The Psalms

Psalm 136

2009-02-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

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?

Psalm 131

2009-02-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

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?

Psalm 127

2009-02-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

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?

Psalm 118

2009-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

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?

Psalm 110

2008-12-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

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?

Psalm 100

2008-12-16T06:27:00.000-08:00

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)

Psalm 90

2008-11-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

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?

Psalm 88

2008-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Psalm 88
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (C S Lewis, The Problem of Pain)

I. The Psalmist’s Prayer

a. O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. (1-2)

Note: As bad as things get in this Psalm, and they do get frighteningly bad, the Psalmist turns to the Lord. He will complain, he will see God as the source of his problems, and he will still not cease praying and trusting God.

1. How does the Psalmist view God? What is this Psalm all about? What does he do in his distress?

2. What is the Psalmist asking? What was the outcome? What should we do in our suffering?

b. For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. (3-5)

1. Describe the Psalmist’s condition. How does he see his life in relation to death? How does he view death? In what sense is this true of death?

2. With suffering often comes the fear and anxiety of death. Do you fear death? How so? If not, why?

c. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief (6-9)

1. How does the Psalmist describe God’s relation to him? Who is responsible for his condition? What about his friends?

2. Do you see God as sovereign over your suffering? Have you ever struggled with relational pain (abandoned by friends)? How does this compare with physical pain?

d. I call to you, O Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you. Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do those who are dead rise up and praise you? Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? (9-12)

1. What is the answer to the Psalmist rhetorical questions? What is the Psalmist trying to say here? What is his ‘argument’?

2. How might you try to comfort the Psalmist if you had an opportunity to speak with him?

e. But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? (13-14)

1. Is the Psalmist faithful in prayer? Do you think this comes easy for him? How does he feel about God’s response to his prayer?

2. Do you ever feel as if God has hidden his face from you? What did you do? Does he ever truly hide his face?

II. The Psalmist’s despair

a. From my youth I have been afflicted and close to death; I have suffered your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend. (15-18)

Note: Perhaps the most striking feature of this Psalm is how it ends. There is no happy ending. There is no rescue. There is no hope. The Psalmist leaves us with a picture of despair. Could this be because many of the readers may be in the same situation? Sometimes it is more comforting to know you are not alone in your feelings, than it is to simply hear a happy ending. We are never alone in our suffering, because Christ himself has suffered, “the idea that God himself suffers is far and away the most convincing piece of Christian doctrine (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison)

1. How long has he suffered for? Describe his flood imagery? Does he seem to be coming out of his despair at the end of the Psalm?

2. What do you think about this Psalm? Who has suffered as the Psalmist? Where else in the Psalms have we seen this suffering? What was the outcome?

Psalm 73

2008-11-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Psalm 73
"As is the business of tailors to make clothes and cobblers to make shoes, so it is the business of Christians to pray." Martin Luther

I. The Near Fatal struggle

a. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (1)

1. Why do you think the Psalmist begins the psalm this way? What is this psalm about?

2. Is this statement self-evident? What would cause someone to disbelieve it?

b. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (2-3)

1. What is the Psalmist’s problem? What almost happened to him?

c. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, ‘How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?’ This is what the wicked are like—always carefree, they increase in wealth (4-12)

Note: is there knowledge with the Most High? The wicked insist on living as if God is not omniscient and does not know what happens on earth. (John MacArthur)

1. How does he describe the wicked? What is their attitude towards God? What happens to them for this?

2. Do you sometimes envy the prosperity of the wicked? Does our culture? Do you struggle with why God lets them ‘get away with it’?

II. His Questions and Answer

a. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. (13-14)

1. What effect does this perspective have on the psalmist? Is this a logical response?

b. If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,’ I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. (15-17)

1. What concern does the psalmist have if he were to voice his struggle openly? What changed his heart? What does this mean?

