68Coming Home
Dowd
…Beloved
2
Dedication
Victory…
It would be so horrific, only one prophet would be allowed to witness what I had previously thought had been Yahowah’s nepesh | soul fulfilling Pesach, Matsah, and Bikuwrym. However, while there is a lone witness, it is evident through the Mizmowr that Dowd, as the Son of God, was more than an onlooker to the sacrifice to redeem his people.
It would be tough duty, and it would take its toll, even on the most courageous and valiant of men. It likely affected everything Dowd would experience and share from the moment he envisioned these sacrifices and put pen to parchment to compose the 22nd Mizmowr – which is an eyewitness account of crucifixion – which was how the Passover Lamb was slaughtered.
And now as we approach the lyrics of 30th Psalm, it is apparent that we are being drawn back into the scene of the then-future and now-past fulfillment of Passover and UnYeasted Bread, leading to Firstborn Children. And like the others, Dowd conveys the ordeal in first person to more vividly express what he was perceiving as the lone eyewitness capable of recording what occurred.
As with the 22nd Mizmowr, which dramatizes the excruciating tortures of Roman crucifixion on Pesach, the lyrics of the 30th take us into the depths of She’owl | Hell so that we might witness what occurred during Matsah. And fortunately, as we are about to discover, since there 69was no way to communicate from She’owl, this witness comes to us on Bikuwrym and, thus, post-Matsah. By the time we are hearing of what transpired, it is a memory.
“A song (shyr) for the dedication to disciplined instruction (chanukah – with commitment to teaching what is honorable and special) of the Family Home (ha beyth – the House and Household) of Dowd (la Dowd – Beloved)…
I am always proud of You and continually honor You (ruwm ‘atah – I lift You up and exalt You, reaching up to You (polel imperfect first-person singular)), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s proper designation pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God), because truly (ky – surely, emphasizing the importance of this statement), You have lifted me up and withdrawn me from the depths (dalah ‘any – You have drawn me out, pulling me up from a deep pit, saving me and not allowing me to languish while providing a wellspring of understanding pertaining to the doorway entering the home (piel perfect second-person masculine singular)).
And you have not allowed anyone adversarial to me to rejoice over me (wa lo’ samach ‘oyeb ‘any la ‘any – You have prevented those who would defame me from celebrating because of me).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:1)
Chanukah ha Beyth is the Home of Devoted Learning for the Family who Understands. Chanukah speaks of being dedicated to learning and committed to teaching.
The tagline, la Dowd, could be read that this is the House of Dowd. Or, it could say that this song regarding the dedication of the House of Instruction was composed by the Beloved. While the natural inclination is to consider the second, the first is actually more appropriate.
70Dalah is an interesting word to translate. In all three of its appearances in the Towrah, the discussion pertains to the seven daughters of a Midian priest. They were protected by Moseh when trying to draw water while shepherding their father’s flock. This story, in which dalah plays its part, provides a wonderful insight into Moseh’s exemplary character.
The only other time dalah appears, Dowd uses it in Mashal / Proverbs 20 as it is deployed here. He writes: “Profoundly deep and well below the surface of the waters is advice and counsel regarding the plan in a person’s thinking and judgment, and an intelligent individual who understands draws it out (dalah).” (Mashal 20:5) I can assure you that the 30th Psalm will live up to that billing.
Also revealing, dalah is scribed identically to dalah | the door which provides entry into a home. In the context of dedicating the Home of Understanding, knowing how to enter the House as a result of the fulfillment of Pesach and Matsah is germane to the discussion. Pulling this all together, I rather like the rendering: “You have withdrawn me from the depths, providing a wellspring of understanding pertaining to a doorway entering the home.”
‘Oyeb addresses anyone who is adversarial. In the plural, they are enemies.
Samach, which means “to celebrate and rejoice” was negated. Therefore, the adversaries were not pleased when the speaker was drawn out of the depths because, by having done so, the way to enter the home was now discernable. Such is the purpose of Pesach and Matsah.
I had previously thought that we should read this as if spoken by Yahowah’s nepesh | soul, with God’s consciousness now serving as a probe or avatar. This perspective is derived from the realization that Yahowah, Himself, cannot enter our three-dimensional world as a 71man. Also, He cannot be cast into She’owl, as it is the place of separation from Yahowah. So, it was natural to think that He dispatched the most amazing sentient being in the universe – His nepesh | consciousness. It would be as if He were there, being tortured by the worst of men on Pesach and then by demons during Matsah. His nepesh | soul would enable God to witness and experience, to hear, see, and feel, the tortures endured over these two days.
I was attuned to this reading because, heretofore, I had not considered the possibility that Dowd may have been lifted up from the depths. Further, while Dowd’s life and lyrics serve to explain the Covenant, nothing he had done, or so I thought, facilitated opening the door to enter God’s Home since this was accomplished by the nepesh | soul deployed to fulfill Pesach en route to enabling Matsah.
Also, while men and women of all ilk have come to rejoice over the way they have robbed Dowd to create false religions, no one celebrates what this nepesh | soul has done. Fewer than one in a million are even aware of it. Frankly, I didn’t comprehend it until the conclusion of this Mizmowr, and it’s been in front of me for 20 years.
Removing any doubt that we are listening to the voice of a nepesh | soul describing what occurred in She’owl during the fulfillment of Matsah…
“Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation), my God (‘elohym ‘any), I had implored You to assist me in the moment (shawa’ ‘el ‘atah – to You, I had made a request to be released and to find relief, crying out with intensity for a finite period in time (piel perfect first-person singular)), and You restored me forevermore (wa rapha’ ‘any – so You healed me, resolving the problem and making me acceptable, You repaired the damage and brought recovery which is still ongoing). (Mizmowr / 72Psalm 30:2)
Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s one and only name pronounced as guided by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence for our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God), in a moment in time, You facilitated the withdrawal and the raising (‘alah – in a once and done situation, You caused the lifting up and carrying away (hifil perfect)) of my soul (nepesh ‘any – of my consciousness, my ability to observe what is happening around me and respond) out of She’owl | Hell (min She’owl – from the place of questioning and begging of the eternally separated, a lightless and perpetual prison of no return for souls and spirits akin to a black hole).
In an instant, You brought me back to life (chayah ‘any – at that moment, You restored and preserved my life, reviving me, causing me to recover and be alive (piel perfect second-person masculine singular)), away from those who are cast down (min yarad – out of those who come down and are diminished (qal participle masculine plural – serving as a verbal adjective and, thus, indicative of expressive action)) to the pit, the lightless prison (bowr – to the dungeon for prisoners).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:3)
Only one individual could make this claim. And he is the nepesh | soul sent to She’owl to fulfill Matsah after suffering through Pesach. You may be surprised to learn his name.
So that there is no misunderstanding, humans are comprised of a physical body, nepesh | consciousness, and a neshamah | conscience. Our nepesh is the essence of our life. Without it, we cease to exist. Our soul is the reservoir of our personality, thinking, feelings, experiences, memories, attitudes, and aptitudes. We all have one. Some are better than others.
I share this because I had previously thought that 73Yahowah’s nepesh gave Him all of these capabilities remotely. Should I have been right, God remained complete and fully functional apart from the nepesh, which is why He could dispatch it. While our bodies would die without our consciousness, Yahowah is a spiritual being and not a physical one.
While discussing these things, it is helpful to know that our neshamah | conscience is a tool, something that not only makes us human, differentiating us from other animals, it provides us with the ability to discern right from wrong. When deployed properly, it enables us to be moral, judgmental, and rational. We can use our neshamah to help our nepesh find, understand, and connect with Yahowah. We can also use it to figure out the identity of the nepesh | soul who endured Pesach and Matsah.
Our physical bodies are important to us while we reside trapped in the ordinary flow of time in the mortal realm. Take good care of yours. However, for us to go beyond three dimensions to six in traveling throughout the universe and then seven when entering Shamaym, we must jettison everything physical. Our nepesh and neshamah represent the entirety of who we are, and all that is allowed to enter Heaven…or Hell.
