The Trouble with Enemies
By Pinchas Shir
Psalm 112:8 mentions a victorious person who “looks with satisfaction on his adversaries”.
His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
עַד אֲשֶׁר־יִרְאֶה בְצָרָיו (ad asher yireh vetzarav)
Until he looks with satisfaction
on his adversaries. (Ps 112:8 NASB)
Indeed צַר (tzar) can literally mean “an enemy” or “an adversary” (Gen 14:20 or Num 10:9) But sometimes Hebrew uses this term in an idiomatic or figurative way (1 Sam 2:32. Is 26:16, Ps 4:2). A more precise and literal meaning of צַר (tzar) means “someone (or even something) that causes trouble or adversity”. It is a much broader idea than the enemy. The Hebrew noun צָרָה (tzarah) means "trouble" "affliction", "distress", "adversity" or even "sorrow". Psalm 18:7 says, בַּצַּר־לִי אֶקְרָא יהוה (betzar li ekrah Adonai) "in my distress I called the Lord..." The concept originates from the Hebrew verb צָרַר (tzarar) which means "to bind up", "to bundle", "to press", "to persecute", "to treat with hostility." By the way, there are no words for “triumph” or “satisfaction” in the original text of Psalm 112:8. But there is an action of “looking at someone who causes distress” and “not being afraid”.
Things or people that cause us stress are often not our enemies at all, at least not literally. They can be family, friends, co-workers, and sometimes complete strangers unaware of their actions. There is no need for fear or for putting up fists. We should face them interact with them. A careful look at things or people that trouble us leads to a resolution of conflict. Observing, and recognizing the obstacles and troubles of any sort is the first step in overcoming them with the LORD’s help.
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