FINAL SONGS OF ASCENT
Psalm 131. Of David.
Song of Quiet Trust
1 O LORD, I humble my heart and lower my eyes before you, knowing there are things that are too lofty for me to understand.
2 My soul is calm and quiet, like a small child close to its mother.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD forever.
Psalm 132
The Temple of God in Zion
1-5 Remember, O LORD, David's hardships, how he vowed to the Mighty One that he would not sleep until he found you a dwelling place.
6-7 From throughout Israel, we heard the call to worship.
8-9 Rise up, O LORD, go to your resting place, with your ark, your priests clothed in righteousness, and your faithful shouting for joy.
10-12 For David's sake, as you promised him, accept his descendants who are anointed to sit on your throne. A reference to God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:5, 12, and 16. His son, Solomon, would be the one to build the temple.
13-16 The LORD has chosen Zion as his resting place, blessing it, feeding its poor, clothing its priests.
17-18 In Jerusalem David would have power and royalty, bringing disgrace on his enemies but enhancing his royal position ("his crown will gleam").
Psalm 133
The Blessedness of Unity
1 How good it is when a family lives in unity!
2-3 It is like precious oil, like the dew falling on the mountains of Zion, which God has ordained to be blessed.
Psalm 134
Praise in the Night
1-2 Come, servants of God, bless him in the night, lift up your hands and bless him.
3 "May the LORD, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion." A fitting end to the Song of Ascents, especially if sung as the travelers were approaching the holy city, and for us, too, as we journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem.
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalms. Show all posts
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Psalms 126-130
MORE SONGS OF ASCENT
Psalm 126
A Harvest of Joy
1-3 When the LORD restored our fortunes, we laughed and rejoiced, and it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." It's important to the children of God that others recognize they are children of God and that he blesses them.
4-6 Restore our fortunes, O LORD; may those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy, may those who, weeping, sow the seed, come home joyful, carrying their sheaves. Give us confidence, LORD, that our work will not be in vain.
Psalm 127. Of Solomon.
God's Blessings in the Home
1-2 Vanity? A house without God as its builder, a city without God as its guard. You rise up early, go to bed late and are still anxious, while his beloved sleep.
3-5 Sons are the LORD's heritage, like arrows in a warrior's hands, and happy is the man who has a quiver full of them, for he will not feel shame before his enemies. A man's sons are his strength: A characteristic of men and their sons that mothers and daughters might not fully understand.
Psalm 128
The Happy Home of the Faithful
1-2 If you fear the LORD, you'll eat the labor of your hands, and you'll be happy.
3-4 You'll be blessed with a wife who is fruitful (a blessing to the home) and children who will be like olive shoots (springing up around their parents, as shoots around an olive tree).
5-6 "The LORD bless you from Zion. May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!" Doesn't this sound like a blessing you might hear in Fiddler on the Roof? Today, we might change it to "May the LORD in heaven bless you. May you see the church prosper all the days of your life. May you live to see your grandchildren serving the LORD. Peace be upon the LORD's body, the church."
Psalm 129
Prayer for the Downfall of Israel's Enemies
A blessing in the previous psalm for God's people, and now a curse on his enemies.
1-2 Israel says her enemies often attacked her in her youth, but they have not prevailed.
3-4 They plowed on my back, but the righteous LORD has cut the harnesses to their plows. He has broken their power.
5-8 May they be put to shame, withering like grass on a housetop, while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!" It would be a common thing to bless one's neighbor in his harvest, but not so the enemies of God.
Psalm 130
Waiting for Divine Redemption
1-2 Out of the depths I cry to the LORD to hear my voice.
3-4 No could survive if God held us accountable for all our sins, but he is forgiving and therefore to be revered.
5-6 My soul waits for the LORD and hopes in him – more than the one who watches for the morning. This is not just waiting, but a hopeful waiting, an anxious waiting.
7-8 A plea to Israel: "O Israel," hope in the LORD, for in Him there is steadfast love and redemption.
Psalm 126
A Harvest of Joy
1-3 When the LORD restored our fortunes, we laughed and rejoiced, and it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." It's important to the children of God that others recognize they are children of God and that he blesses them.
4-6 Restore our fortunes, O LORD; may those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy, may those who, weeping, sow the seed, come home joyful, carrying their sheaves. Give us confidence, LORD, that our work will not be in vain.
