Loving the Torah -

Mah-Ahavti Toratekha...

Psalm 119:97

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
(Psalm 119:97 KJV)

The word Torah is normally rendered "law" in many English translations, but this is perhaps unfortunate, since the word comes from the root word yarah, which means "to shoot an arrow" or "to hit the mark." Understood in light of this, Torah does not so much denote a set of rules that (legalistically) prescribe behavior, as it reveals a sense of direction or aim in the way of life. Loving Torah, then, means earnestly appreciating the gracious revelation of Adonai as He instructs us regarding our vital responsibilities to Him as His children.

Yarah - hitting the mark

But how are we to gain this instruction? How are we to "walk out" this Torah as it is written upon our hearts (Jer. 31:33)? In this pasuk (verse), the word translated "my meditation" comes from a verb meaning "to rehearse," "to repent," or "to go over in one's mind." In Proverbs 6:20-22, this same word refers to the inward voice heard by a son who has bound his parent's teachings to his heart: "When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you."

A father's counsel

Because God the Father loves us and gives the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit) to those who are trusting in His Son for the direction of life, we are likewise moved to meditate on Torah so that our Father's commandment is being written upon our hearts.... In this way, like the wise son mentioned in Proverbs 6:20-22, wherever you go, your Father's commandments "will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you."

May you so walk today....


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