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Category Archives: bible
Psalm 29
In Israel, politics was never just politics. The Covenant was a suzerain-vassal treaty, a very personal covenant, making Israel in effect a tributary to Jehovah Himself. Idolatry was treason, and very often treason arose from idolatry. It has been widely … Continue reading
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Tagged babylonian exile, idolatry, Israel, King David, politics, Psalms, religion, superstition
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Psalm 28
The greatest threat to David and his people was not some external nation or empire, nor some insidious spy in his court working for some other interest. The greatest threat was departure from the Covenant. More specifically, the greatest danger … Continue reading
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Tagged covenant of moses, Israel, King David, moral fabric, Psalms, scripture
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Psalm 27
Scholars suggest that this is two psalms concatenated together because it seems the tone changes about halfway through. However, Hebrew literature is known for surprising and dramatic turns. David begins by joyfully asserting that Jehovah is his light and deliverance. … Continue reading
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Tagged confidence in god, King David, moral character, Psalms
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Psalm 26
It’s an ancient protocol going back prior to human memory, still visible today in various forms: The man with authority hands the symbol of that authority to his superior, requesting to be examined in response to an accusation. In David’s … Continue reading
Psalm 25
In the Hebrew intellectual traditions, what can appear free association to mere intellect is a structure in itself perceived only in the heart. This song is a Hebrew acrostic, though imperfect, perhaps because of subsequent editing. Regardless, the burden is … Continue reading
Psalm 24
Commentators have long noted a fortuitous grouping of this and the previous two songs. In their minds, the trio prophesies the ministry of Christ. While the 22nd is obviously prophetic of the crucifixion, the 23rd is more or less the … Continue reading
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Tagged ancient hebrew culture, King David, Psalms, spirituality
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Psalm 23
Easily one of the most memorized and thoroughly analyzed passages of Scripture, the Shepherd Psalm is still often misunderstood. It is seldom seen as a simple Hebrew parable. Here is King David near the peak of his dominion, when most … Continue reading
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Tagged ancient hebrew culture, King David, Psalms, scripture, the Shepherd Psalm
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Psalm 22
Christians have long recognized this as the Crucifixion Psalm. It’s not as if David necessarily foresaw precisely that form of torture and execution. Each item is recognized as a form of suffering, and David runs together all the different images … Continue reading
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Tagged Christ on the Cross, Hebrew Mysticism, human suffering, Jesus' crucifixion, King David, mortality, scripture, spirituality
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Psalm 21
If the previous psalm was a prayer for faith in battle, this one is thanksgiving for the victory. And again, we reckon this song is in two parts. The first seems as the voice of the congregation singing about their … Continue reading
Psalm 20
This is a two-part hymn typically taking place before the altar in the Temple. In the first five verses, the congregation sings over the offering as the priests perform their ritual duties. It’s not simply the worshipers singing to someone … Continue reading