We are in chapter 40 of Genesis with our word for today which is actually a phrase made up of two words. The word נָשָׂא lift, carry, lift up – used 653 times in the Old Testament. And רֹאשׁ head – used 598 times in the Old Testament. So our phrase is רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ יִשָּׂ֤א lift up the head used 3 times in our chapter today and 6 times in the Old Testament.
Genesis 40:13, 19-20 In three days Pharaoh will יִשָּׂ֤א lift up your רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh's cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer… In three days Pharaoh will יִשָּׂ֤א lift up your רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ head—from you!—and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat the flesh from you.” On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants and וַיִּשָּׂ֞א אֶת־רֹ֣אשׁ lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. The two prisoner’s faces were definitely not lifted up because they were concerned about what would happen to them because they had offended Pharaoh. When we are depressed and worried about our future we can have hope in God’s love and power for us.
Psalm 24:7-10 רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם וְֽ֭הִנָּשְׂאוּ Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם וּ֭שְׂאוּLift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!
Psalm 3:1-3 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and theוּמֵרִ֥ים רֹאשִֽׁי lifter of my head.
The best way God lifts our heads now during the church age is the promise of Jesus return. Luke 21:27-28 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
