30 Day Cleanse - Day 13

Scripture

 
"A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing." --Proverbs 13:17

Observe

If we look at this verse by itself, we see a principle repeated throughout Proverbs:  Trouble will befall the wicked, but God preserves the task of the godly.

When I researched the words, though, I found something cool:

Defining the Terms - Part 1

The term "wicked messenger", in the original Hebrew, is a combination of the words "rasha" (meaning wicked, criminal) and "malak" (meaning angel).

There was a moment in time when the angels of Heaven had a chance to choose between God and Lucifer (Satan). Those who chose Satan were thrown out of Heaven, thus the term "fallen angels."

These fallen angels are more commonly referred to as "demons."

The word for fall is "naphal", meaning "fall" but in many different ways. For example, to fall by being thrown down, cast out, judged, overthrown, or smote.

"Ra'" is the Hebrew word for adversity in this passage. It is a word for affliction, calamity, and distress--which comes from the root word "ra'a'" meaning to spoil by literally breaking it to pieces.

Remember how we talked about the difference between the enemy's destructive abilities and God's? The devil destroys by distraction, but God destroys by taking away authority.

So, let's reread this verse from the vantage point of spiritual warfare:  Demons are thrown down and broken into tiny little bits.

And that's only part one!

Defining the Terms - Part 2

The term "faithful" is from the Hebrew word "emun" meaning established, faithful, trustworthy, true. It comes from the word "'aman" meaning to build up or support. It can have the same connotation as parental guidance and insinuates a trustworthiness based on faithfulness over time. It is unshakably certain and true.

The term "envoy" is from the Hebrew word "tsiyr", meaning "ambassador".

"Marpe" is the Hebrew word for healing in this passage. It comes from the word "rapha" which means cure and thoroughly make whole.

Who is the faithful ambassador who brings the cure?

Isaiah 53:5 prophesies about Jesus, saying,"He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with His stripes, we are healed."

Jesus is the faithful ambassador from Heaven who brought us complete healing and wholeness.

Apply

Proverbs contains SO many pieces of wisdom. Most of them are repeated again and again. Sometimes, it can feel a little monotonous or boring.

Let's remember, though, that all Scripture points to Jesus.

Time in the Word of God is time spent seeking God, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Pray

God, help us to find You in the Bible. We know that it is important to renew our minds with the truth found in Your Word, so please make Your truth alive to our hearts. When we read, help us to interact with You and walk away with a greater understanding of who You are and what You are doing. We thank You that while we are learning and growing in You, You are fighting on our behalf. Continue to make us aware of the spiritual victories You have already won for us, so we can walk in victory too. Amen.

Your Turn!!!