Category Archives: bible

Proverbs 25

Posted on December 26, 2015 by ehurst

We have already seen how the unnamed final editor of this volume never saw fit to reduce duplication, but faithfully pieced together several collections as they were. 1. These are also proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 25

Proverbs 24

Posted on December 25, 2015 by ehurst

We continue with more pointed advice to the royal heir in longer proverbial texts. 1-2. Do not be jealous of evil men, nor desire to be with them. For their heart studies ruin, and their lips talk of mischief. This … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 24

Psalm 80

Posted on December 19, 2015 by ehurst

Again, we note that “psalm of Asaph” is colloquial for the man and all his descendants, all who held his office following him. It matters here because this is almost surely a psalm from the Assyrian conquest of Samaria and … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 80

Proverbs 23

Posted on December 16, 2015 by ehurst

This chapter continues the theme of the previous, in which an aging ruler seeks to warn his heir from folly. We continue with the longer statements in small paragraphs. 1-3. When you sit down to eat with a ruler, look … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 23

Proverbs 22 (Part 2)

Posted on December 15, 2015 by ehurst

12. The eyes of the LORD keep knowledge, and He overthrows the words of the transgressor. This is a humorous play on words in that “keep” can imply hiding something or making it mysterious, while “transgressor” arises from the concept … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 22 (Part 2)

Proverbs 22 (Part 1)

Posted on December 14, 2015 by ehurst

In his better moments, Solomon was struck by the realization that much of what made life so sweet under his father’s reign was fading away. Some of it was buried under the wash of foreign influences his fame brought to … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 22 (Part 1)

Psalm 79

Posted on December 12, 2015 by ehurst

Like Psalm 74, this is a threnody for Israel the Mission. Something brought the wrath of God on His people, His city, and His Temple. Asaph’s cry is not for mere vengeance, but for God’s glory and a restoration of … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 79

Proverbs 21 (Part 2)

Posted on December 8, 2015 by ehurst

17. He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. It should be obvious from the context, but the Hebrew word translated “love” here typically refers to mere sexual desire, … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 21 (Part 2)

Psalm 78

Posted on December 5, 2015 by ehurst

For anyone who operates on the moral level of the heart, it is thoroughly frustrating to see people walk away from that beguiling faculty of the Spirit. It is inherent in the most ancient roots of Hebrew culture to take … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Psalm 78

Proverbs 21 (Part 1)

Posted on December 4, 2015 by ehurst

The specific context here appears in the first verse, but bears the broader implication of how we deal with the sorrows of human society in general. Divine wisdom is often silent in the face of apparent provocation, seeking whatever path … Continue reading →

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 21 (Part 1)