Psalm 127. Of Solomon.
God's Blessings in the Home
1-2 Vanity? A house without God as its builder, a city without God as its guard. You rise up early, go to bed late and are still anxious, while his beloved sleep.
3-5 Sons are the LORD's heritage, like arrows in a warrior's hands, and happy is the man who has a quiver full of them, for he will not feel shame before his enemies. A man's sons are his strength: A characteristic of men and their sons that mothers and daughters might not fully understand.
Psalm 128
The Happy Home of the Faithful
1-2 If you fear the LORD, you'll eat the labor of your hands, and you'll be happy.
3-4 You'll be blessed with a wife who is fruitful (a blessing to the home) and children who will be like olive shoots (springing up around their parents, as shoots around an olive tree).
5-6 "The LORD bless you from Zion. May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!" Doesn't this sound like a blessing you might hear in Fiddler on the Roof? Today, we might change it to "May the LORD in heaven bless you. May you see the church prosper all the days of your life. May you live to see your grandchildren serving the LORD. Peace be upon the LORD's body, the church."
Psalm 129
Prayer for the Downfall of Israel's Enemies
A blessing in the previous psalm for God's people, and now a curse on his enemies.
1-2 Israel says her enemies often attacked her in her youth, but they have not prevailed.
3-4 They plowed on my back, but the righteous LORD has cut the harnesses to their plows. He has broken their power.
5-8 May they be put to shame, withering like grass on a housetop, while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!" It would be a common thing to bless one's neighbor in his harvest, but not so the enemies of God.
Psalm 130
Waiting for Divine Redemption
1-2 Out of the depths I cry to the LORD to hear my voice.
3-4 No could survive if God held us accountable for all our sins, but he is forgiving and therefore to be revered.
5-6 My soul waits for the LORD and hopes in him – more than the one who watches for the morning. This is not just waiting, but a hopeful waiting, an anxious waiting.
7-8 A plea to Israel: "O Israel," hope in the LORD, for in Him there is steadfast love and redemption.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Psalms 120-125
SONGS OF ASCENT (or "Degrees")
The Songs of Ascent are 15 psalms (120-134), possibly sung as the Israelites traveled up to Jerusalem for their three annual feasts. Some theorize that they were sung by priests while ascending the 15 steps up to the temple, one psalm for each step. For more, see this excerpt from The Treasury of David by C. H. Spurgeons.
Psalm 120
Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers.
1-2 In my distress I cry "Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips."
3-4 A deceitful tongue should be pierced with arrows and burned with hot coals.
5-7 I am an alien here, a man who seeks peace among those who seek war.
Psalm 121
Assurance of God's Protection
1-2 My help comes not from the hills but from the LORD. Previously, when I read this Psalm or sung the hymn Unto the Hills, I supposed it was talking of lifting up one's eyes to the hills to seek God there. But in one of Bill's (my husband's) sermons, his reference to Jeremiah 3:23 gave me a different interpretation. In that passage, Jeremiah is chastising his people for their participation in the degenerate practices of idolatry: "Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel." The hills - the high places - are the sites of idol worship - not a reliable source of help.
3-6 The LORD, who never sleeps, will protect you from slipping, from being struck blind by the sun or "moonstruck."
7-8 The LORD will keep you from evil and be with you at every place and at every time.
Psalm 122. Of David
Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem.
1-2 "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'"
3-5 The city of Jerusalem is the destination for all the tribes, the site for the thrones of judgment and the house of David.
6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the prosperity of those who love her, for the sake of the house of the LORD.
Psalm 123
Supplication for Mercy
1-2 Our eyes look up to the LORD as servants to the eyes of their master.
3-4 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, for we have had enough of contempt from the proud and scorn from those who are at ease.
Psalm 124. Of David.
Thanksgiving for Israel's Deliverance
1-5 If it had not been for the LORD, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies.
6-7 Blessed be the LORD who has helped us escape like a bird from the snare of the fowlers.
8 Our help is in the LORD's name who has made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125
The Security of God's People
1-2 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which abides forever, surrounded by God like it is surrounded by mountains.
3-5 Wickedness cannot last in a land where the righteous do good, for God will do good to the upright, but will lead away those who turn aside to their own crooked ways.
