Category Archives: bible

Psalm 74

Posted on October 31, 2015 by ehurst

Attributed to Asaph, it could as easily be simply someone from his clan who wrote this. We do well to remind ourselves that the Hebrew culture saw no reason to be quite so precise about such things. Nor should we … Continue reading →

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Psalm 73

Posted on October 24, 2015 by ehurst

Book 3: Psalms 73-89 A shorter collection led by Asaph, one of David’s chief musicians, plus a few others from the Sons of Korah (Levitical musicians) without individual attribution, and a handful of others. A general theme tying them together … Continue reading →

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Psalm 72

Posted on October 17, 2015 by ehurst

Had you never read Solomon’s writing in the context of the broader Hebrew Wisdom Literature, you might mistake this for a smug self-congratulation. Rather, this is typical of the way Solomon writes, not in some description of real events, but … Continue reading →

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Psalm 71

Posted on October 10, 2015 by ehurst

It seems rather obvious from David’s choice of words that he wrote this rather late in his reign. On the other hand, he hardly offers any clues to the experience that provoked this soulful song. Ever the proper feudal servant … Continue reading →

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Psalm 70

Posted on October 3, 2015 by ehurst

We have seen these lines before, at the end of Psalm 40. Standing alone, the context is subtly different. As a simple and short call for God’s help, it speaks of someone who has little opportunity to compose a more … Continue reading →

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Psalm 69

Posted on September 26, 2015 by ehurst

Should you take the time to actually absorb the imagery here, it’s hard to imagine you would not be moved to tears at some of it. It’s quoted in the other parts of the Bible, verbally and in thought. David … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 19

Posted on September 26, 2015 by ehurst

The world is a hard place. This chapter collects sayings that address what we can honestly expect from fallen humanity, even when we presume a covenant community. Please note that there are two words for “poor” here; one denotes being … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 18

Posted on September 20, 2015 by ehurst

The primary topic here is dealing with the wider society that is not close kin. A critical background element is the recognition that some things should stay in your heart and other things belong in the privacy of the home, … Continue reading →

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Psalm 68

Posted on September 19, 2015 by ehurst

David uses here a collection of images and figures of speech we don’t see anywhere else. While we have no doubt that the bulk of his writing is consistently symbolic and loaded with parables, it serves well to tread carefully … Continue reading →

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Psalm 67

Posted on September 12, 2015 by ehurst

David specifies that this psalm is best with stringed instruments. It’s easy to miss the profound thoughts carried in so few words. We should examine the contextual meaning of the phrases here. Even if Israel failed often as a nation … Continue reading →

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