‘A Michtam of David.' The word michtam has been related to the Akkadian katamu, ‘to cover'. Some therefore see it as a prayer for, or with an assurance of, protection. It is a part of the Davidic collection, with special reference to the house of David. During his inspired building up of the psalm... [ Continue Reading ]
HE HAS SAID TO YHWH, ‘YOU ARE MY LORD' (2-4). ‘You have said to YHWH, You are my Lord, I have no good beyond (apart from) you. As for the saints (holy ones) who are in the earth, They are the excellent (nobles) in whom is all my delight.' The psalmist now addresses himself. ‘You (feminine singu... [ Continue Reading ]
YHWH MAINTAINS HIS LOT AND DESTINY (5-6). ‘YHWH is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup, You maintain my lot. The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places, Yes, I have a goodly heritage.' Rather than drink offerings of blood the psalmist delights in what YHWH has bestowed on him by givin... [ Continue Reading ]
YHWH HAS GIVEN HIM COUNSEL (7). ‘I will bless YHWH, who has given me counsel, Yes, my reins instruct me in the night seasons.' And with the joy of having YHWH as his lot, and of His possession of so goodly a heritage, he can also rejoice in the wisdom and guidance given to him by YHWH as he lies... [ Continue Reading ]
‘I HAVE SET YHWH ALWAYS BEFORE ME' (8-11). ‘I have set YHWH always before me, Because he is at my right hand, I will not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices, My flesh also will dwell in safety. For you will not leave my soul to Sheol, Nor will you suffer your holy one ... [ Continue Reading ]