Category Archives: bible

Psalm 45

Posted on April 11, 2015 by ehurst

The dedication line says this was written by a Temple cantor, one of the Kohathites. Some scholars note that this psalm cannot be associated with any historical figure. Rather, it sounds like an idealized image of a royal wedding. Our … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 8

Posted on April 10, 2015 by ehurst

On the one hand, this chapter stands on its own. The soaring poetry and utterly accessible metaphor of Lady Wisdom calling to humanity is hard to miss. Every major English translation fails to do it justice, yet even with these … Continue reading →

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Psalm 44

Posted on April 4, 2015 by ehurst

Western scholars seem to be unsure whether the Sons of Korah wrote this or if it was simply dedicated to them. English translations vary on whether it is “by” or “for” them. Even more disturbing is the insinuation by Western … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 7

Posted on April 2, 2015 by ehurst

Solomon has seen it all. While at her pinnacle the Kingdom of Israel was never large enough to be called an empire, she was the single most stable and prosperous nation in a sea of instability. Previous empires had already … Continue reading →

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Psalm 43

Posted on March 28, 2015 by ehurst

Just a reminder that scholars suggest this psalm technically continues the previous. The Septuagint Old Testament, favored by New Testament authors, has it as one. It’s sad how much is lost in translation here. David willingly throws himself on the … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 6

Posted on March 26, 2015 by ehurst

It’s going to sound like Solomon is beating the same drums over and over. However, it is our cultural insensitivity that keeps us from recognizing that this is a different song. There is a subtle shift in emphasis that is … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 5

Posted on March 24, 2015 by ehurst

Sometimes wisdom is the result of many painful lessons over a long life. Notice that Solomon doesn’t demand that his readers obey simple edicts, but offers his own experience. We happen to know that Solomon did have long experience with … Continue reading →

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Psalm 42

Posted on March 21, 2015 by ehurst

Here we begin Book 2 in the Psalms. The theme of this series, ending with Psalm 72, seems contentious among Western scholars. A common remark raises the issue that Book 1 used God’s personal name Yahweh more often, while Book … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 4

Posted on March 19, 2015 by ehurst

While we know that Solomon received his unprecedented wisdom as a gift from God at his first wedding (1 Kings 3), Solomon insists a part of his inclination for it came from his father, David. Thus, he reaffirms the critical … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 3

Posted on March 17, 2015 by ehurst

What good does it do? What comes from committing your heart to God? First, Solomon describes what it means to genuinely enter into the Covenant with God. We can be amused at the vast popularity of verses 5 and 6 … Continue reading →

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