COMPREHENSIVE COVER

DAY 275 OF 365 IN 2021

I am not an avid student of language, but I find some of the branches of linguistics rather fascinating: grammar, syntax and phonetics. Their place in any language should therefore not be underestimated. From how a specific arrangement of words can convey a particular meaning or how the pronunciation of  certain words portray and alternative definition. Even more interesting, it intriguing when two words can be so close in meaning yet equally so different.

Today, we look at two of such words which although appear synonymous, are far from simply being so. In Exodus  23:22, we read

"But if you shall indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

An enemy or an adversary does indeed seem to be one and the same thing or person. Well, that is what I imagined until I was prompted to look up their individual definitions.

Whether openly or secretly, an enemy is hostile, an antagonistic force that finds pleasure in fostering harmful designs against another. An adversary, on the other hand, is a resistance or opposition, call it a mountain that needs scaling over to reach an intended destination.

You may therefore choose to engage an enemy, but you could get away with avoiding them if you know their schemes. However, an adversary is not as easily walked past, you literally have to walk through them or over them.

The question to ponder on then is:”are you facing enemies or adversaries?

It appears we have only been having a discussion on linguistics, but it is relevant to our reflection today because like a comprehensive insurance policy, in speaking to Israel God included cover for both enemies and adversaries. Strange right? You would probably have noticed too but God leaves nothing to chance. He is careful to ensure that all bases are covered and all things accounted for. He just does not invite you to the wedding until He says “come, ALL things are ready”

#sly