TAV
”May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word.
May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.
May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight.
Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.“
Psalms 119:169-176 NIV
Tav (alternate spelling Taw) is the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Curious about this last letter and the beautifully encouraging way Psalm 119 is wrapped up and tied with a bow in these few verses, I did a little research.
In my brief time of reading, I learned some life giving nuggets of truth regarding humility, truth and last place. The meaning of Tav contains a message important to Jesus as He often taught specifically, and by example, that the first shall be last and the last shall be first.
Additionally, this last section of Psalm 119 presents our need for prayer, confession, and praise to God for His goodness. The psalmist clearly states His need for salvation in God alone. He asks God to seek him out as he has strayed from the path of Light even as he is fully aware of God’s expectations.
I see the Gospel message right here in the Old Testament, which was fulfilled in Jesus, the Word become flesh.
Here are just a couple of other nuggets that I hope might spark your interest in learning more about the meaning of Tav and the significance of these verses at the end of Psalm 119. This little adventure has certainly deepened my appreciation for the wisdom of this amazing psalm.
Humility
Once, when the Rebbe Rashab was four or five years old, he came crying to his grandfather the Tzemach Tzedek. The Tzemach Tzedekasked, “Dear child, why are you crying?”
The Rashab said, “I just learned in cheder that G‑d revealed Himself to Abraham.”
“So why are you crying?”
The Rashab answered, “G‑drevealed Himself to Abraham, but why doesn’t G‑d reveal Himself to me?”
His grandfather explained that a man who is ninety-nine years old and willing to follow G‑d’s command to circumcise himself is worthy of G‑d’s revelation. Even after a man elevates himself ninety-nine levels, a level of near perfection, he must retain his humility before G‑d.
chabad.org
Lending context to the above story, the author adds that age and achievement of ever increasing maturity through a long life is no substitute for God’s ultimate, all knowing, all encompassing wisdom. No matter Abraham’s experience or age or wisdom garnered through 99 years of living, he must bend at the majesty and holiness of God Almighty. There was yet more for Abraham to learn on his journey of faith in the One true God.
The same is true for us in the 21st century. We are called continually to the same humility of which Christ is our greatest example. We are reminded by these words from Paul:
”In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!“
Philippians 2:5-8 NIV
And the psalmist, at the end of Psalm 119, agrees as he makes clear his need for rescue, deliverance and salvation. He knows much of God’s words, teaching and precepts, and yet he confesses, as we all must, that he has gone astray and needs help. Most likely, the psalmist would be considered a wise & learned man among his peers; however, he willingly compares himself to the most dependent and unintelligent creature, a sheep.
Mark
Most every definition of Tav that I read included the idea of Tav signifying a mark or a sign. Here are some examples offered. Making a mark as in a signature, signifying identity. Some referenced the symbol of a cross, eluding to Christ and His ultimate sacrifice of death on a cross. Others discussed Tav marking completeness by being at the end of the Hebrew alphabet.
This aspect of the meaning of Tav is rich, and I could have read commentaries for hours. I have many questions and want to take time to ponder and read further with the help and guidance of Holy Spirit. However, these are few thoughts and scriptures that came quickly to mind.
For certainly Jesus bore the marks of His sacrifice in His body. And He asks us also to take up our cross and follow Him, if we are to be identified by His name. We are told in Ephesians that, as we receive His free gift of salvation, our hearts are marked with a seal.
”And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,“
Ephesians 1:13 NIV
There’s so much more that pops to the forefront of my thoughts. God gives us a new name engraved upon a white stone, God engraved us in the palm of His hands, and He calls us by name. There’s more than enough for me to read, ask and ponder for the rest of my days. The word of God is abundantly rich. It is alive and active and sharper than a two-edged sword.
Wisdom
Though it is possible for us to recite the Hebrew alphabet and find Tav at the end of the 22 letters, we can never come to the end of God’s wisdom. I pray you are sparked with a desire to learn, ponder, and ask God all your questions. I would love to read in the comments how you are impacted by what you’ve read so far.
”May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.”
For more on the wisdom and importance of the book of Psalms click below to watch an insightful video by The Bible Project.
The Bible Project: Book of Psalms
Live Love Brightly,
Lisa
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