He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. (Psalm 111:5)

In this verse, the psalmist uses a very uncommon word to denote “food.” The Hebrew word טרף teref is typically used to describe something that is torn. In regard to food, it conveys the image of a predatory beast snatching and ripping apart its prey in order to eat — a very strange way to convey God’s care for His people. However, it should be noted that the psalmist ties this idea to the statement, “He will ever be mindful of His covenant.” So what message is he trying to present to the reader by using such a word as teref?   

Consider what was required for the Hebrews to be freed from Egyptian bondage. Pharaoh had multiple opportunities to release Israel and thus avoid the severe consequences of the ten plagues — but He did not. Instead, the Almighty was compelled to violently overturn the gods of Egypt and shatter the will of Pharaoh and his people. In the end, a distraught Egyptian populace was more than glad to give up their gold and silver and send the Hebrews away with their goods. In other words, God snatched and ripped wealth from the Egyptian oppressors and gave the spoils to His people. As it is written, “the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22).

Since the beginning of time wicked men have prospered, often at the expense of the righteous, as was the case in ancient Egypt. Nevertheless, the God of Heaven does not turn His back on His people but remembers their faithfulness and the integrity of their fathers. In due time, He will give those who fear Him what they need even if He has to snatch it away from those who defy Him. To those who wince at such a thought — that God would forcefully take from one to give to another — should remember that everything belongs to Him in the first place. So what is the lesson for us today? Simply, to be counted as one who fears Him and be determined to serve Him faithfully, especially in the hard times. He is mindful of His covenant with you and will be faithful to provide your daily bread — physically and spiritually.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill