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WE ARE UNDOUBTEDLY living in the perilous time before the return of our LORD, a time so egregiously wicked that even God's own children may find themselves perplexed by the distortions and deception that exists all around them (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Nonetheless, despite the presence of seemingly ubiquitous darkness, God has promised to shine forth light to those who are "yashar," that is, who are honest and upright before Him.
"Light shines in the darkness for the upright..." Note that the word translated "shines" (i.e., zarach) refers to the dawning of the new day, when the rising sun suddenly overcomes the darkness of night. For those who are trusting in God's salvation given in Yeshua, the darkness of the outer world can never extinguish the inner light given by the Holy Spirit. As King David affirmed, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). The darkness can never overcome the overmastering radiance and power of the LORD God of Glory!
Divine light overcomes the darkness for the upright ones, and God is the source of that light. Note that the Hebrew participles "gracious, merciful, and righteous" are singular and therefore imply that the LORD is the subject. Recall that these attributes were revealed to Moses after the dreadful sin of the Golden Calf (Exod. 34:6-7). Despite the darkness caused by sin and the breaking of the covenant, the LORD declared that He is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness..."
The Midrash says, "The Holy One Himself, as it were, made light for the upright. Thus it says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation" (Psalm 27:1) and "When I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me" (Micah 7:8). While I sit in darkness in this world, during these latter days before the promised return of Yeshua, when troubles may afflict me and lawlessness may abound – then God's light will shine brighter still, for the LORD is good to those who trust in Him, and this favor and love will be manifest for me.
The darkness of this world forever is swept back before the overmastering radiance and power of Yeshua, the King of Glory, the Root and Descendant of David, and the Bright Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). Those who believe in Him are given the "light of life" that overcomes the darkness of this world (John 8:12).
בְּטַח אֶל־יְהוָה בְּכָל־לִבֶּךָ
וְאֶל־בִּינָתְךָ אַל־תִּשָּׁעֵן
בְּכָל־דְּרָכֶיךָ דָעֵהוּ
וְהוּא יְיַשֵּׁר אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ
אַל־תְּהִי חָכָם בְּעֵינֶיךָ
יְרָא אֶת־יְהוָה וְסוּר מֵרָע
be·tach · el-Adonai · be·khol-lee·be'·kha
ve'el-bee·na'·te·kha · al-teesh·a·ein
be·khol-de·ra·khe'·kha · da·ei'·hoo
ve·hoo · ye·ya·sher · or·cho·tey'·kha
al · te·hi · cha·kham · be·ei·ne·kha
ye·ra · et · Adonai · ve·sur · me·ra
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
Know Him in all your ways,
and He will straighten your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil."
(Prov. 3:5-7)
Hebrew Study Card
Trusting in God brings inner light from the Holy Spirit wherein the LORD will make your way "yashar" (upright), the same word used in "Jeshurun" and "Yisrael."
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