Psalm 136
“No God, no peace. Know God, know peace” author unknown
I. The Creator
Note: This psalm is unique in that it repeats a phrase throughout all of its verses. In it the psalmist recounts a brief overview of the Old Testament and God’s working. It is a powerful praise to God for his covenantal faithfulness (hesed). “In Jewish tradition this psalm is often known as the Great Hallel (‘the Great Psalm of Praise’).” (Derek Kidner)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever
Who made the great lights— His love endures forever
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever (1-9)
1. What is this Psalm about? What is he saying in (the non-repeated) words of this psalm? Why do you think the phrase “His hesed endures forever’ is repeated throughout this psalm?
2. What does the Psalm begin to praise God for? Why do you think he begins here? If God is your creator, how does that effect how you view him? How does it effect how you view his hesed?
II. The Redeemer
To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever
And brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever
To him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever
And brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever
To him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever
Who struck down great kings – His love endures forever
And killed mighty kings – His love endures forever
Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever
And Og king of Bashan – His love endures forever
And gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever
An inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever
To the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever
And freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever (10-24)
Note: “We may just observe that the Psalmist represents every age as affording displays of the same goodness as had been shown to their fathers, since God had never failed to help his people by a continued succession of deliverances.” (J. Calvin)
1. What does the psalmist speak of in this section? Why is it important to remember that God works with a specific people? If the previous section emphasized God as creator, what does this section emphasize?
2. What are some of the specific things that the Psalmist recounts about God? Why would these be important for God’s people to remember?
3. How does seeing God’s work in the past effect how you relate to him? How does it effect how you view his hesed? What acts of God would we want to include in addition to the psalmist’s list?
III. Provider
And who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever
Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love endures forever (25-26)
1. Why does he mention God giving food? What does this emphasize about God? How does understanding this about him effect how we relate to him?
2. How does he end the psalm? Why? After reading the psalm, do you feel as if you have more or less to give thanks to God for?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Psalm 131
Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” ~Corrie Ten Boom
a. My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. (1)
1. What is this Psalm about? What does David say he is avoiding? How does he avoid this?
2. Is this suggesting that we should not study, seek to understand, or pursue difficult subjects? What is it saying?
b. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (2)
Note: “The point of this verse is blunted by RSV, which pictures a baby pacified at its mother’s breast; whereas the psalm emphasizes the word ‘weaned’, thereby drawing an analogy between the child which no longer frets for what it used to find indispensable, and the soul which has learnt a comparable lesson.” (Kidner)
1. What do you think is meant by quieting our souls? Explain the image of a weaned child with its mother?
2. In this Psalm, what should our relationship with God be (trust, humility, patience, contentment, gratitude, safety, love, obedience, care, fear, honor, worship)? Explain.
c. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. (3)
1. What does David do with his own experience in verse 3? Explain ‘hope’? How long does this hope last?
2. Explain our hope in Christ. Is it similar to David’s hope here?
A song of ascents. Of David.
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.” ~Corrie Ten Boom
a. My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. (1)
1. What is this Psalm about? What does David say he is avoiding? How does he avoid this?
2. Is this suggesting that we should not study, seek to understand, or pursue difficult subjects? What is it saying?
b. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (2)
Note: “The point of this verse is blunted by RSV, which pictures a baby pacified at its mother’s breast; whereas the psalm emphasizes the word ‘weaned’, thereby drawing an analogy between the child which no longer frets for what it used to find indispensable, and the soul which has learnt a comparable lesson.” (Kidner)
1. What do you think is meant by quieting our souls? Explain the image of a weaned child with its mother?
2. In this Psalm, what should our relationship with God be (trust, humility, patience, contentment, gratitude, safety, love, obedience, care, fear, honor, worship)? Explain.
c. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. (3)
1. What does David do with his own experience in verse 3? Explain ‘hope’? How long does this hope last?
2. Explain our hope in Christ. Is it similar to David’s hope here?
Psalm 127
Psalm 127
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
I. The Lord as Builder
a. Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (1)
1. What is this Psalm all about? What two illustrations does the Psalmist use to describe this? Is this true of other areas of life?
2. How is building without God in ‘vain’? Does we will not be able to build a house, or start a new ministry unless we trust in God? Explain.
b. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. (2)
Note: “God’s sovereignty is seen in realms: 1) building a house, 2) projecting a city, and 3) earning a living. I all 3 instances, the soeveign intention of God is far more crucial to the outcome than man’s efforts. Otherwise, a man’s endeavor is in vain (Ecc 1:2; 12:8).” (J. MacArthur)
1. What is the contrast between these two ways of life? Why is vain work so disheartening? What is meant by ‘granting sleep’ to the one he loves?
2. Are you an anxious or worrisome person? Why or why not? How would trust in the sovereign work of God change how we approach life?
II. The Example of the Family
a. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. (3-4)
1. Explain the relationship between verses 1-2 to verses 3-4. How does the principle in 1-2 apply to the family?
2. What do you think is meant by the warrior imagery? Explain how sons (children?) are like arrows?
3. Have your own children been a blessing to you in this way? How so? What regrets do you have about family?
b. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. (5)
1. Is reputation important? Why or why not?
2. How is it that children like arrows bring honor (the opposite of shame) to a family? How would ungodly children bring shame to a family?
3. How does what is taught in this passage fit with how we view our own salvation in Christ? What if we pursue it by our own doing?
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
I. The Lord as Builder
a. Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (1)
1. What is this Psalm all about? What two illustrations does the Psalmist use to describe this? Is this true of other areas of life?
2. How is building without God in ‘vain’? Does we will not be able to build a house, or start a new ministry unless we trust in God? Explain.
b. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. (2)
Note: “God’s sovereignty is seen in realms: 1) building a house, 2) projecting a city, and 3) earning a living. I all 3 instances, the soeveign intention of God is far more crucial to the outcome than man’s efforts. Otherwise, a man’s endeavor is in vain (Ecc 1:2; 12:8).” (J. MacArthur)
1. What is the contrast between these two ways of life? Why is vain work so disheartening? What is meant by ‘granting sleep’ to the one he loves?
2. Are you an anxious or worrisome person? Why or why not? How would trust in the sovereign work of God change how we approach life?
II. The Example of the Family
a. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. (3-4)
1. Explain the relationship between verses 1-2 to verses 3-4. How does the principle in 1-2 apply to the family?
2. What do you think is meant by the warrior imagery? Explain how sons (children?) are like arrows?
3. Have your own children been a blessing to you in this way? How so? What regrets do you have about family?
b. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. (5)
1. Is reputation important? Why or why not?
2. How is it that children like arrows bring honor (the opposite of shame) to a family? How would ungodly children bring shame to a family?
3. How does what is taught in this passage fit with how we view our own salvation in Christ? What if we pursue it by our own doing?
Monday, January 5, 2009
Psalm 118
Psalm 118
“The Gospel to me is simply irresistible” (Blaise Pascal)
I. His Struggle
a. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: ‘His love endures forever.’ Let the house of Aaron say: ‘His love endures forever.’ Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love endures forever.’ (1-4)
1. What is this Psalm about? How does the psalmist use repetition here? What changes in the repetition? What remains the same?
2. Why is it important to know that God’s hesed, his covenant love, never ends? Does it sometimes feel as if it did? When?
b. In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (5-9)
1. What kind of situation was the psalmist in? How does he use repetition here? What is the psalmist’s comfort? What is the progression from men to princes?
2. Do you take comfort in the Lord’s presence? What is it about someone’s presence that provides confidence? What would it mean for us today to trust in man or princes, rather than in God?
c. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off. (10-12)
1. Describe the Psalmist’s situation. Explain the bees analogy? The burning thorns? What is he able to do? How does he do it?
d. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! (13-16)
1. What does the Psalmist mean by ‘salvation’? What do you think is meant by ‘the Lord’s right hand’? What does it accomplish?
