Tag Archives: King David

Psalm 42

Posted on March 21, 2015 by ehurst

Here we begin Book 2 in the Psalms. The theme of this series, ending with Psalm 72, seems contentious among Western scholars. A common remark raises the issue that Book 1 used God’s personal name Yahweh more often, while Book … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 4

Posted on March 19, 2015 by ehurst

While we know that Solomon received his unprecedented wisdom as a gift from God at his first wedding (1 Kings 3), Solomon insists a part of his inclination for it came from his father, David. Thus, he reaffirms the critical … Continue reading →

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Psalm 41

Posted on March 14, 2015 by ehurst

This psalm sounds exactly like David’s experience when his son Absalom rose to usurp the throne (2 Samuel 15). The poetry here depicts a rather sharp and painful memory still fresh in his mind. The term for “poor” here refers … Continue reading →

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Psalm 40

Posted on March 7, 2015 by ehurst

Most of this is a rather didactic psalm. About the only reason we might suggest for finding Psalm 70 tacked on the end (verses 13-17 here) is that it serves as an example of the kind of prayer God answered … Continue reading →

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Psalm 39

Posted on February 28, 2015 by ehurst

Jeduthun was one of three music directors that served during David’s reign. He was also the King’s Seer. The tone of this psalm does not come across well in English. It takes turns of logic and makes subtle connections that … Continue reading →

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Psalm 38 (Updated)

Posted on February 21, 2015 by ehurst

This is one of seven Penitential Psalms, and we do not know the context. We can sense that whatever the occasion, it seems not to have struck David’s awareness all at once. Rather, the pressure of conviction grew slowly. The … Continue reading →

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Psalm 37

Posted on February 14, 2015 by ehurst

This is an acrostic psalm loaded with popular proverbs of David’s time. It’s the age old question of why it seems the wicked prosper and the righteous are blown by the winds of blind fortune. On the surface, it appears … Continue reading →

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Psalm 35

Posted on January 31, 2015 by ehurst

This is the first imprecatory psalm we encounter, a form which has no parallel in Western literature. It sounds to us like petty vengeance because we lack the proper moral background in our world. Paul warns us that all Creation … Continue reading →

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Psalm 34

Posted on January 24, 2015 by ehurst

It can seem at times that David’s songs are awfully repetitious. Consider that virtually every one of them represents some adventure David went through or something that left a major impression on him. In this case, we are told that … Continue reading →

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Psalm 33

Posted on January 17, 2015 by ehurst

The glory and greatness of Our Creator is self-manifest. He needs no praise and honor. Worshiping God is simply in our own best interest. His glory is, but He allows us to enter into that glory as the place where … Continue reading →

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