Psalm 58 is a unique psalm which I call Song of the Sociopath. It describes the intractability of certain souls who resist the righteous path and are bent on persecuting the innocent. Such a person was King Saul's counselor, Abner, who, traditions teaches, was the inspiration for this psalm. (Read 1Samuel 26.) On a different note, this psalm is one of the most difficult to translate. Hence, I present here three translations: The English Standard Version, the Robert Alter translation, and the ...

This is the sixth psalm (in a series of nine) where David prays for deliverance. But in this psalm, David does something completely different. Can you discover what it is? We also learn something fascinating about the Hebrew word for "dawn". We will learn about these and many other valuable insights in this short but powerful psalm. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sure to subscribe to ou...

Everyone knows the story of Noah and the Ark. But there are some details of the story that you may have missed, like the release of the raven, and then the dove, and then the dove again, and then the dove a third time. What is this all about? And what is God trying to teach us through this account of the birds? And what connection does Noah’s ark have with the Tabernacle? Join us for a lively discussion of these and other topics. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), vis...

Psalm 56 begins a series of five psalms called "Michtams". It is uncertain what this term means, but it is somehow related to fine gold, thus making these "golden" psalms, or maybe David's favorite psalms. Psalm 56 is also the second psalm inspired by the time David disguised his sanity while behind enemy lines. (See also Psalm 34.) In this psalm David expresses his loneliness while under persecution. He set this psalm to a tune called "The Mute Dove of Distant Places". But, as David's powerf...

What do you do when you discover that your closest friend on earth - a friend in whom you have confided for years - has secretly turned against you and is plotting to kill you? That is what David is dealing with in this psalm, and it echoes Yeshua's emotions when He was betrayed by Judas. This psalm also introduces us to the first two aspects of Jewish prayer as reflected by Paul in Philippians 4:6. Psalm 55 contains powerful lessons in how to deal with rebellion in one's inner circle and how...

This short psalm describes David's betrayal by the Ziphites - a mob of fellow Judeans - men who should have been loyal to their brother, David. Verses 1-3 are David's prayer for help; verses 4-7 are David's words of praise and commitment to God. A short, powerful psalm that teaches us to never give up hope even when there is not hope! For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sure to subscribe to ...

The Bible uses the word tziporen only two times. The first time, it is translated "fingernail" (Deuteronomy 21:12). The second time, it is translated as a "nib" of diamond on an iron pen. What might God be trying to teach us by these two odd appearances of this unique Hebrew word? Join us in this episode of The Hebrew Key to gain a beautiful insight into God's Word. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you...

Throughout the Bible, the olive tree, the fig tree, and the grapevine are used as symbols of God's people. But why have these three (and a few others) when one should do?! Join us for a fascinating discussion of the unique properties of these three species of plant and the lessons that each has to teach us about our own lives and walk with God. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sure to sub...

In Psalm 52 we discussed the wicked and villainous Doeg. But in this plans we ask the question, what makes a wicked person "tick"? What makes a villain a villain? But David, too, had committed the horrible sins of adultery and murder, and yet he is considered a righteous king - a prefiguring of King Messiah Himself. So, what is the difference between Doeg and David? Psalm 53 is almost identical to Psalm 14, but with some profound difference which provide some valuable insights into this quest...

Psalms 51 and 52 form a pair. Both psalms resulted from a rather involved background story involving terrible sins, but the two sinners could not have been more different! David was the sinner in Psalm 51, and Doeg was the sinner in Psalm 52. How are they alike? And how are they profoundly different? What was it about Doeg that makes him one of the most despised and reviled characters in the entire Bible? For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://w...

Our relationships are the only things we take from this world into the next. In this episode of Bread Crumbs, Robin and I discuss the only three real relationships a person can have, how they relate to one another, and how to keep them healthy. Life is relational, so let's try to get it right! For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sure to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, which will keep ...

This additional episode to the four-part series Body-Soul-Spirit gathers some additional scriptural insights into this important topic. Here we will discuss the process of salvation - past, present & future - and how it corresponds to the spirit, soul and body. We will also look again at the two Hebrew words for 'soul' and what they reveal about our identity. How do our physical appetites affect our ability to grasp spiritual truths? We address these and other questions in this fascinatin...

Psalm 51 is sometimes called The Chapter of Repentance. David composed this psalm when the prophet Nathan rebuked him regarding his sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. As tragic as David's sin was, it did result in a psalm that provides a path to proper repentance. In this study we will answer the question: is all sin the same? Why did David say that his sin was against God alone? What good did David hope would result from this dark chapter in his life? What part of this psalm has b...

