A neighborhood of Jerusalem (Zeph. 1:11). The Targum identifies it with the Kidron Valley." />

Meaning of MACTES

"Mortar".
A neighborhood of Jerusalem (Zeph. 1:11). The Targum identifies it with the Kidron Valley.

"Mortar".
A neighborhood of Jerusalem (Zeph. 1:11). The Targum identifies it with the Kidron Valley.

It was probably located north of the city; This name possibly comes from the funnel shape of this area of the Tyropoeon, north of the walls.
The merchants met in this “mortar” neighborhood.

God’s Word gives us the resilience of a tree with a source of living water that will never dry up.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Secret of Strength and Happiness

Timothy Keller

Psalm 1 is the gateway to the rest of the psalms. The “law” is all Scripture, to “meditate” is to think out its implications for all life, and to “delight” in it means not merely to comply but to love what God commands.

The new heavens and new earth are perfect because everyone and everything is glorifying God fully and therefore enjoying him forever.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Glimpse into the Future of Eternal Praise

Timothy Keller

Every possible experience, if prayed to the God who is really there, is destined to end in praise. Confession leads to the joy of forgiveness. Laments lead to a deeper resting in him for our happiness. If we could praise God perfectly, we would love him completely and then our joy would be full.

Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ (verse 5), makes us ready for this mission.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Poetry of Praise and Redemptive Mission

Timothy Keller

The praise of the redeemed. His people praise him because he has made them his people and because he honors and delights in them —though they don’t deserve it. Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ, makes us ready for this mission.

Praise unites us also with one another. Here is “the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: joyful preoccupation with God.” Praise the Lord!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Praise that Unites All

Timothy Keller

Praise Those Unites. We see extremes brought together in praise: wild animals and kings, old and young. Young men and maids, old men and babes. How can humans be brought into the music? He has raised up for his people a horn, a strong deliverer.

All of nature sings God’s glory; we alone are out of tune. The question is this: How can we be brought back into the great music?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Praise Resounds Throughout Creation

Timothy Keller

The Praise Of Creation. Praise comes to God from all he has made. It begins in the highest heaven (verses 1–4). It comes from the sun and moon and stars (verse 3), from the clouds and rain (verse 4).