The Power of Oz

Wowza! I have so many notes on a beautiful lesson regarding the Hebrew Words for power. I am entirely too giddy to share about “koach” at this time.

Koach (כֹּחַ) —- Capacity, potential —-Energy within

Gevurah (גְּבוּרָה) —-Might, discipline—-Energy in action

The third word used in Hebrew associated with power is:

Oz (עֹז)—- Fortified joy and steady strength which means the energy is at rest and there is peace in the power.

With my maiden name being Oszczakiewicz, there are many in our family who use “Oz” as a tool to identify themselves. My heart surgeon cousin goes by Doctor Oz to make things easier for his patients.

So, to honor “both of my fathers”, I am jotting down some thoughts on the Hebrew Oz.

It feels like Jesus is playing tag with me. Of course there is not one Hebrew word for power.

Divine humor—- a trinity of words required to gain deeper understanding. #ISWYDT

My heart is pitter-pattering over the 22 Hebrew Living Letters. Human DNA carries our genetic code. Hebrew letters carry so much depth and so much heart. It’s beautiful how the Holy Spirit spurred me into learning any Hebrew.

Since the time He began teaching me words “here and there”, my relationship with Jesus has grown exponentially. What I felt during this particular study was otherworldly.

The point isn’t to learn a language or be an academic about it. The point, for me, is to linger over His Word and receive whatever He wants to teach me. When He nudges me, I hunt down everything I can in His Language.

The lessons are deeper and more meaningful in the Hebrew. They simply are.

The word עֹז (Oz) means strength, but not the kind that clenches its fists. It is the kind of strength you need to trust, praise, pray or worship no matter your circumstances.

When the Hebrew says “He is my Oz,” it paints the image of a deer on a cliff edge — light, balanced, fearless.

It presents as sure-footed strength, total confidence and trust in God. This power is not about brute force.

My earthly father exhibited this type of trust and confidence when he was still with us.

It’s actually extra sweet to me to consider the nickname my father went my — Oscar. The meaning is derived from words for “Gods spear” and “friend of deer”. My folks had a home on seven acres and they loved all the deer which visited their property.

Deers will always make me think of Daddy and Our Father in Heaven.

I will close with another Oz reference in Scripture. I love, love, LOVE Nehemiah.

Joy and Oz belong together.
Joy is the energy that steadies your step;
Oz is the peace that lets you laugh and keep walking.

Maybe that’s why my heart dances when I see the word, Oz, in the Hebrew. My spirit recognizes His Power and something even in just studying the Hebrew language steadies my own stride.

New dances. New songs.

It feels like I am a deer, leaping with joy and yet incredibly sure-footed.

Thank you, Jesus.

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