BIBLE STUDIES ARCHIVE..... Word Study:  ESTABLISH
 
"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established."  Proverbs 4:26
At our recent intercessory prayer meeting, the word "establish" was repeatedly prayed and became significant.  It led to engaging in a word study to gain any deeper interpretations from the word which was so prominent for the ministry. Using the King James Bible as the source version, the word study revealed some inspiring insights, which are shared in hopes that God's eternal truth may lead us all to deeper understanding of God's word, and into deeper relationship with our Lord.
There are a total of 43 verses in Scripture using the word "establish."  The Greek word sterizo is used which means to fix, set, establish, strengthen.  Found in 2 Thessalonians 2:17 and again in 2 Th. 3:1-5:
"...comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work."  2 Th. 2:17
"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly, and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.  But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.  And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both you do and will do the things we command you.  Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."  2 Th. 3:1-5
The Old Testament uses the word "establish" as well, found in the Hebrew "kun."  In its various meanings, including: to stand firm; be faithful; be sure; be ready; to build; to attend to, the basic meaning of the word is to bring something into an incontrovertible existence.  As such it has five (the number of grace) components:
1.  The formation component
2.  The preparation component
3.  The establishing component
4.  The everlasting component
5.  The contentment component
The Ancient Hebrew pictograph for the word "establish" reveals an open palm and seed.  As such, it indicates the opening of a seed.  When the seed opens the roots begin to form the base of the plant by  penetration into the soil.  The plant itself rises out of the soil and forms the stalk.  We can glean that plants and trees stand as tall as their root system.  This can be seen as a firm position, or as one who stands firm in his or her faith in God. 
Imagine the significance for a ministry called FAITH SEEDS?!  Through a single word God revealed to us what HE is doing and how HE is calling Faith Seeds to participate!  The most ancient Biblical text gives us an exquisite picture of the opening of seeds - faith seeds, we might call them in this particular instance - seeds opening in the rich soil of the heart.  As those seeds of faith open in hearts, a root system develops and the very "base of faith" is built.  It then, over time and growth, sprouts forth out of the heart and into one's life with Christ.
We thank You, Father, for the revelation of Your Holy Word.