Samekh is the fifteenth letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Samekh (also written as Samech) has the same sound as “s” as in “saw”. Every line in Psalm 119:113–120 starts with this letter. Samekh looks like this:

Samekh is the only letter in the Hebrew alphabet that is enclosed. It is a complete circle that portrays how God completely surrounds and encompasses His people. We are upheld by the loving arms of the Father, whose surrounding presence is like a hug.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

The circular nature of God is evident all over creation.
The planets orbit around the sun.
Tree trunks have concentric rings.
A pebble thrown in water makes circular ripples.
Sand dollars, acorn cups, the center of a daisy.
Onion rings, a slice across an orange, blueberries.
Rabbit droppings.
The cycle of seasons.
The circle of life.

Rabbis also teach that the “Samakh” is a picture of a strong support,
propping us up so we can weather the storms of life.
“Uphold me….” Psalm 119:116
“Hold me up….” Psalm 119:117
Jesus is our “Samakh”, our great Upholder.

“In Him all things hold together.” Col. 1:17