The Songs of Ascent are 15 psalms (120-134), possibly sung as the Israelites traveled up to Jerusalem for their three annual feasts. Some theorize that they were sung by priests while ascending the 15 steps up to the temple, one psalm for each step. For more, see this excerpt from The Treasury of David by C. H. Spurgeons.
Psalm 120
Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers.
1-2 In my distress I cry "Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips."
3-4 A deceitful tongue should be pierced with arrows and burned with hot coals.
5-7 I am an alien here, a man who seeks peace among those who seek war.
Psalm 121
Assurance of God's Protection
1-2 My help comes not from the hills but from the LORD. Previously, when I read this Psalm or sung the hymn Unto the Hills, I supposed it was talking of lifting up one's eyes to the hills to seek God there. But in one of Bill's (my husband's) sermons, his reference to Jeremiah 3:23 gave me a different interpretation. In that passage, Jeremiah is chastising his people for their participation in the degenerate practices of idolatry: "Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel." The hills - the high places - are the sites of idol worship - not a reliable source of help.
3-6 The LORD, who never sleeps, will protect you from slipping, from being struck blind by the sun or "moonstruck."
7-8 The LORD will keep you from evil and be with you at every place and at every time.
Psalm 122. Of David
Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem.
1-2 "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'"
3-5 The city of Jerusalem is the destination for all the tribes, the site for the thrones of judgment and the house of David.
6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the prosperity of those who love her, for the sake of the house of the LORD.
Psalm 123
Supplication for Mercy
1-2 Our eyes look up to the LORD as servants to the eyes of their master.
3-4 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, for we have had enough of contempt from the proud and scorn from those who are at ease.
Psalm 124. Of David.
Thanksgiving for Israel's Deliverance
1-5 If it had not been for the LORD, we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies.
6-7 Blessed be the LORD who has helped us escape like a bird from the snare of the fowlers.
8 Our help is in the LORD's name who has made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125
The Security of God's People
1-2 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which abides forever, surrounded by God like it is surrounded by mountains.
3-5 Wickedness cannot last in a land where the righteous do good, for God will do good to the upright, but will lead away those who turn aside to their own crooked ways.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Psalm 119:145-176
Psalm 119:145-176
The Glories of God's Law (cont'd)
145-152 Morning or night I can look to God's true and everlasting word to save me, to give me hope, and to remind me of his love and justice.
The Glories of God's Law (cont'd)
145-152 Morning or night I can look to God's true and everlasting word to save me, to give me hope, and to remind me of his love and justice.
- I cry out with my whole heart: Answer me, save me, that I may observe your decrees.
- I rise before dawn and wake up frequently through the night that I may hope in your word and meditate on your promises.
- Your love and justice will protect me from those who persecute me, for they reject your law.
- Yet you are near, O LORD; your commandments are true and everlasting.
- Rescue me from my misery, plead my cause and redeem me according to your promises.
- The wicked cannot be saved, because they reject your law, yet your mercy is great; your justice offers life.
- Though many may oppose me, I hold fast to your laws and have disdain for the disobedient.
- Save my life according to your steadfast love, for I love your law; it sums up truth and is righteous forever.
- "My heart stands in awe of your word"; I rejoice in it as I would rejoice if I found a great treasure.
- I abhor falsehood, but I love your law and praise you seven times a day for your righteous ordinances.
- Those who love your law experience peace and stability.
- I hope for your salvation, fulfill your commandments, keep and love your decrees; all my ways are before you.
- Hear my cry and my supplication, O LORD; give me understanding and deliverance.
- My lips will praise you in song for your promises and your righteous commandments.
- I long for your help and your salvation, for I have chosen your precepts; your law is my delight.
- With the help of your precepts, may I live to praise you, for I have gone astray; seek me out, for I do not forget your commandments.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Psalm 119:97-144
Psalm 119:97-144
The Glories of God's Law (cont'd)
97-104 The more I love God's law, the more I will immerse myself in it, and the wiser and more impervious to sin it will make me – which in turn will make his law even more pleasant to me.
The Glories of God's Law (cont'd)
97-104 The more I love God's law, the more I will immerse myself in it, and the wiser and more impervious to sin it will make me – which in turn will make his law even more pleasant to me.
