{"id":2087,"date":"2025-07-28T15:16:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T15:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=2087"},"modified":"2025-07-28T15:25:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T15:25:11","slug":"watchful-obedience","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/watchful-obedience\/","title":{"rendered":"Watchful Obedience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size\"><strong>Watchful Obedience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">A WORD STUDY &amp; COMMENTARY<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joshua 1:7-9<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua is fascinating. It tells the story of transition within the leadership of the ancient Israelites (as the mantle is passed from Moses to Joshua). In the midst of this opening chapter, the importance of holding to and living out the declared Word of God is proclaimed. More than simply reading it, or acknowledging it, Joshua and his people were to obey it \u2014 put it into action, live it out!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The focus of this study will be to explore the emphasis of application as found (primarily) in verse 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-829ece1cd2abeb6b6c56ff25cd8d931c\"><em>&#8220;Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you\u2026&#8221; <\/em><strong>\u2014 Joshua 1:7 (NKJV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Insight:<\/strong> This verse introduces the concept of <em>obedience rooted in understanding.<\/em> The command to \u201cobserve to do\u201d captures a distinctly Hebrew approach to God\u2019s instruction \u2014 where knowing and doing are inseparable. The Hebrew word for \u201cobserve\u201d (<em>shamar<\/em>) means more than just watching or noticing. It carries the sense of guarding, keeping watch over, and carefully paying attention with the intent to obey. It is an active attentiveness, not passive awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sets the stage for understanding that biblical obedience is never about mechanical rule-following. Instead, it is deeply relational and intentional \u2014 built on a reverent respect for God\u2019s voice and a commitment to walk in His ways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Understanding:<\/strong> The phrase \u201cobserve to do\u201d (<em>shamar la\u2019asot<\/em>) forms a key biblical pattern repeated throughout the Torah, specifically to the first five books of the Bible also known as the <em>Pentateuch)<\/em>. These books were written by Moses under divine inspiration and serve as the foundation of God\u2019s covenant with Israel. Additionally, we find this phrase repeated within the historical and prophetic books. The implication of its repetition calls us to both an attentiveness as well as responsiveness \u2014 hearing God\u2019s Word with an intent to live it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Joshua 1, God commissions Joshua to lead His people forward in territory and in life. He emphasizes how they should fully embodying the covenant of His Word, in word and deed. Their success in the Promised Land would be found more in their faithfulness in doing exactly what God revealed through Moses than it would be through their military strength and strategic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Exploring the Original Language<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Hebrew Text:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2dd017a043ac900a65bec85c2e96366b\">\u05e8\u05b7\u05e7 \u05d7\u05b2\u05d6\u05b7\u05e7 \u05d5\u05b6\u05d0\u05b1\u05de\u05b8\u05e5 \u05de\u05b0\u05d0\u05b9\u05d3 \u05dc\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05c1\u05de\u05b9\u05e8 \u05dc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05c2\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea \u05db\u05b0\u05bc\u05db\u05b8\u05dc\u05be\u05d4\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sitetext-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size wp-elements-d4488c7f49da66755c25242756ca2d86\"><strong>Transliteration:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-8310dd2db9b2afad70629aa75e65ea51\"><em>raq chazaq ve\u2019ematz me\u2019od, <\/em><strong><em>lishmor la\u2019asot<\/em><\/strong><em> kekol ha-torah&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. \u201cObserve\u201d \u2013 <\/strong><strong>\u05e9\u05b8\u05c1\u05de\u05b7\u05e8<\/strong><strong> (<em>shamar<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hebrew word:<\/strong> <em>lishmor<\/em> (infinitive construct of the word \u201c<em>shamar\u201d<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meaning:<\/strong> To keep, guard, protect, observe, pay close attention to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Usage:<\/strong> This word is rich with meaning. It often describes careful attention, watchfulness, or guarding something of value. For example:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Genesis 2:15 \u2013 Adam is to \u201ckeep\u201d (<em>shamar<\/em>) the garden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psalm 119:11 \u2013 \u201cYour word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Shamar<\/em> conveys more than reading or knowing. It implies a careful guarding, internalizing, and valuing of what is commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this verse, <em>lishmor<\/em> (to observe, to guard) speaks to the<strong> mindset and heart posture<\/strong>\u2014one of attentiveness and respect for God&#8217;s Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. \u201cDo\u201d \u2013 <\/strong><strong>\u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b8\u05c2\u05d4<\/strong><strong> (<em>asah<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hebrew word:<\/strong> <em>la\u2019asot<\/em> (infinitive construct of the word \u201ca<em>sah&#8221;<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meaning:<\/strong> To do, make, carry out, act upon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Usage:<\/strong><em>Asah<\/em> is the go-to Hebrew verb for <strong>action<\/strong>. It\u2019s used in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Genesis 1:7 \u2013 \u201cGod made (<em>asah<\/em>) the firmament\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exodus 24:7 \u2013 \u201cWe will do (<em>asah<\/em>) and be obedient\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In this context, <em>la\u2019asot<\/em> refers to putting into practice what has been observed and internalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Insights from the Hebrew Pairing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When paired\u2014<em>lishmor la\u2019asot<\/em> (\u201cto observe to do\u201d)\u2014these verbs form a complementary relationship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Shamar<\/em> involves the careful watching, guarding, internalizing of God\u2019s commands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Asah<\/em> involves the outward execution or obedience to those commands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hebrew structure intentionally links both verbs to underscore this two-fold responsibility:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Internalize God\u2019s Word (<em>shamar<\/em>),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obey it in practice (<em>asah<\/em>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>In Hebrew grammar, this construct is often used to communicate purpose or result\u2014you <em>observe<\/em> in order <em>to do<\/em>. It\u2019s not a random pairing; it\u2019s a designed sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Understanding Modern Translations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Many modern translations smooth the language of this text and translate it by using phrases like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8cb88693e0a2120403e1acc1cbddfa12\"><em>\u201cBe careful to follow\u2026\u201d<\/em> (NIV)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-03fe8dcd4d54f6fcae645a46fe7ea340\"><em>\u201cBe careful to obey\u2026\u201d <\/em>(ESV)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21e218de6d96f3d468b0fbae7a00c91f\"><em>\u201cDo everything carefully\u2026\u201d <\/em>(NLT)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While they clearly read differently than the NKJV and other more literal translations, they are not inaccurate in their rendering of this passage. Their purpose seems to be to compress the two ideas (mental engagement and physical obedience) into one succinct phrase for the express purpose of readability and simplicity of thought. While it is not wrong and is not an intentional attempt to change meaning or the original authorial intent, it may unintentionally soften the distinctiveness and powerful sequence of the Hebrew words <em>shamar<\/em> and <em>asah<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>NKJV, KJV, NASB,<\/strong> and other more <strong>literal translations<\/strong> seem to preserve the two-part structure more clearly, as they translate this passage as: <em>\u201cobserve to do\u201d<\/em> or <em>\u201cbe careful to do.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the original Hebrew, &#8220;observe to do&#8221; is a clear and purposeful directive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Shamar<\/em> speaks to the <strong>posture of the heart and mind<\/strong>: guarding, honoring, paying attention to the Word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Asah<\/em> speaks to the response of the life: acting, obeying, following through.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This verse isn\u2019t calling for passive admiration of Scripture\u2014it\u2019s calling for watchful obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, pay close attention to God\u2019s Word. Then, in response, live it out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Summary: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0In Joshua 1:7-9 we are reminded that following God isn\u2019t just about knowing His Word \u2014 it\u2019s about living it out. In this passage we are given the phrase \u201cobserve to do\u201d (shamar la\u2019asot). These words (and their unique pairing together, form a key biblical pattern repeated throughout the Old Testament. It is a process that begins with paying close attention to God\u2019s instruction, and then responding with intentional action. Just as God was calling Joshua to watchful obedience \u2014 to take His Word seriously, guard it carefully, and live it out faithfully, so also is He calling us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRACTICAL APPLICATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some specific ways to apply this truth in daily life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. <strong>Guard Your Time in God\u2019s Word (Shamar)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set aside daily time to read and reflect on Scripture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Journal or highlight what God is teaching you \u2014 don\u2019t rush through it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treat God\u2019s Word as something valuable and worth protecting in your schedule.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>2. <strong>Act on What You Learn (Asah)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After reading, ask: \u201cWhat does obedience look like today?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put into practice what the Holy Spirit highlights \u2014 whether it\u2019s forgiveness, generosity, humility, or courage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make small, specific choices that reflect God\u2019s Word in your family, work, and conversations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>3. <strong>Measure Success by Faithfulness, Not Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Like Joshua, remember that victory doesn\u2019t come from strength or strategy alone \u2014 it comes from obeying God\u2019s voice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay faithful in what God has already said, even when the outcome isn\u2019t immediate or visible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>4. <strong>Encourage Others Toward Obedience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share what God is teaching you with a friend, small group, or family member.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help others grow in both understanding and applying God\u2019s Word.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Watchful Obedience A WORD STUDY &amp; COMMENTARY Joshua 1:7-9 INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING The opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua is fascinating. It &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2087","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2087"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2096,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2087\/revisions\/2096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}