Tag: Romans

Psalm 30

This psalm is ultimately a psalm of praise and joy amidst, despite, or through the difficult times God allows for us to go through. We must always remember, there is no circumstance given us save it first goes through God’s loving hands.

Psalm 30

This psalm states it was written by David for the dedication of the Temple. The content of the psalm also provides insight into the context. David was reeling from the judgement God sent him, he repents, and rejoices in God. This is the context of the time of 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21-22 (see our studies: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21, 22). Today it is used in celebration of the Feast of Chanukah, which is a dedication of the Temple after it was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes.

  • Verses 1-3-David knows he has erred and his desire is to place God where He truly belongs in life, lifted up, in place of preeminence (Colossians 1.15-20).

David here speaks of being healed (2). Although he was never afflicted by the plague sent in 1 Chronicles 21, it affected him in the deepest way. It sends him into prayer and repentance. His prayer is expanded in verses 8-10.

David identified with those around him so much that when they hurt he hurt. How is this with you? Do you mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12.15)?

  • 4-5-The plague lasted throughout the day where many died. Therefore, the night was filled with weeping.
  • 6-10-David held his confidence in the number of men of military age he had in his kingdom. The pride was his downfall. When David looked to himself, God’s favor was removed. Whenever we choose to walk out of fellowship with God, we should not expect to have Him actively involved in our lives. When we repent, He relents.
  • 11-12-David, like all the mourners, would wear sackcloth to demonstrate their grief.

The discipline of the Lord for our sin produces the image of His Son in our lives, which is the goal of all Christians (Romans 8.29 and Philippians 3.12-14). This produces the joy that follows the mourning (Hebrews 12.5-11, James 1.2–4, and 1 Peter 1.6-9).

This psalm is ultimately a psalm of praise and joy amidst, despite, or through the difficult times God allows for us to go through. We must always remember, there is no circumstance given us save it first goes through God’s loving hands.

Have you dared to thank Him for your present circumstances?

“Don’t shake your head when you see a mom or dad with a Downs Syndrome child and say, No way could I face that. Most likely you couldn’t. Which is precisely why God hasn’t asked you to. Instead, take time to seriously consider how you will remain joyful within your own particular, unique, individual situation. Accept your circumstances as a gift from His hand. Dare to thank Him for them.” Joni Eareckson Tada, Glorious Intruder

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Psalm 5

David calls out to God to hear what he has to say (1-6), to lead David in the correct and righteous path (7-8), to protect David from those who try to deceive and lead him astray (9-10), and to bless David with His presence (11-12). What are you praying for today?

Psalm 5

This psalm was written by David for the flute (Nehiloth) during the time of the revolt of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). The references to the temple (the tent, 7), David’s house, and references to David’s enemies lying in wait, not pursuing him (9-10) support this period.

When reading this psalm, we are reminded of the necessity of daily reading God’s Word for it establishes our hope, directs our day, and provides us with guidance in times of joy and distress. Even David, the king of Israel, knew that he must bow to another King on a daily basis.

  • Verses 1-3-David seeks God to listen to what he has to say, to listen to his cries, and to help him order his words in such a way that they bring honor to God. In this David ruminates over what he is to pray. It is no flippant prayer offered to God on a whim. It is a thoughtful meditation of an arranged prayer presented to God with great fervor and understanding of whom this God is to whom he prays. The plea of David for God to listen to the sound of his cry can be seen in Romans 8.26-27.
  • Verses 4-6-Habakkuk 1.13 presents the truth of these verses. David understands all too well that God will not listen to His children in rebellion (see our study of Psalm 51), how much more will He reject those who set themselves as enemies against Him? Paul state that darkness and light have no dealings with each other (2 Corinthians 6.14-15). John states this truth in 1 John 1.5-10.
  • Verses 7-8-David’s desire was to enter God’s house, to worship Him. It is here that David brings his prayer before God. It is a prayer to stand justly before his accusers.
  • Verses 9-10-Paul quotes verse nine in Romans 3.13 as a testament to the character of those who do not know God.
  • Verses 11-12-The shield mentioned in verse twelve is the full-body shield used to protect the entire person. When our lives are protected by God, we experience joy, protection, and blessing.