- "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long."
- It makes me wiser than my enemies and give me more understanding than my teachers and even the aged and keeps me from following evil.
- I hold to the words you have taught me; they are sweeter than honey.
- They give me understanding so that I hate false ways.
- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
- I have sworn and confirmed an oath to observe your ordinances; teach them to me and accept my praise. (106, 108)
- Give me life, O LORD, for I am afflicted, I hold my life in my hand, and the wicked lay traps for me, yet I do not stray from your word. (107, 109, 110)
- Your decrees are my heritage, the joy of my heart, and I set my heart to obey your statutes forever.
- I hate vain thoughts, but I love your law, which hides and protects me and gives me hope.
- Go away, evil doers, that I may keep God's law, which upholds me and keeps me from shame.
- As I have regard for your statutes, hold me up and protect me, for I know you reject those who fall away from your law, whose worldly wisdom is false.
- I know how low the wicked are in your sight, therefore I tremble for fear of your judgments.
- I have done what is right; guarantee my well-being and don't let the godless oppress me.
- I've waited a long time for your salvation and the fulfillment of your promise; deal with me according to your love and teach me your law.
- As your servant, I need to understand and know your decrees; I want you to act, for your law has been broken.
- I love your commandments more than I love gold; your law directs my steps and causes me to hate every false way.
- My soul keeps your wonderful decrees; they give light and impart understanding to the simple.
- I pant after your word, longing for your commandments; turn and be gracious to me as you are to all those who love your name.
- Keep my feet steady, protect me from being dominated by iniquity, save me from human oppression.
- Make your face shine upon me, for I weep when your law is not kept.
- As you are righteous, O LORD, so have you made your decrees in righteousness and faithfulness.
- I am consumed in zeal because my enemies forget your word. (See also Psalm 69:9 and John 2:17)
- Your servant loves your well-tried promise; though I am small and despised, I do not forget your everlasting, true and righteous precepts.
- Though I experience trouble and anguish, I delight in your commandments, for they are righteous forever and give me life as I understand them.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Psalm 119:49-96
Psalm 119:49-96
The Glories of God's Law (Cont'd)
49-56 Everywhere and all the time, God's word provides hope, comfort, pleasure and strength in the face of opposition.
The Glories of God's Law (Cont'd)
49-56 Everywhere and all the time, God's word provides hope, comfort, pleasure and strength in the face of opposition.
- Your word and your promise give me hope and comfort in my distress.
- Even though the arrogant deride me, I cling to your word; their disobedience angers me.
- No matter where I live, your word is my song.
- I remember your name in the night and have been blessed by keeping your laws.
- I want nothing more than you and your word, O LORD; I desire your favor and your grace.
- I take action when I know your will, and do not delay to obey, unhindered by traps evil people set for me.
- I rise at midnight to praise you for your law and am a friend to others who fear you.
- O LORD, the earth is full of the evidence of your love; teach me your statutes.
- You have treated me well, O LORD, according to your word, wherein lie good judgment and knowledge.
- I went astray before I was humbled, but now I keep your word, which is evidence of your goodness.
- Though the arrogant smear me with lies, I know their hearts are insensitive (covered with fat), and I continue to delight in your law.
- It was good that I was humbled, because it made me realize the value of your word, which is more than mounds of silver and gold.
- Your hands that made me also give me understanding of your word.
- As I hope in your word, others who fear you will notice and rejoice.
- Let your steadfast love be my comfort, let your mercy give me life, let the arrogant be put to shame, and let those who fear you learn your law from me.
- May my heart be blameless in your statutes.
- I am so anxious for the fulfillment of your promise of salvation.
- I feel empty and dried up, yet I remain faithful to your word.
- How long before you punish those who persecute me without cause – those who flout your law, who have almost made an end of me?
- In your love, spare my life so I can keep your decrees.
- O LORD, you and your word – and your faithfulness – will stand forever; the earth still stands because you have made it so.
- If your law had not been my delight, I would have been miserable; it has given me life.
- Save me from the enemies who lie in wait to destroy me, for I seek your ways and consider your precepts.
- Man's perfection is limited, but your word extends to all times and all places.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Psalm 119:1-48
Psalm 119:1-48
The Glories of God's Law
1-8 If I obey God, I will be happy, without shame, praising God, comforted by his presence.
