Category Archives: bible

Psalm 125

Posted on April 1, 2017 by ehurst

A song of security, scholars suggest this was not originally meant as a pilgrimage psalm. However, it fits the theme well enough referring to the geography around the City of Jerusalem. One can hardly approach the city without climbing over … Continue reading →

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Not Giving Up 02

Posted on March 30, 2017 by ehurst

This is a rough day for me with pretty harsh symptoms from a cold virus. I’ve been careful and proactive because of my personal history with such things, so I’m not feeling dead or wishing I were. Still, I’m dozing … Continue reading →

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Psalm 124

Posted on March 25, 2017 by ehurst

This is ascribed specifically to David. We should take notice how very much this is like a responsive song, heavy with Hebrew parallelism. We have this basic confession: Were it not for Jehovah’s favor, there would be no Israel. Think … Continue reading →

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Psalm 123

Posted on March 18, 2017 by ehurst

While very short, this Psalm of Ascents is far more intense than any English translation can convey. It echoes of someone in deep distress from oppression, implying a persecution for one’s faith in Jehovah. The first word in the Hebrew … Continue reading →

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Psalm 122 (Updated)

Posted on March 11, 2017 by ehurst

Though written by David whose palace sits in Jerusalem, he assumes the perspective of a pilgrim who has come from the farthest distance. We have arrived! We are here in Jerusalem and the first thing we want to do is … Continue reading →

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Psalm 121

Posted on March 4, 2017 by ehurst

No petition here, this is a responsive hymn celebrating the protection of Jehovah. Palestine is a hilly land, and any route toward Zion meant looking at ridges and mountains until you saw the Temple itself, visible from quite a distance … Continue reading →

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Psalm 120

Posted on February 25, 2017 by ehurst

We begin here a collection of 15 psalms, each referred to as a Song of Ascents. That term refers to any pilgrimage to the one and only high place for Israel, Zion. This brings the image of puring oneself, refreshing … Continue reading →

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Psalm 119: Tau 169-176

Posted on February 18, 2017 by ehurst

The final octet shows us the Path to God’s Favor. We note that the psalmist is wholly confident in his requests because the promise is written into the revelation. Unlike many human rulers, Jehovah doesn’t create hurdles to His attention, … Continue reading →

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The Humble Shepherd King

Posted on February 16, 2017 by ehurst

It was a high and festive day when King David brought up the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He set up a proper Tent of Meeting in the courtyard. Keep in mind that the city was still rather primitive … Continue reading →

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Psalm 119: Shin 161-168

Posted on February 11, 2017 by ehurst

This octet celebrates the Serenity of the Law, for obedience to God is its own reward. This isn’t just ordinary folks, but powerful nobles have brought pressure to bear on the psalmist. Worse, it’s for no good reason, but they … Continue reading →

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