David calls out to God to hear what he has to say (1-6), to lead David in the correct and righteous path (7-8), to protect David from those who try to deceive and lead him astray (9-10), and to bless David with His presence (11-12). What are you praying for today?

Thoughts on hate will be given if requested. So, reply if you desire a study on God’s hating (5).

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Psalm 58

How angry do you get over sin in the world? Your sin? Are you praying for God to bring justice to those in the world acting like God but working evil (remember, this will include you)?

Psalm 58

The term in the superscription, “Altaschith,” means “Do not destroy.” It occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalm 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it. It is of interest that David uses this term when he is confronted with the possibility of killing King Saul in 1 Samuel 26.9 (see our study of 1 Samuel 26). However, the setting of the psalm is best placed in the time of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18), hence the placement in our studies.

This psalm expresses in detail what Jesus prayed in Matthew 6.9-13. Early Christian tradition has the psalm describing the treatment the Sanhedrin gave Jesus (Matthew 26.57-68). The division of the psalm presents three parts:

  • Verses 1-5-The Indictment of the Wicked Judges.

These verses present the truth of Romans 1-3, wherein Paul reminds us that none are righteous, all have fallen short, and we are born wicked. David describes these judges as either judging in place of God or acting as if they were gods (1). Verse one can also be translated “speaking righteousness in silence.” This would mean they know what to do but refuse to speak up for the truth. This reminds me of Phil Keaggy’s song “Little Ones.”

  • Verses 6-9-Imprecatory Prayer upon the Wicked Judges.

David’s prayer is quite graphic, presenting various metaphors for God’s judgment upon the ones who do evil. Judges are to represent God in terms of justice and righteousness. In this circumstance, and in the United States today, we find them far from the truth. The point that needs to be made in both periods of history is that the ones who perpetrate the evil are unaware that it is evil. They are doing what “seems right in their own eyes” and is accepted among those who are present. The book of Judges presents this truth. David prays for God to

    • break the teeth in their mouths;
    • tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
    • let them vanish like water that runs away;
    • like grass let them be trodden down and wither.
    • let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime;
    • like the untimely birth that never sees the sun.
    • sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away!

These are graphic, swift, and complete. He is asking God to annihilate their presence and memory from the face of the earth.

  • Verses 10-11-The Righteous Vindicated.

Whether in this life or the judgment to come (2 Corinthians 5.10), we will all receive righteous judgment (1 Corinthians 3.11-15). For those who know Christ as Savior, that judgment has been paid through His death. For those who do not know Christ as Savior, that judgment will be paid eternally by them. Who will pay your penalty?

How angry do you get over sin in the world? Your sin? Are you praying for God to bring justice to those in the world acting like God but working evil (remember, this will include you)?

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Psalm 40

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

Psalm 40

Some consider this psalm to be two psalms connected. They state that Psalm 70 is merely a repeat of Psalm 40.13-17 and there once was a psalm that contained the first twelve verses. The reasoning behind this is the difference in the two sections. They appear to be reversed. The thanksgiving (1-8) is presented before the lament (11-17). This is mention for your information; I choose not to pursue the topic and count it as one psalm.

When this psalm is read, it is a reminder that patience is part of prayer. In fact the Hebrew is emphatic here. David actually writes that in his waiting, he is waiting. David cries out to God asking Him how long until He would answer David’s prayer. Notice it is not if He will answer but when He will answer. If there is a desire for a discussion on prayer, please respond and I will post one at a later date. Within this psalm David presents the great truth of many Old Testament prophets and of the words Paul gives us in Romans 12.1-2: God desires more than mere words or rote actions, He desires our heart, our mind, our strength, our all (1 Samuel 15.22; Psalm 51.16; Isaiah 1.11, 6.8; Jeremiah 6.20, 7.21-28; Amos 5.21-24; Micah 6.6-8; and to name a few). See our study on 1 Samuel 15 and Psalm 51 (as more are completed, links will be provided).