The Glories of God's Law
1-8 If I obey God, I will be happy, without shame, praising God, comforted by his presence.
- Happy are those who live by God's word
- O God, you want me to be diligent; I want to be steadfast, to keep from being ashamed.
- When I learn your word, I will praise you.
- I will obey; do not leave me.
- The young can remain pure by adhering to your word.
- My whole heart seeks you and treasures your word to keep from sinning.
- Teach me your word.
- I declare, delight in, meditate on and will not forget your word.
- Be generous to me so I can live and follow your word;open my eyes so that I can understand all its wonders.
- As an alien in this land, I long to known and understand your word.
- I know your attitude toward those who are disobedient; take their contempt from me because I'm obedient.
- Even though those in authority plot against me, I am determined to meditate on your laws, for they counsel me.
- When I am in despair, revive me in your word, as when I confessed, you answered.
- When I understand your precepts, I will meditate on your works.
- When I feel hopeless, strengthen me, help me to be honest, teach me your law.
- I have chosen to be faithful, to cling to your decrees, to run the way of your commandments.
- Teach me, O LORD, and give me understanding so that I can observe your law with my whole heart for my whole life.
- Lead me in your way and turn my heart from selfish gain and vanity.
- Confirm your promise for those who fear you.
- Turn away disgrace, for I long for your good ordinances, which give me life.
- When your love and salvation are mine, O LORD, I have an answer for those who taunt me.
- Do not take your word of truth from me, for therein lies my hope.
- I will continually keep your word, for therein lies liberty and the courage to speak before those in authority.
- I delight in, revere and love your commandments, and will meditate on them.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Psalms 8-17
Psalm 8:2
Question about the meaning of "Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes." (NRSV)
Psalm 9:19-20 - Prayer for the times we live in?
"Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you. Put them in fear, O LORD; let the nations know that they are only human."
Psalm 11
Assurance for the righteous in verse 7: "For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face."
Psalm 12
v. 8 - Characteristic of our time? "On every side, the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among humankind."
Psalm 14
v. 2 - "Who are wise, who seek after God." In other words, to be wise is to seek God.
Psalm 15
I like lists. Here's a list from this psalm.
If we walk blamelessly, we do what's right and speak the truth from our hearts, which means we:
vv. 13-15 - He seems to be saying, "Let the wicked have their wealth, and may their children also profit from it," but – a direct quote – "as for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness." Nothing much matters in comparison with beholding the face of God.
Question about the meaning of "Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes." (NRSV)
Psalm 9:19-20 - Prayer for the times we live in?
"Rise up, O LORD! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you. Put them in fear, O LORD; let the nations know that they are only human."
Psalm 11
Assurance for the righteous in verse 7: "For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face."
Psalm 12
v. 8 - Characteristic of our time? "On every side, the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among humankind."
Psalm 14
v. 2 - "Who are wise, who seek after God." In other words, to be wise is to seek God.
Psalm 15
I like lists. Here's a list from this psalm.
If we walk blamelessly, we do what's right and speak the truth from our hearts, which means we:
- Don't slander others
- Don't do evil to our friends
- Don't take up a reproach against our neighbors
- Despise the wicked
- Honor those who fear the Lord
- Stand by a promise even to our own hurt
- Never loan money on interest
- Never take a bribe against the innocent.
vv. 13-15 - He seems to be saying, "Let the wicked have their wealth, and may their children also profit from it," but – a direct quote – "as for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness." Nothing much matters in comparison with beholding the face of God.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Psalms 116-118
Psalm 116
Thanksgiving for Recovery from Illness
Reminiscent of Hezekiah's written prayer in Isaiah 38, which I have just read this morning.
1-4 I love the LORD, because he answered my prayer when I was about to die.
5-7 Gracious, righteous, and merciful is our God; he saved me when I was low.
8-11 You delivered my soul from death; I walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
12-19 How shall I repay him? I will call on his name; I will pay my vows; I will offer to you a thanksgiving of sacrifice.
15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones." This familiar verse seems strange in the midst of a psalm that is thanksgiving for recovery from death. The immediate context is affirming a sense of service to God, a sense of giving one's life over to him. In life or death, the faithful are God's precious ones.
