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This question highlights the ongoing war and fighting between nations such as Egypt and Israel, as opposed to finding common ground despite their fundamental differences. The follow-up question asks: "Why do people engage in unwinnable wars that consume valuable resources?" The second part notes the worthlessness of conflict that results in needless casualties and death. In other words, we should work hard to save lives by resolving issues peacefully. Ultimately, the questions incentivize contemplation with respect to warfare and the vitalness of seeking harmony among nations instead of perpetuating vicious cycles of violence.

“I rely on God to shield me;

He saves the honest of the heart 

God is a just judge 

Constant in his righteous anger”

1. "Shield me” is referring to God keeping one safe. God is known as a protector who guards people from evil or danger.

2. He helps people that are sincere and honest. It shows that being truthful brings God's protection.

3. God judges people and makes fair decisions for everyone

4. He gets angry at wrongdoing, but that anger is fair. He just wants good for the world. 

With additionally reading the footnotes for this Psalm, the words tent and dwell are not supposed to be taken literally, but rather like a hyperbole. This line is kind of asking “Who is worthy of worshiping you in a temple?”

One of blameless life, who does what is right and speaks the truth from his heart; 

This line starts to go into requirements for temple worship and what is expected of someone who comes to such a holy place. 

Who has no malice on his tongue, who never wrongs his fellow, and tells no tales against his neighbor; 

The person coming in needs to be following the 10 commandments, there is a connection between this Psalm and the commandments. They can’t lie about their neighbors, wrong the people around them, or have hidden agendas (like gossip and lies) 

Who shows his scorn for those the Lord rejects, 

They can’t show any support to the people that the Lord says are bad people. No mercy for the people that don’t follow the word of God. 

But honours those who fear the Lord; 

This line is interesting to me. I’m trying to understand if the Lord wants people to fear him or feel protected by him. There is a lot of back and forth about God being a “forgiving” character but this line, to me, proves that he is not a forgiving character and kind of a power hungry one instead. 

Who holds to his oath even to his own hurt, 

This line is saying that in order to be worthy of worshipping at this temple, you need to put your devotion to God before anything else. You need to be willing to sacrifice what you want even if it'll hurt you, to hold on to that devotion and oath to God. 

Who does not put his money out to usury, And never accepts a bribe against the innocent. 

Someone who doesn’t give things out (especially money) with the intention of asking for much more in return. Like helping out but at a cost. Also not accepting bribes or letting money sway you to do things against God's word. 

He who behaves in this way will remain unshaken. 

This line is a wrap up. The word “Unshaken” means not straying away from your religion and remaining steady. Basically it is saying if you follow all of these little rules and worship at the temple you will stay faithful to God and be in good standing with him.

23:2 - Green pastures represent rest, sheep lie down when they feel safe, the Lords guides us to safety with Him

23:3 - He restores us, the Lord is faithful, He has a plan for us, it's our choice to follow it

23:4 - Shadow of death (darkness), but not to fear with his staff (guidance) as our comfort in these times

23:5 - Gods protection even with enemies around, anointing with oil (symbolizes honor and blessing)

23:6 - Follow, pressure God's goodness. House of the Lord- communion with God, dwelling in his presence

God is a shepherd who provides, guids, and protects. Psalm 23 expresses to trust in Him, trust in His care, His guidance, and presence.

Psalm 13:1 David expresses this sense of being forgotten by God and questions how long God will continue to hide from him. In the repetition of “How long” within the psalm, we see David’s pain and confusion.

Psalm 13:2 It seems that the reason he may feel abandoned by God is because he’s experiencing great adversity. David’s conflicts are external, but he is also facing internal battles.

Psalm 13:3 Even though David is experiencing great troubles, he is still being faithful to God.

He calls out to God for action and he asks for God’s presence to be shown to him. Within this verse, we also see that David is fearing for his life. We see this when David writes, “... lest I sleep the sleep of Death.”

Psalm 13:4 is hard to analyze, but if I were to break it down. We see that David doesn’t like the idea, or doesn't want the idea of his enemies being able to say that they have beaten him, because he’s chosen by God.

Psalm 13:5 This is the turning point of the Psalm. Now we see David is professing his trust in God, regardless of what he's facing. This change isn’t from God fixing his situation right away, but through his faithfulness in God's ability to get him out of his hardships.

Psalm 13:6 This piggybacks off the previous verse, but David is declaring that God will grant his desires. The psalm ends in praises to God, even when it began with despair.