In this case, the nepesh dispatched to fulfill Pesach and Matsah could be communicating with Yahowah after its release. This might be somewhat similar to what NASA’s engineers experience when their planetary probes go off and explore alien worlds – albeit this nepesh would have had feelings, thoughts, personality, and a sentient consciousness, making this an interesting comparison to the exchange between HAL and David as they conversed throughout their voyage to Saturn in 2001 A Space Odyssey. And while I think we will discover a more fitting variation of this theory, there is no question that a soul could be used in this manner.
74There is only one soul which has been lifted out of She’owl and brought back from the pit to the land of the living. There will never be another. You and I owe the fate of our souls on what Yahowah, the Ruwach, and this nepesh accomplished.
“You should choose to strum an instrument and sing a song (zamar – of your own volition, make music (piel imperative second-person masculine plural)) to Yahowah (la Yahowah – to God’s one and only name pronounced as guided by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence for our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God), His dedicated and zealous, Godly ones (chasyd huw’ – those seeking His favor and mercy), while showing that you want to express your appreciation for the influence and awareness (wa yadah – and you should choose to publicly and openly exclaim your gratitude) for His set-apart, uncommon, and special (qodesh huw’) renown, reputation, and name (la zeker – status, way of being recalled and remembered, even for recalling the memory of this event).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:4)
It was the most glorious and beneficial act in the history of the universe. Fulfilling Pesach and Matsah opens the door to walking away from the crippling and deadly institutions of religion and politics, making our souls immortal, all while our errors in judgment are removed and our souls are perfected. We should celebrate and, if possible, sing a song to Yahowah in appreciation for His gift. It is a blessing God offered initially to the first to sing this song.
Over the course of eternity, even for the nepesh enduring the punishment due us for having missed the way, his sacrifice was but a moment in time. And this is key to appreciating his identity.
“Indeed, for an instant (ky rega’ – truly for only a 75moment, a very brief period of time), His resentment and displeasure were intense (ba ‘aph huw’ – His grievance and righteous indignation); for a lifetime and for the living (chayym – for lives and renewal), He is pleased and accepting (ba ratsown huw’ – He is approving and makes amends).
With the sunset and ensuing darkness (ba ha ‘ereb – as the light diminishes), there is a night of enduring sorrow and bitter humiliation (lyn baky – a dark period of genuinely regrettable weeping and tears), but toward the morning and the dawn’s early light (la ha boqer), there is joy at having overcome (rinah – jubilation and singing over the sacrifice, a time of celebration and even a legitimate reason for justifiable pride).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:5)
As the sun set on Pesach, and the torturous agony of crucifixion ended, this nepesh | consciousness descended into She’owl | Hell. He had experienced the consequence of our revolt against God, which is death, and now he would endure the penalty for our rebellion – separation. As the lyrics profess, it would be as the sun’s light first caressed Mowryah during the morning of Bikuwrym, that this rare soul was freed. He had overcome – for all of us.
I must now confess the error of my ways. I was initially stumped on how to deal with what has arisen. Nepesh | soul is feminine in Hebrew. But the individual providing the consciousness is masculine. To accommodate this in Hebrew, every reference to the speaker is first-person singular, with gender undisclosed as either masculine or feminine. So, I could refer to the ultimate nepesh as an it, but that sounds so impersonal.
While I’ve used the comparison to the most advanced probes science has dispatched on interplanetary journeys, they are still machines with computers. This nepesh can think, he can reason and feel. “She,” if addressing the 76disembodied soul, has a personality, experiences to share, and “she” is very much alive. “She” has endured anguish and jubilation beyond our comprehension, and “she” has an important story to tell.
While Yahowah has a vitally important feminine aspect to His nature, the Ruwach Qodesh | Set-Apart Spirit, as our Spiritual Mother, plays a different role in this drama. She conveys the nepesh | consciousness from Pesach into Matsah and back to Bikuwrym – from Earth to Heaven, albeit through Hell.
Therefore, while we should acknowledge that women are better suited for some things because they are more pain tolerant and are better at multitasking, even superior in making sacrifices for the family, the Passover Lamb is male, and so was the man whose body was crucified. Therefore, I cannot refer to this nepesh as a woman any more than Dowd could in writing this because good men protect women.
For now, especially considering the options available to us in English, I will resume using “he” because “it” is way too impersonal. And when we think of “she” in this drama, She is the Ruwach, not the nepesh.
Just as the nepesh | souls of the Beryth | Covenant Family will enjoy an eternity in the Shamaym | Heavens, so will this nepesh…
“As for me (wa ‘any), I expressed (‘amar – I said at that moment (qal perfect first-person singular)) during my now tranquil and secure, indeed, satisfying circumstance (ba shaluw ‘any – my quiet relief over my productive achievement and having succeeded), I will never again be removed, slipping into a troubling and unfavorable place (bal mowth – I will not be shaken or fall, I will never lose control or be taken down and oppressed (nifal imperfect first-person singular)) for all eternity (la ‘owlam – forevermore).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to 77be Sung / Psalm 30:6)
The physical body of the Pesach ‘Ayil, which this nepesh was occupying, sacrificed his mortal body, which died. Then the bludgeoned flesh was incinerated during the night. When he had breathed his last and gave up his soul, citing Dowd’s words from his 22nd Mizmowr in the process, the Ruwach Qodesh escorted the individual’s consciousness to the darkness of She’owl on Matsah | UnYeasted Bread. And while this is the story of that experience, it ended in the light of a new day with the festival of life that is Bikuwrym | Firstborn Children.
From Mowryah, having fulfilled the promise, this nepesh | soul returned to Shamaym to celebrate his achievement with his Father on our behalf. Having been removed from the best of places and sent to the worst of them, the nepesh had come back home.
This is the conversation that ensued between them…
“Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s proper designation pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God), by Your acceptance and favor (ba ratsown ‘atah – with Your approval and decision to be genuinely pleased by this event, accepting it as completely satisfactory), You caused the mountain to be present and accounted for, taking a stand at this time (‘amad la har – You made it possible for the mount to sustain and endure, standing upright and firm (hifil perfect second-person masculine singular)), prevailing by mightily strengthening and empowering (‘oz).
However, when You concealed Your presence for that moment (sathar paneh ‘atah – when Your appearance disappeared in an instant, vanishing (hifil perfect second-person masculine singular)) for a time, I was horrified and terrified, in agony and alarmed, anguished and anxious (hayah bahal – I existed for that finite period 78overwhelmed, despondent, bewildered, and afraid, alert and in a tremendous hurry to hasten the torture (qal perfect first-person singular)).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:7)
The mountain was not named because its identity is obvious to those Yahowah wants to benefit from and grow based upon the insights written in the 30th Mizmowr | Psalm. The har is Mount Mowryah | Respect Yah, commonly known as Moriah. It became special when 40 Yowbel, or 2000 years, after ‘Adam and Chawah’s expulsion from Gan ‘Eden | the Garden of Great Joy, the Father of the Covenant Family asked ‘Abraham and Yitschaq to come to Mount Mowryah to observe the first Passover, during which, Yahowah provided the lamb. This occurred in the Yowbel year, when debts are forgiven, people are freed, and all can return to the Land, of 2000 Yah, 1968 BCE. Yahowah’s Beryth was confirmed at this time, creating the Family of God.
While that was a giant stride in the right direction, we humans would still need a path back to ‘Eden – a way to come back Home. So, 20 Yowbel after establishing the Covenant, its most important son would lay claim to Yaruwshalaim, building the City of Dowd on Mowryah. He would even acquire the threshing floor which would become home to Yahowah’s Home on Earth near the summit of Moriah. Therefore, it should be noted that the building of that Home commenced precisely 1,000 years to the day Yahowah established the Family who would live in it.
