Whenever I talk to Ethel, I generally begin our conversation with the same question. “How are you doing?” Without fail, she answers the exact same way every time. “I’m blessed by the Best.”

As Easter approaches, I am repeatedly reminded of our shelter, life, and happiness blessings. Despite issues and the attempts of many unbelieving critics to destroy what God gives Christians, we can know we are blessed.

Word Study

When used in the Bible, the word “blessed” indicates to Christians to stop and take heed. Each verse is an exclamatory point the author makes that leads to a better understanding of God’s holy and righteous living expectations for all Christians. Following God’s Word leads everyone to a blessed life.

The Hebrew (the biblical language of the Old Testament) for blessed in Psalm 1:1 is ešer.

which is generally translated as “blessed or happy." It's found 45 times in the Bible.

Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon also says the transliterated 'ešer is often used “with the force of an interjection.”[1] This is easily shown in Psalm 1:1 in various English translations like:

New Living Translation: “Oh, the joys.”

Young’s Literal Translation: “Oh the happiness.”

Chinese Traditional: “How happy.”

New English Translation: “How blessed.”

Another Hebrew translation for blessed is 'āšēr, as in the name Asher. Both Hebrew words ešer and āšēr are derived from the same root word “'āšar " which is a verb.

When considering “asar,” this verb puts a little action and more understanding into the noun’s use. It tells the interpreter that the origin word meant to call into being happiness, to be made blessed, and to progress to an intended end. Just as Jewish followers of God once understood and now as Christians understand, these blessed verses call forth within us and progress our lives to an intended end of blessing before God. The word “blessed” or “happy” gives an end or a goal, as well as many opportunities and ways to live righteous following Yahweh.

A third Hebrew word for “blessed” is “Barach” or bāraḵ, which means to kneel as in to kneel to receive a blessing.

A Greek word for blessing is makarios or makar. This is translated in English as blessed or happy.

One of the initial publications of the Amplified version of the Bible defines blessed as “happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life, joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions.” That’s a few sermons in one definition. But let’s quickly break it down.

To be envied.

Enviously happy! Do people look at you and wonder what could make you so happy? Do they wonder why you walk with joy even in hard situations? Well, then you should “keep on keeping on” despite what happens. The rest of Ethel’s saying about blessedness often came with “too blessed to be stressed” by life’s small disruptions.

Some measure the amount of happiness by how often they laugh. I love to hear the joy of laughter. But the Bible doesn’t put those together. Laughter is often associated with a scornful or scoffing laugh, such as when people don’t understand the ways of Christians. Have you ever had a boyfriend or someone else “laugh” at your prayers, dreams, or hopes? This is the way of envy.

Spiritually prosperous.
In Luke 8:53 and Mark 5:40, laughter signified mocking of Jesus. Jesus walked into a sad and seemingly hopeless situation with a young girl who was proclaimed dead. The mourners, many of whom may have been paid to be there, laughed at Jesus when he told them the young girl was only sleeping. Luke 8:53 says, “And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.” Their eyes were blind to the blessedness that walking with Jesus brings. They lacked understanding. If the Christian recognizes envy and evil in the laughter and scorning of others, they need to keep on keeping on, walking in God’s blessings.

Do you remember the story of Abraham falling on the ground laughing? Abraham fell on the ground laughing because he didn’t think God could make a 100-year-old man and a 90-year-old woman fertile again. But he soon learned not to doubt as his wife became pregnant. Fortunately, God understands our limited minds. He didn’t punish Isaac for his laughter but reminded him that his promises are true and ‘Amen.’ His laughter made such an impression on him that he named his son “Isaac,” which means laughter.

So, laughter isn’t necessarily a sign of happiness or being “blessed.” But God’s blessings are still all around us.