2. What would it mean for us to ‘enter into the sanctuary of God’? What kind of perspective would this give us?

c. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. (18-20)

1. What does he say about the wicked here? Does this contradict what he said earlier about them?

2. How is this perspective magnified even more so in the New Testament? How does this effect how we see our struggles?

d. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (21-26)

1. How does he describe his previous attitude? What is God’s response to him? What hope does he have?

2. How does he feel about God? Where should our focus be? Do you see God as your most valuable treasure in the universe?

e. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds (27-28)

1. How does he summarize? Where does the psalmist want to be? What does it mean for us to have the Lord as our refuge?

2. How do we become near God?

Psalm 51

2008-11-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

Psalm 51
“I do not understand how a man can be a true believer unto whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow, and trouble.” (John Owen)

I. David and his Sin

a. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (1-2)

1. What is David’s sin? What does he do with his sin? What does he ask God for? On what basis does he ask for forgiveness?

2. How serious is sin? Who is sinful? What should we do with our sin? On what basis should we ask God for forgiveness?

b. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. (3-6)

1. Does David try to belittle the seriousness of his sin? Who is the primary target of his sinfulness? How so?

2. When and where did David get this sin problem from? How does this differ from and contrast to the general belief of our culture?

3. How serious is our sin? Do you see yourself as sinful since conception, born of a sinful nature? How does that shape our outlook of life?

II. David and his request

a. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (7-8)

Note: Hyssop was a type of plant used in purification rituals. The priest would dip the brush of the plant in blood and sprinkle it on someone as part of the ritual. David sees God as the ‘Priest’ who will cleanse him from spiritual uncleanness.

1. Who does David expect to do the cleansing? What does he expect to do to earn this forgiveness?

2. Do we sometimes try to earn forgiveness from God? How so? What is the result of this? Why does this not work?

b. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (10-12)

1. Why does David need God to ‘create’ in him a ‘pure heart’? What does he mean by God taking his Holy Spirit from him?

2. What does it take for someone who had a sinful nature to turn from sin? Will God ever take his Holy Spirit from us? Explain.

III. David and his response

a. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (13-17)

1. How will David respond to God if God forgives him? Is he trying to earn his forgiveness from God? What does God require from us?

2. How often do you teach transgressors His ways? How often do you sing of God’s righteousness? How often do you declare his praise? Is your heart broken and contrite?

b. In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (18-19)

1. What is David’s final request? What reason does he give for this request? Why would David have a renewed desire for sacrifices?

2. What Sacrifice do we have before God? Where does our forgiveness come from? How does God look at our sin?

Psalm 23

2008-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 23
“The Old Testament is a book that is theologically incomplete; it points beyond itself and ends in a posture of waiting” (John Bright, Authority of the OT)

I. The Shepherd and his sheep

a. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul(1-3)

Note: “In the word shepherd, David uses the most comprehensive and intimate metaphor yet encountered in the Psalms…the shepherd lives with his flock and is everything to it: guide, physician and protector.” (Kidner)

1. What does David compare God to? Why? How is God like this? What does David mean by “I shall not be in want”?

2. What does it mean for a sheep to lie down in green pastures and beside quiet waters? What does it mean for us?

3. Do you find it difficult to see God as a shepherd? In what ways is he like a shepherd to us? What other roles is God compared to? How does this relate to them?

b. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (3b)

Note: “‘Righteousness’ here signifies in the most basic sense ‘right,’ namely, the paths that bring the sheep most directly to their destination. His paths are straight. He does not unnecessarily tire out his sheep. He knows what lies ahead. Even when the ‘right paths’ bring the sheep ‘through the valley of the shadow of death’ there is no need to fear.” (VanGemeren)

1. What might be the danger of wandering down a wrong path? Where does God lead his sheep?

2. According to David, why does God lead us in paths of righteousness? Explain what this means. Whose glory is in view?

c. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (4)

1. Where does God lead his sheep in this verse? Is this difficult to see as the ‘right path’?

2. What is the mindset of the sheep when lead in this direction? What are they comforted by? Explain.

3. Do you ever find God leading you in valleys of shadows? What should we take comfort in? How does this contrast to the green pastures and quiet waters?

