Day of Rememberance

The Weight of Death

Psalm 116:12 ESV

What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

The Psalmist asks a rhetorical question of remembrance. In light of remembering (zakar זָכַר; make a permanent impression) Father’s benefits, what could he render (sub שׁוּב give back to Adonai). What could compare? What is there to compare to the life of these precious ones we remember today? May this moment make a permanent impression upon our souls of the priceless benefit of the gift of life. May we never cease to preserve it.

Psalm 116:13 ESV

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,

Next he lifts, or surrenders the cup of salvation (yeshua יְשׁוּעָה) which is reference to a libation or pour offering of thanksgiving recognizing the immense value of the gift from Adonai.

Psalm 116:14 ESV

I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Next he states that he will “pay” salam שָׁלַם or complete or finish the vow of covenant to the Lord. And for what has he made a covenant vow to the Lord? The next verse give us a clue.

Psalm 116:15 ESV

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Here great understanding is lost in translation. The word “precious” is not as we perceive. It does not compare to the value of any material possession. Indeed it does imply the highest of value or that which is costly. But it has another meaning that reflects the heart of the Father. It is the word yaqar יָקָר meaning weighty. And the word “saints” is chasid חָסִיד meaning holy ones. This comes from the same root hasad חָסַד meaning to show kindness and mercy.

So today, let this moment make a permanent impression on each of us to never forget, as we go back to our daily norms, that the life of these holy ones still weighs heavy on the heart of the Father. May we never cease to preserve the value of every life.