"as a sign on your hand"
The night I heard those words from her stands in sharp definition, every activity etched in mental stone. I worked so hard to keep busy my hands when a string of absorbing brain teasers was what I needed. Be still my thoughts - Lord Jesus take them captive.
Though the symbolism of the “smoking firepot” can be linked to the darkness and smoke that Moses encountered on Mount Sinai (Exo 19:18), it is more likely that it along with the “blazing torch” are revisited in the pillar of cloud and fire (Exo 13:21).
Sin permeates everyone’s body and mind since all, Jews and Gentiles, have sinned (Rom 3:23). And all are children of wrath. In this way the Jews were just like the “rest of mankind.”
After establishing how the Lord is the covenant fulfillment for the psalmist, this psalm turns briefly to the assurances of the person seeking after God. It is the one receiving counsel and instruction (v. 7) from God that is not shaken (v. 8). Our “heart” and “flesh” can rejoice for our God is deliverer of both soul and body.
Barth, Society & the Church
For
The Holy Spirit's Covenant
Contrary to popular opinion, it isn't enough to just "read the Bible" and make a decision. One has to struggle to identify their own paradigms and lens. Everyone has them and it is always hard to break away from them (even if they are correct) to evaluate the Scriptures afresh.