II. The Host and his guest

a. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (5)

1. What do you think is the value of having a table prepared in the presence of enemies? Gloating? Defeating? Contrasting?

2. Explain the analogies of anointing our heads with oil (a caring and hospitable action) and overflowing our cups (an abundant generosity).

3. Does God host us in this way? How so?

b. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (6)

Note: the Hebrew word for ‘love’ here is hesed. It is used to define the covenant faithfulness of God with his people. It is more than love as an emotion (though it includes that) it is also love as commitment. God’s goodness and covenant faithfulness will follow David always.

1. Why do you think David believes that goodness and love will follow him always? What does it mean to dwell in the house of the Lord forever?

2. How does this Psalm compare to other psalms we have studied? Why do you think this psalm is read at funerals so often?

3. Where do we see the shepherd imagery in the New Testament? Who is the shepherd there? How does he treat the sheep? What specific action does he do for the sheep, not mentioned here?

Psalm 22

2008-10-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Psalm 22

“No Christian can read this without being vividly confronted with the crucifixion. It is not only a matter of prophecy minutely fulfilled, but of the sufferer’s humility—there is no plea for vengeance—and his vision of a world-wide ingathering of the Gentiles.” (Kidner)

I. The Suffering Psalmist

a. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. (1-2)

1. What is this Psalm about? What is his complaint? Explain the emotion and feeling of the Psalmist?

2. Where have you seen these words in the New Testament? Why do you think they are quoted from Psalm 22?

b. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. (3-5)

1. What does David trust in, even in the midst of suffering? Where did Jesus put his trust when he faced the cross? Where should we put our trust in suffering?

c. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.’ (6-8)

1. Describe some of the specific things happening to the Psalmist. How is he being treated? Was this also true of Christ? How so?

2. Have you ever had your faith in Christ mocked by others? How so? How should you respond? How did Christ respond when mocked?

d. Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. (9-11)

1. What does David turn to now? How would looking at your past help you as you face suffering in the future?

e. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. (12-16)

Note: “The bulls of Bashan were proverbial for their size because they were well fed on the lush vegetation of the Bashan…The enemies in their self-reliance are compared to the bulls raised on the Bashan plateau. As they encircle, their ‘horns’ (v.21) are all too evident and inspire fear in the psalmist.” (VanGemeren)

1. How does David describe his enemies? Why? How does he describe his own suffering? Explain his metaphors. Does this apply to Christ?

2. David is the King of Israel, is it surprising that he should speak about suffering so clearly? How about the true King?

II. The Hope of the Psalmist

a. But you, O Lord, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Deliver my life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. (17-24)

1. What does David pray for? Does God answer him? What does David say we should do? Is Christ also vindicated? How so?

2. How does God look upon our suffering? Indifference, surprise, anguish? How should we look at the suffering of others?

b. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn—for he has done it. (25-31)

Note: “…let us remember that the first place was given to the poor, because to them principally comfort was set forth in the example of David. Yet it was necessary, in the second place, that the rich and the prosperous should be called to the feast, that they might not think themselves excluded form the participation of the same grace.” (J. Calvin)

1. How does David see the situation eventually working out? Who will be a part of the celebration? How does Christ fulfill this Psalm?

2. How does Christ suffering lead to the celebration? How does it lead to the proclamation of God’s righteousness and to our salvation?

