Cheth - Fortress

Introduction

Psalm 16:5 “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.”

In the letter Heth, we have the symbol of a fenced-in area, which represents one’s allotment or inheritance. In ancient biblical times, inheritance was based on three possible things: First, you must be born into the family (Gen 15:1–4). Secondly, your inheritance may be altered by disobedience (Gen 49:4—Reuben lost the rulership portion of his inheritance to Judah; the priestly portion to Levi; and the double portion of the firstborn to Joseph via Ephraim and Manasseh). Finally, divine intervention may place the second-born above the firstborn, as an act of unmerited grace (Gen 25:19–23; Gen 48:13–20). All of these elements are at work in the eternal inheritance of believers in the Church Age also!

Heth—Psa 119:57–64: The Lord is my Inheritance

Portion (Psa 119:57). If indeed the author was among the captives taken to Babylon (the ancient rabbis taught that he was Ezra’s father), then he may have remembered the cry of Jeremiah as the captives were led out of the devastated city of Jerusalem. “‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him’” (Lam 3:24). The root word comes from chalak, the smooth stones used for determining the “lot” or allotment. Truly, “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Pro 16:33). You may lose everything in this life; but if you choose Jesus Christ as your choicest portion, you will have the best inheritance.

2. Favor (Psa 119:58–62). In making the commitment to keep the commands of God, the author wisely seeks the favor (grace) of God with his whole heart. Only a fool would trust in his own strength or goodness to live an obedient life! Just as we are “saved by grace through faith” (Eph 2:8), even so are we sanctified and purified. Our natural weakness and frailty (Rom 7:19; Jam 3:2) is a perpetual reminder of our need to humble ourselves and trust in nothing but the grace of God.

3. Companion (Psa 119:63–64). The word chaber comes from a root that means “to be knit together, joined, united.” It is a picture of fellowship based on common faith and commitment to God’s truth. The author chooses to associate with likeminded believers who are dedicated to the will of God. It is a wise believer who exercises caution in choosing his friends. As Paul warns us, “Do not be deceived: ‘evil company corrupts good habits’” (1Co 15:33). Today you are free to choose your companions. If you choose foolishly, they will forever affect your eternal reward—or the loss of it (Col 2:8, 18; Rev 3:11).

New Testament Confirmation

Every child of God is included in an inheritance which we will receive from the Father in eternity,

1 Peter 1:4–5 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

2. However, the scope and size of each one’s personal inheritance will be determined by their faith and conduct in this life,

Hebrews 6:12–13 “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,”

3. The sinful works of the flesh can no more inherit the kingdom of God than can the present sinful body,

1 Corinthians 6:9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,”

1 Corinthians 15:50 “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”

The word “unrighteous” in (1Corinthians 6:8.) He is not talking about unbelievers, but about the sinful Corinthians. The issue is not loss of salvation—which is entirely unbiblical—but the loss of rewards in the kingdom, as also seen in (Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 5:3–5). As with Reuben (Genesis 49:3–4), sinful behavior involves loss of inheritance/reward that was rightfully ours.

4. At the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ, all works of the Spirit will be rewarded, while all works of the flesh will involve loss of reward

1 Corinthians 3:12–15 “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”