Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

Psalm 32:8

This verse is brief in text, but rich in meaning and comforting in promise.

THE VERSE
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

THE STUDY
Instruct [Hebrew term: śāḵal]. “To look at, upon”; “cause to consider, give insight, teach.” The form of this verb is “imperfect cohortative.” A cohortative verb doesn’t carry the full force of a command (for example, “We must do this!”), but it conveys a stronger meaning than a simple suggestion or statement of possibility (for example, “We could do this.”). Thus, the meaning is somewhere in the middle. In English, a cohortative is often translated with a “helping” verb such as “let” or “will,” depending on the context. The cohortative verb functions as an indirect command.

Teach [Hebrew term: yārâ]. “To direct, teach, instruct.” This verb is likewise an “imperative cohortative,” but with an added letter to indicate its “connectivity” to the previous idea (i.e., “instruct thee”). Interestingly, this word likewise means “to cast, to show” in the sense of teaching, instructing or demonstrating. The verb is used in this sense in Exodus 4:12, 15 and Isaiah 2:3.

Way [Hebrew term: dereḵ]. “Trodden path” by means of duty commanded by someone. The root term is the verb dāraḵ, meaning “to tread down, to cause to march.”

Go [Hebrew term: yālaḵ]. “To go on” — specifically, “go to.” This same verb is used in Psalm 122:1, indicating a definite direction/purpose (as opposed to meandering).

Guide [Hebrew term: yāʿaṣ]. “To advise, to give counsel.”

Eye [Hebrew term: ayin]. “Eye.” All occurrences of the word translated EYE in the Old Testament use this term. It can indicate a physical eye or a “figurative” eye (i.e., mental or spiritual qualities).

TAKEAWAY THOUGHT
The follower of YHWH must be constantly instructed in the divine ways, so that he may discern clearly between good and evil. This is acquired through prayer and purposeful reading of Scripture. A Christian thus instructed — who purposes in his heart he’ll do nothing that will displease YHWH — will know what course to pursue in any matter. Our Father is more than willing and able to counsel us in all things!