Tag Archives: Psalms

Psalm 64

Posted on August 22, 2015 by ehurst

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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Psalm 63

Posted on August 15, 2015 by ehurst

Written during a time away from home and in the wilderness area west of the Dead Sea, this is another psalm that has found it’s way into many contemporary songs. Even in translation, the words are powerful and moving. This … Continue reading →

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Psalm 62

Posted on August 8, 2015 by ehurst

David dedicates this song to Jeduthun, a man who served him as leader of a choir of musical priests with prophetic gifts. This psalm is built on the image of faithful retainer, a warlord serving some mighty sovereign. Whatever David … Continue reading →

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Psalm 61

Posted on August 1, 2015 by ehurst

Sometimes we have to shake our heads at how Western Bible scholars read so much literal meaning into poetic statements, and completely miss the grand mystical depth. So it is many commentators suggest David was off on a campaign far … Continue reading →

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Psalm 60

Posted on July 25, 2015 by ehurst

The header references a tune David called “Lily of Testimony” and events narrated in 2 Samuel 8. We catch only some vague hint that David’s source of trouble is likely something to do with Edom. We might reasonably guess that … Continue reading →

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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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