William Hemsworth's Blog, page 102

Psalm 51:10 and A Clean Heart

I recently chose to do a word study based on Psalm 51:10.  That passage of scripture states, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me”.  This was chosen because it is part of my daily prayer life.  It also has significance from my childhood as the first time I heard it is when we were singing it.  It is also derived from the Hebrew word lebab that also means heart or inner.

The word for heart in this passage is what will be examined.  In Hebrew the word is leb and used a total of 593 times in the Old Testament.  The amount of times that the word is used points to its significance [1].  What is interesting in this word is the variance of meaning that it provides in English.  The main way it is used here is for heart as it is used that way 509 times.  However it can also mean mind, friendly, understanding, well, care, or wisdom.  

As with all things in scripture one has to deduce the best meaning by the context of the passage.  In this case “heart” best fits the passage for a couple reasons.  In the ancient world the heart was considered to the center of man and was also used figuratively as it was seen as the center of feelings and emotion.  We can see this from one of the other english meanings such as wisdom.  In this case King David is repenting and asking the Lord for forgiveness and for his soul to be cleansed.  He is asking for his heart to be renewed and to focus on the Lord.   

 

1.  Roden, Chet. Elementary Biblical Hebrew.  (Cognella Academic Publishing, San Diego:), 56.

Breaking Down The Mass Part 2

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-svc48-d4c4d0

This episode was from my appearance on Gary Michuta’s Hands On Apologetics program on Virgin Most Powerful Radio.  We discuss the second part of the Mass and all the meaning that it has.

Proverbs 11:1 and Word Study of the Hebrew Tow`ebah

Introduction-The Word Studied

This word study was a very enlightening exercise.  There are many occasions in which a word in Hebrew has many different meanings in English.  In this regard it is important to understand the context used to help determine its meaning.  For this exercise Proverbs 11:1 was used.  That passage of scripture states “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight”.

In this case the word being studied is “abomination”.  In Hebrew the word is tow`ebah, and it is used 142 times in the Old Testament.  On the surface the meaning of this word is straightforward, but as is often the case there are variations that can mean different things in English.

How The English Word Was Derived

The root of tow`ebah come from the root ta`ab which is a verb which means to loathe or abhor.  It is the act of hating something, whereas the noun being studies is the act itself.

Usage of The Hebrew Word

The word tow`ebah denotes something that is an abomination in a ritual or moral sense.  The passage given above from Proverbs is a good example of the moral sense in which the word is used. A balance in those days was used in trade and it was a normal practice to misconstrue the weight in one’s favor.  When a good was being sold its weight was overstated, and conversely, if something was being purchased in would be on the light side.  It was a dishonest means of gaining wealth, and it was that act that was an abomination.  This same sentiment is echoed just one chapter later in Proverbs 12:22 when the inspired author calls the act of lying an abomination to the Lord.

From a ritualistic point of view, this word is most used within the context of idolatry.  The books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy gives many examples of such usage.  Deuteronomy 32:16 states, “They made Him jealous with strange gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger.”  Idolatry is a sin where something is placed in front of God.  There is no coincidence that this word can be used is a ritualistic and moral sense, because dishonest gain will ultimately create an idol in one’s heart.  Being fair and honorable is pleasing to God because one is treating others how they want to be treated.  The word abomination may seem strong, but it shows how God wants his people to deal with one another.  With fairness, honesty, and love.

English Words For The Hebrew Noun

There are a few English words that can be derived from this Hebrew noun.  Among them are disgusting, abhorrence, abomination, abominable, and abdominal thing.

Contextual Setting For English Choice

When Proverbs 11:1 is examined abomination is an appropriate choice because it deals with conduct with one another.  Disgusting is not a strong enough word for the dislike that the Lord has for dishonorable dealings.  It helps the reader fully understand that people are to be treated justly and mercifully just like we want to be treated.

 

 

Bibliography

Brown, Francis, Samuel Rolles Driver, and Charles Augustus Briggs. Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1977.

