My Text this morning, for our daily Lesson, is Ezra 9:4. One line from that significant verse. “Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.”
This single line … “EVERY ONE THAT TREMBLED AT THE WORDS OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL!”
Trembling at God’s Word, God’s Words!
The term for “trembled” is “chared,” Hebrew for “being afraid.” Literally “quaking!” Even “startled, terrified, discomforted!”
Wow!
Being that impacted by Scripture!
Here’s “chared” in use: “And when he (a messenger) came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart TREMBLED for the ark of God.” 1 Samuel 4:13
But my favorite example of Biblical use of “chared” is Isaiah 66:2, obviously used in a complementary manner! “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and TREMBLETH at my word.”
Wow!
Would that God’s Word had this effect on us all!
The writer of Psalm 119 could teach us a lot about this concept!
“My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” Psalm 119:20, with “breaketh” meaning “to be crushed!”
“Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.” Psalm 119:53, with “horror” meaning “raging heat!” Upset at the ungodly!
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Psalm 119:71, turning “affliction” (times of trembling) into blessings! “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” Verse 75 as well!
“My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” Psalm 119:81, actually “fainting” is quite near “trembling!”
“I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.” Psalm 119:93, being that “impressed” with God’s Word!
“Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” Psalm 119:111, so reverencing God’s Word!
“My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” Psalm 119:120, where “trembleth” literally means “shivering, bristling!” (Goosebumps!)
Maybe not trembling, but close! “I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.” Psalm 119:131, “to breathe heavily,” also “to swallow up, to devour!”
“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” Psalm 119:136, “crying” and “trembling” may not be that distant in meaning!
“My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.” Wow, Psalm 119:139, completely involved, emotionally as well!
“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.” Psalm 119:145, trembling and sobbing in prayer! His goal? Total dedication to God’s Word!
“I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.” Psalm 119:158, being “grieved” and “trembling,” again pretty close!
Such a high value for Scripture, one of the best examples in the Bible, this Psalmist. “I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.” Psalm 119:174, where “longing” means “to crave intensely, deeply!”
Yes, Ezra trembled at God’s Words!
Should we then treat the same Truths lightly?
God forbid!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell