Only in a library do you hear dust settling on the shelves. The thousands of volumes muffle all but the sharpest of noises. It is holy and sacred…and filled with a million treasures I shall never discover, but of which I hope to find a few. The air is heavy as if a thousand thoughts of a hundred years have somehow permeated the very atmosphere. When the need overpowers me, I take the dustiest book I see, pull it from the shelf and blow the dust off the top of the closed pages. I hold my breath as I open the book squinting my eyes to see through the puff of dust. As my eyes focus on the first line I see, I breathe slowly and deeply as if to capture the very fragrance of the author’s thoughts. These very words, so long ignored, see the light of day again as I breathe in the tangy mustiness that filters up from the page. Again these dead thoughts have life, for the written word is meaningless until it finds it way once more to the active mind. This is what I found

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That the whole passage presents difficulty is, however, recognized by scholars; and personally I think that Saul’s words gain in force if we regard [a Hebrew word] as a continuation of the protasis [another Hebrew word] followed by an aposiopesis. Saul, in face, is so overcome with amazement and gratitude at David’s generosity that he cannot find words to express his feelings. All that he can do is to pray that Yahwe may reward his benefactor:–’And when a man finds his enemy, and sends him off on a good way–well! May Yahwe reward thee, &c.” Page 434 of The Journal of Theological Studies: Vol XI, 1910.

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Alright, enough of the mystical experiences of library meanderings. I think I’ve spent too much time in here over the last week. I would put the Hebrew words in the quotation, but I’m not sure how to write them on this blog. All is well though, I’m sure only about three of you would actually care enough to know.

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Spending all one’s time in the library isn’t so horrible.  We have a brilliant location on the fourth floor overlooking the Hinnom Valley.  Here it is from looking across the valley.

The main study room in the library is surrounded by panoramic windows on three sides.  Occasionally I get it all to myself with my books.

We have excellent bird watching opportunities.

This bird occasionally attacks the more peaceful crow-like aviaries that roost on our roof.

When the midterms hit, the library fills up.

If you look real close, you can see my roommate passed out in the corner.

Apparently the concepts of Biblical Hebrew basics are not enough to keep Ian from dozing off, but who can blame him?

There you have it, my friends.  My life in the library.  It’s the primary reason these blogs have been a bit more sporadic as of late.  It has sucked all inspiration out of typing and writing.  Hopefully I’ll recover soon.