STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED

When we make a conscious effort to study Scripture, we will understand clearly what Isaiah meant by saying: “…but to this man will I look (scan and have respect for) even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).

In this sentence, the word for tremble in Hebrew is חרד (harad) [Strong’s 2730], which is singular for “Haredim”.  What are Haredim?  A Haredim is a man/woman who trembles at the Word of God because they have so much respect for it.  In Isaiah 66:2, a person who has great respect for the pure Word of God has the respect of God towards him.  The person who trembles at the Word is also humble and contrite in spirit.

Notably, from the Hebraic viewpoint, study is considered the highest form of worship.

King David was called a man after God’s heart by God Himself.  Heart in Hebrew represents the mind.  Thus, David was after the mindset of God.  David said that his flesh trembled for fear of God (Ps. 119:120).  David had such respect for God and His Word that he trembled.  He revered the Lord so highly that he said he was afraid of His judgments.  David could write his beautiful songs of worship because he loved the Word of God.

STUDY FOR APPROVAL

Because the Apostle Paul was Jewish, he understood the seriousness of studying Scripture.  Paul said study to show YOURSELF approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Tim.2:15).  We must study for OURSELVES.  I learned over the years that intense study of the Word is necessary in order to avoid the shame of incorrectly interpreting the Scriptures.

There was no New Testament when Paul wrote 2 Timothy.  Paul wrote 2 Timothy around A.D. 66 or 67 from a prison in Rome.  He was referring to the Hebrew Scriptures called the “TaNaK.” Tanak is an acronym derived from the first letter of the names of the three parts of the Hebrew Bible; Torah (Law), Nevieem (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings).

God identifies good students as those who esteem His Word.  God identifies the problem with those who are not students (disciples).  He writes, “These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the LORD’S instruction.  They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right!  Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.  Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One Of Israel’” (Isaiah 30: 9-11).

If we want the culture of America to change, we must change the language, our language.  What does that mean?  “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the Name of the LORD, to serve Him with one consent” (Zep. 3:9).  What is the pure language? — Hebrew. One of the ways to begin to learn the beautiful language of Hebrew is to master the Hebrew alphabet.

If you change the language of the Church, therefore giving believers a deeper and more accurate understanding of God’s Word, you can influence the resulting behavior of the people.

The Apostle Paul wrote, influenced by the Holy Spirit, that the time would come when men would not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn to myths. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

Lastly, God says in Isaiah 66:2 that the man who trembles at His Word will have the Lord “look” at him.  “To look” means that God is scanning you and paying attention to YOU.

Blessings,

P/Karen