One of the passages I read every year as the New Year approaches is Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses. Probably the most widely-known verse in this psalm is verse 12: So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom. Earlier in verse 10, Moses states: As […]
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne […]
Perhaps the most unique chapter in all the Bible is Psalm 119. It has likely been used as a Hebrew primer for Jewish youth at some point because it is divided into 22 stanzas, each titled by one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. The 8 verses in each stanza begin […]
Psalm 118:8-9 says: It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes (vv. 8-9). That’s the theme of the rest of the song. In verses 10-14, the writer speaks of being surrounded by hostile nations: But […]
If there is a common refrain of worship in the Psalms, it is the one at the beginning of Psalm 118: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. The LORD’s lovingkindness is His loyal love to His people. Indeed it is a song for all His people: Oh […]
The shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117. Praise the LORD, all nations; laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD! But it has a powerful message: the hesed – the loyal love – of the LORD is great toward […]
In Psalm 116:12-19, the psalmist resumes his song of gratitude for the LORD’s answer to his cry to “save my life” (v. 4). In verse 12 he asks: What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? …and proceeds to answer his own question: He will lift up the cup of […]