2. How does the Psalmist view of salvation fit with Jesus’ view of salvation? How does it differ?
II. His Savior
a. I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation (17-21)
1. How does the Psalmist see his suffering? Who does he see as the one responsible for it? Who delivers him from it?
2. Should we view suffering as chastening? What is the goal of discipline?
b. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar (22-28)
Note: A conspicuous feature of [the altars’] design was four ‘horns’ rising from each of the four corners, which were to be of one piece with the altar itself rather than attached separately…The precise function of the horns remains uncertain…Whatever the case, the special sanctity of the altar, and of the horns in particularly, is evidenced from the asylum granted to anyone who seized them (1 Ki 1:50-51; 2:28-34) (Archaeological Study Bible)
1. How has God bring about his salvation? Explain the stone illustration, what is being said? What is the ‘day’ referred to here?
2. How does this relate to Christ? What is the Psalmist’s response to this salvation? How are we saved? What should our response be? Why is this so seldom our response?
c. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (29)
1. How does the Psalmist end up? Is this last verse repeating a previous part of the psalm? Which? How has what the Psalmist said in the previous section of the psalm related to this?
“The Gospel to me is simply irresistible” (Blaise Pascal)
I. His Struggle
a. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: ‘His love endures forever.’ Let the house of Aaron say: ‘His love endures forever.’ Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love endures forever.’ (1-4)
1. What is this Psalm about? How does the psalmist use repetition here? What changes in the repetition? What remains the same?
2. Why is it important to know that God’s hesed, his covenant love, never ends? Does it sometimes feel as if it did? When?
b. In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (5-9)
1. What kind of situation was the psalmist in? How does he use repetition here? What is the psalmist’s comfort? What is the progression from men to princes?
2. Do you take comfort in the Lord’s presence? What is it about someone’s presence that provides confidence? What would it mean for us today to trust in man or princes, rather than in God?
c. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off. (10-12)
1. Describe the Psalmist’s situation. Explain the bees analogy? The burning thorns? What is he able to do? How does he do it?
d. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! (13-16)
1. What does the Psalmist mean by ‘salvation’? What do you think is meant by ‘the Lord’s right hand’? What does it accomplish?
2. How does the Psalmist view of salvation fit with Jesus’ view of salvation? How does it differ?
II. His Savior
a. I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation (17-21)
1. How does the Psalmist see his suffering? Who does he see as the one responsible for it? Who delivers him from it?
2. Should we view suffering as chastening? What is the goal of discipline?
b. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar (22-28)
Note: A conspicuous feature of [the altars’] design was four ‘horns’ rising from each of the four corners, which were to be of one piece with the altar itself rather than attached separately…The precise function of the horns remains uncertain…Whatever the case, the special sanctity of the altar, and of the horns in particularly, is evidenced from the asylum granted to anyone who seized them (1 Ki 1:50-51; 2:28-34) (Archaeological Study Bible)
1. How has God bring about his salvation? Explain the stone illustration, what is being said? What is the ‘day’ referred to here?
2. How does this relate to Christ? What is the Psalmist’s response to this salvation? How are we saved? What should our response be? Why is this so seldom our response?
c. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (29)
1. How does the Psalmist end up? Is this last verse repeating a previous part of the psalm? Which? How has what the Psalmist said in the previous section of the psalm related to this?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Psalm 110
Psalm 110
Of David. A psalm.
I. The King
a. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.
Note: The term LORD is the Hebrew YHWH, the unpronounceable name for God, while the second term ‘my Lord’ is adonay, a word used for a master and also of for ‘lord’. The first part of verse 1 is one of the most unique sections in the psalms. Who is David speaking to? Who is King David’s Lord? The early Christians had little doubt.
1. Who wrote this Psalm? Who is speaking within this Psalm? Who is He speaking to? When is this fulfilled?
2. How do the subjects of this king relate to him? What do you think is meant by the dew of his youth? Who is the one who raises this king up?
