Selah! It’s Worth Thinking About!

There are many questions in the Bible that aren’t easy to answer. The origin and meaning of words are very significant, yet,  even theologians disagree on it’s meaning. Nevertheless, it is worth pursuing and thinking about to come up with a meaningful understanding.

The Bible is filled with mystery and curious wonders. Most people simply skim across does headlines and rarely consider its depth of meaning. It is worth thinking about!

The word Selah is one of those words that we find that is unclear of its origin and meaning. It is worth thinking about! You better understand this word I did a little bit of study but I thought I’d share with you today.

The Amplified Bible adds “pause and calmly think about that” to each verse where Selah appears. It is an intentional act of waiting in contemplation call has been written.

When we see the word Selah in a psalm or in Habakkuk 3, we should pause to carefully weigh the meaning of what we have just read or heard, lifting up our hearts in praise to God for His great truths. “All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name. Selah!” (Psalm 66:4).

One person theorized that the root of this word has an early connection to Latin and Greek and even potentially coming from the language of the Philistines. Not much is known of even that people group except that the people of God fought again against the Philistines.

Even David defeated their greatest warrior, Goliath which increased his notoriety and eventually kingship. It’s a good working theory and you could see his video here.

In Keith Massey’s video he connects the themes related to music and even the early understanding that derives its historic connection to 1 Samuel 16:18. David was musical. If his theories are correct then even the word solo get derive its meaning from this root connection. It’s obvious that the word solo is connected to someone singing a part or alone. This theory makes sense of the use and even gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to pause and reflect.

Each of these meanings do not drift terribly far from one another. They still carry a similar thread thunder standing. Ultimately each usage of the word Salah points back to the glory and praise of God. In a sense, we are to reflect upon the truth of God‘s message and even give him praise both as an individual and as a collective. 

It is curious, that although we may not use the word Selah in our daily vocabulary, we find the idea of meditating and waiting woven all throughout Scripture. In our instant pot culture where we find ourselves hurried we miss out on truth if we do not pause and consider as well as pause to worship. 

Selah! It’s worth thinking about.

To find more on this consider following website: Got Questions!

Selah is found in two books of the Bible, but is most prevalent in the Psalms, where it appears 71 times. It also appears three times in the third chapter of the minor prophet Habakkuk. So, since it’s mentioned so many times, it stands to reason that we would think about it and discover some of its truth.

Many different translations attempt to break this down with a significant clarity to its meaning. One such example is in Psalm chapter 3 in this word is used three times. It’s as if we are instructed to break in consider what has been written. Some translations use the word, interlude while others may reference it as a chorus that is familiar. Some believe it to be a pause to worship the truth of the verse. In the case of this chapter, we find three different courses or interludes.

Beyond this the word Selah is used in many other places has a particular theme associated with it.

When The World is Against GOD, He Laughs.

There are three words you find in Psalm 2: Rebellion, Righteousness, & Redemption

We find in this chapter 3 main characters:

Kings, the Lord, and the King of Kings!
This is divided into four sections like 4 verses in a hymn… but there are three distinct voices that we here when we read this passage. 

Listen to recording here: Podbean Recording.

One. This is the voice of Rebellion. (vs 1-3)
Two. This is the voice of the Righteous One. (vs 4 - 9)
Three. This is the voice of the Redeemer (& judge). (vs 10-12)

This Psalm is considered to be a Messianic passage - pointing to the One :: Jesus Christ. 

It’s believe that this was actually the first psalm that David wrote. The first chapter is a bit of an overview by king Solomon as he put together these books that we know as part of the wisdom literature. Psalm and Proverbs are part of that wisdom literature as is the book of Job.

Who are these kings? As illustration we could look to the leader of the Philippines: “President Rodrigo Duterte faced growing outrage today in his largely Catholic nation after calling God “stupid”, the latest of his candid speeches was sparked with an unfiltered broadside. Duterte took aim at the biblical creation story during a speech, raising the question of why God would create Adam and Eve and then expose them to temptation.

Acts 4:24-26
And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,
‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’ (See also Eph 1:21-23)

Psalm 2 & Proverbs 2

N.T. Wright once wrote of special occasions in his reading of the Psalms.

 Trying to pick out individual psalms and their particular impact is like trying to remember particular breakfasts that I have eaten. Cereal and toast, bacon and eggs, pancakes and syrup, coffee and juice—whichever it is, it’s important, and if I have to skip it for whatever reason, the day gets off to a bad start. I remember the breakfast I had in the observation car on a Canadian Pacific train as the sun came up over Lake Superior. I remember staying with my grandparents in the country and having boiled eggs freshly laid by the hens that morning. I well remember breakfast on the first morning of our honeymoon. It’s the special occasions that stand out. So if the psalms I’m now going to talk about have to do with particular occasions, that doesn’t mean that they haven’t all sustained me, day by day and week by week. These are just a few small snapshots from what could be a much larger album.

