Psalm 116:15 declares the death of the righteous to be yaqar, often translated as “precious,” to God. To avoid this message some scholars reinterpret the word yaqar to mean “difficult” or “grievous,” but a better solution is available.I have always taken this verse to mean that the death of the pious is "costly" or "expensive" in God's eyes. In other words, God recognizes the value of their lives and presumably would make some effort to prevent their loss. That understanding still works for me. But read the essay and see what you think.
UPDATE (18 May): More here.
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