They who sow in tears in glad song will reap. Psalm 126:5 Robert Alter In tears – Since we’re thinking about the difference between Job and John, we should review our examination of David’s idea of hope. We looked at this verse more than a year ago. Remember? Don’t take this verse out of context. …
I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and [h]perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 1:9 NASB Patmos – What do you know about Patmos? I will arrive there in a few days, but what I’ll see now isn’t at all what…
Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” Matthew 26:38 NASB Keep watch – We know the story all too well. Yeshua makes a request that the disciples are unable to handle. In spite of his obvious need and emotional state, the disciples…
For He carries out what is destined for me, and many such destinies are with Him. Job 23:14 NASB Destined – What is your destiny? The question might imply that there is some fixed goal designed for you. Wouldn’t that be nice? If each of us has a destiny determined by God, then all the steps along…
Villa Valmarana ai Nani, Vicenza, Italy
One person dies full of innocence, completely tranquil and at peace . . . Another dies with a bitter heart, and he has never enjoyed good. Together in the dust they lie, and the worm will cover them. Job 21:23, 25-26 Robert Alter The worm – Alter’s sobering remark puts Job and Qohelet on the…
But I know my redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand up on earth and after they flay my skin, from my flesh I shall behold God. Job 19:25-26 Robert Alter My redeemer – Job never met Samuel Medley, but if he had, perhaps we would have corrected the lyrics Medley used in…
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV Do good/bless – So you want to follow the Messiah. You want to live by his instructions, obey him as your master, incorporate his…
O Lord, You have deceived me and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. Jeremiah 20:7 NASB 1995 Deceived/overcome – Sometimes the translator’s morality gets in the way of communicating the crass and deliberately offensive speech of the Bible’s prophets. Of course,…
You enticed me, O Lord, and I was enticed. You were stronger than I, and You prevailed. I became a laughingstock all day long, all of them mocking me. Jeremiah 20:7 Robert Alter Laughingstock – We examined this verse some time ago, noting that the verb translated here as “enticed” can also mean “seduced.” Robert…
