Zayin ז
Letter seven in the Hebrew Aleph-Bet is Zayin ז. This letter has the very significant value of seven as well – rich in meaning. The early pictograph resembles a sword. The Hebrew word Zayin itself also has the meaning of weapon or sword. The root word for Zayin means bread or nourishment. Where in the Bible do we see a similar paradox where a sword is also bread or nourishment?
Zayin ז Prayer Focus: The Sword Of The Spirit!
Ephesians 6:11-17 describes the amour we should put on daily to fight the real battles of life. It’s not flesh and blood, or things physical we battle. We are in a spiritual war! Yet God, in Christ, has supplied everything we need not just to fight, but to win this spiritual warfare!
One of the parts of that armor – the Sword of the Spirit!
Ephesians 6:17 (NET)
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The writer of Hebrews expounds on this imagery of the Word of God as a sword.
Hebrews 4:12 (NET)
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
Now what about the nourishment? Here’s what the prophet Jeremiah said:
Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV)
16 Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O LORD God of hosts.
Putting these concepts together, let’s remember that Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us, and help us to remember His words. Also, how did Jesus fight the adversary’s temptation in the wilderness? “It is written!”
The Sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, is both our weapon for spiritual battles and our nourishment to grow in obedience. The gift of the Holy Spirit is our power for this two-fold abundant life!
Let’s pray today for the Sword of the Spirit to be our amour and nourishment!
Jeremiah 23:29 |John 10:10, 14:26-27, 16:13 | 1 Corinthians 2:13 |
Ephesians 6:10-12 | 1 John 2:27 | Revelation 1:16
Section ז of Psalm 119
Psalms 119:48-56 (NET) ז (Zayin)
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.
51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
52 I remember your ancient regulations,
O LORD, and console myself.
53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.
55 I remember your name during the night, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.
56 This has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.