Shabbat Shalom {{firstName}},Favor and LukeBy David HarwoodI’ve been looking forward to transitioning our survey of favor from the Hebrew Scriptures to the Apostolic Writings. If you’ve been following...  Read More

Shalom,Psalm 32:1 Of David, a contemplative song. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is pardoned.So, we begin Psalm 32 (one of my all time favorites).  The Hebrew introducti...  Read More

Rabbi’s Reflections - Thursday July 3, 2025 Shalom, Special Announcement:  Thursday, July 3rd at 8AM there will be a prayer gathering at the Old Courthouse in downtown Knoxville.  All are invited to a...  Read More

Shalom {{firstName}},PsalmsPsalm 31:24(23) – Part 20Psalm 31:24 Love Adonai, all His kedoshim! Adonai preserves all the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full.This verse has a few “moving parts....  Read More

Shalom,Psalm 31:23 I said in my alarm, “I have been cut off from Your sight!” But You heard the sound of my pleas when I cried out to You.Take a moment to see the word “alarm” in our verse.  The Hebre...  Read More

Shalom {{firstName}},Psalm 31:22 Blessed be Adonai, for He has shown me His wonderful love in a besieged city.This is a simple, well written, verse.  As it was originally written, it is made up of onl...  Read More

Shavuah Tov,Psalm 31:21 In the shelter of Your presence You hide them from people’s plots. You conceal them in a sukkah from the strife of tongues.Based on this verse, we pray this prayer…. Oh Lord ou...  Read More

Shavuah Tov,My intent is to help reveal some of the emotional content of eschatological favor prophesied towards the end of Zechariah. It is the third reference to chen/charis in Zechariah.From the be...  Read More

Shalom,Psalm 31:19 Let the lying lips be mute. For they speak arrogantly against the righteous, with pride and contempt. 20 How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You,...  Read More

Shalom,PsalmsPsalm 31:18(17) – Part 15Psalm 31:18 Adonai, let me not be ashamed, for I have called upon You. Let the wicked be ashamed—let them be silent in Sheol.Someone is going to be ashamed.  Let ...  Read More

Shalom,Psalm 31:16 My times are in Your hands. Deliver me from the hands of my foes and from those who pursue me. 17 Make Your face shine on Your servant. Save me in Your lovingkindness.Whose hand (in...  Read More

Shalom,Psalm 31:15 But I have trusted in You, Adonai. I said: “You are my God.”Why does David say it this way?  Both parts of this verse are written in the perfect form (the Hebrew equivalent of our E...  Read More