With life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation

Perhaps this Spring, as everything begins to bloom, being blessed seems like the fresh smell of daffodils and roses. Song of Solomon uses the phrase, “I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valley.” The Rose of Sharon symbolizes solace and solemnity as the bride humbly reaches out to the bridegroom. It symbolizes Christ’s love for us, his bride, as he humbles himself to a death on the cross.

Christ “the lily of the valley” points to the blessed hope. Titus 2:13 says, “looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory [a]of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Lilies symbolize new life and resurrection. Today I looked out at the tall dead grasses and trees lacking in leaves and thought about how dead they looked. But in my mind, I know that God will soon resurrect and bring new life to his world. It will soon be green. Jesus brings new life to us. He is the resurrection and the life. Our hope is in him. We are indeed blessed by the best regardless of outward conditions.

Too blessed to be depressed.

Too grateful to be hateful.

Too anointed to be disappointed.

. I am praying for your time as you read and study his Word. I like to use two online sites when I study the Bible: Bible Gateway and Blue-Letter Bible. I may refer to these sites occasionally. Enjoy your Bible Reading with a cup of tea or coffee. I have been doing mine late at night.

I have started a new format for study questions. You can choose from Explore, Word Study, and Questions. You can complete one section or more. Many relate to each other.

Blessings.

Readings for April 15-21

April 15

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15

Psalm 34

April 16

I Samuel 22:1-23:12

Psalm 57

Psalm 142

Psalm 52

I Chronicles 12:8-18

April 17

I Samuel 23:13-25:44

April 18

I Samuel 26:1-29:11

Psalm 56

I Chronicles 12:1-7

April 19

I Chronicles 9:40-44

I Chronicles 10:1-14

I Chronicles 12:20-22

I Samuel 30:1-13

2 Samuel 1:1-27

April 20

2 Samuel 2:1-3:5

2 Samuel 23:8-39

I Chronicles 3:1-4

I Chronicles 11:10-47

April 21

2 Samuel 3:6-4:12

Questions to Ponder April 15-21

April 15

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15

Psalm 34

Explore

Choose a biblical person in I Samuel 20-21 to learn more about.

Word Study

Psalm 34:18 uses Strong's Number H3467 - yāšaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

matches the Hebrew יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ), which occurs 206 times in 198 verses in the Hebrew Bible. Consider the word and write how it relates to other uses of he Hebrew יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ) in the Bible.

Questions

Jonathan makes a covenant with the house of David in I Samuel 20:16. What significance is a covenant between two people? Between a person and God, according to the Bible?

What are the two reasons David is afraid in I Samuel 1:21?

April 16

I Samuel 22:1-23:12

Psalm 57

Psalm 142

Psalm 52

I Chronicles 12:8-18

Explore

I Samuel 23:9 David asks the priest for an ephod. Explain why he did this.

Word Study

Hānan-Strong's Number H2603 - ḥānan - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) means merciful.

H2617 - ḥeseḏ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) matches the Hebrew word Heseḏ), meaning mercy.

Compare the differences in these two words.

Questions

What type of men followed Daniel to the caves (I Samuel 22:2)?

What did Doeg the Edomite see (I Samuel 22:9-10)?

April 17

I Samuel 23:13-25:44

Explore

Map David's places that he stayed to escape Saul.

Word Study

Look up the meaning of the name Nabal Strong's Number H5037 - nāḇāl - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) Is it fitting?

Questions

How is David merciful towards Saul in 1 Samuel 24?

What happens at the beginning of I Samuel 25?

April 18

I Samuel 26:1-29:11

Psalm 56

I Chronicles 12:1-7

Explore

Find some history of the Philistines as related to these chapters.

Word Study

The descriptive word David uses for Saul in I Samuel 26:11 is the word for another in the Bible. Consider the meaning and compare Saul with the other called by God. (H4899 - māšîaḥ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv))

Questions

Why did Saul quit pursuing David (I Samuel 27:4)?

What did Saul do to get his answers he desired in I Samuel 28 and why?

