Books have been written, many of them, on the subject “Textual Analysis.” Other studies have been made (to narrow the subject) on the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament.

Earlier this morning I saw a prime example to illustrate the fascination (delightfully so) awaiting the Bible student concerning this subject.

In Psalm 8, a Psalm of praise for sure, we unexpectedly fine this verse: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:2)

God can take little babies and from them ordain (establish) “strength.” In other words, God can make strong (against His enemies) the most naturally weak elements of the world!

John the Baptist, still in the womb: “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Luke 1:41)

Jeremiah, still unborn: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

STRENGTH, POWER, BOLDNESS … actual translations of the Hebrew word for “strength” …. in the King James Version anyway.

Now … watch how Jesus uses this Verse in the New Testament, obviously quoting Psalm 8:3 and adapting it to His situation one day.

“And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” (Matthew 21:16)

Jesus refined the Old Testament noun “strength” and expressed it as “PRAISE!” This is intertextuality, interpretively speaking.

Wow!

Jesus literally changed the word “strength” in Psalm 8 to “praise” in Matthew 21! And mind you, Jesus never makes a mistake. He knew the Bible. Actually, He wrote the Bible!

Let’s think a minute. What’s the background, the basis, for this tactic of our dear Lord?

Could it be that there is a correlation between “strength” and “praise?” Could it be that if I lose my praise (joy, delight in the Lord) I will also lose my strength?

YES, that is the case!

And if I were pressed to give a “proof” Verse, it would be Nehemiah 8:10. “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

My point in this discussion?

Strength and joy are companions. Languish in one and the other will fade as well!

Lacking in strength today, in determination, in steadfastness?

Check you “joy” guage!

And the source of joy?

The Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, etc.

The Word of God, 1 John 1:4. “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

Hear Jesus on this matter: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

Be strong!

Be joyful!

These spiritual graces are twins, according to our Lord!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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