Friday, 19 December 2025

Romans part 134 - One in Messiah 23

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Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever trusts in Him will not be put to shame."

You might imagine (and you would be correct) that when Paul quotes Scripture, it is Hebrew Scripture he is quoting. And the Hebrew Scripture he is quoting is the last part of Isaiah 28:16. Here is the entire verse in transliterated Hebrew and English.

Lachen, Ko Amar Adonai Yehovah, Hin'ni Yisad B'Tzion, Even; Even Bochan Pinat Yiq'rat, Musad Musad — Ha'ma'a'min, Lo Yachish.

Therefore thus says Adonai Elohim: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone, a firm foundation - whoever trusts will not flee in haste.

A few things jump out here. HaYesod is "the foundation." It is mentioned in both the first part (Yisad) and again, twice (Musad Musad), in the second part.

Rabbi Trail: The phrase "I am laying" does not appear in the Hebrew. It is added in English to help our understanding. The Hebrew just tells us to "behold a foundation stone in Zion." End RT.

When a word is doubled, like Musad is here, it is for emphasis. This is how we say the greatest foundation there is. Most translations say "firm foundation."

Another Rabbi Trail: Did you notice I just wrote "how we say?" In Hebrew we always ask, "How do we say?" We never ask, "How do you say?" It is a cultural expression that "we" are together. We say Kulanu K'Echad meaning "together as one." End ART.

That "greatest foundation" is not a "what," but a "Who." His name is Yeshua HaMashiach. He is both tested and costly, and mentioned in many places of Scripture. Peter said as much while being filled with the Spirit as he witnessed to the rulers and elders of Israel.

Acts 4:11 This Yeshua is 'the stone - rejected by you, the builders - that has become the chief cornerstone.'

That "Chief Cornerstone" is the rock on which we stand today. Psalm 61:3(2)b Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. A wise person builds his "house" on that rock. Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Lastly, our verse today ends with a promise to the faithful, Lo Yachish, meaning "he will not be hasty." Hasty is impulsive and quick to act. God is calling His people to wait on His direction, to be led by the Spirit.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will give counsel - My eye is on you.

Does it get any better than that? Shabbat shalom.