Today’s Word
Prisoner of Faith
For the LORD listens to the needy, and His captives He has not despised. Psalm 69:34 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Captives – Paul often introduces himself as doúlos christóu which is typically translated “bond-servant.” But that’s not what it really means. A doúlos is a slave—compulsory, bound service. In the Greek world, this designation was…
Croatia in the Fall
Now that Winter has arrived, it’s time to remember Croatia in the Fall–the colors and the fading light.
You Need All You Can Get
The lowly have seen and rejoiced, those who seek God, let their hearts be strong. Psalm 69:33 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Let – There are at least two ways to read this verse. It depends on which meaning you attach to the wide umbrella Hebrew word ḥāyâ. Here are some choices: “live, have life, remain…
Better Bull
Let me praise God’s name in song, and let me extol Him in thanksgiving. And let it be better to the LORD than oxen, than a horned bull with it hooves. Psalm 69:31-32 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Than oxen – There’s no problem with the translation here, or in most English Bibles. The Hebrew is…
Saving Grace
But I am lowly and hurting. Your rescue, O LORD, will protect me. Psalm 69:30 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Rescue – By far the most common English rendition of this word is “salvation.” Virtually all the popular English Bible use “May Your salvation” or something similar. Given that the Hebrew is yĕšûʿât, it’s easy to…
Sponge Bob
Let them be wiped out from the book of life, and among the righteous let them not be written. Psalm 69:29 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Be wiped out – First, let’s be clear about the technique. “. . . erasures in ancient leather scrolls were made by washing or sponging off the ink rather than…
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