​

This psalm is very empowering. Psalm 13 displays how powerful faith is and how it can turn your doubt into confidence. Just as it did with David.

He will not let your foot slip—
  he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
  will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
  the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
  nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
  he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
  both now and forevermore.

Reading Psalm 121 reminds me that I am never truly alone, no matter what challenges I face. The image of lifting my eyes to the mountains makes me think about the obstacles and uncertainties in life — things that can seem overwhelming at times. Yet this psalm brings comfort by reminding me that my help comes from the Lord, the very Creator of heaven and earth. It reassures me that God is always watching over me, even when I’m tired, worried, or unsure of what comes next. Knowing that He never sleeps or turns away gives me peace and strength to keep moving forward. This psalm helps me trust that God’s protection and guidance are constant, and that I can rest in His care every step of the way.

Verse 1: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?”
The psalm opens with a question that captures both wonder and vulnerability. The speaker looks to the mountains, which may symbolize strength or challenges. For travelers on their way to Jerusalem, the mountains were both beautiful and dangerous. Spiritually, they can represent the difficulties we face in life. The question “Where does my help come from?” reveals a moment of reflection — a search for security and reassurance.

Verse 2: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
This verse immediately answers the question with confidence. Help does not come from human strength or earthly things, but from God, the Creator of all. By identifying God as “the Maker of heaven and earth,” the psalmist emphasizes His power and authority. It’s a declaration of faith that the One who created everything is more than capable of guiding and protecting His people.

Verse 3: “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;”
The image of a slipping foot symbolizes falling into trouble or danger. The psalmist assures believers that God will not allow them to stumble or fail beyond recovery. Unlike humans who grow tired or inattentive, God is ever-watchful. This verse emphasizes His constant vigilance — He is always present, always alert, and never off guard.

Verse 4: “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Here, the message of verse 3 is repeated and expanded. God’s care extends not only to the individual but to all of Israel — His chosen people. The repetition serves as reassurance: God’s protection is tireless and continuous. His watchfulness is perfect and unending, showing that He is a faithful guardian who never abandons His people.

Verse 5: “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;”
This verse uses the image of shade to describe God’s protection. In the desert climate, shade was a symbol of relief and safety. By saying God is at “your right hand,” the psalmist suggests that God is close and personal, always within reach. This portrays a sense of companionship — God is not distant, but present beside us, providing shelter and comfort.

Verse 6: “The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”
This line poetically expresses God’s protection at all times. The “sun” and “moon” represent the extremes of day and night — in other words, every moment of life. The psalmist assures that no danger, whether physical or spiritual, will overcome those who trust in God. It is a way of saying that God’s care covers every situation, 24 hours a day.

Verse 7: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;”
This verse deepens the promise of protection. “Keep you from all harm” does not mean a life free from difficulty, but rather that God will guard your soul from ultimate harm. The focus is on spiritual safety — that God preserves your inner being, your faith, and your purpose. It highlights God’s role as both protector and sustainer of life.

Verse 8: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
The psalm concludes with a powerful summary. “Coming and going” represent all daily activities — everything we do and everywhere we go. The phrase “now and forevermore” expands the promise beyond time, assuring that God’s protection is eternal. This closing verse offers a lasting peace, reminding believers that God’s care is continuous throughout life and beyond.

Socially and culturally, disability seems to have been a topic that many Greeks were unfamiliar with. What confuses me is that, although they had procedures to treat disabilities, those with disabilities were still treated as less than others. We see this earlier in Sneed’s writing, he refers to Plato's and Aristotle's utopian texts. Which speaks on the separation of inferior and superior beings. “take the offspring of ‘good parents’ and raise them, but ‘the [children] from inferior parents, and if any [child] from other parents is impaired (ἀνάπηρον), will be hidden away in a secret and unknown place, as is fitting’ … in Plato’s ideal state, the children of the lower classes and disabled children should be hidden away and denied enfranchisement and a social existence.” (Sneed 752). So, while disabled infants and individuals may not have been sentenced to death at birth, they were often hidden agendas that thought their existence was a stain to society because of their differences. I believe Sneed alludes to the idea that when children were said to be hidden, it could imply that the author avoided directly mentioning death, choosing to phrase it in a particular way. Overall, I think Sneed’s work shows us how different ancient societies defined the value of life and how their ideas continue to challenge our modern understanding of humanity and care.

