Perspectives on Sirach 31:8-11

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The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is part of the so-called “Apocrypha” and is regarded highly in the Jewish wisdom literature. Portions were also found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Sirach 31:8-11 is a passage that speaks to the character of a righteous person, particularly a wealthy man who remains faithful and unblemished in the eyes of Yahweh. From a Messianic Jewish perspective, this passage provides a rich tapestry of moral and spiritual insights, closely tied to the teachings and example of Yeshua the Messiah.

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Commentary on Micah 5:7-13

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From the Haftarah for 20 July 2024

7 The remnant of Jacob will be among many peoples,
like dew from Yahweh,
like showers on the grass,
that don’t wait for man,
nor wait for the sons of men.

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Commentary on Proverbs 31:10-31

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Proverbs 31:10-31 is a passage that beautifully outlines the virtues of an ideal wife, often referred to as אשת חיל (“Eshet Chayil”) or “Woman of Valour.” This passage is part of the wisdom literature in the Tanakh and is traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It provides not only a depiction of an exemplary woman but also offers profound insights into the values and expectations within a godly household.

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Commentary on Psalm 145

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1 I will exalt you, my God, the King.
I will praise your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you.
I will extol your name forever and ever.
3 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised!
His greatness is unsearchable.

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Wonders That Are in Your Law

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“Open my eyes so that I can see the wonders that are in your Law.” – Psalm 119:18, Peshitta

This particular verse highlights David’s desire to gain deeper understanding and appreciation of Torah. Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in the Bible, consists of a deep meditation on the beauty and perfection of God’s Torah. It contains almost 200 verses, structured as an acrostic poem, with each section corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structure shows the completeness and orderliness of God’s Commandments. The eighteenth verse stands out as a prayer for divine assistance in understanding Yahweh’s Torah. St. David acknowledges that without God’s help, the Torah’s full depth and beauty cannot be grasped. This recognition of human limitation and the need for God’s assistance is central to the life of faith.

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Commentary on the Haftarah – Judges 11:1-33

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Haftarah for 13 July 2024

1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour. He was the son of a prostitute. Gilead became the father of Jephthah. 2 Gilead’s wife bore him sons. When his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You will not inherit in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” 3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Outlaws joined up with Jephthah, and they went out with him.

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