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Category Archives: bible
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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Song of Solomon 4
This is the one day in a woman’s life when she is queen of all who gaze upon her, the day of her wedding. This chapter describes the ornate garments and jewelry which bear little resemblance to Western brides. Should … Continue reading
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Tagged ANE, culture, hebrew poetry, human sexuality, Lebanon, love, marriage
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Psalm 13
It’s not a question of whether the Psalmist is close to literal death, but that he faces an experience of death on a broader level. David could live without his crown, but was altogether worried that his situation signaled he … Continue reading
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Tagged ancient hebrew culture, King David, Psalms, scripture
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Song of Solomon 3
Western scholars heavily favor the notion that the first section here is a dream sequence. That would almost be missing the point, as the whole work is a dramatic parable. It is enough to recognize the symbols. On the night … Continue reading
Psalm 12
Some days it feels like your world has tumbled into the pits of Hell. Hyperbole is a common feature of the dramatic and symbolic Hebrew narrative. David begins with a common cry equivalent to our modern “God help us!” Have … Continue reading
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Tagged King David, oppression, propaganda, Psalms, scripture
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Song of Solomon 2
The bride and groom tell the whole world of their devotion to each other. The treasure here is the collection of images in the unique Hebrew context. The woman opens with a measure of self-denigration. She’s nothing but a common … Continue reading
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Tagged ancient hebrew culture, human sexuality, marriage, scripture, social stability
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