PSALM PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 49:1. This is a wisdom psalm. In particular, it addresses the confusion that the faithful often feel when they encounter trouble even while unfaithful people seem to get along so well. Is not God expected to show his favor for the faithful in how he treats them? The answer... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 49:5 After presenting the puzzle (vv. Psalms 49:5), the song reminds all its singers that every single person has the same end, death (vv. Psalms 49:7). The point about all dying is made in two ways: in vv. Psalms 49:7, no one can bribe death; in vv. Psalms 49:10, both the wise... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 49:13 God treats these two groups differently when they die. The unfaithful are LIKE SHEEP... APPOINTED FOR SHEOL, while GOD WILL RANSOM the faithful person’s SOUL FROM THE POWER OF SHEOL (vv. Psalms 49:14). Sheol represents the grim place of destruction for the wicked, and not... [ Continue Reading ]