Tag Archives: King David

Psalm 20

This is a two-part hymn typically taking place before the altar in the Temple. In the first five verses, the congregation sings over the offering as the priests perform their ritual duties. It’s not simply the worshipers singing to someone … Continue reading

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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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Psalm 11

David was born in a noble household, fully educated in Hebrew culture. It is preposterous to suggest he would have been so shallow as to have written these songs from a silly, Westernized literal mindset. We enter a series of … Continue reading

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