The Tanakh Podcast

David looks back on his life and fears for the future. What can he offer at this stage of his life? What is occupying his mind?

Psalm 70 is a repeat of Psalm 40. It seems that this text was particularly popular. Why is repeated? And what is its particularly optimistic message?

Today we examine the notion of "Et Ratzon" - Is there a special moment of grace, a "time of goodwill", in which to pray? Music Intro Close

With a dazzling range of references, and 15 words that appear nowhere else in Tanakh, this chapter has mystified commentators.

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.