1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack for nothing.”

• God is described as a shepherd who will actively provide everything and protect His sheep. David acknowledges God as his protector and provider. He is satisfied when having God.

2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

    he leads me to water where I may rest;”

• God provides a peaceful and safe place for His sheep to rest. “Green pastures” and “water” indicate physical needs.

3 “he revives my spirit; 

    for his name’s sake he guides me in the right paths.”

• Beside physical needs, God also cares for David's spiritual needs. David realizes that God is his guide. “Right paths” are the ways that align with God's will and character. This verse shows that God always guides David in His wills which can bring glory to God.  

4 “Even were I to walk through a valley of deepest darkness

    I should fear no harm, for you are with me;

    your shepherd’s staff and crook afford me comfort.”

• David knows that God will always be with him and protect him. Thus, even when he suffers from the worst situation in his life, he knows God will take care of him and comfort him.   

5 “You spread a table for me in the presence of my enemies;

    you have richly anointed my head with oil,

    and my cup brims over.”

• David recognizes God always stands on his side when he faces his enemies, which means he will have victory over his enemies. He is anointed by God which means he is God’s chosen one. This is related to the story God chose David to be king of Israelites after king Saul. God does not only provide David enough but more than enough.

6 “Goodness and love unfailing will follow me all the days of my life,

    and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord throughout the years to come.”

• David receives many blessings and unfailing love from God, and he believes that God will continue to love and bless him for the rest of his life. Thus, he promises to be in the presence of God, build his relationship with God, and be God child for his whole life.

"The Lord is my Shepard, I lack for nothing"- the Lord guides me, He provides me whatever I need

"He makes me lie down in green pastures , he leads me to water where I may rest"- sheep lay in green pastures to rest safely, God keeps us secure and safe, water is renewing

"he revives my spirit; for his names sake he guides me in the right paths"- God spiritually guides us

"even were I to walk through a valley of deepest darkness I should fear no harm for you are with me, your Shepards staff and crook afford me comfort"- confidence that God protects from darkness, rod wards off, staff guides, God is a protective and guiding father

David writes about the power of God’s name and how far his word has reached.

Psalm 8.2 from the mouths of babes and infants at the breast. You have established a bulwark against your adversaries to restrain the enemy and the avenger.

God has established a kingdom of followers that will fight against those who threaten those who follow God.

Psalm 8.3 When I look up at your heavens, the work of your fingers, at the moon and the stars you have set in place,

David draws attention to the creations of God regardless how big or how small they are all created from God, these creations make up the heavens for which God reigns over the people of Earth.

Psalm 8.4 what is a frail mortal, that you should be mindful of him, a human being, that you should take notice of him?

David asks the question to God about what makes an individual important enough to communicate with God. Asking God what makes someone enough to allow them to speak with him is an interesting question since he is talking to God himself.

Psalm 8.5 Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowning his head with glory and honour.

David talks about the differences between God and humans, how humans are lesser than God. Then he describes how humans have been elevated to high stature.

Psalm 8.6 You make him master over all that you have made, putting everything in subjection under his feet:

This talks about how humans were put into power over all other creatures on Earth.

Psalm 8.7 all sheep and oxen, all the wild beasts

8.7 and 8.8 discuss what humans were given by God to rule over.

Psalm 8.8 the birds in the air, the fish in the sea, and everything that moves along ocean paths.

Like the footnote states sections 8.5-8.8 talk about the link to Genesis and how the humans were given governance over Earth by God.

Psalm 8.9 Lord our sovereign, how glorious is your name throughout the world!

David pulls together the passage with the opening line, to display that Gods word is the beginning as well as the end.

1 “ Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the lord, I shall not slip.”

In this Psalm, David is talking to God and pleading for God to declare his innocence

2 “ Examine me, O lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.”

I believe that this is a prayer to those who are living holy lives  

3 “ For your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in your truth”

 David is saying he has been loyal to God, and his walk is righteous 

4 “I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites.”

  I believe this line is saying that David is telling God that he was not hanging out with sinners and that idolatrous mortals are people who worship other gods.

5   “I have hated the assembly of evildoers and will not sit with the wicked.”

David is saying that he does not get along with people who are evil and who sin against  God; he calls them wicked people.

6 “I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about your altar, O lord”

David is going to cleanse himself before he enters God's holy place and worships him. Washing of the hands is seen as an act of innocence that was done mostly in the Old Testament.