Then, in the Yowbel year of 4000 Yah, on Mowryah, Yahowah honored the promise He had made to a father and son, ‘Abraham and Yitschaq, while they were on Mowryah – likely within a stride of the same place the lamb had appeared 40 Yowbel before. Pesach was fulfilled, as Yahowah’s promised nepesh resided in the body we have known heretofore as Yahowsha’, as his flesh served as the 79Passover lamb.
Having honored the promise to remove His Family from the deadly and oppressive nature of religious and political oppression, God incinerated the remains of the sacrificial victim serving as the lamb within Mowryah. But before that occurred, He asked the Ruwach Qodesh to escort his nepesh from the same place on Mowryah where He had provided the lamb 40 Yowbel previously, taking him to She’owl.
It was there, the nepesh was separated from His Father and endured the punishment we were due, exonerating us, redeeming us on Matsah. This is because the nepesh volunteered to be burdened by all we had done to displease our God and alienate ourselves from Him. Laden with our perversity and wayward thinking, he carried it all to She’owl where it remains – out of sight, out of mind, gone and forgotten.
But that is not the end of the story because at the dawn of Bikuwrym, as the first rays of light streaked across Mount Moriah, the Ruwach returned the nepesh, to Mowryah as a sign to his people that he had made it possible for us to come Home, to become part of his Family, and to return to the Land.
In these marvelous ways, the Mountain of God was present and accounted for. This is the place the nepesh who had resided there took the ultimate stand on our behalf. And as a result, we would prevail, strengthened and empowered.
From this perspective, the story that unfolds and plays out on Mowryah provides a beautiful portrait of our savior’s devotion to his people and the Covenant Family. But at what price? For the nepesh, the fulfillment of Chag Matsah was horrifying and terrifying, agonizing beyond measure. And the worst part of the ordeal is that, during UnYeasted Bread, Yahowah’s presence was concealed 80from the nepesh while this individual was tormented in She’owl | Hell.
As we move to the next statement, I am finally able to share a possibility I’ve suspected all along but never conveyed. I was not ready to say it, and you were not prepared to hear it either. Nonetheless, it’s time we come to appreciate why the 22nd Mizmowr was written in first person, why Dowd, presented as Gabry’el, spoke of the Messiah fulfilling Passover in Dany’el 9, why the story of the sacrificial lamb is told without reference to a name, but after asking us to identify the Zarowa’. It’s time to answer the question as to why there is no prophecy naming the Passover Lamb “Yahowsha’,” and yet, all of those pertaining to the sacrifice include Dowd’s name.
It is possible, indeed, probable, if not certain, that the nepesh writing the lyrics to this song knew what he was talking about because he was there – not just as a witness.
“To You (‘el ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation), I was appointed to call out and continually proclaim the summons, and to make the invitations known (qara’ – I am mentioned and named when reading and reciting the offers to meet and be welcomed (qal imperfect first-person singular)).
And with (wa ‘el) Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s proper designation pronounced as instructed by His towrah – guidance on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God [from 4QPs vs. the MT which has ‘adony – my Lord]), even alone and unassisted for a while, I am continually shown compassion, great kindness, enduring love, and loyal devotion (chanan – uninfluenced and independent in my decision to be generous, I have now received unrelenting adoration (hitpael imperfect first-person singular)).” 81(Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:8)
It is certain that Dowd is the one who is making this known to us. The author of the Mizmowr is summoning us back Home and to his home on Mowryah. He is inviting us to seek, meet, and be welcomed by his Father.
While he would have been alone and unassisted while fulfilling Pesach and Matsah, the sacrifices are over and his nepesh | soul is now enveloped in Yah’s love. Working together, Yahowah, Ruwach, and a beloved nepesh had performed the most merciful and kind, ultimately compassionate act, in the history of the universe.
Once accomplished, justice would prevail. He paid the price to ransom and redeem the Beryth Family. Having endured the consequence (death) and the penalty (separation) for the Covenant’s children having been wrong and having missed the way, after the sacrifice, God could fairly, honorably, and justifiably save us from ourselves.
“In what way is there a dishonest gain, deception, or an unfair advantage (mah betsa’ – where is there an ill-gotten benefit or something unjust, even unrighteous) in my bloodshed (ba dam ‘any) with being cast down (ba yarad – in being abandoned and subjugated after descending (qal infinitive construct)), myself (‘any), toward the lightless prison (la shachath – approaching the darkness of the dungeon [preposition from 4QPs vs. ‘el in MT])?
Will the material realm (ha ‘aphar – will the soil of the ground, the natural elements or dust) choose to express its appreciation for You (yadah ‘atah – extol and openly acknowledge Your influence (hifil imperfect third-person masculine singular jussive))? Will it be informative and announce (ha nagad – will it report the message (hifil imperfect third-person masculine singular)) Your trustworthiness and enduring reliability (‘emeth ‘atah – 82Your dependability, honesty, loyalty, and integrity)?” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:9)
No, it wouldn’t, so Dowd would do it for us. We are reading the result.
As difficult as it is for us to imagine that this occurred, that Yahowah may have used Dowd’s nepesh to fulfill Passover and UnYeasted Bread leading to Firstborn Children, we are nonetheless drawn to this conclusion by the way this statement was worded. It sounds like Dowd not only volunteered, but that he made the same impassioned argument to Yahowah that he is now sharing with us. If ‘Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Yitschaq, affirmed his commitment to the Covenant, why wouldn’t the same be true with Yahowah and Dowd? And should we protest that Yahowah prevented ‘Abraham from sacrificing Yitschaq on Mowryah, it was because He would be providing the lamb.
As a prophet, Dowd would have known that the ordeal would be over in two days, that Yahowah’s great love for him would prevail, and that his nepesh would return to Shamaym on Bikuwrym | Firstborn Children – where he would have earned the right to be Yahowah’s bakowr | firstborn Son.
It would have been a far greater penalty for Yahowah to pay than if He had sent His own nepesh | consciousness. And knowing Dowd as we do, having listened to his conversations with His Father, I don’t think anyone could have talked him out of it – including God. The man who had prevailed in every battle would be victorious once again, and this time the victory would be over death and separation – and for all time.
So, Dowd asks: “In what way is there a dishonest gain, deception, or an unfair advantage, anything unjust (mah betsa’) in my bloodshed (ba dam ‘any) with being cast down, abandoned, and oppressed (ba yarad), 83myself (‘any), toward the lightless prison (la shachath)?”
“Myself,” wrote the author.
Yahowah’s Son and prophet, our Messiah and King, is trying to help us deal with all of this and fathom the implications. The lament was but for a moment, while his jubilation would last forever. He is proud of having contributed to the eternal life and perfection of himself and his people.
In the first volume of Coming Home, in the 10th chapter, To Dowd or Not to Dowd, we considered the 89th Mizmowr where Yahowah states that Dowd is His firstborn Son. I will share that section of the Song of Songs with you at the completion of the 30th Psalm.
“Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s one and only name pronounced as guided by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence for our shalowm – reconciliation as our ‘elowah – God), You listened (shama’ – You heard (qal perfect second-person masculine singular) [from 4QPs]) and showed compassion, were merciful, and spared me (chanan ‘any – and generously favored me (qal perfect) [from 4QPs]).
Yahowah (Yahowah – God’s name transliterated as directed by His towrah – instructions on His hayah – existence and His role in our shalowm – reconciliation), it was Your will to exist as (hayah – You want to be (qal imperative second-person masculine singular)) my helper who supports and assists me (‘azar la ‘any).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:10)
Yahowah encourages us to shama’ | listen to Him. He’s a lot smarter than we are. But there was one man whose voice Yahowah loved to hear…Dowd’s. He wrote the lyrics to the songs God relishes.
Dowd was a prophet. He knew that His Father would bail him out, lift him up, and assist him in this way. And 84Dowd may be the lone man among us bold enough to call Yahowah “‘azar la ‘any – my helper, supporter, and assistant.”
