subject: Real Strength [print this page] Real Strength Real Strength
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those who hearts are fully committed to him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9
I enjoy these Bible studies that incorporate the original language and definitions into the scriptures to give me a better insight of what was going-on within the context and within the minds of the people who were hearing this for the first time. For example, most Americans don't really understand the joy that the initial Christians had while Jesus was out and about telling us to believe in him, pick up our crosses, follow him, and we can get to Heaven (in a nutshell summary). The reason why we don't fully understand is because we are not out there slaughtering cows, birds, rams, and everything else they had to do to give a blood sacrifice for their sins.Think about it. We have things really good.
So, Today this scripture popped out and I wanted to share it with anyone who is struggling with staying focused on Jesus, waiting on God, needing encouragement, or (especially) feeling like you may not have enough faith or strength to get to the other side of your mountain that's cluttered with obstacles and the entire time feels like hiking switchbacks. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hears are fully committed to him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9. Now, I dare you to write down that scripture (come-on, go with me here) and then review over the Hebrew definitions of the initial Hebrew words of Strong and Heart. Then, look again at our scripture and decide if the meaning has deepened and the power of this scripture increases in your mind.
American Word: Strong in Hebrew it's "Chazaq"
Pronounced "Khaw-zak'" and is a verb (not an adjective)
Definitions for Chazaq include: to strengthen, become strong, be courageous, be resolute, be sore, to prevail, to be caught fast, to be secure, to press, be urgent, restore to strength, give strength, sustatin, encourage, to make bold, make hard, to display strength, to repair, to prevail upon, to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, to withstand, to use one's strength, to hold strongly
American Word: Heart in Hebrew it's "Labab"
Pronounced "lay-bawb" and is a noun
Definitions for labab include: inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding, mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, inclination, resolution, determination, conscience, seat of appetites, heart of moral character, seat of emotions and passions, and seat of courage.
So, "The eyes of the Lord rnage throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committted to him." takes on a whole new meaning to me. What about you? It also brought a deeper meaning to the following verses to me as well:
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,all you who wait for the Lord!Psalm 31:24
The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Phillipians 4:13