Psalm 117
Universal Call to Worship
1-2
Psalm 118
A Song of Victory
1-4 Let Israel, the house of Aaron and all who fear God say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
5-9 The LORD answered me in my distress. "With the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?" New Testament writers echo this affirmation of courage: Paul, in Romans 8:31, declares: "If God is for us, who is against us?" And the writer of Hebrews in 13:6: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
10-14 The nations "surrounded me like bees...in the name of the LORD I cut them off." He is my strength, my might, my salvation.
15-18 The right hand of the LORD is valiant; he "has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death."
19-20 Open the gates of righteousness so I can enter in.
21-25 Two familiar verses in this passage: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." Here David is probably referring to himself, but it is prophetic of Christ, quoted in Acts 4:8 and 1 Peter 2:6. The other has been put into a familiar song: "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
26-27 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. Quoted by the people at Christ's triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9).
28-29 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you (also put to music in a recent hymnal)."O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, and his steadfast love endures forever."
Thanksgiving for Recovery from Illness
Reminiscent of Hezekiah's written prayer in Isaiah 38, which I have just read this morning.
1-4 I love the LORD, because he answered my prayer when I was about to die.
5-7 Gracious, righteous, and merciful is our God; he saved me when I was low.
8-11 You delivered my soul from death; I walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
12-19 How shall I repay him? I will call on his name; I will pay my vows; I will offer to you a thanksgiving of sacrifice.
15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones." This familiar verse seems strange in the midst of a psalm that is thanksgiving for recovery from death. The immediate context is affirming a sense of service to God, a sense of giving one's life over to him. In life or death, the faithful are God's precious ones.
Psalm 117
Universal Call to Worship
1-2
Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!This is so short it can be quoted in its entirety here. It would be easy to memorize and repeat often as a reminder of our motivation for praising God: His faithfulness and love for his people.
Psalm 118
A Song of Victory
1-4 Let Israel, the house of Aaron and all who fear God say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
5-9 The LORD answered me in my distress. "With the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?" New Testament writers echo this affirmation of courage: Paul, in Romans 8:31, declares: "If God is for us, who is against us?" And the writer of Hebrews in 13:6: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
10-14 The nations "surrounded me like bees...in the name of the LORD I cut them off." He is my strength, my might, my salvation.
15-18 The right hand of the LORD is valiant; he "has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death."
19-20 Open the gates of righteousness so I can enter in.
21-25 Two familiar verses in this passage: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." Here David is probably referring to himself, but it is prophetic of Christ, quoted in Acts 4:8 and 1 Peter 2:6. The other has been put into a familiar song: "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
26-27 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. Quoted by the people at Christ's triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9).
28-29 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you (also put to music in a recent hymnal)."O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, and his steadfast love endures forever."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Psalms 111-115
Psalm 111
Praise for God's Wonderful Works
1 With my whole heart I thank God in the congregation of the upright.
2-9 Great are the LORD's works:
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (repeated in Proverbs 1:7); all those who practice it have a good understanding. Fear is apparently something we practice -- or is it wisdom? Other translations insert "do His commandments" for "practice it."
Psalm 112
Blessings of the Righteous
1-4 Those who fear God are happy; their descendants will be mighty; their households will be wealthy; they are lights for the upright; gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5-7 They are generous, just, immovable, remembered, unafraid, secure in the LORD.
8-9 They are steady, triumphing over their foes, charitable, honored.
10 This angers the wicked, but their desire comes to nothing.
Psalm 113
God the Helper of the Needy
1 Praise the LORD, O servants of the LORD.
2-4 Blessed be his name from morning until evening; his glory is above the heavens.
5-9 No one is like our LORD, who looks far down on us, who raises up the poor to make them sit with princes, who gives children to the barren woman. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 114
God's Wonders at the Exodus
1-2 When Israel left Egypt, she became God's dominion
3-6 The Jordan turned back; the mountains and hills skipped like rams and lambs. Why? This question is rhetorical. Why do you think the earth reacts like this to God? If immovable elements react like this, how should we behave in his presence?
7-8 The earth trembles in the presence of the LORD, who turns rock into water.
