Emeth

In the Hebrew Bible there are words that have multiple meanings, of which in certain cases one meaning does not exclude the other.  

This is the case with the word Emeth

The root emeth” which has as its basic meanings truth and trust, but also means true, faithful/faithfulness, trustworthy/trustworthiness, firm/firmness, assurance, steady/steadiness.

Other than God what do you consider to be Faithful, trustworthy or firm?

The term “emet” (truth, trust, trustworthiness) occurs regularly with regard to people.

Moses was advised to appoint “men of emet” (faithful, trustworthy men) to assist in his great task

Exodus 18:21 “21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”

How does the concept of emeth play into leading others effectively?

“Emet” is a value/standard that must be present in people. The prophets insistently pointed to a lack of “emet” among God’s people.

Hosea complains that there is no “emet” in the land.

Hosea 4:1 “1 Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites, because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.”

Why is this idea Emeth or Lack of Emeth among the people so important to the prophets?

In Proverbs we find “emet” described as something precious.

Proverbs 3:3 “3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

We should buy it and hold on to it

Proverbs 23:23 “23 Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well.”

How does one “buy” Emeth?

How does one hold onto Emeth?

We also see where Emeth combines Grace and Atonement in Proverbs

Proverbs 14:22 “22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”

Proverbs 16:6a “6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”

This brings us to God Himself, the Source of all “emet” (truth/faithfulness).

Moses described God as “… great in “emet”(truth/faithfulness) and grace …”

Exodus 34:6 “6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,”

People fail, but God is infallible, never-ending “emet” (true/faithful).

David also knew and confessed this

2 Samuel 7:28 “28 Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”

Divine “emet” (faithfulness/truth) is mainly sung in the Psalms. His faithfulness and truth are constant, continuous and unchanging.

It is clear, that God’s “emet” (faithfulness/truth) is the foundation of all truth. “Emet” belongs to God:

Psalm 57:10 “10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

and like Himself, His Word is also emet:

Psalm 119:142b “142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.”

John 17:17 “17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Emeth is a call to holiness.

Psalm 25:10 “10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.”

Let our prayer be:

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your “emet”/ (truth/faithfulness) ….” Psalm 86:11

Is emeth something we can create without God?

Or Does God create emeth for us to aspire to?

How do you think people can nurture emeth in their personal walk?

How can we nurture emeth in our Church?

What are the implications or possible outcomes of a Church or an individuals living out the Concept of Emeth?