The destructive ordeal of Passover was now over and the great lament of Matsah was complete. Dowd was dancing before his Father. It was then that his ordinary clothes were removed so that he could be dressed for the occasion. What better robes for the King of ‘Eden to wear than those representing the Great Joy celebrated by all he has brought back to the Garden?
“You have overwhelmingly changed, transforming (haphak – You have turned being destroyed and demolished and flipped the contrarian nature of (qal perfect second-person masculine singular)) my wailing lamentation (misephad ‘any – my shrieking and howling) to dancing all around (la machowl – of joyous movements while pondering the anguishing pain) for me (la ‘any).
You have loosened and released (patach – You have opened and freed (piel perfect)) my sackcloth of common clothing (saq ‘any – my course and humiliating apparel) and You have girded me (wa ‘azar ‘any – You have continually equipped and encompassed me, clothing me (piel imperfect)) in delightful happiness and pleasurable gladness (simchah – cheerfulness and jubilation in the most favorable of circumstances), (Mizmowr 30:11) so that, as a result (la ma’an), I can continually sing (zamar) of You (‘atah) as honorable and rewarding, glorious and powerful (kabowd – as tremendously important and wonderfully enriching), and of never being silent or unresponsive (wa lo’ damam – never ceasing, never stopping, never resting or still (qal imperfect)), my God (‘elohym ‘any), forevermore (la ‘owlam – throughout eternity). I continually express my appreciation to You for Your influence in my life and for casting me down and then praising me (yadah ‘atah – I publicly confess 85my gratitude for being taken down and then extolled (hifil imperfect first-person singular energic nun jussive paragogicum energicus)).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:12)
He earned it. He deserves it. And best of all, because of what he has done, we can all dance and sing alongside him – eternally happy – having returned to ‘Eden.
Amazingly, Dowd-ingly, rather than take credit for what he had done, this remarkable Son directed all of the accolades at his Father who had made it possible. He had trusted his Father more in this than anything else, and He had proven Himself reliable.
So here now for your consideration is the 30th Mizmowr, complete and without interruption. Enjoy…
“A song (shyr) for the dedication to disciplined instruction, with commitment to teaching what is honorable and special (chanukah), of the Family Home and Household (ha beyth) of Dowd (la Dowd)…
I am always proud of You and continually honor You (ruwm ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah), because truly, emphasizing the importance of this statement (ky), You have lifted me up and withdrawn me from the depths, not allowing me to languish, while providing a wellspring of understanding pertaining to the doorway entering the home (dalah ‘any).
And you have not allowed anyone adversarial to me to rejoice over me, preventing those who would defame me from celebrating over me (wa lo’ samach ‘oyeb ‘any la ‘any). (Mizmowr 30:1)
Yahowah (Yahowah), my God (‘elohym ‘any), I had implored You to assist me in the moment to find relief (shawa’ ‘el ‘atah), and You restored me forevermore (wa rapha’ ‘any). (Mizmowr 30:2)
Yahowah (Yahowah), in a moment in time, You 86facilitated the withdrawal and the raising (‘alah) of my soul, my consciousness, my ability to observe what is happening around me and respond (nepesh ‘any) out of She’owl | Hell (min She’owl).
In an instant, You brought me back to life (chayah ‘any), away from those who are cast down and diminished (min yarad) to the pit, the lightless prison (bowr). (Mizmowr 30:3)
You should choose to strum an instrument and sing a song (zamar) to Yahowah (la Yahowah), His dedicated and zealous, Godly ones who are seeking His favor and mercy (chasyd huw’), while showing that you want to express your appreciation for the influence and awareness (wa yadah) of His set-apart, uncommon, and special (qodesh huw’) renown, reputation, and name, as well as for recalling this even (la zeker). (Mizmowr 30:4)
Indeed, for an instant (ky rega’), His resentment and displeasure were intense (ba ‘aph huw’); for a lifetime and for the living (chayym), He is pleased and accepting (ba ratsown huw’).
With the sunset and ensuing darkness (ba ha ‘ereb), there was a night of enduring sorrow and bitter humiliation (lyn baky), but toward the morning with the dawn’s early light (la ha boqer), there was joy at having overcome, jubilation and singing over the sacrifice during a time of celebration providing a legitimate reason for justifiable pride (rinah). (Mizmowr 30:5)
As for me (wa ‘any), I expressed (‘amar) during my now tranquil and secure, indeed, satisfying circumstance, having succeeded (ba shaluw ‘any), I will never again be removed, slipping into a troubling and unfavorable place (bal mowth) for all eternity (la ‘owlam). (Mizmowr 30:6)
Yahowah (Yahowah), by Your acceptance and 87favor, with Your approval and decision to be genuinely pleased by this event, accepting it as completely satisfactory (ba ratsown ‘atah), You caused the mountain to be present and accounted for, taking a stand at this time (‘amad la har), prevailing by mightily strengthening and empowering (‘oz).
However, when You concealed Your presence for that moment (sathar paneh ‘atah) for a time, I was horrified and in agony, alarmed, anguished and anxious, in a tremendous hurry to hasten the torture (hayah bahal). (Mizmowr 30:7)
To You (‘el ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah), I was appointed to call out and continually proclaim the summons, and to make the invitations known, and I am mentioned by name when reading the offers to meet (qara’).
And with (wa ‘el) Yahowah (Yahowah), even alone and unassisted for a while, I am continually shown compassion, great kindness, enduring love, and loyal devotion (chanan). (Mizmowr 30:8)
In what way is there a dishonest gain, deception, or an unfair advantage (mah betsa’ – where is there an ill-gotten benefit or something unjust, even unrighteous) in my bloodshed (ba dam ‘any) with being cast down (ba yarad – in being abandoned and subjugated after descending (qal infinitive construct)), myself (‘any), toward the lightless prison (la shachath – approaching the darkness of the dungeon [preposition from 4QPs vs. ‘el in MT])?
Will the material realm (ha ‘aphar) choose to express its appreciation for You (yadah ‘atah)? Will it be informative and announce (ha nagad) Your trustworthiness and enduring reliability (‘emeth ‘atah)? (Mizmowr 30:9)
88Yahowah (Yahowah), You listened (shama’) and showed compassion, were merciful, and spared me (chanan ‘any).
Yahowah (Yahowah), it was Your will to exist as (hayah) my helper who supports and assists me (‘azar la ‘any). (Mizmowr 30:10)
You have overwhelmingly changed, transforming (haphak) my wailing lamentation (misephad ‘any) to dancing all around (la machowl) for me (la ‘any).
You have loosened and released (patach) my sackcloth of common clothing (saq ‘any) and You have girded me (wa ‘azar ‘any) in delightful happiness and pleasurable gladness (simchah), (Mizmowr 30:11) so that, as a result (la ma’an), I can continually sing (zamar) of You (‘atah) as honorable and rewarding, glorious and powerful (kabowd), and of never being silent or unresponsive (wa lo’ damam), my God (‘elohym ‘any), forevermore (la ‘owlam).
I continually express my appreciation to You for Your influence in my life and for casting me down and then praising me vociferously and passionately (yadah ‘atah).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 30:12)
If I may be so bold, I think Dowd wanted this, no, he needed it. He knew what he had done, and he did not think he was deserving of being considered Yahowah’s firstborn Son and the eternal king of the universe throughout eternity. He already knew that he lacked the respect of his people. So, he pleaded with Yahowah for this opportunity. He recognized that, without it, he would go throughout eternity agonizing over whether his special treatment was actually undeserved.
If Yahowah allowed him to do this, to save the lives of every member of the Covenant Family and offer redemption to every Yisra’elite, indeed, all humankind, we 89would view him differently, recognizing just how much he deserved our appreciation – our respect.
