Tag Archives: King David

Psalm 86

Don’t go looking for the precise spot David occupied when he composed this sweet hymn. We have no idea what human historical context goes with this impassioned plea, and precious few humans can even begin to share the moral place … Continue reading

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Psalm 71

It seems rather obvious from David’s choice of words that he wrote this rather late in his reign. On the other hand, he hardly offers any clues to the experience that provoked this soulful song. Ever the proper feudal servant … Continue reading

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Psalm 70

We have seen these lines before, at the end of Psalm 40. Standing alone, the context is subtly different. As a simple and short call for God’s help, it speaks of someone who has little opportunity to compose a more … Continue reading

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Psalm 69

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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Psalm 68

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

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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Understanding Divine Mercy

As a whole, Western Christianity gets forgiveness alarmingly wrong. King David committed horrid crimes. We read in 2 Samuel 11-12 of his adultery and murder. On the one hand, he was the king of what was then a very powerful … Continue reading

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Psalm 66

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

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

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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