Psalm Twenty-Three
I was reading Psalm 23 in the Hebrew, and as I began to dig into some of the words, I was amazed at what I found. I’m still not sure on some of the phrases (”my owl is full?”). But I am convinced that this Psalm has a lot more to say to my life right now than most of its English counterparts. Be blessed:
Psalm 23 - A Psalm for David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I am never lacking anything.
He causes me to lie down in green spaces; he brings me upon a place of quiet waters.
He brings back my soul. He guides me in tracks of justice, for the sake of his name.
Even as I walk into the valley of the death-shadow, I will not fear evil, because you are with me.
Your family and your (holistic) support they comfort me.
You arrange in the presence of my enemies a Table; you have anointed my head in oil, my cup is saturated. (or…my owl is full?)
Only a good and loving loyalty will pursue me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever and ever.
Last 5 posts by Mark
- Chicago Spiritual Map: Rogers Park - August 8th, 2008
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March 28th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
wow- thanks for sharing. I like the part about him bringing back my soul and guiding me in tracks of justice and Him being with me. Awesome.
Also, I’m interested in the story technique of sharing you had mentioned briefly. Is there a post coming about it?
March 29th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Thanks Agent Wife! Yeah, I should make it a point to get on about the “storying” post. I think that storying is going to be a critical way we relate God’s Word to each other in the coming years - especially among the poor, the a-literate, and the over-media-ized (poor in spirit).
A few updates to my translation since talking with my Hebrew professor:
“Tracks of justice” could also be seen as “the trust-worthy entrenchments” - God as our shepherd will only take us down roads that he knows won’t lead us to danger.
“Valley of the death-shadow” - “gloomy valley” or “gross-darkness shadow” the low part of the mountain where raiders or wolves might be stationed.
“for ever and ever” = “for the rest of my days” small point, but it might make a big difference to know that Hebrews had no concept of eternal living with God in heaven.
March 29th, 2007 at 10:11 am
mark,
great work! i particularly like the part about the green spaces…
kinda resonates in my heart
peace