He became our Shepherd when he became his Father’s Firstborn. In life, he devoted himself to defending his people, and so this act was in keeping with his character. He didn’t just talk the talk better than anyone, he walked The Walk.
It was the gift he always wanted most to offer to His Father – to build His Family Home. It was the gift of life, of salvation, that he gave his people. And it was the ultimate gift that his Father gave to his Son – allowing him to do this for himself, for God, and for us.
Having some appreciation for the power of these words, there are tears streaming down my cheeks as I share them with you. I have always loved and admired Dowd. More recently, I have become thrilled and honored to serve as his assistant and herald. But now, at this moment, I am humbled in his presence. My respect is immense.
Having listened to the haunting and melodious chords of the Song of Matsah leading to Bikuwrym, I’d like to share how this occurred by returning to the Song of Songs. And while the answer that it boldly asserts regarding Dowd being Yah’s Firstborn is presented in the 27th refrain, its resonance is not only enhanced when heard from the beginning, based upon what we have just learned, this may take your breath away…
“A Poem of Insights to Contemplate and Comprehend (maskyl – the lyrics to a song written to convey important ideas worthy of thoughtful consideration; a compound of ma – to ponder the important questions regarding sakal – being circumspect and prudent, 90gaining insights and prospering from them, paying attention to understand, and learning to comprehend) by (la) ‘Eythan | that which is Continuous and Everlasting (‘Eythan) the ‘Ezrachy | the Native-Born Person and Strong Arm (ha ‘Ezrachy). (Mizmowr 89 Dedication)
I have chosen to sing (shyr) about the loyal love, steadfast devotion, enduring favoritism, unfailing affection, and genuine mercy (chesed) of Yahowah (Yahowah), doing so forever (‘owlam) on behalf of (la) all generations throughout time (dowr wa dowr).
With my mouth (ba peh ‘any), I will make known (yada’ – I will respect and reveal, demonstrating that I am familiar with, acknowledge, accept, appreciate, and understand) Your trustworthiness and dependability (‘emuwnah ‘atah – Your honesty and reliability, Your steadfast commitment to the truth). (Mizmowr 89:1)
Yes, indeed (ky), I declare (‘amar), ‘His eternal and everlasting (‘owlam huw’) love, devotion, and genuine mercy (chesed – caring and concern for the relationship and generosity, affection and support, favors and benefits germane to the Covenant) will be built up and developed to conceive children and construct a home (banah – will be established based upon the son, procreating a family by restoring and fortifying children; from ben – son with the addition of a concluding ah, thereby revealing the maternal influence on the son).
You will develop (kuwn – You will fashion, and form such that it is durable and lasting) authenticate, establish, and sustain Your trustworthiness and reliability (‘emuwnah ‘atah – You will validate Your honesty and dependability, Your steadfast commitment to the truth such that it is easily confirmed and readily verified, shown to be correct and accurate) within the spiritual realms (shamaym ba hem – in the heavens).’” (Mizmowr 89:2)
91Switching now to Yahowah’s voice as He speaks of His Son…
“‘I have established (karat – I have cut (as is the case with circumcision), making a resolution through separation, a solemn agreement between parties with stipulations, responsibilities, and benefits) the Beryth | Covenant, the Home for the Family (Beryth – Family-Oriented Relationship Agreement which brings individuals together with action, commitment, and engagement in accordance with the stipulations required of both parties to the agreement) with My Chosen One (la bachyr ‘any – on behalf of, according to, and for the individual I have personally decided upon, having chosen and selected, under the auspices of freewill the one I prefer and favor for a special relationship and affection; from bachar – to choose and decide and bachan – to test, examine, and scrutinize).
I have sworn an oath (shaba’ – I have made a binding promise and I will always affirm the truth of this statement (nifal perfect)) to Dowd (la Dowd – concerning the Beloved; from dowd – the one who is loved and who loves in return), My authorized agent who works on My behalf (‘ebed ‘any – My coworker, associate, and servant; from ‘abad – to work).’ (Mizmowr 89:3)
I will establish (kuwn – I will appoint, prepare, develop, support, and sustain) your offspring and that which you sow (zera’ ‘atah – your seed and what you have sown, your children and descendants, your posterity and family, even your ethnicity and the yield of what you plant) as an eternal witness (‘ad ‘owlam – to provide never-ending testimony throughout time).
In addition, I will construct a home (wa banah – I will establish based upon the son, procreating a family by restoring and fortifying the resulting children; showing the maternal influence on building up the ben – son) for your 92throne and seat of honor (kise’ ‘atah – your authority and authorization, your place of honor, and your right to rule) on behalf of all generations throughout time (la dowr wa dowr).’
Selah | Pause now and contemplate the implications (selah – take a moment to consider what has just been conveyed prior to moving on). (Mizmowr 89:4)
The spiritual realms (shamaym – the heavens) know and appreciate (yadah – are aware and understand and thus extol, properly attributing and expressing gratitude; from yad – to influence and yada’ – to know, recognize, and acknowledge) Your wonderful and marvelous contributions (pale’ ‘atah – Your amazing accomplishments and outstanding achievements, even miraculous fulfillments), Yahowah (Yahowah), and also (‘aph) Your trustworthiness (‘emuwnah ‘atah – Your honesty and dependability, Your steadfast commitment to the truth) in the community (ba qahal – within the gathering assembly) of the Set Apart (qodesh – the separated and dedicated with essential Divine qualities and status). (Mizmowr 89:5)
Indeed (ky) who (my) in the heavens (ba ha shamaym) can be equated (‘arak – can be put in the same position or compared) to (la) Yahowah (Yahowah)? Who is similar to or thinks like (damah – who resembles and communicates like) Yahowah (Yahowah) among the children of God (ba ben ‘el – in those conceived by God)? (Mizmowr 89:6)
He is an inspiring and awesome (‘arats – He is a well-regarded and exceedingly productive) God (‘el) in the council (ba sowd – within the intimate fellowship where there is a foundation of trust, discretion, and mutual reliance) of the Set-Apart Ones (qadowshym – of those who are separated and exalted), tremendously great, while inspiring reverence and respect (rab wa yare’) 93beyond all those around Him (‘al kol sabyb). (Mizmowr 89:7)
Yahowah (Yahowah), God (‘elohym) of the vast array of spiritual implements (tsaba’), who and what (my) is comparable to Your (kamow ‘atah) awesome power and extraordinary gifts (chasyn – strength, value, and treasure, addressing God’s capability and what He has to offer; from chasan – to be treasured and valued) which are all around You (sabyb ‘atah), Yahowah (Yahowah), including (wa) Your unwavering commitment to the truth (‘emuwnah ‘atah)? (Mizmowr 89:8)
You have conveyed vivid parables (‘atah mashal – You have created easily remembered proverbs, which are word pictures, regarding establishing one ruler) over the raging devastation and presumptive arrogance (ba ge’uwth – the undue and unwarranted status and moral failures along with the violent agitation associated with the surging) of the sea (ha yam – of the West, serving as a metaphor for gowym, both nations and people).