7 “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And tell of all your wondrous works “

After being cleansed and worshiping God, he is going to give God praise and spread the news of God's works.

8 “ Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house,

And the place where Your glory dwells.”

David is telling God that he loves being in the temple to worship and praise. This chapter of Psalms shows us the integrity of David and how he is yearning for God's presence.   

9“Do not gather my soul with sinners,

Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,”

 I believe this means  David does not want God to kill him along with the sinners. He is asking God to separate him from the others. 

10“In whose hands is a sinister scheme,

And whose right hand is full of bribes. “

He is just describing the type of sinners that he does not like 

11 “But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;

Redeem me and be merciful to me.”

 David is declaring to God that he is not like the rest; he is different and completely separate from the wicked. 

12 “My foot stands in an even place;

In the congregations I will bless the Lord.”

 David is saying that he stands righteous in front of God and Integral, and he is reading to publicly express his loyalty to God.  Psalms 26 was written by King David and is a cry for God to vindicate him and declare him innocent

3:2- David is saying that the people who are against him, God will not help them

3:3- David is saying that God is a guide for him who helps him and will take all bad intentions from him.

3:4- David asks God for him and his prayers are answered

3:5- David is saying he can be at peace knowing that God will always help him and be by his side

3:6- David is saying that he doesn't have to worry about the negativity that is thrown at him because God will take that away

3:7- This is saying that God wins over evil

3:8- This is saying God always wins and will help everyone

• Production methods 

• The early Bibles were hand copied 

Production of liturgical texts 

• Printing Press- wider distribution 

Higher volume 

• Who has the authority to print the bible?

Language

• Latin or Vernacular

What effect does translation have on access

 Where do we see debates on formats? 

Print newspapers vs digital newspapers 

Bible Errata: 

    Judas Bible 

Error: Jesus was replaced by Judas in Mathew 26:36

Result: subtle but easily confused, given that it seems credible and similar spelling 

Tobit

• Judith

• Baruch

• Sirach

• 1 & 2 maccabees

• Wisdom

• Additions to esther

• Additions to daniel

• Psalms 151

• Prayer of manasseh 

  were not included in the Bible

Save me, God, by the power of your name

and vindicate me through your might.

It begins with the speaker pleaing for help from God

God, hear my prayer,

listen to my supplication.

Another for God not just to help but to listen to the speaker's prayer and pleas and hear them out

Violent men rise to attack me,

ruthless men seek my life;

they give no thought to God.

The speaker has people who wish for their life and wish for help. The men apparently do not care for God, probably to do with their "violent"ness

But God is my helper,

the Lord the sustainer of my life.

This helps differentiate the speaker from the men after them. While the men give no thought to God, the speaker views God as a helper and sustainer of life

May their own malice recoil on the foes who beset me!

Show yourself faithful and destroy them.

This line is interesting because instead of a follower trying to show faithfulness to God, a follower asks God to show himself as faithful to defending his followers

Freely I shall offer you a sacrifice and praise your name, Lord, as is most seemly;

The speaker calls the other men violent when explaining their lack of faith but then is okay with offering the men as a sacrifice to God, showing the dichotomy of people in the religion vs how they view the actions of others

God has rescued me from every trouble;

I look with delight on the downfall of my enemies

The speaker, despite seeming to judge the other men for their violence and lack of God, they have no issue in basking in the joy of God avenging them and stopping the men after them

(v.1): “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

God is described as guidance/clarity and salvation. The rhetorical question shows complete confidence, because if God is the one who protects, there is no reason to fear anyone.

(v.2): “When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.”

The writer imagines a threatening attack (“devour me”), but expresses confidence that the attackers will fail.

(v.3): “Though an army besieges me, my heart will not fear; though war breaks out against me, even then I will be confident.”

He uses an entire army to exaggerate danger to emphasize faith. Despite this big situation, the speaker remains confident.

(v.4): “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,”

The focus goes from danger to devotion. The writer’s greatest desire is closeness to God, showing that his faith is more important than safety.

(v.5): “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”

God is portrayed as a protector. Images like “shelter,” “tent,” and “rock” symbolize safety.

(v.6): “Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;”

The writer anticipates victory: being “exalted” suggests triumph over those who threatened them.

(v.6): “at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.”

The Psalm ends in celebration. After deliverance, the writer responds with joy, worship, and gratitude toward God.