3. Why do people follow good leaders? What is it about this king that is admirable and worthy of following him? How do we follow him?
II. The Priest
a. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Note: Melchizedek appears very briefly in the book of Genesis in relation to Abraham. His name means ‘King of Righteousness’ and he is described as the King of Salem (Jerusalem) and a priest of God most high. He blesses Abraham and Abraham tithes to him. We see him referred to again in Hebrews, where Jesus is clearly described as the one to come ‘in the order of Melchizedek’ He is a mysterious figure that appears here in Psalm 110.
1. Do you find it strange to think that this king is also a priest? What is the function of a priest? How long will this priesthood last?
2. Who makes him priest? Who is Melchizedek? Why do you think it is meaningful that the king is not part of the normal priestly line of Levi?
3. Why do we need to have a priest? What would a perfect priest be like? Do you look at Christ as your priest? How so?
III. The Warrior
a. The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
1. How does this king-priest relate to the nations and the kings of the earth? Who is the one who will give him victory? Why do you think this is?
2. What do you think is meant by drinking from a brook beside the way? How certain is his victory over his enemies? Why?
3. Do you have difficulty dealing with the battle and judgment descriptions in Scripture? Why or why not? Does it seem strange to see Christ this way? Where do we see this in the New Testament? Why does he judge?
Of David. A psalm.
I. The King
a. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.
Note: The term LORD is the Hebrew YHWH, the unpronounceable name for God, while the second term ‘my Lord’ is adonay, a word used for a master and also of for ‘lord’. The first part of verse 1 is one of the most unique sections in the psalms. Who is David speaking to? Who is King David’s Lord? The early Christians had little doubt.
1. Who wrote this Psalm? Who is speaking within this Psalm? Who is He speaking to? When is this fulfilled?
2. How do the subjects of this king relate to him? What do you think is meant by the dew of his youth? Who is the one who raises this king up?
3. Why do people follow good leaders? What is it about this king that is admirable and worthy of following him? How do we follow him?
II. The Priest
a. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Note: Melchizedek appears very briefly in the book of Genesis in relation to Abraham. His name means ‘King of Righteousness’ and he is described as the King of Salem (Jerusalem) and a priest of God most high. He blesses Abraham and Abraham tithes to him. We see him referred to again in Hebrews, where Jesus is clearly described as the one to come ‘in the order of Melchizedek’ He is a mysterious figure that appears here in Psalm 110.
1. Do you find it strange to think that this king is also a priest? What is the function of a priest? How long will this priesthood last?
2. Who makes him priest? Who is Melchizedek? Why do you think it is meaningful that the king is not part of the normal priestly line of Levi?
3. Why do we need to have a priest? What would a perfect priest be like? Do you look at Christ as your priest? How so?
III. The Warrior
a. The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
1. How does this king-priest relate to the nations and the kings of the earth? Who is the one who will give him victory? Why do you think this is?
2. What do you think is meant by drinking from a brook beside the way? How certain is his victory over his enemies? Why?
3. Do you have difficulty dealing with the battle and judgment descriptions in Scripture? Why or why not? Does it seem strange to see Christ this way? Where do we see this in the New Testament? Why does he judge?
Psalm 100
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
“Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow” (Michael Ramsey)
I. Sing and shout to the Lord
a. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (1-2)
1. What is this Psalm all about? What does the Psalmist encourage us to do? What is the connection between worship and singing?
2. Are you a joyful person? Why or why not? What should make us more joyful? What is worship?
b. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. (3)
Note: the word for LORD here (all capital letters) is YHWH, the unpronounceable name of God, meaning something like the one who is. It is his covenantal name with his people. The word for God is El, which is the common word used to describe God, as the deity over all creation. Here the psalmist tells us to know that YHWH is El.
1. What does it mean that the LORD is God? Describe the relationship between God and his people. Where else have we seen this in the psalms?
2. How does knowing that the LORD is God, that he made us, and that we are his people affect the psalmist? How does it affect you?