Often people site the 23rd Psalm as one that is not only memorable but meaningful in their lives. I on the other hand, have a different take on it from an early formation in my young adult years.

One such memorable experience is when I preached at a nursing home on Psalm 23. I may have taken have told you the story but as I begin to preached I remember hearing a woman in the back of the room at the Wesleyan healthcare begin to cry out loud, “Nurse, nurse!  Get me out of here!” 

She got louder until finally one of the staff assisted her by pushing her down the hall. I figured that I would preach through that situation because that was part of my training and I didn’t think that it mattered to me. 

I remember what crossed my mind however, making this memorable, …at the very moment that I heard the woman yell from down the hall, “I can still hear him!” I thought… 
…to myself, “maybe I need to look for a different Calling!”
The Psalms are like that. There are times in our lives when we are dependent upon the nature of God‘s word to speak to us as an individual.

Let me share a bit of an overview. 
Today we want to talk about three main characters in this book (Psalm 2 & Proverbs 2).

Ps 1 is a summary and overview of the “list of songs” compiled by Solomon.

Psalms 1:1 is a theme passage: 
Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
— 
Perhaps the first Psalm of David’s... 
Ps 1 is Solomon’s preface! 
https://newsandpews.com/my-life-with-the-psalmsby-john-shelby-spong/

1. The kings of the world :: Rebellion.
Psalms 2:1
Why are the nations so angry?
Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

That was in 2018…
Related to this and more recently, the president said that he would resign if just one person could prove to him that there is a God!

Recorded; 
“The 73-year-old leader said if there’s “one single witness” who can prove, perhaps with a picture or a selfie that a human was “able to talk and to see God”, he will immediately resign.”
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2154205/duterte-vows-resign-if-anybody-can-prove-god-exists

This psalm, like others are woven throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament. Even referenced by Paul in the book of acts.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together
against the LORD
and against his anointed one.

Matthew 24:7
Nations will rise against nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 
Why do people reject the only answer for their troubles? 
Why do people ignore the solution? 

Psalms 2:3
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
People reject biblical answers that begin with God! 

Proverbs 2:14-15
They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.

2. The Lord (God) : The Righteous One! 

Psalms 2:4
But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.
Man’s wisdom is foolishness to God! 

Proverbs 2:22
But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.
New Living Translation

This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. - 1 Cor. 1:25

How then should we respond to a wicked generation? We to hate and despise wicked neighbors? For this is the question that we must answer related to this text. How did God respond? We know that he is capable of judgment, and it’s within his right for sure.

Yet, in Jesus we find a different response. Consider Luke 9:51….. 

“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:51-55‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.51-55.NLT

Psalms 2:7
The king proclaims the LORD’s decree:
“The LORD said to me, ‘You are my son.
Today I have become your Father.

Psalms 2:8
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the whole earth as your possession.
The cross is the answer! Ie :: Kairos cross  given as we surrender our identity. 

The Lord the king being Jesus
“Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”

Psalms 2:9
You will break them with an iron rod
and smash them like clay pots.’”
This speaks to his final coming when he will destroy those who stand in opposition in that final day.

Proverbs 2:5-6
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the LORD grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

—-
Proverbs 2:4-6
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

3. The King of kings! : Redemption.
Psalms 2:11
Serve the LORD with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
To the earthly Kings we are being told that they should repent and turn to the King of Kings! 

Psalms 2:12
Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Proverbs 2:4-6
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:21
For the upright will live in the land
And the blameless will remain in it;

Read part 2 of this study: When The World Is Against You…

“When the World is Against You….” (Ps 3 & Pro 3)

Today’s study will look at the 3rd chapter of Psalms and Proverbs. It’s a reminder that we will face trouble the side of heaven. 

Listen to recording here: Podbean Recording.

The world will not always be on our side nor will it be a comforting companion.

Perhaps that’s why the word test is in testimony.

We look to David because he shared so much of how he felt through his writings. He was transparentinvulnerable. Perhaps that’s why he was considered a man after God’s own heart.

Although he was not perfect, he is an example of … one who conquered battles for God’s glory, triumphed through trial, 

testified of God‘s faithfulness through trouble.

Point 1 — David’s complaint…

Psalms 3:1 -

(Morning Prayer of Trust in God.

A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM HIS SON.)

“O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.”

—-

The deepest of all grief is evident here by David. We have to understand that he has been betrayed (by his son, Absalom) and is now being Afflicted by those who are making accusations toward him. He wanted to rescue Absalom it was unable to get his heart is truly grieved what is having to deal with.