Psalm 115
The Impotence of Idols and the Greatness of God
1-2 Glory not to us but to God, for his love and faithfulness, for why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
3-8 Our God in the heavens does whatever he pleases, but their gods cannot speak, see, hear, feel, nor make sounds. Those who make them are like them. Meaning, I guess, that if you trust in a dumb idol, it makes you just like them: dumb!
9-11 O Israel, house of Aaron, you who fear the LORD - trust him! He is your help and shield. Apparently we can fear God without trusting him.
12-13 The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us.
14-15 May the LORD bless you and give you increase.
16-18 The heavens are the LORD's; earth is ours. We will praise God as long as we live.
Praise for God's Wonderful Works
1 With my whole heart I thank God in the congregation of the upright.
2-9 Great are the LORD's works:
- Studied by all who delight in them. Believers who are scientists must get a special thrill from studying the creation.
- Full of honor and majesty - his righteousness endures forever
- Food for those who fear him, showing his people the power of his works
- Faithful and just, with trustworthy precepts
- Redemption for his people
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (repeated in Proverbs 1:7); all those who practice it have a good understanding. Fear is apparently something we practice -- or is it wisdom? Other translations insert "do His commandments" for "practice it."
Psalm 112
Blessings of the Righteous
1-4 Those who fear God are happy; their descendants will be mighty; their households will be wealthy; they are lights for the upright; gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5-7 They are generous, just, immovable, remembered, unafraid, secure in the LORD.
8-9 They are steady, triumphing over their foes, charitable, honored.
10 This angers the wicked, but their desire comes to nothing.
Psalm 113
God the Helper of the Needy
1 Praise the LORD, O servants of the LORD.
2-4 Blessed be his name from morning until evening; his glory is above the heavens.
5-9 No one is like our LORD, who looks far down on us, who raises up the poor to make them sit with princes, who gives children to the barren woman. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 114
God's Wonders at the Exodus
1-2 When Israel left Egypt, she became God's dominion
3-6 The Jordan turned back; the mountains and hills skipped like rams and lambs. Why? This question is rhetorical. Why do you think the earth reacts like this to God? If immovable elements react like this, how should we behave in his presence?
7-8 The earth trembles in the presence of the LORD, who turns rock into water.
Psalm 115
The Impotence of Idols and the Greatness of God
1-2 Glory not to us but to God, for his love and faithfulness, for why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
3-8 Our God in the heavens does whatever he pleases, but their gods cannot speak, see, hear, feel, nor make sounds. Those who make them are like them. Meaning, I guess, that if you trust in a dumb idol, it makes you just like them: dumb!
9-11 O Israel, house of Aaron, you who fear the LORD - trust him! He is your help and shield. Apparently we can fear God without trusting him.
12-13 The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us.
14-15 May the LORD bless you and give you increase.
16-18 The heavens are the LORD's; earth is ours. We will praise God as long as we live.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Psalms 109-110
Psalm 109 (A Psalm of David)
Prayer of Vindication and Vengeance
1-5 Do not be silent, O God, because wicked people are saying evil and hateful things against me, even though I have shown them love and prayed for them.
6-15 These are the things they wish for me:
26-31 Save me, O LORD my God, according to your love -- that they will know it is from you. Wrap them in their own shame. I will thank you and praise you, for you protect and defend the needy.
Psalm 110 (A Psalm of David)
Assurance of Victory for God's Priest-King
1 "The LORD says to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'" A familiar verse, if you know Acts 2. This is quoted by Peter in his sermon at Pentecost to identify Christ as the promised Messiah (Acts 2:34-35). In this first verse, David identifies his "Lord" as the future Messiah.
2-4 He will come out of Zion (Jerusalem - the place of his death and resurrection and the birth of his church); his people will be willing sacrifices (Romans 12:1); he will be a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17).
5-7 The Lord (small letters - see verse 1) is at your right hand (same phrase as in 109:31) -- and he will execute judgment, shatter heads, drink from the stream by the path. This is not the innocuous Jesus as we might want to see him, but a Jesus Christ who is sovereign over all nations, a righteous Judge who will punish the disobedient. Commentators I checked don't agree on what "drink from the stream by the path" means. Some think it refers to the Brook Kidron over which he passed before his crucifixion, so it refers to his suffering; others see it as a reference to his triumph, as a conqueror drinks from a brook in pursuit of his enemies. In my mind, it refers to both -- without his crucifixion there could be no resurrection -- which is where Christ lifted up his head. Death leads to life eternal.