The psalm can be divided by the two types of psalms with the hinge verses of 9-10.

  • Verses 1-8-This is a praise to God for what He has done. David proclaims God’s greatness and then proclaims God’s great claim on our life (see sacrifices above). He wants all of us not a portion of us. He wants us completely, not syncretically. Verses 6-8 are echoed of Christ in Hebrews 10.5-9 for Christ’s perfect, complete, and final sacrifice for our sins (cf. Leviticus 17.11).
  • Verses 9-10-When God works, He expects us to proclaim that work among our friends.
  • Verses 11-17-See our study of Psalm 70

Many have attempted to place each verse in the mouth of Christ. They see the first portion of the psalm as Christ’s resurrection, the middle verses as Christ’s public ministry, and the final verses reflect the cross.

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

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Psalm 26

Have God examine your heart today.

Psalm 26

This psalm begins and ends with the desire to bring blessing to the covenant God of Israel  (יְֽהוָה).  David sees a way for this to occur in his life through his integrity, his moral uprightness or righteousness. We find this can only be found in a person who has a right relationship with God and who walks in fellowship with Him.

Due to the topic of this psalm, David’s integrity and God’s grace, many declare that this psalm was written before his failing with Bathsheba. However, the false accusations and the mood of the psalm place it about the time of Absalom’s rebellion with all the false accusations coming against David. This is why it is placed here, in this study, and not prior to 2 Samuel 11.

The words of David, to some, seem proud and boisterous. However, they are no different from his words in Psalm 139.23 where he asks God to search his heart.

Someone once said, “Look at others and be distressed; look at self and be depressed; look at Jesus and you will be blessed.” The thoughts of this anonymous saying present themselves in this psalm. David encourages us to look and examine ourselves (1-5), to focus ourselves on the God of our covenant (6-10), and continue to serve Him (11-12). The only way to truly be blessed is to realize that we are servants of the Most High and serve others in His name. This is true life.

Verses 1-5-Are you living the life God created for you to live? Examine yourself today.  Read our study on Psalm 1 for a call to examine your life.

Verses 6-10-When we look at ourselves, we can get depressed. When we look to others, we can get upset or frustrated or proud. When we focus on God, we can walk on water and we can also see the standard to which He has called us. It is not us or our world that is our standard, it is He who created us who is the standard (Romans 3.23).

In verses 3–5, David presents six reasons for his integrity:

  1. He calls on God’s grace, not his works.
  2. He basis his daily walk on the truth of God’s Word, not his desires, which only someone indwelt with the Spirit of God can claim.
  3. He proclaims that he has not joined in with others whose purpose is to walk away from God.
  4. He refuses to walk with those who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3.1-5).
  5. He does not gather together with those who seek to do evil. The congregation he seeks is where he can serve God by serving others.
  6. He refuses to commune with those who propose wickedness. He knows he sits at God’s table (see our study of Psalm 23).

How do you measure up to these six reasons?

Verses 11-12-God calls us, knows us, will conform us ultimately into the image of His Son; He called us, He made us righteous, and He will bring it to completion (Romans 8.28-30 and Philippians 1.6). It is all about Him, not us. He has chosen to use His body, the church, as the chosen instrument to help our conformity to His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. Are you involving yourself in the local congregation? Are you actively praising God by serving others there? If not, you are not walking in integrity. This is the heart of this psalm, David’s desire to worship God with God’s people (6-8). David knew in order to do this he needed to be a man in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him. Jesus stated this in Matthew 5.23-24.

Have God examine your heart today.

Psalm 32

Complete cleansing and forgiveness are found in these verses too. Transgression is removed. Sin is covered, iniquity is not counted against, and deceit is no longer found. In Christ these are ours.

Psalm 32

Tired. Aching. Hurting. Exhausted. Fatigued. Undernourished. Roaring in misery and anguish. Sounds like a third world country. For a Christian it is, it is a place we should not be found. It is in a state of being disciplined by God for sins committed. This is David’s description of himself as he was being disciplined by God for his sin with Bathsheba (see our study of 2 Samuel 11). This psalm was written after Psalm 51 (see our study) more as a reflection of what had happened to him after his sin and before the arrival of Nathan (see our study of 2 Samuel 12). It is a maskil used to relive a teachable moment for many to understand. Amazingly, this private psalm is sung as part of the services of the synagogue during the Day of Atonement services.

