Category Archives: bible

Psalm 66

Posted on September 5, 2015 by ehurst

In Hebrew, the word translated “song” means words for singing, whereas “psalm” means specifically that instruments should be played with it. David calls for praise from all the earth, meaning both the planet itself and all the people living on … Continue reading →

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Psalm 65

Posted on August 29, 2015 by ehurst

The header says David wrote this for use in the Temple worship. Scholars tell us this psalm was used in various thanksgiving services. English translations are all over the place on the first line, and it is difficult to bring … Continue reading →

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Psalm 64

Posted on August 22, 2015 by ehurst

This is very much a royal psalm, in the sense that it reflects the experience of someone in a high position of power. At the same time, people of lower social standing would recognize parts of this prayer of complaint … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 17

Posted on August 19, 2015 by ehurst

The emphasis here is filial piety and personal loyalty. Shalom starts at home. 1. Better is a dry piece of bread, and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with fighting. A literal rendering of the Hebrew would … Continue reading →

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Psalm 63

Posted on August 15, 2015 by ehurst

Written during a time away from home and in the wilderness area west of the Dead Sea, this is another psalm that has found it’s way into many contemporary songs. Even in translation, the words are powerful and moving. This … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 16 (Part 2)

Posted on August 12, 2015 by ehurst

(Divided into two posts because it’s long.) 17. The way of the upright is to turn away from evil; he who keeps his way guards his way. This is simply a flawed translation, rendering three different words as “way.” It … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 16 (Part 1)

Posted on August 12, 2015 by ehurst

(Divided into two posts because it’s long.) This chapter addresses divine sovereignty from the unique worldview of a mystical Hebrew mind, fully aware of the complexity of human nature. 1. The ordering of the heart in man, and the answer … Continue reading →

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Psalm 62

Posted on August 8, 2015 by ehurst

David dedicates this song to Jeduthun, a man who served him as leader of a choir of musical priests with prophetic gifts. This psalm is built on the image of faithful retainer, a warlord serving some mighty sovereign. Whatever David … Continue reading →

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Psalm 61

Posted on August 1, 2015 by ehurst

Sometimes we have to shake our heads at how Western Bible scholars read so much literal meaning into poetic statements, and completely miss the grand mystical depth. So it is many commentators suggest David was off on a campaign far … Continue reading →

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Psalm 60

Posted on July 25, 2015 by ehurst

The header references a tune David called “Lily of Testimony” and events narrated in 2 Samuel 8. We catch only some vague hint that David’s source of trouble is likely something to do with Edom. We might reasonably guess that … Continue reading →

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