Hebrew Word Study – Winter חָרַף

by | Mar 4, 2022 | Devotionals | 6 comments

Hebrew Word Study – Winter חָרַף

The word “winter” חָרַף when spelled in reverse is פָּרַח ,a word for “blossoming“. It is a reminder that there is a purpose to every season and that at the end of its cycle, there will be flowers that blossom and fruit that yields!
 
Song 2:10-12 My beloved responded and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along. For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.” (different word for winter used here, but same idea)
The root word for “blossoming” פָּרַח also means “they become flying ones”. This denotes freedom and maturity as a baby bird leaves the nest when it is old enough to fly on its own. The root word for “winter” חָרַף can also mean “betrothal”…seeing winter through spiritual eyes will reveal that it is a season of entering into a deeper level of our intimacy with Jesus.
 

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Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard does not plow after autumn (חָרַף same word as winter), so he begs during the harvest and has nothing.
This verse reminds me of Matthew 25:3 For when the foolish virgins took their lamps, they took no oil with them. Just as we can not get the oil of intimacy with Jesus from another so the fields of our life can only be cultivated by us. The sluggard says “it’s too cold and the winds are too harsh to plow seeds…I want to remain where it is warm and comfortable and I’ll just glean from others”.
Our lives are like a seed and carry 100 fold potential. That is the totality of its sum. For example, when you plant an apple seed a 100 fold harvest includes not only the fruit from that tree but from every seed, from every apple, from every new tree, every year, and on and on. A hundredfold is a hundredfold in your life’s potential whether you have a large platform or you’re an unknown.
Cultivating history with Jesus will reap a harvest of intimately knowing Him and fulfilling all His will for our lives. An intimate personal relationship and living our purpose is what life is about and it doesn’t get any better than that! : )

If you would like to see more verse studies on the Song of Solomon, check out my S.O.S. course study at The All-Access Learning Channel, I’ll leave the link in the comments below.

Blessings, Laura

Here’s the link to check out the Song of Solomon Course:https://steve-s-school-acb2.thinkific.com/courses/song-of-solomon

Here’s the link to view all courses at The Learning Channel: https://www.hebrewwordstudy.com

 

 
 

Psalms 23:5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

It seems the commentators tend to walk in lockstep with each other in their explanation of the first part of this verse. What does David mean that God prepares a table before him in the presence of his enemies? Most Christian commentators seem to agree that God is providing a great feast for David as his enemies look upon him wondering how he could enjoy such a feast when they are about to lop off his head.  In other words, it is David’s way of saying that he has no fear of his enemies. 

This is in keeping with his walking through the valley of the shadows and fearing no evil. It also keeps with the shepherding motif.  The shepherd leads his sheep to lush fields to graze and watches over them protects them from any predators while the sheep eat to their hearts content totally oblivious to any dangers. So too, David is able to enjoy a great feast without fear of attack by his enemies. 

My studies in Archaeology cry out: “Hold it, wait one doggone minute!”  Why are we so quick to assume that the table represents a banquet or feast or even having a meal?   This only says that God prepares a table. Just a table, no feast, no banquet, simply a table. The word table in Hebrew is shulachan which comes from the root word shalach which is a word used for moving toward a goal or resolution. So, what does that have to do with a table? Another word in Hebrew for table is tavala which is a board or plank of wood. That is what comes to my mind when I hear the word table. Shulachan is a different, special table.  A table of reaching a goal or resolution to a problem.

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6 Comments

  1. lyndemc on March 5, 2022 at 5:51 AM

    The thoughts shared about the word “winter” are so beautiful. I especially like that in reverse it spells a word for blossoming. How perfect is that! The line “Just as we can not get the oil of intimacy with Jesus from another…” is something I wish I could’ve heard as a child because I always thought those five girls who wouldn’t share their oil were selfish and I was disappointed that the Bible seemed to condone their behavior. What a relief when as an adult my Bible study time led to a better understanding. Laura, your words are a lovely explanation and inspirational towards seeking that intimacy.

    • Laura on March 7, 2022 at 4:08 PM

      Thank you so much for sharing that. Blessings, Laura

  2. Brenda Miles on March 4, 2022 at 1:33 PM

    I really enjoyed the Winter ministry. I have read your Books on Learning God’s Love Language, Hebrew Word Study:Revealing the Heart of God and others. I have been so enlightened in how you passionately share the knowledge you have gained through your studies and relationship with God.

    • Laura on March 4, 2022 at 4:37 PM

      I’m glad you enjoyed the “winter” study that I wrote and Chaim’s books! Blessings, Laura

    • hamish robert pilbrow on March 7, 2022 at 1:27 AM

      THANKYOU Chaim…. : ) Perfect timing for me to read this about Psalm 23 and your article on Winter.We’re at the beginning of Autumn ,here in New Zealand.And the World is going thru another war along with Covid 19 as i tap these words to submit my comment.Jesus Trully is THE Prince Of Peace and Savior to All who call on Him,Trust Him and surrender their Lives to Him.It is not so easy to continue,on a Daily,Monthly or Yearly walk to trust Him,Surrender to Him and Obey Him…But it iS possible for Him to break us so that we Can.

      • Laura on March 7, 2022 at 4:05 PM

        Hello Hamish

        It was actually me, Laura who wrote this, and we didn’t know New Zealand was going through this again. We’re praying and it is comforting to know that ultimately our lives are in God’s hands. Blessings< Laura

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