Study #13: CHET
CHET ( FENCE ) IN THE WORD CHAYIL ( VALOUR )
This word appears in the O.T. to describe men and women of exceptional CHAYIL ( VALOUR )
1.The Conventional Meaning
VALOUR is a military term that describes great courage in the face of battle.
2. The Pictorial Meaning
This warlike definition is supported by its pictorials:
CHET = Place of security or protection.
YOD = Mighty Hand
LAMED = Divine Authority.
Joshua’s army was considered as “men of VALOUR ” ( Joshua 1:14 ) as they were under authority ( LAMED ) to do a mighty work of conquering Canaan ( YOD ) to provide a safe sanctuary ( CHET ) for God’s people and their own family ( “their wives and little ones” ).
But this meaning was spiritualised when Gideon was called to battle the Midianites in Judges 6:11. He had such low esteem that he did not see himself as a Man of VALOUR. But God told him he was a mighty man of VALOUR and that He would be with him throughout battle. Thus he had to see himself from God’s point of view not his own.
This spiritual recognition was accorded to the domestic housewife of Proverbs 31 who feared God ( Proverbs 31: 29 ) and thus became a Woman of Valour ( CHAYIL ). Such a woman who submitted to God’s authority ( LAMED ) by multi-tasking tirelessly with her hands ( YOD ) to provide a sanctuary for her family ( CHET ) displayed the Force of Virtue, her secret weapon.
3.The Numerical Meaning
But it is here in the numerals that we see Jesus as our Messiah and the Captain of the God’s Heavenly Hosts.
CHET = 8 = New Beginnings
YOD = 10 = As ordained in heaven, a heavenly mandate.
LAMED = 30 = The Blood of Sacrifice.
Father God, You have given us Jesus as our mandated voice of authority ( LAMED ) who by the work of His Blood-stained Hands ( YOD ) provided an eternal sanctuary for us with Him in heaven ( CHET ), opening the door to New Beginnings. Help us to see our true worth in Your eyes as men and women of VALOUR – no longer fearful of our spiritual enemies nor underestimating ourselves in this good fight of faith. May we be like the prophet Habbakuk who found his strength ( CHAYIL ) solely in You ( Habbakuk 3:19 ) when all else was down and out.