When its turbulent and surging waves rise up in deceit (ba nasa’ / nasha’ gal huw’ – when its stormy conditions and strong currents which are contaminated with biological excrement and defiling human dung are roused using clever trickery to craft delusions), You will expose them and stop them (‘atah shabach hem – You assert what is factually accurate about them, stilling them). (Mizmowr 89:9)
You humbled and crushed (‘atah daka’ – You rejected and defeated the oppressor, shattering) the contentious pleas and reprehensible and deadly nature of (ka ha chalal – the profane and popular associations which as a result of one person pressing his agenda are overwhelming and fatal) the pretentious pride and stormy arrogance of the boisterous afflicter and his false god (rahab – the haughtiness and frenzied activity of 94the insolent and audacious one who presses his contentious and opposing plea, the defiant and confused musings associated with emboldened verbal calls for religious worship and submission, along with the senseless behavior and insubordinate taunts of the self-willed one who falsely claims Divine authorization in concert with the monstrous sea and idolatry) with Your empowered and fortified (ba ‘oz ‘atah – by way of Your mentally acute, physically strong, and psychologically prepared) Arm and Protective Shepherd (zarowa’ – Productive Ram who shepherds the flock, one who prevails because he is effective and strong, fully resolved with the overall ability to accomplish the mission, the remarkably important and impactful individual of action who, as a leader and fighter is engaged as a shepherd among his sheep, who is fruitful in his ways, especially when sowing the seeds of truth while denoting and advancing the purpose of the arm of God, of His shepherd and sacrificial lamb (speaking of Dowd | David)), isolating and separating (pazar) Your adversaries (‘oyeb ‘atah). (Mizmowr 89:10)
The heavens (shamaym – the spiritual realms) are Yours (la ‘atah). The material realm (‘erets – the land), the world (tebel – the Earth), and all that is in it (wa malo’ hy’ – as well as the multitude of things that fill this space), is also Yours (‘aph la ‘atah).
You laid the foundation for them and created them (‘atah yasad hem – You established them). (Mizmowr 89:11) The north (tsaphown – the place where treasure is taken and hidden) and (wa) the south (yamyn – the right side) You have created them (‘atah bara’ hem).
Tabowr | the Broken (tabowr – the shattered, crippled, and crushed, a high hill in Lower Galilee, location of the battle Deborah and Barak waged against the Canaanites, the presumed location of the Mount of Transfiguration, and the location where, in 55 BCE, 10,000 Yahuwdym were slaughtered by the Romans, and then 95countless more in 66 CE by Emperor Vespasian; later Muslims and Crusaders fought there; from tabar and shabar – to be broken down and violently maimed) and (wa) Chermown | the Banned and Exterminated (Chermown – the accursed, mutilated, and destroyed, a mountain in the Golan along the Yisra’el, Syrian, and Lebanese border, the site of intense battles in the Six-Day War (1967) and Yom Kippur War (1973) against Muslims and now serves as an Israeli observation post to monitor the Syrian and Lebanese jihadists) shout for joy (ranan) in Your name (ba shem ‘atah). (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 89:12)
Beside You and on Your behalf (la ‘atah) the Protective Shepherd (zarowa’ – the Productive Ram who shepherds the flock, who prevails because he is effective and strong, fully resolved with the overall ability to accomplish the mission, the remarkably important and impactful individual of action who, as a leader and fighter is engaged as a shepherd among his sheep, who is fruitful in his ways, especially when sowing the seeds of truth while denoting and advancing the purpose of the arm of God, of His shepherd and sacrificial lamb (speaking of Dowd | David)) with tremendous power and awesome ability (‘im gabuwrah – with the will to fight and the capacity to perform, who accomplishes what needs to be done, becoming victorious; from gibowr – a mighty warrior, valiant soldier, and capable defender, a hero worth noting) will be Your strong hand (‘azaz yad ‘atah – is the means You will use to confidently prevail, applying the force required to firmly establish and boldly overpower) raised up high (ruwm – lifted up as an extension from the source) at Your right side (yamyn ‘atah). (Mizmowr 89:13)
Being correct (tsedeq – being right, honest, and fair, being accurate, proper, and just) regarding executing good judgment and justly resolving disputes (wa 96mishpat – along with adroitly pondering all of the questions required to make rational and moral decisions; a compound of ma – to question and thus ponder and consider and shaphat – to decide, to be discriminating, and to be just, executing good judgment) serves as the foundation (makown – are the basis and home, the very essence of the upright nature) of your throne (kise’ ‘atah – of your authority and position of honor).
A loving relationship and genuine mercy (chesed – loyalty and devotion, enduring favoritism and affection), along with a steadfast commitment to the truth (wa ‘emuwnah – trustworthiness and honesty, being reliable and dependable), encounter those who enter your presence (qadam paneh ‘atah – embrace those who come to meet you and can be anticipated because they are front and center with you). (Mizmowr 89:14)
Delighted to show the way and blessed (‘ashry – happy to reveal the proper path to the relationship and fortunate, treated favorably; from ‘asher – enjoying the benefits of the relationship by having been shown the steps to walk to get the most out of life) are the people (ha ‘am – are the family members) who are aware of and acknowledge (yada’ – who are familiar and acquainted with, who learn about and make known, who comprehend and understand) Taruw’ah (Taruw’ah – Trumpets, the 5th of 7 Miqra’ey, time to expose corruptions while sharing the truth, crying out an alarm and shouting for joy, blowing the showphar to announce the harvest of Covenant souls and Dowd’s impending arrival), who walk (halak) with the light into Your presence (ba ‘owr paneh ‘atah – along with and within this enlightenment into Your shining brilliance, appearance, and face), Yahowah (Yahowah). (Mizmowr 89:15)
In Your name (ba shem ‘atah), they rejoice (gyl – they celebrate these favorable circumstances, expressing their enthusiasm) every day (kol ha yowm). And (wa) in 97Your justice and vindication, by being right (ba tsadaqah ‘atah – in You being correct, fair, and just, rightfully acquitting), they are lifted on high (ruwm – they rise, going to a higher elevation). (Mizmowr 89:16)
Indeed (ky), Your power (‘oz ‘atah) is their adornment (tiph’erth hem – their ornamentation, and beautiful appearance, comprising their splendor and Divine attributes) and (wa) our status and radiance (qaran ‘anachnuw – our illumination and source of light, our appearance as light, our shining appearance) is lifted up (ruwm – is raised and elevated as an extension from the source) by Your desire to be accepting (ba ratsown ‘atah – for Your pleasure and in concert with Your will, by You having chosen to favorably accept and for having determined to be pleased). (Mizmowr 89:17)
For (ky) our deliverance and protection (magen ‘anachnuw) are from (la) Yahowah (Yahowah). Accordingly (wa la), the Set-Apart One (qadowsh – the one who is distinct and separate from the rest, the one who is prepared and dedicated) of Yisra’el (Yisra’el – of Individuals who Engage and Endure with God) is our king (melek ‘anachnuw – is our leader, our authorized authority, and our sovereign). (Mizmowr 89:18)
At the time (‘az) You spoke (dabar – communicated with words, promising and declaring) in a revelation (ba chazown – prophetically in a manner such that the intelligent would perceive by visually conveying an agreement) to (la) those whose love for You and commitment to You is unwavering (chasyd ‘atah), saying (‘amar), ‘I have provided (shawah – set and placed, giving and bestowing) assistance, supplying what is needed (‘ezer – I helped and empowered, equipped and enabled) on behalf of (‘al – for and upon) the one with the strength to prevail (gibowr – the mightiest of men, the strong and effective fighter, the valiant and brave warrior, the one who battles; from gabar – to prevail, to be 98powerful, mighty, and strong, to prove one’s valor, and to be a champion for a virtuous cause).
I have raised up and exalted (ruwm – I have elevated and lifted on high, taking action to empower) the Chosen One (bachar – the one selected, tried, and tested, examined and found acceptable) from (min – out of) the people (‘am – the family). (Mizmowr 89:19)
I discovered and then made known (matsa’ – I located, found, revealed, exposed, encountered, and experienced, then sought to reap the benefit by inspiring) Dowd (Dowd – the Beloved; from dowd – the one who is loved and who loves in return), My coworker (‘ebed ‘any – My authorized agent who works on My behalf; from ‘abad – to work).
Out of (min) My set-apart oil which uniquely distinguishes (shemen qodesh ‘any – My separating, devoting, and preparing olive oil I have dedicated him to service), I have anointed him (mashach – I have applied the oil, dedicating him to My purpose; the actionable basis of and thus process of becoming the Mashyach | Messiah) (Mizmowr 89:20) so that to show the way to the relationship (‘asher – to reveal the path to walk to get the most out of life because) My hand (yad ‘any – My influence and ability to act) will be established and steadfast (kuwn – will be authenticated and sustained, made ready and prepared, be unwavering and persistent) with you (‘im ‘atah).
