NISAN 22
No Evil
“…I fear no evil …” (Ps 23:4)
The English word ‘fear’ has been translated from the Hebrew word yârê' (Strong’s H3372), which cannot be
translated into simply one word. Yârê' is first a verb, requiring some
sort of action. And while it does mean
to be afraid and terrified, it also means to stand in awe of, to revere and
honor. Jeff Benner, in his amazing “Ancient
Hebrew Dictionary”, sums it all up as follows:
“The root meaning of the word yara is "to flow" and is related to words meaning rain or stream as a flowing of water. In Hebrew thought fear can be what is felt when in danger or what is felt when in the presence of an awesome sight or person of great authority. These feelings flow out of the person through their actions, such as shaking when in fear or bowing down in awe of one in authority.”[1]
How does this relate to us, under the care of the Good Shepherd? It means that because of His care, evil – in all its forms – will neither terrify us, nor will it influence us to respect and honor it. We can recognize and acknowledge the fact that there IS evil and chaos in this world; however, we must not allow it to interfere with our focus on our Master. Developing ‘tunnel vision’ – where our eyes are focused on one thing (person, element, or substance) only – requires discipline, something many of us have yet not perfected. It is when we expand our trust and belief – our emunah – in the One we recognize as our Deliverer, our Shepherd that our ‘tunnel vision’ will strengthen.
And that is not to say that we do not ever find ourselves in situations where we are fearful. Do you suppose Daniel was a little afraid when he found himself in a pit with hungry lions (see Dan chapter 6)? What of Joseph, facing years in prison (see Gen 39:20)? We have listed for us in Hebrews chapter 11 the exploits of many, those that trusted in the One who created them to deliver them from all the forces that create and cause chaos and evil. Should we not do the same?
“For you have made
Elyon your dwelling, even Adonai, who is my refuge, so no evil will befall you
nor any plague come near your tent.” (Ps 91:9-10 TLV)
“Adonai knows the days of the blameless—their inheritance endures forever. They will not be ashamed in an evil time and in days of famine they will be satisfied.” (Ps 37:18-19 TLV)
©2022
[1] Ancient
Hebrew Dictionary by Jeff Benner, ©2007
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