Sunday, April 10, 2011

Ethical living in 11 "easy" steps

.
Psalm 15, with some illustrations, for Robert's PsalmChallenge.
.
The Talmud, in Makot 23b-24a, explains that
"Rabbi Simlai said, '613 commandments were given to Moses. David came and reduced them to 11 (in Psalm 15).' "
.
This short psalm is the religious ideal of how a person should live.
.
A Psalm. Of David.

1 LORD, who may sojourn in Your tent, who may dwell on Your holy mountain?

.

2 He who walks blamelessly, who does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who slanders not with his tongue, who has not done evil to his fellow, who has cast no slur on his neighbor.

.
4 In his eyes, a debased man is abhorrent, but those who fear the LORD he honors; if he vows to his detriment, he does not recant;
.

5 His money he does not lend at interest, and bribes against the innocent he does not accept.
He who does these things will not stumble.

.
.
Photos: The tent at Yad Hashmona Biblical Village in the Jerusalem Hills.
.

13 comments:

  1. You missed your calling-- photographing people. Lovable Libby and The Hills are Alive are 'take my heart' are absolutely beautiful.

    Perhaps I could have found a way to use my Hail Mary photo for Robert's Psalms challenge. I wish I knew the religious readings in the way you do. You seem so versed knowledge of many religions of the world.

    Check out Hail Mary if you have time. Have you heard of Jackie Evancho?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Shalom Karl, thank you!

    GDP Jan, thanks, but I'm still too shy to photograph most people, from the front anyway.
    Yes, I suppose Mary would fit the religious ideal as voiced by this psalm.
    Your video today is just amazing. The 11 year old singing Ave Marie is a real neshama (soul), full of grace.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very strange and interesting...

    ReplyDelete
  4. "Easy"--if we all lived that way, what a world it would be! These are good, gentle goals to strive for.

    ReplyDelete
  5. If we could have managed to live after this.. It`s a very strong psalm.
    Your photos is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for sharing your photos and the words of God!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Why is the phrasing a little different from what is on Wil's blog and yours? I see you don't have the thing about "hating worthless people." Oh wait... is that the debased man? Interpretation is quite critical if not at times confusing, don't you think?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kay, I think everyone in Robert's meme uses a different translation.
    You're right, so much of biblical translation is interpretation. The English versions can drive you crazy. For example, compare Verse 4 here
    http://bible.cc/psalms/15-4.htm
    and click for different versions here:
    http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+15&version=MSG

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you very much for your teachings once again ! paricipation as well.

    It was indeed as if one were present at the site, hearing those words. Thank you very much for providing always a high class entry.

    Please have a good week ahead and please join again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you, dear Friend, for reminding us of these beautiful and really updated Psalms!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What beautiful captures of illuminating scenes, both with nature and man made items.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The pics you chose for the instructions for this psalm are very fitting and beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete


Thanks for your comment!
Comment moderation is on so I will see any new comments even on older posts!