Proverbs 2:8
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Original Language Analysis
לִ֭נְצֹר
He keepeth
H5341
לִ֭נְצֹר
He keepeth
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
1 of 6
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
אָרְח֣וֹת
the paths
H734
אָרְח֣וֹת
the paths
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
2 of 6
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
of judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
of judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וְדֶ֖רֶךְ
the way
H1870
וְדֶ֖רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Psalms 23:3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.Psalms 145:20The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.Psalms 66:9Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Proverbs 8:20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:1 Peter 1:5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.Psalms 37:28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Deuteronomy 33:3Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern travel involved dangerous paths where bandits lurked and wild animals threatened. Path-keeping represented crucial protection for survival. The covenant concept of God as shepherd/guardian of His people's journey appears throughout Scripture. 'Saints' in Old Testament context referred to covenant faithful, not moral perfection. God's preservation of Israel through history demonstrated this keeping despite enemies and obstacles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's keeping of paths demonstrate the doctrine of perseverance—divine preservation rather than human achievement?
- What does God's preservation of 'his saints' teach us about security belonging to covenant relationship, not personal merit?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's protective continuation: 'He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.' The double emphasis—'keepeth' and 'preserveth'—shows comprehensive divine care. 'Paths of judgment' represents righteous living; God guards the way of justice. 'His saints' (Hebrew: chasidim, loyal ones, covenant-keepers) identifies the objects of preservation. This teaches perseverance of the saints: God doesn't merely start His people on the path but keeps them in it. Divine preservation, not human determination, ensures believers reach glory.