Tag Archives: King David

Psalm 59

Posted on July 18, 2015 by ehurst

The third in a row resting on the tune of “Do Not Destroy,” this psalm reflects events described in 1 Samuel 19. David went home after one of Saul’s outbursts that began a more concerted effort to eliminate him. Saul … Continue reading →

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Psalm 58

Posted on July 11, 2015 by ehurst

As with the previous psalm, this one uses the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” And like many other psalms, the Hebrew poetic grammar is quite difficult. In this case, I cannot go with the NET Bible’s translation work, so we … Continue reading →

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Psalm 57

Posted on July 4, 2015 by ehurst

In the header we learn this was written during the time David hid out in the Cave of Adullam, referring to events in 1 Samuel 22. At least one cave in that area offers a very large inner chamber after … Continue reading →

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Psalm 56

Posted on June 27, 2015 by ehurst

This psalm refers to events in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, and precedes the moment celebrated in Psalm 34. This is very much a Covenant song. The Law of God promises divine protection among other blessings to those who obey. On the … Continue reading →

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Psalm 55

Posted on June 20, 2015 by ehurst

Echoing similar thoughts to Psalm 41 and regardless of the specific context in David’s mind, this psalm best fits the betrayal of Ahitophel, David’s trusted adviser, during Absalom’s Revolt. Even in this, we should not read Western cultural meaning back … Continue reading →

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Psalm 54

Posted on June 13, 2015 by ehurst

David wrote several psalms while fleeing Saul’s hand. This refers to the narrative in 1 Samuel 23. In this case, David with his private army was hiding somewhere south of Hebron, in the open country near the village of Ziph … Continue reading →

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Psalm 53

Posted on June 6, 2015 by ehurst

This is quite similar to Psalm 14. While we can only guess, perhaps it’s appearance here in Book 2 simply means it was used in a different context, which would give it a different emphasis. We see it has a … Continue reading →

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Psalm 52

Posted on May 30, 2015 by ehurst

This psalm references the narrative in 1 Samuel 21-22. The story is filled with violations against the Covenant. Doeg was an Edomite, a foreigner from a tribe notorious for treachery and shocking immorality at times, though obviously he was a … Continue reading →

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Psalm 51

Posted on May 23, 2015 by ehurst

A psalm by David, this refers to events narrated in 2 Samuel 11-12. That story has it all: adultery, murder and scandal. We struggle to understand a biblical morality that is so foreign to Western instincts. Because of our longstanding … 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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