Psalms 21-30

[Agaliha]

I thought I'd post in new thread in hopes of some possible discussion. We can still discuss the past ones if need be.

I'll just share that Psalm 27 is one of my favorites of this batch. Especially these verses:

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
(snip)
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
(snip)
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
(snip)
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.




Does anyone have any favorites from this batch?

I'm going to have to read these Psalms later and see.

ETA: Oh, just realized the famous Psalm 23 is in this group. Thoughts on that one?
There's a books I saw at my library called, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" and it goes into the Psalm. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Looks-Psalm-23/dp/0310214351
Not sure if it's good or not, it has good reviews, though.

[Cunae]

Psalm 29

1 Give unto the LORD, O sons of God,
Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The LORD is over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also skip like a calf,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the LORD sits as King forever.
11 The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.


This psalm seems to have strong mythological references to earlier cultural myths such as Baal--the "thunder god" whose voice rolls over land and water. What do you think? Is it using pagan literary/mythological traditions to describe a mighty Hebrew god or is it leaving the mythological resonance open to interpretation?

[Bix]

Sorry I haven't been around much to comment on this discussion...I am trying to keep up, though.

A question I've been pondering a lot: why is Psalm 23 so famous? I mean...there are other Psalms that are just as moving and comforting as that one. Why does that one get all the stoplight? Is there a historical backing for it?