In addition (‘aph), My Protective Shepherd (zarowa’ ‘any – My Productive Ram who shepherds the flock, who prevails because he is effective and strong, fully resolved with the overall ability to accomplish the mission, My remarkably important and impactful individual of action who, as a leader and fighter, is engaged as a shepherd among My sheep, who is fruitful in his ways, especially when sowing the seeds of truth while denoting 99and advancing the purpose of the arm of God, of His shepherd and sacrificial lamb) shall empower and embolden you, strengthening you (‘amets ‘atah – will help you grow, elevating your status, reinforcing you with the determination to persist and be courageous). (Mizmowr 89:21)
The Adversary (‘oyeb – the hostile opposition, the enemy, the one with animosity, enmity, and rancor (masculine singular)) will not nullify him (showa’ – will not negate his value nor annul his position or purpose) and (wa) the Son of Evil (ben ‘awlah – the Son of Wickedness, the Child of Malice and Injustice, the Seed of One who is Wrong, Harmful, and Damaging to Others) shall not deny him nor denigrate him (lo’ ‘anah huw’ – shall not silence him nor stop him, will not negate his answers nor nullify his responsive declarations). (Mizmowr 89:22)
And so (wa) I will pulverize and crush (kathath – I will defeat, then vanquish) his foes, especially those who seek to constrain and restrict him (tsary huw’ – his adversaries who openly display their hostility and opposition, creating an unfavorable situation, by diminishing his calling and purpose). Then (wa) out of his presence (min paneh huw’ – away from and on account of, even before his appearance), I will plague (nagaph – I will afflict with a deadly pandemic disease) those who shun him by attempting to decrease his status (sane’ huw’ – those who are openly hostile in their derision and who so intensely dislike him they refuse to associate with him, failing to appreciate what his love represents). (Mizmowr 89:23)
Therefore (wa), My steadfast commitment to the truth (‘emuwnah ‘any – My trustworthiness and unrelenting honesty, the realization that I am reliable and dependable, unchanging and without contradiction, resolute and unwavering) and (wa) My love, devotion, and enduring favoritism, My unfailing affection and 100genuine mercy (chesed ‘any – My commitment to a loving relationship, to generosity and kindness, in addition to the continuation of My merciful benefits within the Covenant), are with him (‘im huw’).
In My name (wa ba shem ‘any – in My personal and proper designation), his light will radiate and enlighten (qaran huw’ – his glowing appearance and ability to enlighten will be brilliant, even his horns, symbolic of his status and strength when worn as a crown and of his role as the protective ram among the sheep will be prominent, as will be his trumpet for signaling which emits light). (Mizmowr 89:24)
He shall call out to Me and welcome Me, announcing (huw’ qara’ ‘any – he will genuinely invite Me into his life, actually reading and reciting to Me, continually proclaiming unto Me), ‘You are my Father (‘ab ‘any ‘atah)!’ (Mizmowr 89:26)
I (‘any), also (‘aph), will appoint him (nathan huw’ – will offer him, bestowing him as a gift, causing him by way of this relationship to be) My firstborn (bakowr ‘any – My firstborn son, serving as the basis of Bikuwrym, the 3rd of 7 Miqra’ey), the highest of all (‘elyown – the most exalted in status, rank, and position, the supreme, a title so Divine in nature, it includes ‘el and is almost always reserved for God, Himself) of the kings and rulers (la melek) of the Earth (‘erets). (Mizmowr 89:27)
For all eternity (la ‘owlam), I will keep watch over him, paying very close attention to him (shamar la huw’ – I will focus upon him, observing all there is to know about him, closely and carefully considering him, paying attention to him and guarding him).
My unwavering love, unrelenting devotion, enduring affection, and genuine mercy (chesed ‘any) as a part of My Family-Oriented Covenant agreement (wa beryth ‘any) are truthfully presented and will reliably 101endure with him (‘aman la huw’ – are established and verifiable, confirmed and credible, upheld and everlasting, especially real for him and through him). (Mizmowr 89:28)
And I will establish (wa sym – appoint and preserve) his seed, that which he sows, and his offspring (zera’ huw’ – his posterity and descendants as well as what is yielded from the seeds he plants), as an eternal witness forever (la ‘ed | ‘ad – as everlasting and continually enduring testimony and as evidence which serves as proof). And (wa) his throne (kise’ huw’ – his position and seat of honor) shall be equated to the days of heaven (ka yowm shamaym – will be as time in the spiritual realms, which is everlasting). (Mizmowr 89:29)
However, if (‘im – and yet on the contrary and condition, should the situation be that) his children (beny huw’ – his descendants) continue to forsake, ignore or reject (‘azab – habitually neglect or abandon, depart from and disavow) My Towrah (Towrah ‘any – My Source of Teaching and Guidance, Instruction and Direction) and (wa) make a habit of failing to walk (wa lo’ halak) according to My means to justly resolve disputes, executing good judgment regarding Me (ba mishpat ‘any), (Mizmowr 89:30) if (‘im – on the condition that) they perpetually view My clearly communicated prescriptions for living with contempt (chuqah ‘any chalal – profaning and desecrating My conditions, dishonoring what I’ve enacted and constituted), and further (wa), if they consistently fail to observe the instructive terms of the relationship (mitswah ‘any lo’ shamar – they fail to closely examine and carefully consider the requirements of the Covenant), (Mizmowr 89:31) then (wa) I will hold them accountable (paqad – I will consider all of these things and attend to them) with the measure (ba shebet – with the rod and scepter) of their rebellion (pesha’ hem – of their defiance and revolt).
102The consequence of their deviation from the way and of their wrongdoing (‘awon hem – their perversity and depravity) will be a pestilence which causes widespread death (ba nega’ – will be a sudden blow, physically infecting them such that they are plagued and die from the spread of the fungus). (Mizmowr 89:32)
Accordingly (wa), My unwavering love, enduring devotion, unmitigated affection, and genuine mercy (chesed ‘any – My commitment to a loving relationship, to generosity and kindness, in addition to the continuation of My Covenant benefits) I will never remove from him (lo’ parar min ‘im huw’ – I will not withdraw from him nor will I disassociate) because I will never communicate something which is not true nor will I ever contradict (wa lo’ shaqar ba – nor will I lie, deal falsely, deceive, or mislead, and thus never betray who I am, with regard to) My steadfast commitment to the truth (‘emuwnah ‘any). (Mizmowr 89:33)
I will never dishonor, nor will I poke holes in (lo’ chalal – I will never defile by treating as if it were common, and thus not uniquely special, holding in contempt, sullying or desecrating) My Covenant (beryth ‘any – My Family, My Home, and My Relationship Agreement) nor will I ever alter or change (wa lo’ shanah – and I will never rearrange, modify, or adjust) that which has gone forth from (mowtsa’ – that which at any stage of the journey has been placed on) My lips (saphah ‘any – My statements and speech). (Mizmowr 89:34)
There is only one (‘echad – once and for all, there is only one man) to whom I have affirmed the truth by having made a promise (shaba’ – to whom I have validated My commitment through a sworn oath in concert with the nature of seven) by My Set-Apart nature (ba qodesh ‘any). If not to (‘im la) Dowd (Dowd), I will be proven a liar (kazab – I have communicated that which is 103not true and is deceptive and false, and in the end will have failed). (Mizmowr 89:35)
His offspring and that which he sows (zera’ huw’) shall exist and endure (hayah) forever (la ‘owlam). And (wa) his place of honor (kise’ huw’ – his throne, seat of authority, and sovereign leadership) shall be as (ka – is comparable to) the sun (ha shemesh) before Me (neged ‘any – that close and conspicuous in My presence and literally straight ahead and in front of Me as My counterpart). (Mizmowr 89:36)
Like (ka) the moon (yareach), it shall be established (kuwn) for a very long time (‘owlam), serving as an enduring and reliable (‘aman – easily verified and dependable) witness (‘ed – symbol and informative source) in the sky (ba ha shachaq).’