Spurgeon quote :: deepest pain. 

"If all the trials which come from heaven, all the temptations which ascend from hell, and all the crosses which arise from the earth, could be mixed and pressed together, they would not make a trial so terrible as that which is contained in this verse. It is the most bitter of all afflictions to be led to fear that there is no help for us in God.

-C.H. Spurgeon

Bible commentary reads::

“many ... foes” were surrounding him. In fact forces of the opposition had driven him from the palace and were then surrounding him.

Reminds me of Psalm 23…. In part.

“You prepare me a table IN THE PRESENCE of my enemies…” (I wonder what would it be like to eat your meals and to be able to look into the eyes of your enemy who is ready to attack!”)

Dale, Veteran who scouted with a K-9…. “An athiest prayed” See related video. (Walk point where people are trying to kill you!)

We can never fully understand the depth of God‘s love until we have reached the very depth of pain and anguish. 

Many want to avoid pain and heartache but it’s in that where we find “salvation or deliverance“.

Written on this is Precept Austin: 

“Dearly beloved, Are you facing an insurmountable obstacles and losing all hope of victory? Do you feel overwhelmed and powerless in your present circumstances? Then run into the Strong Tower of Jehovah Sabaoth, crying out to the LORD of hosts. "May Jehovah answer you in the day of trouble! May the NAME of the God of Jacob set you securely on high (see sagab)...Some boast in chariots, and some in horses, but we will boast in the NAME of Jehovah, our God. (Psalm 20:1, 7 Spurgeon) Our Redeemer, the LORD of HOSTS is His NAME, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 47:4) — https://www.preceptaustin.org/jehovah_sabaoth_-_lord_of_hosts

Point 2 — Salvation = Deliverance

Salvation means deliverance. It is both spiritual and earthbound. David saw the blessings of the Lord as having impact on his winning and losing.

Psalms 3:3

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

Psalms 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, Who have set themselves against me round about.

**Psalms 3:8

Salvation belongs to the LORD;

Your blessing be upon Your people!

(Selah.)

David, twice was told to deliver himself from the grip of Absalom. In both times he refused because he said that the deliverance will be from the Lord!

Point 3 — How shall we respond when the world is against us?

It seems as though David was one filled with compassion for even his enemies. We find in second Samuel 15 through 18 the rebellion of Absalom.

We read in 2 Samuel 19:6 — 

“You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.19.6.NLT

And again in 2 Samuel 19:21–23.

“Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei should die, for he cursed the Lord’s anointed king!” “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.””

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19:21-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.19.21-23.NLT

— 

Psalms 3:7

Arise, O LORD!

Save me, O my God!

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

In Psalm three we find that David has asked God to slap his offender & break their teeth. **I have to believe that this can be taken both literally but also figuratively.

Though, if we fear not it is because of our faith in God — it is like breaking the teeth of our enemies. When David fought the lion he was able to subdue it & kill it. When he fought the bear he was able to escape it and kill it.

**The metaphor is that he is saying to break that which has its grip on me.

We can easily cross reference these early writings of Psalm and Proverbs. They almost overlap the theme and ideas. It’s as if Solomon took from David’s writings to compile his own wisdom writings.

Proverbs 3:3-4

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:35

The wise will inherit honor,

But fools display dishonor.

——

C.H. Spurgeon — Quote:

"If all the trials which come from heaven, all the temptations which ascend from hell, and all the crosses which arise from the earth, could be mixed and pressed together, they would not make a trial so terrible as that which is contained in this verse. It is the most bitter of all afflictions to be led to fear that there is no help for us in God.

-C.H. Spurgeon

—-

If there is a key verse that unlocks the power and purpose of Proverbs, it is: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). I believe the Lord wants you and me to grow in our relationship with Him and in our knowledge of Him and the way knowledge begins is with the fear of the Lord.

Oswald Chambers has said, "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else."

https://www.marionstar.com/story/news/2021/08/14/rev-street-fear-lord-beginning-wisdom/5536937001/

As we conclude these two related messages we can come to a greater understanding of what it is to walk with God.

1. When the world is against God, He laughs. (Part 1)
2. When the world is against us… (Part 2)

How should we then live? 

• I believe that we should have compassion for the lost. 

• I believe that we should pray and hope for God’s blessing that judgment on our neighbors or any of our enemies.

• I believe that as we experience life‘s most difficult challenges, (when the world seems to be against us), we would draw strength from God alone!

God can do more through your surrender than you can with your control. @RickeCarder

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Read part 1 of this study :: When The World Is Against GOD, He Laughs!