Psalm 119:121-128; Lk. 11:33-36, Good Eye, Bad Eye

The Hebrew letter ‘ayin’ is the 16^th letter of the Hebrew alphabet (or alehbeth).  As with all Hebrew letters it has a root meaning.  The root meaning of ayin is ‘eye’.  Thus it is used in words that have to do with what is seen.  And with the 22 stanzas of Psalm 119, the verses in this stanza begin with the letter ‘ayin.’

If you know the root meaning it is interesting to note its use at the start of each stanza.  For example;

·        In v121 it is an obedience term (I have done justice).  Obedience is when the status of the heart is seen in the life.

·        In v122 it is the surety, the evidence or roof that God makes on behalf of His servants or obedient ones (literally).

·        In v123 eyes is simply the word ayin.

·        In v124 the Psalmist asks God to deal mercifully with His servant.  He desires that God’s merciful heart be shown in His dealings.

·        In v125 it’s the word servant.  A servant is one whose eye is on his master so that he might obey.

·        In v126 the time to act is the time when God’s purposes become real or visible.

·        In v127 and v128 it is the word therefore, which is a form of speech we use when we state a conclusion or result.  The Psalmist’s love for God’s commandments is the visible result of their value; in other words, his response has become visible.

So to see is to understand and obey.  It is related to light and thus speaks of the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit.  There was a rabbinic tradition that said we have two eyes that lead to the brain: one good eye and one evil eye. 

Is it possible that Jesus was referring to this tradition when He issued His warning in Luke 11?  He did not, of course, affirm the tradition exactly.  But He did acknowledge the potential of the eyes giving access to the soul for both good and evil.  This is such an important admonition as the senses, and particularly the eyes, are such a powerful avenue to the mind and heart. 

What we learn from these thoughts on the eye is important for us all.  Obedience requires that we see before we walk.  God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, will enable us to see clearly.  But we must guard our eyes.  As Job put it, we need to make a covenant with our eyes not to look at that which leads to temptation (Job 31:1).  As we used to sing as children, O be careful little eyes what you see!