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Psalm 34:18

 PSALM 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. PSALM 34:18 WHAT DOES IT SAY?  * The LORD (Yahweh) intentionally remains near to those who are experiencing profound emotional pain or sorrow (18a).  * God's presence is especially felt by the brokenhearted, indicating a deep compassion for their inner state (18a).  * He actively intervenes to save or deliver those who feel completely overwhelmed, defeated, or low in spirit (crushed) (18b). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context What was the typical ancient Near Eastern (ANE) view of a suffering or "crushed" person, and how does this verse’s affirmation of God’s closeness contrast with that worldview? b) Theological Context What is the difference between being brokenhearted and having a crushed spirit, and why are both necessary to fully describe the condition to which God draws near? c) Literary Context In the context of the surrounding verses...
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Isaisah 41:10

  Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 WHAT DOES IT SAY? God commands the audience not to be afraid because He assures them, I am with you (10a). God commands the audience not to be discouraged because He confirms His identity, I am your God (10b). God makes three proactive promises: I will strengthen you and help you (10c). God ensures His ultimate support, declaring, I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (10d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Historical Context Who was the primary audience for this message in Isaiah 40-55, and what were the specific circumstances (such as exile or national fear) that prompted God to give this command "Don't be afraid"? Theological Context The text provides four distinct reasons for comfort: "I am with you," "I am your God," "I will s...
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Psalm 29:11

  Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The writer makes a direct declaration about God's action: The Lord gives his people strength (11a). The writer makes a second, parallel declaration: The Lord blesses them with peace (11b). Both blessings—strength and peace—are directed toward his people (those belonging to the Lord) (11a, 11b). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Literary Context How does this final verse, which focuses on God's gifts of strength and peace, serve as a culmination or summary of the previous ten verses that describe the awe-inspiring power of God's voice (the thunder)? Theological Context What is the nature of the "strength" that the Lord gives? Does it refer to physical power, emotional resilience, or spiritual authority, and how does it relate to the parallel gift of peace? Linguistical Context The term for "peace" here is shalom. What is the comp...
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Hebrews 11:6

  Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The text states an absolute spiritual truth: it is impossible to please God without faith (6a). Therefore, anyone who desires to come to him (approach or have a relationship with God) must meet two essential belief requirements (6b). Requirement one: they must believe that God exists (6c). Requirement two: they must believe that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (6d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Theological Context What exactly is the nature of the "faith" that is impossible to please God without? Is it merely intellectual assent, or does it require a certain level of action or commitment? Linguistical Context What does the term "sincerely seek him" imply in the original language, and how does it differentiate this act from a casual or ...
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Revelation 21:7

  Revelation 21:7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation 21:7 WHAT DOES IT SAY? A promise is made to all who are victorious (overcomers) (7a). Those who are victorious will inherit all these blessings (referencing the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem) (7a). As part of the inheritance, God makes a unique commitment: I will be their God (7b). This relationship is defined by a familial bond: and they will be my children (7c). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Theological Context What does it mean to be "victorious" (or an "overcomer") in the context of the book of Revelation, and how does this action relate to receiving the inheritance? Literary Context What are the "blessings" being referred to by the phrase "all these blessings" (7a), and how do they contrast with the previous promises and warnings in Revelation? Covenant Context The phrasing...
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