Psalm 32 is reflective of what God has done and Psalm 51 appears to be written in the struggle.

Various outlines can be made from this psalm. An example would be to divide it in six equal parts (1-2, 3-4, 5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11).

  • Verses 1-2- the forgiven man
  • Verses 3-4-the physical and psychological effects of unconfessed sin
  • Verse 5-confession as the remedy to obtain God’s forgiveness
  • Verses 6-7-forgiveness brings back prayer
  • Verses 8-9-forgiveness bring back biblical insight
  • Verses 10-11-forgiveness provides personal testimony

It could also be divided by the pauses (Selah): 1-4, 5, 6-7, and 8-11.

  • Verses 1-4-Man cannot forgive on his own. Sin is always against God and witnessed by others (Psalm 51). Because our sin is against Him, He is the agent of forgiveness and we are the recipients. He forgives, He covers, He washes clean; we accept, we praise, we stand amazed. When we do not accept His forgiveness, we die a little each day. Our soul becomes like a sponge in the desert that has seen no rain for years.
  • When Paul quotes verses 1-2 in Romans 4.6-8, he reminds us that forgiveness is a free gift of God based on the work of Christ, not an effort of good works on our part.

Selah-Do you believe your sins are forgiven? Why? On what basis are they?

  • Verse 5-Confessed sin restores the soul not because it places us in right relationship with God, Jesus did that. Our soul is refreshed because our fellowship with God is restored (1 John). We can now access the Water of Life, the Bread of Life, Life Himself. This only comes when we confess our sins (1 John 1.9). Confession is to freely admit that our action was what God calls it. There is no excuse for it and no reason that is acceptable. It is a violation of God’s character.

Selah-Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of your sin and of God’s righteousness (John 16.5-15).

  • Verses 6-7-Once David repented, he realized that it is always to God that we need to go in order to get things right. In order for us to live the life He created for us to live, we need to be in Him. He is our hiding place (see song below).

Selah-When you do wrong, do you run to God or away from Him? He is your only source of hope.

  • Verses 8-11-David reminds us that we are indeed responsible for our actions. He ends this psalm of penance with joy.

[more will be discussed on sin/forgiveness/relationship/fellowship in later posts if requested]

Definitions

David uses four words for sin in the first two verses alone: transgression, sin, iniquity, and deceit. These words provide insight into different shades of rebellion against God.

  • Transgression is a breaking of God’s Law (פֶּשַׁע/ἀνομίαι)
  • Sin is breaking the laws God placed in motion to rule His creation (חֲטָאָֽה/ἁμαρτίαι)
  • Iniquity is the staining of the soul through depraved activities (עָוֹן/ἀδικία)
  • Deceit or guile is misrepresenting the character of God by presenting yourself as something other than you are (רְמִיָּה/δόλος)

Complete cleansing and forgiveness are found in these verses too. Transgression is removed. Sin is covered, iniquity is not counted against, and deceit is no longer found. In Christ these are ours.

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Psalm 69

When we bring our concerns to God, He turns our mourning into joy. When times are difficult, do you worry about them or take them to God; do you become bitter by them or allow God to use them to better you?

Psalm 69

See our study of Psalm 45 for insight into the superscription.

This is a messianic psalm along the lines of Psalm 22 (study to come). The sufferings of Christ are clearly seen in the sufferings of David. The following verses give weight to this claim:

  • Verse 4 and John 15.25
  • Verse 8 and John 7.3–5
  • Verse 9 with John 2.17 and Romans 15.3
  • Verse 21 with Matthew 27.34, 48 and John 19.29
  • Verses 22 and 23 with Romans 11.9-10
  • Verse 25 with Acts 1.16-20

To read through this psalm with knowledge of what Christ went through is amazing for it is a color commentary on what He went through. Although this was written by David about one-thousand years before Christ, it is detailed in the account of what Christ went through.