Asaph was the second most prolific psalmist, coming second only behind David. Psalm 50 is the first of the twelve psalms of Asaph, but why is it separated from the other eleven? Those are grouped together as Psalms 73-83. Why did the arrangers of the book of Psalms place this psalm of Asaph right here between Psalms 49 and 51? Join us as we look into Asaph's profound words about God's judgment of His people and the two kinds of sins each of us is prone to fall into. For more teachings by Gran...

The Scriptures frequently mention God's destruction of His enemies. Yet God's means of destruction may not be what you think! There are a dozen different Hebrew words for 'destroy' in the Bible, and they all have multiple shadings of meanings - shadings that affect the way the Bible uses them. Join us for a fascinating and enlightening journey through this important topic. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And w...

Do you find yourself fighting clutter in your living space? This is a familiar battle for many in this modern world. But do you also find your soul equally as cluttered? You may never have paused to think about it, but thoughts, emotions, urgencies, and myriad other things can clutter our souls to the point it is difficult to think straight and to find inner peace. Robin brings her years of experience as a home stager, professional organizer and redesigner to the topic of 'soul clutter' as we...

This final psalm of the Sons of Korach is one of the most difficult to translate. It is traditionally believed to describe Korach's wealth, which led to his eventual rebellion and downfall. The authors refer to this psalm as a 'proverb' and a 'riddle', but one truth comes shining through: wealth is a great hindrance to serving God fully from the heart. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sur...

Join Grant and Robin for this first episode of "Bread Cookie Crumbs" in which Robin and I have a lively (and unrehearsed) discussion and Q&A with some of the bright young people God has brought into our lives. In this episode, Robin and I would like to introduce you to Avery, Ethan & Charlotte Smith - the three oldest children of our dear friends Steve and Lisa. So tune in and enjoy getting to know Charlotte, Ethan and Avery and hear what is on their hearts. For more teachings b...

Robin and I love reading and discussing Pirkei Avot - a collection of sayings and insights by some of Israel's wisest sages. This ancient writing is traditionally studied between Passover and Pentecost every year and includes sage advice by the likes of Hillel, Shammai, Akiva, Gamaliel (who was the apostle Paul's rabbi), and many others. In this episode, we continue our discussion as we share some of our favorite quotes from the second half of Pirkei Avot. Join us for a fun and thought-provok...

Psalm 48 is a love song for Jerusalem and is part of the daily prayers for the second day of the week - Monday. Why was this psalm about Jerusalem chosen to be read on the second day of the week, a day know as "division day" - the only day of creation when God did not say "it is good"? Also, how did Jerusalem get its name? We address these and others questions that arise from a close reading of this beautiful and well known psalm. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), vi...

Robin and I love reading and discussing Pirkei Avot, which is a collection of sayings and insights by some of Israel's wisest sages. This ancient writing is traditionally studied between Passover and Pentecost every year and includes sage advice by the likes of Hillel, Shammai, Akiva, Gamaliel (who was the apostle Paul's rabbi), and many others. In this discussion, we discuss some of our favorite quotes from the first half of Pirkei Avot. Join us for a fun and thought-provoking discussion. Fo...

Have you ever thought about why we clap our hands? Why is smacking one open hand against the other such an instinctual thing in human beings? There is actually a very spiritual reason for this universal behavior. As we dive into Psalm 47, we will answer this question and look into the kind of people who will join themselves to "the God of Abraham" in the end times. Join us for a fascinating study of this short but powerful psalm. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), vis...

What did Paul mean by the phrase "the foolishness of God"? And what do a corpse and a fool have in common with Yeshua? Also, why is a hanging corpse called "a curse of God"? You will find some fascinating answers to these questions in this episode of The Hebrew Key -- a series in which we discover how Hebrew unlocks deep insights into God's Word. For more teachings by Grant Luton (and to print the notes), visit our website: https://www.TorahTodayMinistries.org And when you visit, be sur...

Do you want to be a better dad? Do you want your sons to become men of character, confidence, and faith? Do you fear you’re too late? Would it help if someone answered your questions about raising your son? Steve Meeks is the author of the new book "Save the Boys", an effective guide for establishing a strong and healthy father-son relationship and leading a boy into manhood. Listen as Steve shares his experiences while living in Kenya, and his own journey with his four sons. This interview c...