Today’s Word
Life in Review
And in fasting I wept for my being—it became a reproach for me. I made sackcloth my garment and became for them a byword. I was the talk of those who sit in the gate, the drunkards’ taunting song. Psalm 69:11-13 [Hebrew] Robert Alter Wept for my being – You will remember Alter’s comment that…
Necrotizing Fasciitis
For the zeal of Your house has consumed me, the reproach of Your reproachers has fallen on me. Psalm 69:10 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Consumed – Do you know what necrotizing fasciitis is? It’s flesh-eating disease. I am reminded of this terrible condition when I read the Hebrew term used here, ʾakal. This Hebrew word…
History Untold
Because for You I have borne reproach, disgrace has covered my face. Psalm 69:8 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Because for You – David makes an astounding claim, a claim that hardly seems accurate. He says that the damage to his reputation is due to his upholding God’s name. Has he forgotten his sins? How can…
Public Consequences
Let not those who hope for You be shamed through me. Master, O LORD of Armies. Let those who seek You be not disgraced through me, God of Israel. Psalm 69:7 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Through me – As we discovered yesterday, David’s concern is not about his own vindication. It is about the impact…
The True Judge
God, You know my folly, and my guilt is not hidden from You. Psalm 69:6 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Not hidden – True confession. David admits his “folly.” God knows all about this ʾiwwelet. These are acts that display moral stupidity, not simply ignorance. This man actually knows what he is doing isn’t proper. He’s…
Reparations
More numerous than the hairs of my head are my unprovoked foes. My destroyers grow strong, my lying foes. What I have not stolen should I then give back? Psalm 69:5 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Give back – David knew his enemies, at least most of them. His poem is addressed to real, tangible foes,…
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