II. God’s covenant faithfulness
a. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (4)
Note: Entering into the temple to worship is in mind here. The Jews would go to the temple to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and to pray. As Christians, the temple (where God’s presence dwells) is not a building or room, but a people. Jesus himself said, “…a time is coming when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.” (Jn 4:21)
1. What does the Psalmist command us to do here? Why is thankfulness so important? What is wrong with an ungrateful heart? What is the connection between thanks and praise?
2. Are you grateful to God? Do you often praise God? As Christians, do we have additional reasons to be thankful and to praise God?
b. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (5)
Note: the word for ‘love’ is hesed. It is the word used to describe God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel. It is his steadfast care for His people.
1. What does the Psalmist tell us about the Lord here? When will God’s covenant faithfulness to his people end? Will God ever betray his covenant with his people?
2. Do love to worship? Why or why not? What do you think the psalmist would suggest we do in order to spur us on to worship God even more?
“He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending, and upon that place stood a cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulcher. So I saw in my dream that just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the sepulcher, where it fell in, and I saw it no more. Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said, with a merry heart, ‘He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.’ Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his cheeks.” (John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress)
A psalm. For giving thanks.
“Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow” (Michael Ramsey)
I. Sing and shout to the Lord
a. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (1-2)
1. What is this Psalm all about? What does the Psalmist encourage us to do? What is the connection between worship and singing?
2. Are you a joyful person? Why or why not? What should make us more joyful? What is worship?
b. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. (3)
Note: the word for LORD here (all capital letters) is YHWH, the unpronounceable name of God, meaning something like the one who is. It is his covenantal name with his people. The word for God is El, which is the common word used to describe God, as the deity over all creation. Here the psalmist tells us to know that YHWH is El.
1. What does it mean that the LORD is God? Describe the relationship between God and his people. Where else have we seen this in the psalms?
2. How does knowing that the LORD is God, that he made us, and that we are his people affect the psalmist? How does it affect you?
II. God’s covenant faithfulness
a. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (4)
Note: Entering into the temple to worship is in mind here. The Jews would go to the temple to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and to pray. As Christians, the temple (where God’s presence dwells) is not a building or room, but a people. Jesus himself said, “…a time is coming when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.” (Jn 4:21)
1. What does the Psalmist command us to do here? Why is thankfulness so important? What is wrong with an ungrateful heart? What is the connection between thanks and praise?
2. Are you grateful to God? Do you often praise God? As Christians, do we have additional reasons to be thankful and to praise God?
b. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (5)
Note: the word for ‘love’ is hesed. It is the word used to describe God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel. It is his steadfast care for His people.
1. What does the Psalmist tell us about the Lord here? When will God’s covenant faithfulness to his people end? Will God ever betray his covenant with his people?
2. Do love to worship? Why or why not? What do you think the psalmist would suggest we do in order to spur us on to worship God even more?
“He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending, and upon that place stood a cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulcher. So I saw in my dream that just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the sepulcher, where it fell in, and I saw it no more. Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said, with a merry heart, ‘He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.’ Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his cheeks.” (John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Psalm 90
Psalm 90
"We cannot live long in this world. We owe God a death. We owe nature a death. The sentence of death is passed upon us. (Richard Sibbes)
I. An Everlasting God
a. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (1-2)
Note: “The thrust of this magnificent prayer is to ask God to have mercy on frail human beings living in a sin-cursed universe. Moses begins the psalm with a reflection on God’s eternality, then expresses his somber thoughts about the sorrows and brevity of life in their relationship to God’s anger, and concludes with a plea that God would enable His people to live a significant life.” (J. MacArthur)
1. How does he describe God? What aspects of God’s character does he bring out? Is anyone like God in this?
2. What would it mean to see God as our ‘dwelling place’? How would knowing that he is everlasting effect our perspective?
b. You turn men back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, O sons of men.’ For a thousand yours in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. (3-6)
1. How does God relate to time? How do human beings compare with God? How does he describe the temporal nature of life?
2. Do you ever think of the brevity of life? Looking back do you feel as if life went back fast or slow? Do you wish you could slow time down?
