Your Daily Slice

ADAR 26

Discipline

 

“Hold fast to discipline, don't let it go; guard it, for it is your life.”  (Pro 4:13 CJB)

 

The Hebrew word that has been translated as ‘discipline’ in this verse is the word mûsâr (Strong’s H4148), a noun closely related to the Hebrew verb, yâsar (Strong’s H3256), a verb.  Both words carry a meaning of not just discipline, but also of instruction, teaching, correction, and chastening.  In fact, in many translations of this verse in Proverbs, we will find the word ‘instruction’ used, instead of discipline.

However, there is another interesting find in this verse: it is the Hebrew word that has been translated into the phrase ‘hold fast to’, or ‘take fast hold of’.  This word (châzaq, Strong’s H2388) is also found in Deuteronomy 11:8, where it has been translated as ‘may be strong’:

“Therefore you shall keep all the commandments which I command you today, that you MAY BE STRONG and go in and possess the land which you go across [the Jordan] to possess …” (AMPC, emphasis mine)

Châzaq will, most often, refer to strength and endurance, being bold, firm, and courageous.  It is by keeping the commandments – the Torah – that we find and gain strength to live out our lives in such a way that is pleasing to our Elohim, and to take hold of the many promises that our Abba Father has given us.  When we are given the admonition to “hold fast to discipline and instruction”, it is an indication that we need to STICK TO the discipline, correction, and teaching of Elohim with everything in us, with all our strength, for it is our life.  In all reality, it is more important than our lives …

 

“The fear of Adonai is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (mûsâr)”. (Pro 1:7 TLV)

“Chazak! Chazak! Venischazeik! (Be strong; be strong! And may we be strengthened!)  Traditional proclamation spoken at the conclusion of reading and studying one of the five books of the Torah.

“For I am Adonai your God who upholds (châzaq) your right hand, who says to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”” (Isa 41:13 TLV)

  

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