Tag Archives: Psalms

Psalm 25

Posted on November 22, 2014 by ehurst

In the Hebrew intellectual traditions, what can appear free association to mere intellect is a structure in itself perceived only in the heart. This song is a Hebrew acrostic, though imperfect, perhaps because of subsequent editing. Regardless, the burden is … Continue reading →

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Psalm 24

Posted on November 16, 2014 by ehurst

Commentators have long noted a fortuitous grouping of this and the previous two songs. In their minds, the trio prophesies the ministry of Christ. While the 22nd is obviously prophetic of the crucifixion, the 23rd is more or less the … Continue reading →

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Psalm 23

Posted on November 8, 2014 by ehurst

Easily one of the most memorized and thoroughly analyzed passages of Scripture, the Shepherd Psalm is still often misunderstood. It is seldom seen as a simple Hebrew parable. Here is King David near the peak of his dominion, when most … Continue reading →

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Psalm 21

Posted on October 25, 2014 by ehurst

If the previous psalm was a prayer for faith in battle, this one is thanksgiving for the victory. And again, we reckon this song is in two parts. The first seems as the voice of the congregation singing about their … Continue reading →

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Psalm 20

Posted on October 18, 2014 by ehurst

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

Posted on October 11, 2014 by ehurst

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 17

Posted on September 27, 2014 by ehurst

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

Posted on September 20, 2014 by ehurst

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 14

Posted on September 6, 2014 by ehurst

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

Posted on August 30, 2014 by ehurst

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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