I decided to focus on a single verse this week:
This is what the Lord says:
Jeremiah 6:19
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Analyzing the Hebrew, there are two “pathy” words present: דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek, crossroads and way) and נְתִיבָה (nitivah, path). They seem to be synonyms. The former is used over 700 times while the latter is only used a couple dozen times. They can refer to a literal road or path or a metaphorical one (one’s conduct). What does it mean to call the way good? I don’t think it means it’s easy or fun. Rather, it is the right way to go. It is the way that leads to life.
The verse is filled with imperatives (commands): “stand”, “ask” (only one appears in the Hebrew; the second is more of a question: “Where is this good way?”), “walk”, and “find” (The NIV translates the latter as “you will find”, but it’s an imperative like the others: “find!”). How do the people respond? They refuse.
The word “rest” (margo’ah) used here is rare. (other root forms are used frequently, but not this noun form) The only other place it appears is in Isaiah 28:12 (where another word for rest is also used: menuchah). It isn’t just a feeling of rest, but a place of rest. By following the good way, it will take you to a restful place.
When Jesus came centuries later, he hinted at this verse:
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus’ statement of rest implies that he knows where the good way is and will guide any who follow. In fact, he elsewhere describes himself as the Way.
To Ponder…
- Will you seek and walk the good way (even if it’s hard)?
- What would it look like for your life to find a place of rest? Are you seeking it?