Deuteronomy 10:20 – “You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him, and by His Name you shall swear.”

In Hebrew, hold fast ( דְבָּ֔ק: Davaq Root: דָּבַק da-bawk) means to cleave, cling, hug close, and hold tight onto. This is not merely “hang on as if your life depends upon it” but to “hold tight onto as an expression of deep love, respect, or reverence.”

This deep love creates a strong desire for close intimacy with God and is not willing to let go of it at any cost. It produces spiritual growth over time and in time through life experiences. It creates a capacity that delights in meditating upon God’s Word day and night (Psalm 1:2) where embracing the physical Bible is symbolic for hiding His Word in our hearts (Psalm 19:11).

This Hebrew word is not speaking about a group hug. It’s about the intimacy between two individuals, God and me, both giving the other their full attention—as with a husband and wife (Genesis 2:22-24) and as did Ruth with Naomi her mother-n-law (Ruth 1:11-19b) and Boaz when instructing Ruth (Ruth 2:8-12). 

Psalm 119:31-32 – “I cling to Your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart!”

May we draw close in the intimacy of a relationship with the One Who was willing to die, rise and come again as He calls us to Himself. Our Risen Lord!