Category Archives: bible

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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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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