The earliest scale was probably just a rope or string hung from a peg, and used to compare relative weights. “So what?” you're thinking. I'm glad you asked, since we are always eager for participation from our readers!
The word up there in the title of this column, “Selah”, is found over 70 times in the Psalms and Habakkuk, usually with a footnote saying that it's suspected meaning is some sort of musical information, but nobody knows for sure. Me? I'm suspicious that something repeated so many times is not mere choral direction, and that God put it there on purpose.
Selah is from a Hebrew root word meaning “to suspend, weigh”, as in “weigh in the balance”, or “judge”.
Reading the Psalms, I get the feeling that it's placed there for emphasis. “Ponder what was just said. Think about it. Consider. Measure this against what you know.”
You ever read something, then put it down and be unable to remember even a little bit of it? That's OK with a magazine article, or the TV guide or something, but too often we do that with our Bible readings. It's kind of like yard-mowing. With our riding mower, you have to engage the blade, or you're just going for a ride. The grass-cutting power is available, the time is being spent, the potential for accomplishment is there, but nothing comes of it. Just letting our eyes pass over the Scripture without being involved with it is just as much a waste of time and energy. Actually, it's more of a waste, because it gives the Devil an opportunity to steal the Word away before it can take root.
“So what can I do about it?” Well, I'm glad you asked, since God gives us what we need to know.
... his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalms 1:2-3 HCSB)
Meditate on the Word. Think about it, pick it up and look at it from all sides. Imagine how it could be put to use in your daily trials and joys. Remember how God has done great things . Get engaged with it, and you'll be doing “Selah”.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8 HCSB)