Poetry and Prayer: A Daily Journey Through the Psalms

William Seward's citation of this psalm speaks to the secret of Jewish endurance.

The shofar has both a particularistic and universal meaning.

One of the greatest miracles in Jewish history may be the subject of this psalm.

Psalm 45 highlights the distinction between the Jewish and pagan perspectives on royalty.

The second half of Psalm 44 cries out to God in the midst of catastrophe but still finds a way to sustain faith.

Psalm 44 describes a period devoid of the miracles of the past—but therein we discover another miracle.

This exquisite psalm gives us a one-sentence soliloquy.

Why do the sons of Korach, an adversary of Moses, merit their own psalm?

The sages note a comparison between Moses and David, and the Torah and Tehillim.

David describes what it means for Scripture to be inscribed on our soul.

Psalm 39 reminds us that we are part of a larger story.

A mysterious opening of the psalm seems to describe it as a "reminder."

A much-sung verse can be read in two ways.

The meaning of humility lies at the heart of a famous phrase in this psalm.

A psalm’s central verse is about genuine moral enlightenment.

Psalm 35 appears at an important moment in American history.

David feigns madness and composes a psalm. What does this teach us?

A reflection by C.S. Lewis allows us to better appreciate psalms of praise.

David reveals his greatness through his imperfections.

David as fugitive is not the main image we have of this king in our imagination, but it is central to his story.

An alternative grammatical reading of Psalm 30 calls attention to David’s true legacy.

The psalm sung when the Torah is returned to the ark reflects the way in which Jews encounter God.

Psalm 28 finds David praying for personal salvation, but he can only do so as a member of the covenantal people.

The contrasting moods of Psalm 27 capture the dual religious experiences of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Psalm 26 emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with friends who inspire righteous actions.

A pangrammatic psalm uses the power of the Hebrew alphabet to merge love, faith, and pleading into one prayer.

Psalm 24 beautifully captures the complexity of the Judaic vision.

A profoundly moving story teaches us about the faith at the heart of the most famous psalm.

Psalm 22 describes the darkness of Jewish exile, but also the Jewish people's belief in a bright future.

We can distinguish David from literary figures who also spoke of a “golden crown.”