Rapha, Qavah, Shamar

The first language of God’s people was Hebrew, and Hebrew is the source language of God’s story. Three reassuring, hopeful words used often in the writings during the Hebrew exile were rapha, be still, qavah, wait, and shamar, watch. Rapha, Be still, and know that I am God. Qavah for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; qavah for the LORD! Ramah, like a mother watches her children - Behold, the one who shamars Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.