Blessings in the Mighty Name of Yeshua Hamashiach!
What does it mean that God is my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14)?
Following a magnificent exposition of God’s general and special revelation, David prays, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, NKJV).
The Hebrew word translated as “strength” means “rock.” God is like a rock in that He provides safety, security, and protection for whoever seeks refuge in Him. In another psalm, David uses some different metaphors: “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4, NKJV). God shields us from danger like a bird defending its babies from predators.
God defends and delivers us from trouble. For this reason, David refers to Him as the “Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). The Hebrew word translated as “Redeemer” is gaal. A gaal is a kinsman redeemer. This concept is fleshed out in the book of Ruth, where Boaz redeems Naomi’s family line. His role as a kinsman redeemer foreshadows that of Christ, the ultimate Redeemer who rescues us from sin’s bondage: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, NKJV).
God is our Redeemer who saves us from sin and misery. When we repent, the apostle John says, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV). God is a loving, gracious, and forgiving Redeemer. We can trust Him to restore our souls and lead us “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, ESV).
While understanding God’s attributes is essential, we must know Him personally. We should seek God not only for His blessings
but to experience Him as our strength and Redeemer.
Shalom
Pastor Williams