What we also sense in this psalm is a deep sense of urgency. David writes repeated please for God’s presence. He asks God to save him (1), rescue him (14), answer him (16), quickly answer him (17), draw near to him (18), redeem him (18), free him (18), and protect him (29).

Several attempts have been made to outline this psalm. I find a topical outline useful as an aid in understanding the psalm.

  • Verses 1-4, 10-12, 19-21-David’s lament
  • Verses 5-9- David’s protesting his innocence
  • Verses 13–18, 22–29-David’s requests to God
  • Verses 30–36-David’s gratitude

Another view of the same outline:

  • Verses 1-4-David’s lament
    • Verses 5-9- David’s protesting his innocence
  • Verses 10-12-David’s lament
    • Verses 13–18-David’s requests to God
  • Verses 19-21-David’s lament
    • Verses 22–29-David’s requests to God
  • Verses 30–36-David’s gratitude

When we bring our concerns to God, He turns our mourning into joy. When times are difficult, do you worry about them or take them to God; do you become bitter by them or allow God to use them to better you?

Psalm 65

Have you given God the praise and worship due Him today?

Psalm 65

An outline of the psalm

  • Verses 1-4-Worship of God and His goodness (1 Thessalonians 5.18)
  • Verses 5-8-Witness of God to the ends of the earth
  • Verses 9-13-Blessings from God

A summary of the psalm is based on the character of God. It is the reason we pray. He never changes, He knows all things )real and potential(, He is sovereign (all-powerful), among others. It is to Him we pray and because of Him we can pray.

  • Verse 1-David directs us to give to God the glory due to his power, goodness, and grace given to His people.
  • Verse 2-God hears prayer
  • Verse 3-God forgives sin
  • From man’s perspective, there is no hope; from God’s grace hope is based.
  • Verse 4-God satisfies the souls of His people
  • Verse 5-God protects and supports His people

David directs us to give to God the glory due to his power, goodness, and grace given to all people everywhere.

  • Verse 6-God establishes the mountains
  • Verse 7-God controls and calms the sea (chaos).  Waves or seas normally represent evil and chaos (see our study on Psalm 93).  Romans 8.18-25 and the groaning of the earth compared with 9-13 and the singing of everything
  • Verse 8-God preserves the regular cycle of day and night
  • Verses 9-13-God makes the earth fruitful

Have you given God the praise and worship due Him today?

Psalm 50

If you were to define worship or service, what would it be? Is it giving offerings, sacrifices, time? Is it the pomp and circumstance of much religious circles. Or, is it the heart attitude that Jesus called for? Can it be purely inward as the monasteries of old? Or, is it outward as James proclaims? There must be a balance between the inward worship of heart and the outward worship of body (Romans 12.1-2).

Psalm 50

Although we have studied other psalms of Asaph already, this is the first one ascribed to him.

The scene is a courtroom wherein God calls His witnesses against Israel (and all mankind). His witnesses are earth (1) and heaven (4). God always calls His creation in when bringing judgment on man. The book of Micah and other prophets share the same motif. The witnesses are called and God asks us to pause (Selah). Do we have witnesses against us in terms of our syncretism?

The charge God lays on the people is that of the people feeling they have obligated God to do their bidding based on what they have done for Him. They feel as though God needs their offerings to survive. We are to do for God out of obligation in order to honor Him for who He is and for what He has done. The Ten Commandments have been broken, and those who are to uphold them are encouraging others to break them. Doesn’t this sound like the United States in our generation?

If you were to define worship or service, what would it be? Is it giving offerings, sacrifices, time? Is it the pomp and circumstance of much religious circles. Or, is it the heart attitude that Jesus called for? Can it be purely inward as the monasteries of old? Or, is it outward as James proclaims? There must be a balance between the inward worship of heart and the outward worship of body (Romans 12.1-2).

Much more needs to be done for the greatness of this psalm. Time does not allow for it today.