II. God’s wrath
a. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (7-10)
Note: The average life expectancy worldwide is 65.82. The average life expectancy for the US is 78.06 (75.15 for men, 80.97 for women). The highest average per country’s life expectancy is Marcau (84.33) the lowest is Swaziland (32.23) (from www.wikipedia.org)
1. What struggle is Moses going through? How does sin effect our lives? Does God know our sins? Does God judge our sins?
2. Looking back, how has sin effected your life? Do you see trouble and sorrow in your past? Do you see God’s wrath or discipline upon you? What hope do you have for the future?
b. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (11-12)
1. What is the answer to the psalmists question about God’s anger? How great is the fear due to God? What should we do when we see this?
2. Knowing the brevity and judgment of God, how do we ‘number our days aright’? Do you seek a heart of wisdom?
III. Moses’ prayer
a. Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. (13-16)
1. What does Moses ask for? Who does he ask this for? Does God answer this prayer of Moses? How so?
b. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. (17)
Note: “Life under the sun may be vain. The man under God’s judgment can accomplish no ultimate good. However, the godly and wise pray that the Lord will accept their work and ‘establish’ it as having value. Frail, limited, and sinful as man is, the love of God can transform what is weak to his own glory.” (VanGemeren)
1. Is everything we do futile and only temporary? Who can make our work permanent and established? Do you ask for this?
2. Did God establish the work of Moses’ hands? Does he establish the work of our hands? What would be an example of this?
"We cannot live long in this world. We owe God a death. We owe nature a death. The sentence of death is passed upon us. (Richard Sibbes)
I. An Everlasting God
a. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (1-2)
Note: “The thrust of this magnificent prayer is to ask God to have mercy on frail human beings living in a sin-cursed universe. Moses begins the psalm with a reflection on God’s eternality, then expresses his somber thoughts about the sorrows and brevity of life in their relationship to God’s anger, and concludes with a plea that God would enable His people to live a significant life.” (J. MacArthur)
1. How does he describe God? What aspects of God’s character does he bring out? Is anyone like God in this?
2. What would it mean to see God as our ‘dwelling place’? How would knowing that he is everlasting effect our perspective?
b. You turn men back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, O sons of men.’ For a thousand yours in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. (3-6)
1. How does God relate to time? How do human beings compare with God? How does he describe the temporal nature of life?
2. Do you ever think of the brevity of life? Looking back do you feel as if life went back fast or slow? Do you wish you could slow time down?
II. God’s wrath
a. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (7-10)
Note: The average life expectancy worldwide is 65.82. The average life expectancy for the US is 78.06 (75.15 for men, 80.97 for women). The highest average per country’s life expectancy is Marcau (84.33) the lowest is Swaziland (32.23) (from www.wikipedia.org)
1. What struggle is Moses going through? How does sin effect our lives? Does God know our sins? Does God judge our sins?
2. Looking back, how has sin effected your life? Do you see trouble and sorrow in your past? Do you see God’s wrath or discipline upon you? What hope do you have for the future?
b. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (11-12)
1. What is the answer to the psalmists question about God’s anger? How great is the fear due to God? What should we do when we see this?
2. Knowing the brevity and judgment of God, how do we ‘number our days aright’? Do you seek a heart of wisdom?
III. Moses’ prayer
a. Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. (13-16)
1. What does Moses ask for? Who does he ask this for? Does God answer this prayer of Moses? How so?
b. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. (17)
Note: “Life under the sun may be vain. The man under God’s judgment can accomplish no ultimate good. However, the godly and wise pray that the Lord will accept their work and ‘establish’ it as having value. Frail, limited, and sinful as man is, the love of God can transform what is weak to his own glory.” (VanGemeren)
1. Is everything we do futile and only temporary? Who can make our work permanent and established? Do you ask for this?
2. Did God establish the work of Moses’ hands? Does he establish the work of our hands? What would be an example of this?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
