Fragrant robes
Fragrant robes. The anointing of a person did not always involve the use of oil. Plant extracts such as aloe, cassia (similar to cinnamon), and… Read More »Fragrant robes
Fragrant robes. The anointing of a person did not always involve the use of oil. Plant extracts such as aloe, cassia (similar to cinnamon), and… Read More »Fragrant robes
Forgetting the name of God (44:20). Many of the pagan religions of OT times taught that a god’s power was tied directly to its name.… Read More »Forgetting the name of God
There were at least three known species of deer in ancient Palestine. The red deer was the largest. The male could weigh up to 500… Read More »Deer
How long is a handbreadth? A handbreadth (39:5) was considered to be the width of the four fingers on one hand, or roughly 4 inches… Read More »How long is a handbreadth?
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait… Read More »Snares
The laurel tree (37:35) may be the sweet-bay tree, which is found all over the Mediterranean and can grow up to 60 feet (18 m)… Read More »Laurel tree
The phrase shadow of your wings (36:7) is also found in two other psalms (17:8; 57:1). It symbolizes the protection and safety of the Lord.
Strong offense and defense. The shield and buckler (35:2) and the spear and javelin (35:3) represented extremes in weaponry. While the shield was lighter and… Read More »Strong offense and defense
A harp or a lyre? Both harps and lyres were hand-held stringed instruments with wooden frames.
Summers in Israel can be very hot, depending on where one is (see 32:4). In places like Masada, near the Dead Sea, temperatures can soar… Read More »Summers in Israel
The term house of the Lord (27:4) always refers to the temple, where God in OT times lived among his people.
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe… Read More »Selah