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Category Archives: bible
Psalm 19
Modern Western man surely sees the beauty in nature and could perhaps reason from it to a glimpse of some divine hand in the vista. Ancient Hebrew man, along with men of every nation within a years’ travel, would have … Continue reading
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Tagged ANE, King David, moral perception, moral significance, mysticism, Psalms, scripture, spirituality
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Song of Solomon 8
In Hebrew culture, public displays of affection were permitted only between children. In the typical tribal social structure, children at play were presumed some relation to each other, whereas adults engaging in such behavior would be scandalous. It was too … Continue reading
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Tagged art, civilization, culture, King Solomon, marriage, public displays of affection, romance, scripture
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Psalm 18
Picture him now, marching victoriously at the head of his column of troops. It’s a long hike, and David is full to bursting with thanksgiving. With his natural grand talent for what was music and poetry among Hebrew people, he … Continue reading
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Tagged ANE, feudal obligations, history, King David, mysticism, scripture, war
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Psalm 17
In Ancient Near Eastern feudalism, one would present before the sovereign emperor a petition against injustice. The natural assumption is not that the Lord doesn’t know, but that He won’t necessarily act if you think you can handle it. Delegation … Continue reading
Song of Solomon 7
Sometimes it’s all a matter of taste. This chapter is by far the most risqué language in the Bible, but it’s obscured by euphemisms and symbolic references. The groom describes his bride, starting from her feet. Some of the references … Continue reading
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Tagged ANE, euphemisms, history, human sexuality, King Solomon, marriage, scripture, symbolic references
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Psalm 16
In the Hebrew mind, the highest good was shalom. More than simple absence of distress or conflict, it was much broader. Perhaps a better term would be “social stability” — a combination of salient factors working together to provide a … Continue reading
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Tagged divine justice, hebrew poetry, King David, mysticism, Psalms, symbolic logic
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Song of Solomon 6
The bride continues conferring with her support network. The maidens ask if the bride knows where her man went. The question refers more to the kind of place, rather than some specific location. The bride answers that he is downright … Continue reading
Psalm 15
Between the ineffable spiritual truth and mere legalistic literalism is a place of moral commitment in the soul touched by eternity. In the Hebrew mind, spiritual birth was not necessary for obedience when the entire cultural slant assumes feudal obligations … Continue reading
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Tagged ancient hebrew culture, ANE, feudal obligations, hebrew poetry, King David, moral character
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Song of Solomon 5
Blunt lesson here: Once you have surrendered to your man, you are no longer your own. As he is yours, you are his. That’s how God sees it. The chapter begins with the groom declaring he is making love to … Continue reading
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Tagged hebrew poetry, King Solomon, marriage, moral imperative
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Psalm 14
In Hebrew thinking, the concept of “fool” is someone devoid of moral perception. Almost every other human talent can be present in abundance, but without using God’s revelation as a reference point, you cannot possibly be acceptable to Him. The … Continue reading
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Tagged covenants, culture, divine revelation, hebrew poetry, King David, Psalms, scripture
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