Psalm 19

2008-10-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Psalm 19
“I take this to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.”
(C S Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms)

I. God’s Word in Creation

a. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (1-4a)

1. In what way do the heavens and skies speak? What do they ‘speak’ of? To whom do they speak?

2. Have you ever thought of the stars and sky as sending a message to you? Who is saying it? What about creation causes awe in you?

b. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. (4b-6)

Note: In pagan religions, the sun was worshiped as a god. David personifies the sun, but the sun remains submissive to God. “The sun, suddenly and emphatically introduced in 4c, now dominates the scene, exultant and magnificent, yet obedient. God has assigned it its place to occupy and its course to run; the whole sky its mere tent and track.” (Kidner)

1. What is the sun compared to? Why do you think the Psalmist mentions the sun in particular? Who and what does the sun effect?

2. What can creation tell us about God? What can it not tell us about God? How then does God communicate what creation cannot?

II. God’s Word in Scripture

a. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. (7-9)

Note: David turns from God’s word in creation to His Word in Scripture. In verses 1-6 he uses the El, translated God. In verses 7-14 he uses YHWH which is translated with the LORD. The first is a general description of God, the second is his covenant ‘name’ for his people.

1. What words are used as synonyms of the Scriptures? What do you think is the difference between them?

2. How does he described the effect the Scriptures have on its hearers?

3. Describe the difference between hearing God in his creation, and hearing him in Scripture. What place do you put on knowing the ‘precepts of the Lord’ in your own life?

b. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (10-11)

1. What do you think of the comparison between the ordinances of the Lord with gold and honey? What gain do we have from them?

2. David speaks of both warning and reward. What does Scripture warn us of? What reward is there in keeping them?

c. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (12-13)

1. After the Psalmist has described God’s glory in creation, and the power of his Word, what effect does this have on him?

2. James in the New Testament compares the Scripture to a mirror. Do you find this to be often the case in your own life?

d. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (14)

1. How does the Psalmist end his prayer? How does he address God? What does he ask for? How does this fit this psalm?

2. Do you think the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart are pleasing to God? Why or why not? What does it mean to see God as ‘Rock’? How is he our ‘Redeemer’?

Psalm 16

2008-10-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Psalm 16
" In prayer, it is better to have heart without words, than words without heart. Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer." John Bunyan

I. God our Refuge

a. Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

1. What is this psalm about? What attribute or aspect of God’s character is the Psalmist writing about?

2. Do you look at God as a protector? Is God safe?

b. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’ As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. (1-2)

1. Explain what David means by ‘apart from you I have no good thing.’ Who does David take delight in? Why?

2. What place does God take in your life? Do you love the ‘saints’ in the land? How so?

c. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. (3-4)

1. What will be the outcome of those who follow false gods?

2. How is it that those who follow false gods today will end in sorrow? How can we be cautious never to engage in worship of a false god?

d. Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (5-6)

1. Who does David see as sovereign over his calling and place in life? Is this something he regrets or is content with? Why?

2. How do you feel about your ‘lot’ in life? Why? What is our inheritance as Christians?

II. Our Response

a. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (7-8)

Note: “The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about…I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.” (C S Lewis)

1. What is David’s response to God’s grace to him? How do you think he sets the Lord always before him? Where is his confidence?

2. Do you set the Lord always before you? How so? Do you see God as at your right hand? How does this effect how you approach life?

b. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (9-11)

Note: “Now perhaps you think praying, and Scripture-reading, and hymn singing, dull and melancholy, and stupid work---a thing to be tolerated now and then, but not enjoyed. You reckon the Sabbath a burden and weariness; you could not possibly spend more than a small part of it in worshipping God. But remember, heaven is a never-ending Sabbath. The inhabitants thereof rest not day or night, saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,’ and singing the praise of the Lamb. How could an unholy man find pleasure in occupation such as this? (Ryle, Holiness)

1. What emotion does David feel towards God? Is this characteristic of your relationship with God?

2. What does David believe about how God will treat him? How long does he believe this relationship with God will last?

3. Read Acts 2:22-33 (also Paul in Acts 13:35-37). How does Peter apply Psalm 16? How do you think this fits the context of Psalm 16 as a second meaning?

