It seems appropriate to finish this study with some personal reflections. We’ve explored the 176 verses over the course of half a year. Looking at the psalm verse by verse revealed the depth and complexities of the grammar, vocabulary, and Hebraic thought patterns. But this microscopic examination might cloud the overall impact. After all, it…
Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Psalm 119:54 NASB Pilgrimage – Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? It takes about thirty-five days to complete. It’s made up of trails, streets, roads, and paths that, according to legend, is the route taken by James. Thousands of people travel this journey every…
I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. Psalm 119:19 NASB I am – The word ʾānōkî might remind you of previous investigations of the longer form of “I” in Hebrew. We looked into this word when we noticed in it Genesis 28:15. “Behold, I am with you,” said God…
I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. Psalm 119:19 NASB Stranger – The first thing to notice is the syntax. גֵּ֣ר אָנֹכִ֣י בָאָ֑רֶץ Literally: “stranger I am on earth.” The personal identity word comes first, in the place of emphasis. gēr ʾānōkî “The root means to live among people…
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner like all my fathers.” Psalm 39:12 NASB Stranger with You– David’s short autobiography is coming to an end. It is coming to the only end possible: a cry for mercy. “Hear my…
I am a stranger on earth. Hide not your commandments from me. Psalm 119:19 (Abraham Heschel translation) Stranger – John Oswalt’s book, The Bible Among the Myths, is an excellent analysis of the concept of myth in the ancient world. His insights help us see why the Bible is not to be categorized as myth,…
I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. Psalm 119:19 NASB Stranger – What is required for a stranger to become a welcomed member of the community? You might find yourself in that situation if you travel outside your native land. You want to establish connection, create new bonds, become…