Pause now and contemplate what you have just read (selah). (Mizmowr 89:37)
But now (wa) you have refused to accept (zanach – your stagnation and lack of movement has caused a foul stench by spurning such that you have thrown out for a time) and (wa) you have rejected by diminishing the merit of, even over time becoming averse to (ma’as – you have repudiated by minimizing the value of, thereby limiting your relationship to and dependence upon) your Messiah (Mashyach ‘atah – your Anointed, the One set apart and prepared to serve you), improperly, and on your own initiative, meddling while presumptuously passing over (‘abar – unjustifiably passing right by in antipathy, somehow displeased with the affairs, and yet acting on your own initiative) any association with him (‘im huw’)! (Mizmowr 89:38)
You have repudiated and renounced (na’ar – you have disavowed, having no relationship with, refusing to even acknowledge) the Covenant (beryth – the Family, Home, and Relationship Agreement) with your coworker 104(‘ebed ‘atah), dishonoring and defiling (chalal – treating with contempt and desecrating by making common and no longer uniquely special, sullying and polluting) his dedication and preparation, even his consecration and crown (nezer huw’ – his uncommon ability to separate himself, demonstrate his unparalleled devotion, and show his respect). (Mizmowr 89:39)
Within the Land (la ha ‘erets), you have broken down and destroyed (parats – you have breached and in hostility shattered, negatively impacting with your opposition to) his entire sheepfold and all of its walls (kol gaderah huw’ – the entirety of his protective enclosure and its hedges). You have caused (sym) the undoing, the degradation and destruction (machatah – the demolishing and ruination, to the point of disrepair by corrupting; from ma – to question and chata’ – what it means to miss the way) of his fortifications (mibtsar huw’). (Mizmowr 89:40)
All who pass by this way (kol ‘abar derek – everyone crossing this path) plunder him (shasas huw’ – pillage and ransack him, robbing him of his due). It has become such that (hayah) he is scorned and abusively ridiculed (cherpah – he is insulted, and it is held in contempt, even taunted by this disgraceful reproach) by those who claim some affinity with him (la shaken huw’ – by those settling in close proximity). (Mizmowr 89:41)
You have lifted up and exalted (ruwm – you have raised up and have sought to bring credibility and distinction to, even tried to justify) the upper hand (yamym) of his foes and adversaries, especially those who try to constrain it and limit him (tsar – his opponents while narrowing its scope by being contentious and troubling leading to an unfavorable result). You have caused all those who demonstrate animosity toward him and rancor (kol ‘oyeb – you have made the 105opposition) to be delighted (samach – elated). (Mizmowr 89:42)
What’s worse, in addition (‘aph), you have deliberately turned away from (shuwb – you have turned around so that it is pointed in the opposite direction) what he has chiseled in stone (tsuwr chereb huw’ – the cutting tool he used on the rock) such that (wa) you do not stand with him or support him (quwm huw’ – you do not rise up or take a stand with him) in this conflict (ba ha milchamah – in this fight between opposing parties). (Mizmowr 89:43)
His brilliance and its splendor (tahar huw’ – his luster and status, his clear and illuminating approach, especially the means to being purified and pronounced clean) and his position of honor (wa kise’ huw’ – in addition to his throne and authority to lead) you have truncated (shabath – causing a cessation of progress) because (min) you have hurled it to the ground (la magar ha ‘erets – you have thrown into the dirt, tossing it from the Land). (Mizmowr 89:44)
You have cut short, curtailing the ability to accomplish the mission (qatsar – you have made insufficient and lacking, depreciating his essential essence) during the days (yowmym) of his youth (‘aluwmym huw’ – when he was a young man and the model of fitness, life, vigor, strength, and health). You have shamefully covered him over, dishonoring him (‘atah ‘al huw’ buwshah – you have diminished his status, washing away his purpose). Take a moment and consider the implications (selah). (Mizmowr 89:45)
For how long (‘ad mah), Yahowah (Yahowah), will You remain hidden and unknown (sathar – will You be concealed, a secret to many)? Will Your displeasure and antagonism (chemah ‘atah – will Your hostile response to 106all that is wrong and indignation) burn like a fire (ba’ar kamow ‘esh) forever (la netsach)? (Mizmowr 89:46)
For how short is the futile and empty life (cheled ‘al mah showa’ – what is the duration of a lifespan in this vain and worthless world which is so temporary and so prone to that which is in conflict with the truth, making it all for naught) of all of the children of men (kol ben ‘adam) which You have created (bara’) that You have chosen to remember me (zakar ‘any – it is Your desire to recognize and recall me)? (Mizmowr 89:47)
What man (my geber – how can a human) can live (chayah – is revived) and (wa) never see (lo’ ra’ah – never witness) death as a result of the plague (maweth – dying from the pandemic disease which infects and destroys a great many people), saving his soul (malat nepesh huw’ – delivering and sparing his consciousness, rescuing his inner nature) from the influence (min yad – from the influence and acts) of Sha’uwl (Sha’uwl – Question Him, the Benjamite wolf in sheep’s clothing who as a result of being demon-possessed changed his name to reflect his affinity with Rome, becoming Paul, the principal author of the Christian New Testament, the Father of Lies and the Son of Evil)?
Pause now and consider what this implies (selah). (Mizmowr 89:48)
Where (‘ayeh – posing a rhetorical question regarding an individual’s position) is Your unwavering love and enduring mercy (chesed ‘atah – Your devotion to the familial relationship and unfailing kindness) which was expressed first and foremost in the beginning (ri’shown – as the initial priority, as the most important consideration of what was occurring from the start, preceding this and of old) which You promised (shaba’ – You truthfully proclaimed and affirmed as part of Your binding oath) to Dowd, the Beloved (la Dowd), in harmony with Your 107steadfast commitment to being trustworthy and reliable (‘emuwnah ‘atah), my Upright One (‘edown ‘any)? (Mizmowr 89:49)
Choose to remember, and elect to be mindful of (zakar – please recall and never forget, be reminded of and proclaim the truth, desirous of being always mindful of), the contemptible and condescending taunts and the dishonorable and deplorable decrees which were determined (cherpah – the insulting slurs and harmful insults, the reprehensible decisions and supposedly authorized judgments which were appalling) by all of the many nations and preponderance of the people (kol rabym ‘am – by the totality of the human family, by every ethnicity, and by the most exalted of countries) against those who work with You (‘ebed ‘atah) which I have now brought to bear (nasa’ ‘any – I have carried forward and have endured) in my best judgment (ba heq – from my chest which is the place where my core values reside), my Upright One (‘edown ‘any). (Mizmowr 89:50)
That is because (‘asher – revealing their relationships and way) those in open opposition to You (‘oyeb ‘atah – Your enemies and adversaries, those who show their animosity, enmity, and rancor toward You), Yahowah (Yahowah), are insulting with their bewildering derision and improperly discerned contempt (charaph – are defiant and evil, causing people to think irrationally, confounding them through blasphemy) which is why (‘asher) they are confusing, responding improperly by ridiculing and defying (charaph – they mislead by treating with contempt, insulting and taunting, thereby diminishing the value and credibility of) the beneficial and trustworthy footsteps (‘aqeb / ‘eqeb – the unwavering and reliable stance and the steadfastness) of Your Messiah (mashyach ‘atah – Your Anointed Mashyach). (Mizmowr 89:51)
108Blessed and benefited by kneeling down in love to uplift is (barak – commended and favorable are the circumstances and result of the excellent words and example) Yahowah (Yahowah) forever (la ‘owlam).’
This is trustworthy, verifiable, and reliable (‘aman wa ‘aman).” (Mizmowr / Lyrics to be Sung / Psalm 89:52)
Need anyone say more?