4. How does David confidence in eternity, and Jesus’ accomplishment of the resurrection, effect us today?

Psalm 8

2008-10-22T08:23:00.001-07:00

Psalm 8
There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice. (John Calvin)

Opening Question: Describe something, besides God, that is majestic?

I. The Majesty of God

a. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. (1)

1. What is this Psalm all about? Is this a Psalm of individual praise, or corporate praise? How so? Where do we see God’s glory?

2. Do you see God as majestic? In what ways is His name majestic?

b. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. (2)

1. How do you think children and infants praise God? How does the praise of children silence the enemies of God? Why do you think David chooses infants to point out God’s majesty?

2. Read Matthew 21:14-17. How does Jesus apply this Psalm? To whom does he apply it to? What does this say about Jesus?

3. Have you seen children praise God? Describe a specific example. How does this impact the enemies of God?

II. The Majesty of God in man

a. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. (3-5)

Note: the word used for ‘heavenly beings’ in the Hebrew is elohim. This is the word typically used for God. It is the plural form for ‘god’. There are three different reasonable possibilities as to how to interpret this verse of Scripture: 1. We are a little lower than God. The problem with this translation is obvious, David has just said that God is so much greater he is surprised God is even mindful of man. 2. We are a little lower than ‘gods’ meaning the gods of the pagan nations. The problem here is that such gods do not exist and are not looked at favorably by Scripture. 3. We are a little lower than the angels. Though this is no the typical word for angels, it is how Hebrews 2:6-8 takes it.

1. What does David consider and what effect does it have on him? Do you think of humans as a little lower than elohim? In what way are humans crowned with glory and honor?

2. Why do you think David points out the glory of humankind? What effect should looking at the greatness of what we are have on us? What dangerous effect might it have on us instead?

b. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. (6-8).

1. How does this reflect the creation account in Genesis 1-3? What is man’s relationship to the rest of the creation? Is this still the case after the Fall?

2. Do you see yourself in this way? How should growing in relationship with our Creator effect how we treat His creation? What should it lead to in us?

c. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (9)

1. Why do you think he ends with the same verse that he began with? How does this verse relate to the rest of what David tells us?

2. Why do you think David wrote this Psalm? How does this Psalm affect you personally? What place does worship play in your life?

3. In what way do you think this verse applies to Christ?

Psalm 2

2008-10-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Psalm 2
And there is no refuge from Him: only in him (Derek Kidner)

Opening Question: Name something you take refuge in (besides God)? What is it like to take refuge in something?

I. God’s Messiah and the Rulers

a. Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. Let us break their chains,’ they say, ‘and throw off their fetters.’ (1-3)

Note: “While it is preferable to understand the psalm first in its historical and literary setting as a ‘royal psalm,’ the eyes of faith must look beyond it to the powerful message of the full establishment of God’s kingdom in Jesus Christ.” (VanGemeren)

The Lord’s anointed one in the Old Testament typically refers to the king, especially David. However, often to speak of the Anointed One, especially in the Psalms, is often prophetic of the True King to come, the Christ, Jesus.

1. What is the relationship between the Lord’s anointed one and the nations? Why do you think this is?

2. What would it mean to break off the Lord’s chains? Could this be referring to the rule of God? To the Law of God? Instead of chains to be broken off, how do the righteous consider these things (think back to Psalm 1)?

3. What is the typical relationship between the rulers today and God’s rule? Opposition, animosity, neutrality, embrace? Is this true of how rulers treated the Lord’s True Anointed One? How so? Why?

b. The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.’ (4-6)

1. What kind of laughter is referred to here? Why does God laugh at them? How does God ultimately respond to those who continually oppose his rule?

2. Is it strange for you to think of God’s ‘anger’ and ‘wrath’? What are the dangers of thinking of God only as loving? Is wrath always evil? When is it not evil, when is it just and good?

