Meditation in the Bible

By David Bruce Clark

The practice of meditation is encouraged within the Bible. It was, in fact, a fundamental practice of the ancient prophets. Regrettably, mainstream Christianity and Judaism reject meditation. Fundamentalist Christians superstitiously consider it to be an exercise in evil. The Bible, however, contains much information on meditation, and encourages those who seek to draw near to Elohim to practice it. [Elohim is the Deity of the Bible. 'Elohim' is a gender-combined word that is the equivalent of 'God/dess.' It concurrently represents unity and majestic plurality.]

The intentions of Biblical meditation include focusing one's attention upon God/dess [Elohim]. Meditation can help us understand ourselves, the Divine, as well as the spiritual and natural realms. Another intent is to quiet one's mind and focus one's intent in order to be able to receive direction from Elohim, and to attain insight that is beyond that which mundane human reasoning can achieve. In a sense, meditation parts the veil between the mundane and the mystical, and allows our spirit to more plainly perceive spiritual realities.

How the Bible Describes Meditation

There are a few Hebrew words that are translated into English as 'meditate' or 'meditation.' The meanings of these words help give us understanding.

The first word is hagah. Hagah means 'to meditate.' It also means to 'imagine,' to be 'curious,' or to 'wonder.' The other Hebrew word commonly translated as 'meditate' is seyach. Seyach means to 'ponder', to 'meditate,' to 'contemplate' or 'muse.' It also means to speak with oneself or Elohim, or to sing.

One method of meditation is to muse or ponder. This may include contemplating the miracles of nature, or the marvels of being alive. To observe and ponder life. We might wonder about Elohim or the various distinct attributes within Elohim [such as Yahweh the Father, or Eloah the Mother], or we might muse about angels and other Heavenly beings. We may ponder our life, and our relationship to Elohim. Meditation can be a time to think about our past, the present and our future – a time to inquisitively consider what our position may be in Elohim's Grand Plan.

Meditative Methods Within the Bible

Some practical on how to meditate are presented in the Bible. Some of these are evident in the English translation, while other methods are only apparent when reading the original Hebrew.

A number of the Biblical prophets listened to music as part of their meditation, to help them clear their minds, and fasten their attention more firmly upon Elohim. They would call for musicians to play for them as they quieted themselves to receive prophecy. [2nd Kings 3:15; 1st Samuel 10: 5; 1st Chronicles 25:1; Psalm 91:14, 20:6, 118:10]

One of the words referring to meditation, sha'a,means to be blinded, to have the eyes blurred, or to shut the eyes. This describes the common practice of either closing one's eyes, or defocusing them during meditation.

Another practical recommendation about meditation is in the word sha'sha. In English it is commonly translated as delight or pleasure. This suggests that the most appropriate state of mind to hold while meditating is one of gladness, joy or gratitude.

Meditating upon the various names of God/dess is another method that the Bible advises. There is spiritual power that comes from knowing and rightly using the Names. [Psalm 20:6-8; 91:14]

Another meditative tool mentioned in Scripture is eye position. Holding one’s eyes in certain positions helps alter both consciousness and physiology. Looking up during meditation was a common practice. “The angel – said, Lift up your eyes and see the vision.” [Zechariah 5:5; Ezekiel 8:5] Holding one's gaze with the eyes lifted heavenward makes it temporarily impossible to remain angry or depressed. Holding one's eyes directly toward the right while facing straight ahead aids the process of being curious or wondering as one meditates. “Let your eyes look right and your eyelids look straight in front of you.” [Proverbs 4:25]

Although one can meditate standing, sitting, or lying down, the Bible mentions a few special positions. One is kneeling with the hands stretched out. [2nd Chronicles 6:13, Ezra 9:5] The peculiar arrangement of the hands and fingers that is used during the priestly blessing [bircas] is a position of power. Another Hebrew word describing meditation is chapets,which, among other things, means to bend down, to move, or sway. Perhaps the most unusual meditative position mentioned within the Scripture is – “bent down to the ground [with one's] face between the knees.” [1st Kings 18:42]

Summary

The intent of this article has been to highlight some of the meditative practices that are described within the Bible. Meditation of various sorts was part of Biblical religion and worship. Although mainstream Christianity and Judaism presently ignore or reject the practice of meditation, the time has come for those who feel the call of Elohim to return to the old ways.

Find a Bible, gather some friends around, read these passages for yourself, and discover some of the esoteric and mystical treasures long hidden within its pages.

David Bruce Clark is a seer, and a teacher of hidden Biblical truths. For more information, write to David at david@lionofgod.com