Meditate. Meditate on God’s wonderful deeds.
ד [Daleth] I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me
your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will
meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your
word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your
instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your
regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! I will
pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Psalm 119:25-32
This section of Psalm 119 begins with the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Daleth, so that each stanza begins, repetitiously, with the symbol ד known as daleth.
Ezra, the author, seems to be
pretty miserable here. He came back from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the
Temple which had been destroyed when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, taking
most of the inhabitants captive. The Temple, as well as the other buildings and
homes, and the walls that surrounded the city were in rubble. It is not unusual
that Ezra would say he was lying in the dust. The city of Jerusalem was a pile
of ruins, weeds, brabbles and…dust. Ezra had been a scribe (see Ezra 7:1-13)
and a priest in Babylon, so he was not used to manual labor. He just really
wanted to see the Temple reconstructed and to teach the Jewish people about
their God.
This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of
Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. He
came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked
for, because the gracious hand of the LORD his God was on him. ... This was
because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach
those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. Ezra 7:6, 10
He wanted to know God’s laws, but more than that he wanted to understand the meaning of those commandments, to obediently live by them and to teach them to the Israelites. Many of the Israelites who had been born during captivity in Babylon had not been taught or followed all of the Jewish laws. The rebuilding of the Temple was critical to the continued growth of the Jewish nation. Now here was one of their key teachers…in the dust, wanting to be revived by God. Do you sometimes feel that same way…wanting to be revived or to have your relationship with the Lord revived? God’s word revives those who seek Him. Restores, renews, and even resuscitates. Without Him…without His word in my life I am a sad, even to the point of depressed, waif. Seeking God, I find Him and He brings joy to my life. If only I can remember to do that on a regular basis…seek Him and find Him in His word. Instant revival.
Prayer ~ Lord God, Won't you
revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing
love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the
LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not
return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear
him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Psalm 85:6-9
God's word is a key to renewal in my live.
Verse of Salvation ~ Turn us
again to yourself, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies. Make your face shine down
upon us. Only then will we be saved. Psalm 80:19
Parenting Day By Day -
Daily Devotional for Building Character
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