II. God’s Messiah and his Rule

a. I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.’ (7-9)

Note: In it’s original context “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”, the coronation of the new king might be in view. The king was ‘begotten’ by God as he took office. However, as mentioned, the application beyond Israel’s king, to Jesus is evident.

What is meant by Jesus becoming God’s Son? “it only signifies that He who had been hidden from the beginning in the sacred bosom of the Father, and who afterwards had been obscurely shadowed forth under the law, was known to be the Son of God from the time when he came froth with authentic and evident marks of Sonship…” (Calvin, 18)

1. Why should the king of Israel take confidence even though the rulers of the nations despise him? How much more so is this true of the Lord’s True King and Anointed One?

2. Does Christ rule and judge the nations today? When will his rule be evident to all? Is Christ someone people should fear? Explain.

b. Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (10-12)

Note: Kissing the Son, is a sign of paying homage to him. This Psalm finds its way continually into the New Testament in reference to Jesus (Take a look at Acts 4:25-26, 13:33; Heb 1:5, 5:5; Rev 2:26-27, 12:5). How does understanding its original context in the Psalter expand your knowledge of who Christ is?

1. After describing the power and judgment of the Anointed One, what does the Psalmist command here? Is there hope then for the nations? What must they (we) do in response to the Son?

2. If we take refuge in the Almighty Son that God has Anointed, who can harm us? How do we ultimately take refuge in Christ? From what do we need refuge from?

Psalm 1

2008-10-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Psalm 1
“Their delight in the Law is a delight in having touched firmness; like the pedestrian’s delight in feeling the hard road beneath his feet after a false short cut has long entangled him in muddy fields.” (C S Lewis, Reflection on the Psalms)

I. The Way of the Righteous

Note: “It seems likely that this psalm was specially composed as an introduction to the whole Psalter. Certainly it stands here as a faithful doorkeeper, confronting those who would be in ‘the congregation of the righteous’ (5) with the basic choice that alone gives reality to worship; with the divine truth (2) that must inform it; and with the ultimate judgment (5,6) that looms up beyond it.” (Kidner)

a. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (1)

1. The word ‘blessed’ could just the same be translated ‘happy’. It is to be happy in God with His favor upon you. According to the Psalmist, what makes a man blessed?

2. What does he not do? Is there a progression to his problem?

3. What would it mean for us to ‘walk in the counsel of the wicked’? What should be the Christians’ relationship with non-Christians? Avoidance, caution, embrace?

b. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree panted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (2-3)

Note: “the ‘law’ is not to be limited to the Five Books of Moses or even to the OT as a whole. The Hebrew word torah (‘law’) signifies primarily instruction that comes from God” (Willem VanGemeren)

1. Instead of the counsel of the wicked, where should we look? What level does the Psalmist expect the righteous to know God’s Word? Is it strange to think of delighting in law?

2. Explain the metaphor, “a tree planted by streams of water’? In what you think he means by prospering’?

3. Where do you look to for counsel? How do we ‘meditate on his law’ today? What effect does this have on us?

II. The Way of the Wicked

a. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (4-5)

1. How does he describe the wicked? What is ‘chaff’? What does it mean that the wicked are like ‘chaff’? How does it compare to the righteous?

2. What is the Psalmist’s attitude toward the outcome of the wicked here? Satisfaction? Fear? Warning? Anger? Jealousy?

b. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (6)

Note: the word translated ‘watches over’ in the NIV is the Hebrew word yada. Yada is an extremely important word in the Old Testament usually translated ‘know’. However, it often does not refer to simply a cognitive knowledge, but an intimate relationship. God knows his people, meaning he is in intimate fellowship with us.

1. Explain the difference between these two paths. What is the outcome of the righteous? What is the outcome of the wicked? Is there a third path? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think the Psalter begins with this Psalm? Considering your own soul, where do you find yourself? Do you often consider the outcome of your way of life, and of those you love?