Psalms 105:19
Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עֵ֥ת
Until the time
H6256
עֵ֥ת
Until the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
2 of 7
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
דְבָר֑וֹ
that his word
H1697
דְבָר֑וֹ
that his word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Acts 7:10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Genesis 41:25And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.Daniel 2:30But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
Historical Context
Joseph's dreams predicting his family's bowing to him (Gen 37:5-11) seemed impossible during his slavery and imprisonment. Yet God fulfilled them precisely, vindicated Joseph's faith through the trial's duration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled test and refine your faith?
- What unfulfilled promises from God are you trusting Him to accomplish in His timing?
Analysis & Commentary
Joseph remained imprisoned 'until the time that his word came,' when 'the word of the LORD tried him.' The 'word' likely refers to Joseph's prophetic dreams (Gen 37:5-10) that eventually came true. God's word tested Joseph through delayed fulfillment. This trial purified and prepared him. God's promises aren't always immediately fulfilled but their delay serves divine purposes. Christ endured a testing period (Heb 5:8) before entering glory. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty in suffering recognizes that trials test and purify faith (1 Pet 1:6-7).