Sometimes certain words in the Bible stand out with startling clearness, especially if we come across them at a time when our thought is open to receive a new idea of Truth. The word "therefore" is one of these. Its meaning as given in the Standard Dictionary is, "Expressing a consequence and pointing to a preceding sufficient cause." "Therefore" is the most precise and formal word for expressing the conclusion of a chain of reasoning. In tracing this word through many passages in the Bible, we may find some helpful lessons; for example, in the observance of the Sabbath, which was to be kept as a sign between God and His people; it should "therefore" be made a holy day. Most of the ceremonies in the law were in consequence of some special deliverance of the children of Israel, and "therefore" they were to observe some feast day or fast day. Always the reason for it is given, and then the emphatic "therefore thou shalt" do what is commanded.
When other nations were overthrown because of sin, this was made an object-lesson to the children of Israel, and the conclusion is always the command "therefore" thou shalt "keep my covenant." They were commanded not to become contaminated with other nations when they were in the land of Egypt; they were God's chosen people, "therefore" they were to keep themselves' pure! In Deuteronomy we read of the fearful warnings given to the disobedient, who are told of the swift and sure consequence of their evil doing in the solemn words, "Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies."
In Nehemiah we read that when the wall of Jerusalem was to be rebuilt, the Jews realized that God would prosper them in the face of their enemies "therefore" they would begin the stupendous task. When the people sinned they learned to connect their punishments with their offenses, and these "therefore" are uncompromising. Rest and quiet, safety and strength are found in the Word as the sure consequence of right actions. "I have set the Lord always before me:. . . Therefore my heart is glad." While meditating on the help received in the past comes trust for the 'future. After speaking of the lovingkindness of God, David says, "Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." The 45th Psalm contains a splendid example of the reward of right doing: "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."
