A Hebrew Word for the Day

A Hebrew Word for the Day:Key Words from the Old Testament

From AMG Publishers

Back in 2006, Pastor Watson’s book A Word for the Day, a daily devotional based upon Greek word studies, was published by AMG Publishers. Upon being well received, AMG asked if he would be open to writing a similar book, this time on Hebrew words. Like its predecessor, its purpose is to share the richness of the words of the biblical languages and help make them practical in the reader’s Christian living. After some delays, it is close to release. Below is more information and a few excerpts (endnotes not included).

Book Features

Word Studies and devotional applications for over 380 Old Testament words.		Included in most studies are etymology, Septuagint (LXX) use, and especially OT use.
Additional “Scriptures for Study” that reinforce each word study.		Bonus chapter on how to mine your own word riches, inclusing a section on Bible interpretation.
“Hebrew Pronunciation Guide” to make it easy to learn how to pronounce transliterated Hebrew words.		Numerous Endnotes on the text and a Bibliography on major language resources used in writing the book.
Strong’s numbers included for every word, allowing quick lookup in other resources.		Four indexes: Scripture, English words, Greek and Hebrew words, and Strong’s numbers.

We do not stock this title at Sola Scripture Publications, but you can get at the following: 
Christian Book Distributors (CBD) and Amazon.com.

Here are a few sample devotions:

January 1

New Song

chadaš šiyr

W

e’ve all heard the old expression that someone is “singing a different tune” or has “changed his tune.” The school bully, for example, changes his tune after little Billy has finally had enough and punches the bully in the nose. The expression probably arose in the Middle Ages among wandering minstrels. As they traveled from court to court, they thought it prudent to change the words of their songs to please each baron.

Long before the Middle Ages, however, God’s people were singing a new song, and that song was of much greater joy and significance. New is the Hebrew chadaš (2319), which often indicates something new in the sense of “never seen or done before.” It appears in Ezekiel 18:31, for example: “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit.”

Song, then, is šiyr (7892), a type of lyrical song or religious song. It also appears several times in Ezra and Nehemiah to refer to songs of Levitical choirs. In Nehemiah 12:46, for example, Nehemiah recounts that in David’s day music directors led “songs” of praise. Significantly, it is at times also used in a negative way. Amos uses it to picture the apathy of the people, as they lay around eating, drinking, strumming their musical instruments, and singing, totally oblivious to God’s coming judgment (Amos 6; “music” in verse 5 is šiyr). Here is a warning to the world, and even the church, concerning complacency and an insatiable desire for entertainment and leisure.

It is when we see these two words together, however, that we see a wondrous truth. The term new song appears seven times in the OT, and in each case we see a new song being composed in response to what God has done. “Fresh mercies,” writes commentator Adam Clarke, “call for new songs of praise and gratitude.” The first occurrence, in fact, is Psalm 33:3, which is set in the context of the great event of creation.

What, then, could be more appropriate as we start a new year than to be reminded to sing a new song every day? Does not each day bring new mercies, new blessings, new joys, new triumphs? It also reminds us that we do, indeed, “sing a different tune” than the world.

Scriptures for Study: Read the other OT occurrences of new song, noting how God is being praised for what He has done: Psalm 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10. & Note also the two NT occurrences of new song (Rev. 5:9; 14:3). New is the Greek kainos (2537G), something new in quality having never existed before.

February 27

Blessed

'ešer

T

he very first word we read in the Book of Psalms is blessed. The Hebrew here is 'ešer (835), a masculine noun meaning a person’s state of bliss. It’s never used of God, rather always of people, and is exclamatory in emphasis, as in “O the bliss of . . .” Most of its forty-four appearances are appropriately in the poetry of Psalms and Proverbs.

It is extremely significant that the Septuagint translates ?ešer using the Greek makarios, which our Lord used nine times in the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3–11). While many Bible teachers come to this word and say that it just means “happy,” which is always circumstantial, it actually speaks of the far deeper idea of an inward contentedness that is not affected by circumstances (cf. Phil. 4:11–13).

Of the many occurrences of ?ešer, one that immediately strikes us is Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man,” where the unknown psalmist distinguishes two lifestyles (cf. Feb. 23), one that is blessedand one that is not. We find in verses 1–3 three realities that produce genuine bliss and contentment.

First, a path that is holy. In three distinct statements, the Psalmist outlines holiness. The holy person first does not stroll with the “ungodly” (raša?, 7563) people. He doesn’t associate with, listen to, or join those who are guilty before God and transgressors of His Law. Second, the holy person does not stand with sinners. Way is derek (Feb. 23), a marked out pattern of life, and “standeth” is ?amad? (5975), which figuratively indicates living somewhere, standing, remaining there (e.g., Ex. 8:22, “dwell”). The holy life, then, is one whose pattern of life does not remain in sin (cf. 1 Jn. 3:9, where “commit” is present tense, to “continually habitually commit sin). Third, the holy person does not sit with the “scornful” (liys?, 3887) person, that is, those who boast, scoff, mock, and deride, as in showing or expressing utter contempt, in this case for the things of God.

