A Matter of the Heart

Chapter Seven
A Matter of the Heart

Psalms 84: 5b. “…whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” NKJV
“…in whose heart are the ways of them”. KJV

Chasing after YAH is a matter of personal desire. It is a matter of heart. Leaning to divine understanding rather than finite human wisdom can only be achieved with a heart that truly sets aside its own wisdom and inclines to the heart of the Father, as David did. In having a Godly “heart set”, we take the very center of our being—feelings, will, and intellect—and focus all on learning the ways of our Lord.

In consideration of this center of being, Yeshua said through Matthew in 22: 37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Yahweh said through Moses in Deuteronomy 6: 5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might”.

Mark writes in 12: 29-30, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength”. Then, Mark records the Scribe in v. 32 as saying, “And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all understanding, and with all strength…”

In the order they are used, consider each word used by the respective writers. For “heart”, Moses used the word, “lebab”, which suggests courage and understanding. Matthew, Mark, and the Scribe used the Greek word, “kardia”, which suggests one’s thoughts and feelings.

For “soul”, Moses used the word, “nephesh”, which suggests vitality and desire. It further suggests an all-consuming desire, even lustful, to achieve a certain goal. Matthew and Mark use “psuche”. On one hand, this word could refer to the immortal soul, but, in this case, is in direct agreement with the Hebrew word Moses used. It bears the meaning of “vitality, even as the vitality of plants”.

For “might”, Moses uses the word, “me’od”, which suggests vehement diligence. For “mind”, Matthew uses the word, “dianoia”. This word suggests deep thought in the use of the faculty of mind or disposition, and could not come about without meditating on the Word, as David did “day and night”.

According to Mark, Yeshua and the Scribe used the word, “ischus”, for “strength”. This word suggests forcefulness and power—or strength. It might be interesting to note that the Scribe added the word, “sunesis”, for “understanding”. This word suggests the use of the intellect, a putting together, which would appear to preclude one from using forcefulness without thinking about the ramifications of their actions—they put their mind in gear before they engage the power of their mouth, if you will.

The meanings above suggest the daily regimen of a finely tuned athlete, or anyone else striving to perform at a higher level, stretching themselves a little further each day, pressing steadfastly toward a goal, neither moving or looking to the left or right, totally focused on the task at hand. Each day they persist and extend themselves further than they or anyone else might think possible. Both the Hebrew and Greek words used work hand in hand to describe the person Yeshua and the Psalmists are telling us to be.

It might be interesting to note the word usage at the conclusion of each text phrase. The KJV reads, “…are the ways of them”, while the NKJV reads “is set on pilgrimage”. The Psalmists use “m’cilla”. Literally or figuratively, it means “a thoroughfare (as turnpiked)”. Specifically, it is “a viaduct or staircase, a path or highway.” It is derived from “caial”, which means, “to mound up (esp. as a turnpike)—to oppose (as by dam).”

We have been chosen to embark upon a journey for our Messiah with an ultimate destination of eternal joy. With hearts completely focused upon divine direction, we traverse a turnpike with limited exits to divert our attention from our journey. Also, fewer entrances mean less interference from evil intenders. We are built up on all sides so as to more easily oppose forces of darkness we encounter on the way. Our path is as a staircase, ever climbing higher on our journey.

It is as the Apostle Paul said of himself in 3: 14-15 of Philippians. “I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Yeshua the Messiah. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind…” Love Yahweh Messiah with every fiber of existence and diligently seek to learn of Him. This is the only path to true freedom—a pilgrimage teeming with immense encouragement.

Click Here For More Psalms 84 Treasures