The Tanakh Podcast

Seven verse, 49 words - a vision of global unity in which justice is manifest on earth, and God showers humanity with prosperity and blessing. This psalm is like an extended "Birkhat Kohanim" A utopian vision? - possibly! Opening music - Etti Ankri - Yoducha

This psalm calls upon the world to acclaim God for our survival through both miracles and through the fires and waters of persecution.

This chapter is seen as a song of praise, after a drought, when the rain falls, and people can breath a sigh of relief knowing that their crops will sprout and grow, and their herds will be fed. We also focus upon the universal dimension of this song - referring to "all flesh".

"They sharpen their tongues like swords; they aim their arrows with cruel words to shoot the innocent from a hidden place." Today we the arrow as a metaphor for speech.

One of the sublime expressions of craving for God.

God is my salvation. But the world is full of injustice, violence and treachery: "God spoke one thing; I heard two!" Sometimes it is hard to discern the message of God in our confusing world.

David calls to God from a distance - "from the ends of the earth", but he years for closeness, "under God's wing." Even as king, he sees himself as in God's presence.

Here we find David praying for the success of his armed forces after a particularly surprising and upsetting defeat. His prayer is raw and bold, it is passionate and unrestrained.

David is surrounded. Wild dogs roam the streets. But God is David's strength and refuge.

Here David speaks about corrupt figures in positions of power and authority, who pretend to speak for and implement the law, but are supporting and sustaining a corrupt regime, who are a threat to truth. Using some lovely metaphors from the animal kingdom, he asks God to take them down and to restore societal harmony and integrity.

As David escapes from King Saul, he expresses his desire to sing and produce music to praise God. Is this typical behaviour for a fugitive on the run? How do we piece together the puzzle of David's persona, and the conflicting elements within his character?

Today we speak about the power of tears

The city contains violence and conspiracy. The wilderness is a refuge. We discuss this as a trans-biblical theme.

David feels utterly abandoned, betrayed, lonely. He turns to God. What is the nature, the texture of this type of faith? How does it manifest itself?

The evildoers says "There is no God!" If we feel that there is no comeuppance, no consequences, no judge and no law, then humans are capable of the most dastardly things, jeopardizing our collective harmony.

This chapter attacks people whose tongues are like razors, cutting down the innocent, causing devastation, under the guise that they are serving the collective good.

King David demonstrates the art of prayer after his devastating sin, the mistake of his life. This Psalm contains some of the most sublime expressions in prayer of remorse, and request for renewal, forgiveness and divine acceptance.

God assails the hypocrisy of those who live unscrupulous lives and yet bring sacrifices, as if that will bring them favor with God.

Our chapter meditates upon the end of life and what is important to achieve in this world. Music. George Michael - They won't go where I Go Zusha - The World to Come

Chapter 48 is the special psalm recited every Monday, and is a hymn to the uniqueness of Jerusalem.,

This chapter is recited 7 times before the Shofar is sounded. What does it mean?

With its famous chorus line that we recite at Havdallah, this chapter celebrates God as the protector of His holy city and His nation.

This is a coronation Psalm, and, it would seem, a royal wedding. But who is the king? And who is his bride?

This chapter has three segments: 1. How God always fought the battles of the Jewish People, He was their strength, pride and protection. 2. But now God has abandoned us to defeat, dispersion, derision and slaughter. 3. But Israel has retained their loyalty to God. God! Why have you abandoned us?

Psalm 42-49 are all Psalms of the Bnei Korach. What is their story? Who is this group?