Meditation
Summary
The serious exercise of the mind in contemplating spiritual truths, a discipline commanded in Scripture for growing in wisdom and godliness.
☩Biblical Commands
God commanded Joshua: 'This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein' (Joshua 1:8). The Psalmist declares of the blessed man: 'His delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night' (Psalm 1:2). Paul exhorts Timothy to 'meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them' (1 Timothy 4:15).
☩Hebrew Terminology
Several Hebrew words express meditation: haghah means 'to murmur' or 'have a deep tone,' suggesting vocal reflection; siach means 'speech' or 'musing'; sichah indicates 'bowing down' in contemplation. These terms reveal that biblical meditation involves active engagement with truth, often expressed vocally, rather than passive emptying of the mind.
☩Subjects for Meditation
Believers should meditate on: the works of creation (Psalm 19:1-4); God's perfections (Deuteronomy 32:4); Christ's excellencies and works (Hebrews 1-3); the Holy Spirit's operations (John 15-16); divine providence (Psalm 97); God's precepts, promises, and declarations (Psalm 119); the soul's value and immortality (Mark 8:36); the Gospel's beauty (1 Timothy 1:11); the shortness of time (James 4:14); death's certainty (Hebrews 9:27); future judgment (1 Corinthians 15); and eternal rewards and punishments (Matthew 25).
☩Biblical Examples
Isaac went out 'to meditate in the field at the eventide' (Genesis 24:63)—the first recorded instance of personal meditation. David frequently meditated: 'My meditation of him shall be sweet' (Psalm 104:34); 'I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches' (Psalm 63:6). The Psalmist declares: 'O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day' (Psalm 119:97).
☩Conditions and Benefits
To meditate rightly requires: fervent prayer (Luke 18:1); a non-worldly spirit (1 John 2:15); diligence (Hebrews 6:11); avoiding sensual pleasures (James 4:4); vigilance against Satan (1 Peter 5:8); and regular retirement for reflection (Psalm 4:4). Benefits include: improved spiritual faculties (Proverbs 16:22); affections raised to God (Psalm 39:1-4); divine peace (Philippians 4:6-7); holiness of life (Psalm 119:160); and a foretaste of eternal glory (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Related Verses20 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Meditation," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.Charles Buck, "Meditation," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).