Garrett, Duane A. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Vol. 14, The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993.

Miller, John W. Proverbs. Believers Church Bible Commentary. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2004.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic, ed. The Bible Readers Companion. Wheaton: IL: Victor Books, 1991.

Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. Proverbs. The Pulpit Commentary. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909.

. Francis Brown, Samuel Rolles Driver, and Charles Augustus Briggs, Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1977), 1073.

. H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed., Proverbs, The Pulpit Commentary (London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909), 214.

. Miller, Proverbs, 218.

. Garrett, Proverbs, 124.

. Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic Richards, ed., The Bible Readers Companion (Wheaton: IL: Victor Books, 1991), 389.

Jesus Told Matthew To Follow, But Are We Following?

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Source: Jesus Told Matthew To Follow, But Are We Following?

Lenten Journey with Mother Mary with Fr. Edward Looney

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zpkks-d404b9

 I am pleased to have priest, author, and speaker on the program this week.  Father is the author of Lenten Journey with Mother Mary released by Sophia Institute Press.  In this episode we talk about Lent, Ash Wednesday, and how Mary always points us to her son.

Fr. Edward Looney was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Green Bay in June 2015, and is an internationally recognized Marian theologian, writer, speaker, and radio personality. Author of the best-selling books, A Heart Like Mary s and A Rosary Litany, he has also written several works on the American-approved Marian apparition received by Adele Brise in 1859 in Champion, Wisconsin. He currently serves as Administrator of two rural Wisconsin parishes.

Life is Precious

Last night I was in the middle of teaching a class on the Holy Trinity when an scary text message was received.  It was from my wife, and I could tell by the tone that she was distraught.

Her mom received news that nobody wants to here.  Cancer was the word.  It has been something that both sides of the family have battled.  Some victorious and some went home to their eternal reward.

The good news is that the doctor is not overly concerned and wants to run another test to either confirm or deny the first.  In the meantime my father also found out that he has skin cancer.

Why am I sharing this?  Because sometimes we take our loved ones for granted.  It isn’t until we are punched in the face with a dose of reality that we realize the gifts that we have.

This post is short, but I ask you to keep those family members of mine in prayer.  On this Valentine’s day remember your loved ones.  Reach out call, text, email, or do whatever you can do to reach them.  God bless you all.

What is Theology of the Body? With Katrina Zeno

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zd438-d36a76

My guest this week is Katrina Zeno.  She is the coordinator of the St. John Paul II resource center in the diocese of Phoenix, AZ.  She is the author of multiple books on Theology of the Body and is a leading expert if 22 years on the topic. In this interview we discuss what TOB is, how it relates to creation, and community.  It is very enlightening.  Check out her great work at katrinazeno.com

Watch “What is Theology of the Body? With guest Katrina Zeno” on YouTube

My guest this week is Katrina Zeno.  She is the coordinator of the St. John Paul II resource center in the diocese of Phoenix, AZ.  She is the author of multiple books on Theology of the Body and is a leading expert if 22 years on the topic. In this interview we discuss what TOB is, how it relates to creation, and community.  It is very enlightening.  Check out her great work at katrinazeno.com

Living a Life of Holiness with Tony Agnesi

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-k8av7-d242b5

In this week’s episode author, blogger, and speaker Tony Agnesi drops in to give us some tips on Holy living.  We discuss the importance or prayer, service, and being available.  We also discuss Tony’s upcoming visit to Payson, AZ on Feb. 8.  Tp learn more about Tony visit his website at tonyagnesi.com and enter the code FRIENDS for a 20% discount

A Life of Holiness with Tony Agnesi

Popular author, blogger, and speaker Tony Agnesi joins me on the show this week.  We discuss some tips on how to live a holy life, his books, and his event coming up in Payson, AZ.  I encourage you to visit his website because you will be blessed.  Use the code “friends” at checkout for a 20% discount.

https://youtu.be/PqLqpR7NePM