Biblical Commentary – Christianity

Psalms 4&5: Evenings, Mornings

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

The early Christian church father St. Basil (330–379 CE) included Psalm 4 and 5 in his daily evening and morning prayer liturgies. His practice continues in monasteries till this day. Jewish tradition likewise feature these psalms as part of their daily prayer tradition. There is something special about reciting prayers together with a worldwide community. Psalm 4 reminds us to trust God in times of distress and to seek peace. Psalm 5 is recited in anticipation of God’s guidance, protection, and blessing. The new day begins with a spirit of hope.

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Psalm 3: Enemies Surround

3 Comments / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

The ordered, predictable world of Psalms 1 & 2 disappears in Psalm 3. Life can be difficult, peppered with loss, betrayal, tribulation, sickness, and much more. How do we react? Do we get angry, shout at God, and give up? Or, do we hold fast in faith and trust? Psalm 3 affords a partial answer. As we face our own personal anguish, the words of this psalm can become our own.

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Psalm 2 The Nations Rage

2 Comments / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

The nations rage in vain. This second psalm is and was a bold prophetic statement of defiance in times of distress. Throughout the millennia the faithful sung, recited, and even shouted its words. It referred first to David as the Ammonites and Philistines conspired against him. Exiled Jews relied on it after Babylon brought destruction to their nation and to the temple of Yahweh. Early Christians clung to it amid harsh Roman persecutions. Even today, the words becomes ours as wars and rumors of wars swarm social media and as traditional norms shatter.

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Psalm 1: Two Paths

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

This first psalm sets the tone for the entire book. Saint Basil (329–379 CE) writes:

“Like the foundation in a house, the keel in a ship, and the heart in the body of an animal, this brief introduction seems to me to possess that same force in regard to the whole structure of the psalms.”

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Psalms – Introduction

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary / admin

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

Whenever the Psalter is abandoned, an incomparable treasure vanishes from the Christian church. With its recovery will come unsuspected power.

One might ask: “How do we do this? This article is an introduction. How does the Book of Psalms relate to our generation? How can we apply its wisdom to our lives?

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The Book of Judges – Summary

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

This article summarizes the Book of Judges, its purpose, and how it fits into history.

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The Book of Judges – Samson

Leave a Comment / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

: Samson is an enigma. He was the one judge who wanted nothing to do with his calling. Samson was self-centered, easily provoked, vindictive, and he rebelled at every step. He was his own worst enemy. Despite this, he was God’s servant who could not help but accomplish his life’s mission. Paradoxically, his life has many comparisons to Jesus, Israel, and even humanity. What a riddle he is.

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The Book of Judges – Jephthah

2 Comments / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

Jephthah, the unwanted judge. The tribes west of the Jordan refused to be dominated by anyone from the east. His family labeled him the illegitimate son of a prostitute. But Jephthah was a survivor. He was a competent seasoned warrior, a resourceful charismatic natural leader with great potential and diplomatic skill. When he fled northeast to the land of Tob, a place where those without community assembled, he gathered and led a band of plunderers. This article tells his story.

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The Book of Judges – Interim Leaders

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary / dan harvey

Abimelech is gone, but the people are weary from the disastrous upheaval he caused in the heartland of ancient Israel. The twelve-tribe alliance is on the verge of falling apart. Most no longer even call Yahweh their God. Things look grim despite there being no immediate outside threat. Here comes the judge Tola (translation: worm). Who was he? What do we know?

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The Book of Judges – Abimelech

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary, Uncategorized / dan harvey

Great turmoil followed the death of Gideon. Although he refused the title of king, he ruled as if he was one. He even named one of his sons Abimelech, which translates to “My father is king.” The question was: “Who among his legitimate seventy sons would be his successor?” What would come of Gideon’s legacy? Judges chapter 9 answers.

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