benner’s meaning here: “One who has departed from the correct path or Way”[3]. Certainly, to stray from the path of our Elohim’s Torah is very much wrong, with many consequences.
Next, we observe those who are standing, watching, and perhaps interacting with the ones who are called ‘sinners’, people that have deliberately and willingly disobeyed Torah, and have no remorse. And from there, the progression is to those ones who have sat down and made themselves comfortable, abiding with people who arrogantly mock, ridicule, revile, insult, despise, dishonor, and desecrate the holy, kadosh, things of our Creator. By association, they will now also make a mockery of anyone who attempts to live according to the dictates of Torah. I truly believe that this is the result of willingly and willfully walking away from the Way of our Master: dwelling with those who are classed as “scoffers”.
However, to the person who chooses not to pursue or entertain these attitudes and lifestyles, that one is called “blessed”. He does not follow the advice of untrustworthy people; he does not deliberately attend to those who willfully disobey the Word of Elohim; and he is never to be found among those who blaspheme our Father, or His Word. He guards his heart, for he knows that it is out of his heart that sources of life come (see Pro 4:23).
“Do not be led astray, “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1Cor 15:33)
©2021
[1] Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible; ©2006 Ancient Hebrew Research Center; ISBN: 1589397762 Author: Jeff Benner
[2] American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828
No comments:
Post a Comment