The Chiefest of All – Part Three

by Dick Mills | The Spirit Filled Believer

“The chiefest among ten thousand” (Song of Solomon 5:10).

Part Three

The old gospel song, “The Lily of the Valley,” refers to Jesus as “the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.” This verse is the source of that expression.

There are other definitions of the Hebrew word dagal (daw-gal’) we want to consider. They show us another side of our precious Lord. Besides its relation to a banner or standard, dagal is also defined as “conspicuous and distinguished.”

Jesus always stood out in a crowd. Even in His humanity. He always attracted people to Himself. Mark tells us that the common people heard him gladly (Mark 12:37). The needy sought Him out eagerly. Multitudes followed Him to hear His life-bringing words. As “chiefest (dagal) among ten thousand,” Jesus was quite conspicuous and distinguished.

The New International Version translates this phrase outstanding among ten thousand. Jesus stands out visibly as the very heart and center of our worship.

Reading other translations gives us an even better picture of Him Who is “conspicuous above a myriad,” “choicest,” “distinguished,” and “the pick of ten thousand.” It is easy to worship the One Who leads us so conspicuously and so capably.

Dagal also carries the idea of exulting or glorifying, as in Psalm 20:5: “We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners” (dagal).

Our flags are flying with praise to our Lord – the chiefest, our standard bearer. When He raises His banner of love as our rallying point, we will gather together joyful and triumphant. The Captain of our salvation is leading us on to final victory!

Source: The Spirit-Filled Believer’s Daily Devotional by Dick Mills

Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

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Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.

In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.

He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.

Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.

In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.

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