April 19

I Chronicles 9:40-44

I Chronicles 10:1-14

I Chronicles 12:20-22

I Samuel 30:1-13

2 Samuel 1:1-27

Explore

When considering the definitions of "found strength" h2388 ḥāzaq

in the Lord, which of these is the best definition for this word, according to Strong's lexicon? Why?

a) to be strong, to grow strong

b) to make strong, strengthen

c) to strengthen oneself

Word Study

NLT says Saul was afraid of the Philistines in I Chronicles 10:4. What word does the NIV and KJV use to describe the people he was afraid of? Which is the best description and why?

Questions

I Chronicles 10:14 says why God allowed Saul to be dethroned via death. Explain this. How does that relate to each of us or does it?

April 20

2 Samuel 2:1-3:5

2 Samuel 23:8-39

I Chronicles 3:1-4

I Chronicles 11:10-47

Explore

Explore the relationship between Ashael, Abner, and Joab. What does the section in 2 Samuel 2:18-23 foreshadow?

Word Study

Look at the word poured out in I Chronicles 11:18. Several definitions exist. Which one is right? Compare this to Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:6.

Questions

What choice does David make in 2 Samuel 2, and what do the people do?

April 21

2 Samuel 3:6-4:12

Explore

Who was Mephibosheth? Give details about his life.

Word Study

Consider the revenge or vengeance as used in 2 Samuel 4:8. Why was David upset and what does that have to do with the word revenge? What was Israel's belief or more particularly David's in the area of revenge? Are there any verses to back this opinion up? H5360 - nᵊqāmâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

Questions

Why was Joab upset with David?

How did Joab's actions affect David?

Answers to Questions to Ponder April 15-21

April 15

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15

Psalm 34

Explore

Choose a biblical person in I Samuel 20-21 to learn more about. (Your choice)

Word Study

Psalm 34:18 uses Strong's Number H3467 - yāšaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

matches the Hebrew יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ), which occurs 206 times in 198 verses in the Hebrew Bible. Consider the word and write how it relates to other uses of he Hebrew יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ) in the Bible.

This means to save, to deliver. God is in the salvation and deliverance business. He helps the Jews over and over again.

Questions

Jonathan makes a covenant with the house of David in I Samuel 20:16. What significance is a covenant between two people? Between a person and God, according to the Bible? Here Jonathan makes a covenant with David's house to hold the enemies of David accountable to their actions against David's house. Often a covenant was made in blood, called cutting a covenant.

What is the reason David is afraid in I Samuel 20:21? He was afraid of Saul killing him.

April 16

I Samuel 22:1-23:12

Psalm 57

Psalm 142

Psalm 52

I Chronicles 12:8-18

Explore

I Samuel 23:9 David asks the priest for an ephod. Explain why he did this. With the ephod in his hand he could discern the next steps for his life. He could pray and get answers.

Word Study

Hānan-Strong's Number H2603 - ḥānan - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) means merciful.

H2617 - ḥeseḏ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) matches the Hebrew word Heseḏ), meaning mercy.

Compare the differences in these two words. (Do some research) ḥānan is a verb-to show favor. Hesed is a noun that means kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

Questions

What type of men followed Daniel to the caves (I Samuel 22:2)? All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, scoundrels.

What did Doeg the Edomite see (I Samuel 22:9-10)? He saw David and reported his whereabouts to Saul's officials.

April 17

I Samuel 23:13-25:44

Explore

Map David's places that he stayed to escape Saul. Check this out: CSB09_1Samuel_img2.png (1000×1194)

Word Study

Look up the meaning of the name Nabal Strong's Number H5037 - nāḇāl - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) Is it fitting? His name means "a fool."

Questions

How is David merciful towards Saul in 1 Samuel 24? He doesn't kill him when he has the chance.

What happens at the beginning of I Samuel 25? Samuel the priest dies.

