“And the word of the
LORD was precious in those days” (v.1). What does it mean?
Strong Dictionary defined the word “precious” as “valuable, costly, excellent,
precious,” (Strong Definition, e-sword). Another dictionary has “valuable, prized, weighty, precious,
rare, splendid” (BDB Definition, e-sword).
Some versions translate the verse as: “And
the word of the LORD was rare in those days.” The word of God was
rare because the priesthood was corrupt. There was no spiritual leadership.
There was no prophet before Samuel because none was worthy. God wasn’t speaking
to Israel.
I prefer the KJV rendering as precious. The next clause, “there was no open vision”,
already indicates that the word of God was rare and infrequent. Because the
word of God was rare, implying God had not spoken through any prophets,
therefore, any word that came from God was very precious.
The Psalmist said: “O how
love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). He
not only loved God; he loved His word. Adam Clarke wrote: “This is one of the strongest marks
of a gracious and pious heart, cast in the mould of obedience”
(Clarke Commentary, e-sword).
Is the word of God precious to you? If it is, you will love to read it every
day. You will not live a day without meditating on the word of God. You will
memorise it and let it be your guide to godly living: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and
a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Is the word of God rare in the church which your belong? Today, in many
“churches”, more things are preached over the pulpits except the word of God.
Preachers are preaching about self-esteem, prosperity, psychology, social
justice, self-improvement, and life stories about themselves except the story
about Jesus and Him crucified. Denomination preachers preach a whole sermon
without quoting a verse from the Bible. Our liberal brethren are following the
same too. Sermons are all about how to better oneself and to live an enriched
life in this present world. There is nothing about the abundant life in Christ
Jesus (John 10:10). There is nothing about denying ungodly and worldly lusts,
and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12).
What did Paul preach to the Corinthians? He said: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with
excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of
God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ,
and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2).
He did not try to show off. He did not use big and fanciful words. He did not
teach man’s wisdom. He only preached Jesus. The first century Christians
preached only the word of God. Even when they were persecuted and were forced
to scatter abroad, they went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). As a
result, “the word of God
grew and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). It means that everywhere, and
every day, you can expect someone will be preaching the word of God. The word
of God could be heard daily and in every corner of the street.
Can we say the same today? Is the word of God rare these days? Is the word of
God precious to the Christians? One reason the word of God is rare is because
Christians are not talking about it. Only when the word of God is precious will
they be talking about it to their friends every day.
Brethren, search your heart. Is the word of God precious to you? Or is it rare
coming out from your mouth? “Then
I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his
word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary
with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:9).
The word of God was precious to Jeremiah and he had to utter it. Is it the same
with you? Is it the same with the church which you are a member of?
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