Psalm 36

Jeremiah 17.9 reminds us of what this psalm states. By nature, we are wicked. To the core of our heart, we are wicked. Our names could be placed at the beginning of this psalm. It is only because of God who is mentioned in verses 5-9 that we can have a clean heart, a new heart; that is only found in Jesus. Are you standing against the wicked (4) or are you walking beside them (Psalm 1)? Is your life lived partly for God and partly for you in this world? Are you living a life of syncretism?

Psalm 36

This psalm is clearly a psalm of contrasts much like Psalm 1. It contrasts the rebelliousness of the wicked man (1-4) with the righteousness of God (5-9) and concludes with a prayer of protection for the righteous (10-12). The superscription of “the servant of Jehovah” provides a similarity to Psalm 18. The subject matter reminds us of Psalm 14 and Psalm 53.

Verses 1-4-The style is rough in the Hebrew as David describes the life of the wicked man. The progression from disavowing God to practical atheism is brought on by the deceit of man and the teachings of deceitful mankind. These result in belief in self and blindness to moral issues where in the self becomes a god and there are no moral bounds. What is true for you may not be true for them; we call this moral relativism. When we examine the world, our world, the United States, we see this as having already occurred and Christians stand in its wake. This psalm is for us.

These verses show the attitude of those who deny God. They believe they will not be found out and if they are they will not be judged for it. Think of those the world celebrates, they commit crimes and believe they can walk off without being judged merely because of their name or position they hold. As an example, a recent President committed atrocities in the White House, was impeached, and then let go primarily because he was helping the economy.

The very first word in Hebrew (לַמְנַצֵּחַ) is not even translated in many versions. It means an oracle that is prophetic, coming from God, and it is associated with “the transgression” (נְאֻֽם־פֶּשַׁע). This would mean that God gave to David an insight into the very nature of the wicked, those in rebellion against God. And, that is the denial of the existence of the God who also reveals His very nature in verses 5-9. When describing those who base their righteousness on what they do, Paul quotes Psalm 36.1 in Romans 3.18. The person who walks away from God is described in Micah 2.1 as one who cannot sleep until he has devised a wrong and when he awakens he completes the thought with action. There will come a time when those who walk away from God will be incapable of doing anything of value in God’s sight (Jeremiah 4.22 and Romans 1.18-3.31). This is primarily because the wicked do not think that what they are doing is wrong. Abortion is an example of these verses being played out in the United States.

Verse four invites us to do the opposite of what the evil do. They do not reject evil. We need to actively reject the evil that the world, the devil, and we present to ourselves (1 John 2.15-17).

Verses 5-9-The style is lyrical when it comes to describe God (John 8.12 tells us this is speaking of Jesus). When it comes to knowing who God is, we need to rely on His revelation of Himself in His Word (Romans 11.33). Otherwise, we might mistake ourselves for Him. Part of the revealing God does becomes a revelation of our nature as well (as seen in the first four verses). The more aware we are of Him, who is light (John 1.4-5, 9), the greater we know our darkness (1 John 1.5-7). This is where repentance comes in (1 John 1.9). God blesses those who seek to know Him (9). He does not merely bless them with a place to go but with a life to live. Knowing Him goes far beyond what our imaginations can capture (Ephesians 3.20-21). It is not merely having a source of water for refreshment (Jeremiah 2.13), it is a fountain pouring forth. It is abundant life (John 10.10)

Verses 10-12-David’s prayer is for God to protect the righteous from the wicked. In God’s presence is protection (12). The wicked cannot stand before Him (see Psalm 18). David was given a revelation of the wicked, of God, and, here, a glimpse of the horror of judgment on the wicked (Proverbs 24.16). There will be a place, “there,” where the wicked will not stand (the Judgment Day).

Jeremiah 17.9 reminds us of what this psalm states. By nature, we are wicked. To the core of our heart, we are wicked. Our names could be placed at the beginning of this psalm. It is only because of God who is mentioned in verses 5-9 that we can have a clean heart, a new heart; that is only found in Jesus. Are you standing against the wicked (4) or are you walking beside them (Psalm 1)? Is your life lived partly for God and partly for you in this world? Are you living a life of syncretism?