March 2024 - Expound the Word

Structure of Psalm 140

March 25, 2024Psalm Translations, Psalms Commentary

Psalm 140 is a prayer of David against a violent man who was attacking him especially with his tongue. The phrase "man of violence(s)" occurs three times, in verses 3, 4 and 11. The word "tongue" occurs in verses 3 and 11. While David was in great trouble, he was not greatly shaken by it.…

Structure of Revelation 6:6-21

March 18, 2024Book of Revelation

The last section of the book of Revelation is a complex interweaving of concluding material. Understanding its structure requires paying close attention to repeated words and phrases. Consider first the direct statements of Jesus. “Behold, I come quickly’ (v. 7) which he repeats in verse 12 and varies slightly in verse 20. That is the…

Psalm 144: Our King Prays for Himself

March 11, 2024Chiasms, Psalm Translations, Psalms Commentary

Psalm 144 is similar to Psalm 18. In both psalms David celebrates the victories God gave him over his enemies, and in in both he begins with praise to God who has been many things for him. In Psalm 18 the list is my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my strength,…

The Structure of Psalm 86

March 4, 2024Chiasms, Psalm Translations, Psalms Commentary

When you hear someone begin to talk again about a chiasm in some Biblical passage, you may be inclined to groan and ask why commentators and Bible teachers are always looking for these things. What good are they, and why must I be constantly afflicted with them? There are two things that we should remember.…