I love today’s Verse!

It describes one or two of those “no-matter-what-happens” kind of situations … and promises that God will still care for us!

Here it is, addressed directly to our Lord: “Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Psalm 66:12

“To ride,” an infinitive, means “to mount a horse and gallop,” likely a military metaphor. The verb is framed in the “causative” (in Hebrew “Hiphil”) stem. God is the Reason this attack came! He is the ultimate “Cause!” We have been “belittled” if they rode “over our heads!” Defeated, conquered.

And following the thorough  thrashing, came “fire” and “water!” The prepositions “through” (both spelled “be” in Hebrew) means “presence in the midst of” something.

Wow!

What turmoil!

What opposition!

What adversity!

Why would God allow that?

Even more so, why would God send that?

And those answers are not really given, not in our Verse at least. But one encouraging fact is revealed. Through all those uncomfortable, dangerous situations … God has a “goal” in mind … for His children.

And that “goal” is?

“A WEALTHY PLACE!”

Look at the Verse again, please. “Thou, Lord, hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: BUT THOU BROUGHTEST US OUT INTO A WEALTHY PLACE.” 

The expression “wealthy place” translates a rare Hebrew noun, “revayah,” meaning “the state of saturation.” Filled to the brim! Soaked! Completely satisfied! Only found 2 times in all the Old Testament!

Here’s the other place, Psalm 22:5. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.” See the capitalized words, “revayah.” Overflow!

Now back to our Verse.

“Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.”

The “battles” just may be worth the “blessings!”

God puts us in a “tight” place … that He may eventually put us in a “broad” place!

We face “danger” … then God showers upon us “delight!”

An unusual route to blessings!

But a God ordained one.

Dr. Mike Bagwell