He who has ears...

This month is "Stump the Intern" at middle school AFW. The students have submitted a variety of questions about life, the Bible, and different theological issues.

One question that really piqued my interest was one about the Psalms. There is a mysterious word sometimes used, that doesn't really have a set meaning...

In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Selah Psalm 4:4

"Selah..." What does this word mean? Some Bible translations will give a footnote, saying that the real meaning is not known, that it's possibly some sort of musical notation. In all reality, we don't really know what it means, but people have studied and studied and studied the word to figure it out.

It is in God's word, after all. It's gotta be important. Some say it could be similar to "Amen" that you sometimes see at the end of hymns, and which we say at the end of prayers, meaning "So be it."

Hebrew scholars say it could be related to the word "Calah", which means to measure, or to weigh. If this is true, then the translation would be something like "weigh this carefully" or "think about it."

Strike them with terror, O LORD;
let the nations know they are but men.
Selah Psalm 9:20

Think about it.


Perhaps you'll read other Psalms that this word is in, and it doesn't really seem all that important, or profound. It's just kind of...there.

Ultimately, the word remains mysterious. I like the definition "think about it" because it serves a purpose. Look at God's word; think about it! There's something important to learn! It reminds me of the times that Jesus would say "He who has ears, let him hear..." and then he would explain something important.

Bottom line: It's a mystery! But it's still God's inspired Word. Pay attention when you see it! What is being said about God in that passage? What is being said about humans? What is God trying to teach me?