GetWisdom PaperturnSampler FINAL SinglePages - Flipbook - Page 39
Saying Yes in the Dark ness
PSAL MS
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First Samuel was written by the prophet Samuel. Perhaps since Samuel wasn’t the one actually in
the scary situation, or because he knew David wasn’t ultimately captured and killed by these men,
he wrote it in a less dramatic way.
Still curious about the dichotomy in the description of these men? Good. I am, too.
Head to BlueLetterBible.com or the BLB app on your phone and look up 1 Samuel 19:11,
clicking on the word messenger. We see that in the original Hebrew, the word messenger used
here is ( mal’ak – prounounced mal-agh).
In the space below, write the various definitions of mal’ak or messenger:
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We see here that mal’ak means to dispatch as a deputy; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a
prophet, priest or teacher): ambassador, angel, king.
Anyone else think this description is a little strange? Why don’t we see a word more like
ratsach (pronounced raw-tsakh'), which leans more toward the assassin and murderer type of
definition?
Why do you think the work mal’ak might be used in this passage rather than a word like ratsach?
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Truth be known, I’ve looked and looked and no one seems to be talking about this so I only have
my own thoughts to go from. But I’m encouragd by something Charles Spurgeon said:
The commentators are good instructors, but the Author Himself is far better.viii
All throughout my studying, I’m talking to God, asking Him questions, and praying. After all,
I don’t want my Bible study time to feel like homework, unengaged with the Person I’m trying to
get to know. This being said, let me share what I feel like God is telling me about this passage.
Below is this section of 1 Samuel 19 we’re talking about. Remember, verse 11 is what connects
with our psalm. Circle each time the word messengers is used.
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