April 18

I Samuel 26:1-29:11

Psalm 56

I Chronicles 12:1-7

Explore

Find some history of the Philistines as related to these chapters. (Continue to research)

Word Study

The descriptive word David uses for Saul in I Samuel 26:11 is the word for another in the Bible. Consider the meaning and compare Saul with the other called by God. (H4899 - māšîaḥ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)) Saul is called the Lord's anointed or the Messiah. This is similar to our Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose name in Hebrew is also the Anointed One.

Questions

Why did Saul quit pursuing David (I Samuel 27:4)? David was in an area outside his jurisdiction.

What did Saul do to get the answers he desired in I Samuel 28 and why? He went to a palm reader or a magician who claimed to know the future.

April 19

I Chronicles 9:40-44

I Chronicles 10:1-14

I Chronicles 12:20-22

I Samuel 30:1-13

2 Samuel 1:1-27

Explore

When considering the definitions of "found strength" h2388 ḥāzaq

in the Lord, which of these is the best definition for this word, according to Strong's lexicon? Why?

a) to be strong, to grow strong

b) to make strong, strengthen

c) to strengthen oneself

Word Study

NLT says Saul was afraid of the Philistines in I Chronicles 10:4. What word does the NIV and KJV use to describe the people he was afraid of? Which is the best description and why? uncircumcised fellow.

Questions

I Chronicles 10:14 says why God allowed Saul to be dethroned via death. Explain this. How does that relate to each of us or does it? "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." I Chronicles 10:13-14. If we do not follow the laws of God, if we choose not to listen to his Word, others will do the work. Consulting with people who deal in witchcraft is risky and not condoned by God.

April 20

2 Samuel 2:1-3:5

2 Samuel 23:8-39

I Chronicles 3:1-4

I Chronicles 11:10-47

Explore

Explore the relationship between Ashael, Abner, and Joab. What does the section in 2 Samuel 2:18-23 foreshadow? Joab's brother was Ashael. Abner killed Ashael when Ashael pursued him relentlessly. Joab killed Abner over his brother's death. Abner asks Ashael, who was a lightweight but fast warrior, to leave him alone because he doesn't want to face any consequences from killing him. He eventually faced the consequences through his own death.

Word Study

Look at the word poured out in I Chronicles 11:18. Several definitions exist. Which one is right? Compare this to Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:6. Poured out means to pour onto the ground an offering to the Lord. Paul to Timothy says, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near." In this verse, it deals with the Jesus blood being poured out on the ground so he can die.

Questions

What choice does David make in 2 Samuel 2, and what do the people do? David is anointed King over Judah.

April 21

2 Samuel 3:6-4:12

Explore

Who was Mephibosheth? Give details about his life. Mephibosheth was the crippled son of Jonathan and part of the household that David created a covenant with through Jonathan. David had him live in the King's household when David became King of Israel.

Word Study

Consider the revenge or vengeance as used in 2 Samuel 4:8. Why was David upset and what does that have to do with the word revenge? What was Israel's belief or more particularly David's in the area of revenge? Are there any verses to back this opinion up? H5360 - nᵊqāmâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)

Vengeance in the Bible is done by God, the Israelites, or their enemies. David didn't appreciate the men killing Ishbosheth and bringing his head to David. He felt God would avenge his enemies and taking life should not be done at least in this revengeful method.

David says,"It is God that avengeth H5360 me, and that bringeth down the people under me," 2 Samuel 22:48

Deuteronomy 32:35 says, "Vengeance is mine, and recompense,[fn]

for the time when their foot shall slip;
for the day of their calamity is at hand,
and their doom comes swiftly."

Questions

Why was Joab upset with David? David was making alliances with Abner, who had killed Joab's brother. Abner was the leader of the northern kingdom's army, and Joab was the leader of Judah's army. Angered at Abner for killing his brother, Joab sought out Abner and killed him as he left a discussion with David about joining David's forces.

How did Joab's actions affect David? David vowed that he was not involved in the death of Abner. He had to navigate the death with the Northern Kingdom's army.

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