The Word--Part 1
In speaking of the Bible, believers often refer to the Bible as "The Word of God.
Now, in using the term "word," a Christian may use this term as a synonym for Christ or a specific prophetic word, such as a personal prophecy. However, the term "Word" [notice the capital form] is often used to refer to the entire revelation of Yahweh as revealed in the Scriptures.
The Psalmist used three different words—"omer,' "imrah," and "dabar" (Strong's Concordance) to express what we translate into English as "Word." In conjunction with the three Hebrew words that we translate into English as "Word," the Psalmist also used specific Hebrew terms meaning "Thy" or "Thine." These modifying words indicate that the "Word" [the particular portion of the Scripture referred to] refers to God’s spoken revelation to man. Only once, in Psalm 139, does the author use any of three Hebrew terms ["omer,' "imrah," and "dabar"] to refer to himself.
Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely.[ Psalm 139:4, NIV]
The Psalmist uses these Hebrew terms for "word" to refer to the sayings, promises, and speeches through which God communicated His will and purposes to humanity. The writer of Psalms understood that man's relationship with God was built upon the foundation of God's revelation of Himself through His Word. From earliest times, men such as Moses, under the direction of the Holy Spirit [2 Timothy 3:16-17], recorded God's declarations and laws so that h would know how to receive the blessings of God [Deuteronomy 28]. If God had not revealed Himself to Abraham [or Abraham's offspring] through the spoken or written Word, the Hebrews would not have known or understood what God required of them. Later generations would not have known the requirements of the Law that God expected the Jews to fulfill.
God's Word revealed to the Jewish nation [and still reveals] God's holiness and love for humanity. The Word is God's recorded expression of His purpose for humankind. This purpose was demonstrated and verbalized:
- by His creative acts (Ps. 33:4, 148:8),
- angelic sayings and doings (Jos. 5:13-15, 6:2-5; Nu. 22:22-35, Acts 12:23),
- and by the words spoken through His prophets (Ps.68:11)
- and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost [Acts 2]
Through the avenue of His Word, God deals with people (Ps. 119:65) and prepares for man’s redemption. When Jesus was born, He fulfilled many prophecies about the Messiah, which the prophets had recorded hundreds of years before Jesus' birth. Those prophecies confirmed the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. Thus, the Word is God's revelation to man, not man's discovery of God.
In Psalms, the Psalmist views the Word of God in several different lights, all of which develop out of man's understanding and appreciation of God's love and concern for man. God's Word is a source of protection. "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy Word." (Ps. 119:114, see Ps. 119:107:18:30). This protection was [and is] both external and internal. The Hebrews looked for deliverance from foreign enemies because of God's promises (Ps. 105:8, 107:20, Ps. 119:17). The Hebrews also looked to God's Word for protection against self-destructive or poor choices that caused them to fall into the devil's snare.
Concerning the works of men,
By the Word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer" (Ps. 17:4).
As for God, His way is perfect;
The Word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Ps. 18:30, see 119:133).
The Psalmist understands that the Word of God can deliver him from trouble because the Word is
- powerful (Ps, 147:18)
- eternal (Ps. 119:60, 89)
- and alive (Ps. 174:15).
Thus, the Word reflects and reveals God's character.
