Today’s Word
Let’s Take a Walk
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. Psalm 73:9 ESV Struts – Yes, we know it’s poetry, but does that explain why it sounds so odd? Do we just dismiss the improper grammar and the misplaced imagery simply because we give Asaph poetic license? And how would you…
Counting Calories
Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. Psalm 73:7 ESV Fatness – Asaph’s description of the physical qualities of the wicked is certainly metaphorical. Asaph is not writing about corneal edema. He is poetically describing the results of a life of opulence; a life that pursues luxury. But his use of…
Applied Hesed
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8 NASB Mercy/ cheerfulness – Paul completes his inventory of charismata with the phrase ho eleon en hilaroteti (“he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness”). But the typical English translation presents us…
Prosperity Terrorism
Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. Psalm 73:6 ESV Violence – Do you connect prosperity to pride? Yes, you might think of that connection. But what about connecting prosperity to violence? For those who share the Greek idea of individualism, this seems like a real stretch. Why would Asaph suggest…
What’s Yours Is Mine
For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:3 NASB Envious – All of the major English translations use the word “envious” for the Hebrew qanah. But this is strange. The word qanah can mean envious but it is most often translated “jealous.” Even the LXX uses…
The Slippery Slope
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. Psalm 73:2-3 ESV Almost stumbled – Asaph proclaims that God is good to Israel and all who are Israel are known by their “clean heart” actions. But he quickly realizes that his steps court disaster. As much as he wants clean…
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