KingdomView, Vol. V, Isssue 10
Scripture: Psalm 144:12b
Sermon Summary
Our nation recently observed the National Day of Prayer, which is held on the first Thursday in May each year. The United States Congress inaugurated this observance in 1952. Citizens are encouraged to beseech God in prayer and meditation for the welfare of the nation. Similarly, in Psalm 144 the king of Israel, David, beseeches Jehovah’s benevolence on behalf of his nation as a newly installed monarch. He praises God for past victories (144:1-2), prays for divine intervention (144:3-11) and concludes his petition for the prospect of peace and prosperity for the nation (144:12-15). I would like to call your attention to verse 12b where David prays, ". . . And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace." The imagery here in David’s prayer is extremely complimentary to womanhood. For instance, he views the women of his nation as pillars of strength and beauty whom will undergird the building of a strong society through motherhood. The New Bible Commentary states regarding David’s imagery, "Combining the imagery of strength, security of position and beauty, and also themselves giving stability to the ‘building’ of which they are part: the position of woman, wife and mother in a well-ordered society" is viewed as being highly valued. Thus, strong women/mothers have stitched the fabric of well-ordered societies. Subsequently, this symbolism conveys four fundamental ideas: strength of character, stability of conviction, statuesque image of charm and security of cast for women/mothers. How do women/mothers project these images in society?
1. By their strength of character (Ruth 1:16, 17). David compares the women of Israel in his prayer to pillars. The book, Manners and Customs of the Bible asserts the following:
Some commentators feel that reference is being made here to the caryatides or columns representing female figures. These were common in Egyptian architecture, and their appearance was doubtless familiar to the Hebrews. The psalmist wishes the fair daughters of the land to be like pillars that were beautifully sculptured to adorn a palace, thus combining strength with beauty. He desires that they be noted not merely for their loveliness, but also for their moral usefulness, holding up the social fabric as pillars hold up a temple. As one commentator has put it: "This picture of peace and prosperity involved vigorous sons, dependable daughters … and God’s presence.
Ruth, in the book that bears her name, exemplifies a woman of strength and character. Her commitment to her mother-in-law is beyond reproach and is a testament to the spirit, sacrifice and saintliness of devoted Christian women/mothers.
2. By their stability of conviction (Esther 4:13-16). Esther is another courageous woman in Scripture. She too has a book of the Bible named after her. This woman of stable conviction is revealed in her heroic decision to place her life on the line for her people. Her sense of willingness to sacrifice herself to save her people is undeniably praiseworthy. I have witnessed over my lifetime many acts of self-sacrifice by women/mothers for their loved ones and families. This act of self-sacrifice or going without is especially true of mothers for their children and household. Like many of you, I am truly indebted to my mother and the significant women in my life (e.g., sisters, aunts, grandma, surrogate moms, etc.) who have contributed to my well-being and success in life, sometimes at their own expense (self-sacrifice). Accordingly, I would like to say personally, thank you! Thank you for your strong innate sense of conviction for loving and serving God, family and the church. Be Enlightened, Encouraged and Equipped! Copyright 2013 JW Henderson Ministries
3. By their statuesque image of charm (1 Peter 3:1-6). Another subtlety in David’s prayer here is the purpose for these pillars, the beautification of the palace. These pillars were probably made of the finest building materials and expertly sculptured—majestically built. However, Scripture speaks to another kind of beauty as expressed in the Holman Christian Study Bible regarding 1 Peter 3:1-6, which says:
1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian message, they may be won over without a message by the way their wives live,
2 when they observe your pure, reverent lives.
3 Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes;
4 instead, it should consist of the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's eyes.
5 For in the past, the holy women who hoped in God also beautified themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands,
6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do good and aren't frightened by anything alarming.
Sarah was a woman of natural beauty; however, it is her inward beauty in 1 Peter 3 that is praised (Genesis 12:11, 14; Proverbs 31:30). She is commended for the respect and honor that she rendered to her husband (Ephesians 5:33b). The above passage is not implying any idea of superiority concerning Abraham―ontologically men and women are equal; they just have different roles in creation. Therefore, women of God, continue to allow your true beauty to shine through your reverent and charming spirits.
4. By their security of cast (Proverbs 31:10-31). Lastly, David’s pillar imagery communicates an idea of security in position. The base of a pillar must rest upon a solid foundation in a secure position. A sure foundation and anchored position is necessary to support the weight that each column must bear. An unstable pillar could result in a collapse of a building or some other superstructure. Similarly, women/mothers have been the strong support pillars in society in general and the family in particular. The Proverbs 31 woman is a prime example of this assertion (Proverbs 31:10-12, 15, 21, 27). Furthermore, the family is the most important institution created by God because without the family His other established institutions would not exist: church and government. Mothers are the bedrock of the family unit and it is most fitting that we cherish, honor and show our appreciation for their time-honored contribution to the social fabric of society.
THE MOTHERHOOD OF GOD
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you (Isaiah 66:13)
In these homely words we have one of the sweetest and tenderest [sic] pictures of the character of God. And that revelation is not in the New Testament, but in the Old! In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us to think of God as our Father. But here in the Old Testament, God is likened unto a comforting mother.
The Jews have a sweet saying to the effect that "God could not be everywhere, so He made mothers." And this is true, for a loving mother is God’s tenderest image in humanity.
― Dr. Herbert Lockyer, R.S.L.
All the Women of the Bible