Second, blessedness comes from a passion for Scripture. The blissful and contented person is one who takes delight (Feb. 29) in God’s Word and his mediation (Jan. 6) on it is the rule of life and his daily priority.

Third, blessedness comes from a prosperity that is dependent upon God. The image of sitting by a river is a graphic one, picturing nourishment, growth, fruitfulness, and much more. While “prosperity teachers” promise monetary riches, true prosperity is found in the spiritual riches we have in Christ (Eph. 1:3–23).

Scriptures for Study: Read the following verses, noting what else brings bliss and true contentedness: Psalm 2:12; 32:1–2; 112:1; 119:1–2; 127:4–5 Prov. 3:13 (“happy”); 8:32.

March 5

Praise [Hallelujah] (1)

halal [halal yah]

A

nother predominate theme in Scripture, as well as an integral part of worship, is praise. So central is this activity that we will consider it over the next few days.

The most general Hebrew word for praise is halal (1984), from which we get the English Hallelujah; the Greek allelouia (239G) is a transliteration of halal with the addition of Yah (3050), a shortened form of “Yahweh” (Yehowah; 3068; Jan. 8). Halal yah, then, means “praise ye Yah,” which occurs some twenty-six times in the book of Psalms. Except for 135:3, it always appears at the beginning or ending of a Psalm, “suggesting that it was a standardized call to praise in temple worship.” (We should interject, as one Hebrew authority insists, that while “this word is sometimes spelled alleluia in modern hymnals, in imitation of the mode of spelling that found favor in medieval times . . . The letter H ought certainly to be restored at both ends.”)

Significantly, the original picture in halal was “to shine,” even “the giving off of light by celestial bodies.” Job used it poetically, for example, as he “beheld the sun when it shined [halal]” (Job 31:26). Similarly, the Greek doxa (1391G), which is usually translated “glory,” includes the idea of “radiance” and “glory” (although those concepts were added to doxa in the NT and are foreign to secular Greek).

Halal ultimately came to mean to praise, celebrate, commend, or even boast. Appearing over 160 times, it sometimes refers to the praising of people, such as when the princes of Egypt “commended” Sarah’s beauty (Gen. 12:15, the first occurrence of halal) and when a husband praises his virtuous wife (Prov. 31:28).

It is, of course, when used of God (its most frequent use) that halal takes on its greatest significance. Scripture is permeated with this theme. It is noteworthy that its first appearance in reference to praise of God is in 2 Samuel 22:4, where David praised God for delivering him out of the hands of Saul, also calling God his rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, salvation, tower, and refuge (vs. 2–3). Is that not, indeed, cause for praise? This song of praise, in fact, is virtually identical to Psalm 18.

Not only do men and angels praise and commend God, but even nature itself does so (Ps. 148). All that we do should praise God (1 Cor. 10:31), even the playing of musical instruments (Ps. 150), and such praise should be constant (Ps. 34:1; 35:28; 44:8).

Scriptures for Study: In preparation for the readings for the next few days, read Psalm 100 and meditate on praising God in everything.

April 3

Save [and] Salvation

yaša‘ [and] yešû‘ah

O

ne of the key themes of the Bible, of course, is salvation. Nevertheless, despite not only the prominence of this theme but also the clarity of what it is and how it comes, there seems to be much confusion about it all in our day. An understanding of these words, however, along with yesterday’s study of sin, clears up all question.

As most Hebrew nouns come from a verb, the verb here is yaša‘ (3467), which appears about 200 times and means “to save, help, deliver, or defend.” The “underlying idea of this verb is bringing to a place of safety or broad pasture as opposed to a narrow strait.” This idea actually comes from the same Arabic root that means “make wide or sufficient,” since “wide” implies freedom from stress and encumbrance. Such change, however, demands deliverance, and such deliverance must come from outside the individual. The LXX usually renders yaša‘ as the Greek sozo (4982G), to deliver or preserve from danger or destruction.

A vivid example of yaša‘ is Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Ex. 14:30), accomplished, of course, solely by God. Even when deliverance came through some human instrumentality, it was still only by God’s power, as when Gideon saved God’s people from the Midianites but only because of God’s empowering (Judg. 6:14–16).

From what, then, does salvation deliver us? What is its substance? Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death. Because of Adam’s sin in the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:17), “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezek. 18:4; cf. Rom. 5:12). It is, therefore, Christ alone who came to “save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

Further, no verse of Scripture is clearer on the source of salvation (yešû‘ah, 3444) than is Jonah 2:9: “Salvation is of the lord.” From beginning to end, and everything in between, salvation is all of God. It is not because of our partial merit or good works (Titus 3:5), not because we “said a prayer,” not because of our own “foreseen faith”—even the faith to believe the Gospel is God given (Eph. 2:8–9; Jn. 6:65; Phil. 1:29; Acts 18:27). Rather, “Salvation is of the Lord,” writes Charles Spurgeon, “The Lord has to apply it, to make the unwilling willing, to make the ungodly godly, and bring the vile rebel to the feet of Jesus, or else salvation will never be accomplished.”

Scriptures for Study: God continues to deliver us on a daily basis. Read Psalm 20, noting God’s deliverance from enemies.

Where to get it: Christian Book Distributors (CBD) and Amazon.com.

What Others Are Saying

Word by word each day’s meditation draws the reader inexorably on to the next delightful study of God’s Word in its multi-faceted glory.

—From the “Introduction” by Dr. William D. Barrick

Professor of Old Testament, Director of Th.D. Studies

The Master’s Seminary

Watson has done it again! His new volume on A Hebrew Word For The Day will bless the Christian public with wonderful spiritual thoughts from the Old Testament. Unfortunately, most believers ignore the Old Testament and concentrate on studying the New. But the Old is rich with inspired nuggets of gold that give daily blessings for spiritual strength and encouragement. Watson's writings are clear, easy to understand, and always shed light on great truths from the Hebrew Bible. Perfect studies for the inquiring layman and for the pastor who shares such wonderful Old Testament revelations with his congregations.

—Dr. Mal Couch

Founder, Tyndale Theological Seminary

Director, Scofield Ministries, Clifton, TX

Author, Classical Evangelical Hermaneutics

Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God is divinely-inspired and should be devoured. That is what makes this excellent book, A Hebrew Word for the Day, such a valuable resource. This is a treasure chest of truth, overflowing with rich word studies of key Old Testament words. Each study is carefully researched, accurately explained, and pastorally applied. You will find this daily devotional to be a helpful tool in your own Bible study, personal devotions, and Christian walk.

—Dr. Steven J. Lawson

Author, pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church

Mobile, Alabama

“Doc Watson” has done it again, this time from the Old Testament. His Hebrew word studies prove to be priceless and timeless—a huge spiritual blessing for daily consumption.

—Richard Mayhue, Th.D.

Senior Vice President and Dean

The Master’s Seminary

Doc Watson has been used by God to bless us yet again with a daily devotional word study, this time in Hebrew. If you were as edified with A [Greek]Word for the Day as I was, A Hebrew Word for the Day is a must to complete your library. Doc writes not for ivory tower theologians, but for us ordinary God-fearing folks who read English only—a need wonderfully fulfilled!

—JD Wetterling

Author of No one . . .

 The words of Scripture are the most important words ever given. They are spiritual, and they are life-giving. Indeed, they are inspired by God. Knowing the Bible is the greatest knowledge one can ever acquire. Communicating that knowledge is the greatest privilege God has given us as His witnesses. To be effective in that task, we must know what God has said. Doc Watson has once again helped us with his latest edition of A Word for The Day. This sequel to his original work in the Greek New Testament explores some of the most fascinating words of Hebrew origin in the Old Testament. If someone could package “Seminary-in-a-Box” this book is it! Each day, you will be educated, uplifted, and challenged by these delightful studies. And you will be equipped for the work of the ministry. As Solomon declared, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). I highly recommend this book; the value is priceless.

—Dr. James Bearss

Founder/Director, On Target Ministry

Teaching Faithful Men through International Education

The Written Word of God is made understandable in the manner in which it was given to us—through revelation. Dr. Watson has traced unyielding truth in and of the Word itself and provided layman and scholar alike with an invaluable resource for personal life, Bible study, meditation, and Christian growth. The truths that emerge from the words themselves are out of the thought of the original Author, the Holy Spirit, and Dr. Watson never seeks to impose his personal viewpoints upon them. The approach to this book of word studies provides the best of foundations to preach and teach doctrine to people; for through their personal understanding of the revealed Words as presented in this work, they will realize that word by word study is perhaps the most practical of part of the very fabric of the Bible.

—Dr. Paul Graves

President

Golden State School of Theology

In his earlier work A Word for the Day, Dr. Watson gave us a meaty daily devotional book based on key words from the New Testament. Turning to the Old Testament this time, Watson has once again given us solid food to digest. A Hebrew Word for The Day will take you deeper into the Scriptures and into the heart of God. Enjoy!

—Dr. Gary E. Gilley

Pastor-teacher of Southern View Chapel, Springfield, IL

Author, This Little Church . . . series

A Hebrew Word for the Day is a personal Bible study tool that is really a warm devotional for both your head and heart. Just like in the author’s previous work, “Key Words from the New Testament,” you are given compact, thorough, word examinations for every key OT word with pastoral care. Each word is accompanied by personal applications and a very helpful additional section called “Scriptures for Study.” I intend to use both of these volumes in my personal devotions this year!

—Jerry Marcellino, M.Div.

Pastor, Audubon Drive Bible Church, Laurel, MS

Author/Director, Audubon Press & Christian Book Service

Where to get it: Christian Book Distributors (CBD) and Amazon.com.