Prayer of Vindication and Vengeance
1-5 Do not be silent, O God, because wicked people are saying evil and hateful things against me, even though I have shown them love and prayed for them.
6-15 These are the things they wish for me:
- That I be tried and found guilty
- That I die soon, leaving a widow and orphans to be homeless beggars
- That creditors will take everything I have
- That no one will show me any kindness or pity my orphaned children
- That my descendants will be cut off, and that only my iniquities be remembered
- I was cruel to the poor and needy
- I cursed and did not like blessing
- That I deserve to be clothed in cursing
26-31 Save me, O LORD my God, according to your love -- that they will know it is from you. Wrap them in their own shame. I will thank you and praise you, for you protect and defend the needy.
Psalm 110 (A Psalm of David)
Assurance of Victory for God's Priest-King
1 "The LORD says to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'" A familiar verse, if you know Acts 2. This is quoted by Peter in his sermon at Pentecost to identify Christ as the promised Messiah (Acts 2:34-35). In this first verse, David identifies his "Lord" as the future Messiah.
2-4 He will come out of Zion (Jerusalem - the place of his death and resurrection and the birth of his church); his people will be willing sacrifices (Romans 12:1); he will be a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17).
5-7 The Lord (small letters - see verse 1) is at your right hand (same phrase as in 109:31) -- and he will execute judgment, shatter heads, drink from the stream by the path. This is not the innocuous Jesus as we might want to see him, but a Jesus Christ who is sovereign over all nations, a righteous Judge who will punish the disobedient. Commentators I checked don't agree on what "drink from the stream by the path" means. Some think it refers to the Brook Kidron over which he passed before his crucifixion, so it refers to his suffering; others see it as a reference to his triumph, as a conqueror drinks from a brook in pursuit of his enemies. In my mind, it refers to both -- without his crucifixion there could be no resurrection -- which is where Christ lifted up his head. Death leads to life eternal.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Psalms 107-108
Beginning of Book V
Psalm 107
Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Many Troubles
1-3 Let the redeemed give thanks, those he has gathered from every part of the world.
4-9 Some were wandering in the desert, without food or water, and he led them to an inhabited town; let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
10-16 Some sat in the darkness of prisons or captivity because of their disobedience. When they cried to the LORD for help, he rescued them. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
17-22 Some were sick because of their sin. When they cried to the LORD for help, he healed them. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
23-32 Some were in peril on ships on the sea, fearful for their lives. They cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he stilled the storm and brought them home safely. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
33-41 The LORD turns rivers into a desert, fruitful land into salty waste because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. But he also does the opposite for the hungry, blessing them, raising up the needy out of distress.
42-43 "The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth." Let all who are wise consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
I don't remember ever reading this Psalm before. I like the way it's organized, each desperate situation calling for God's rescue, then ending with a reminder of "the steadfast love of the LORD" in all circumstances. Then there's also the reminder that he doesn't always bless. Just as he can bless the land, so he can also curse it if we refuse to acknowledge His ways.
Psalm 108 (A Psalm of David)
Praise and Prayer for Victory
1-4 My heart is steadfast, I will sing, I will awake the dawn, I will give thanks and sing praises for your steadfast love and faithfulness. "I will awake the dawn." What a great expression, if it means what I think it means, that he's up before the dawn, giving thanks to God as he watches the sun rise, and -- like a rooster, I suppose, crows -- in this case praises God with music -- and even feels like he is responsible for the rise of the sun. The KJV and ASV translate this "I will awake early."
5-6 Be exalted, O LORD, let your glory shine, give victory, and answer me.
7-9 God promises to divide up Shechem and Succoth. He claims Gilead and Manasseh, with Ephraim as his helmet and Judah his scepter. On the other hand, Moab is his washbasin, he throws his shoe at Edom, and shouts in triumph over Philistia.
10-13 O God, will you continue to reject us? Grant us help against our enemies. Human help is worthless.
Psalm 107
Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Many Troubles
1-3 Let the redeemed give thanks, those he has gathered from every part of the world.
4-9 Some were wandering in the desert, without food or water, and he led them to an inhabited town; let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
10-16 Some sat in the darkness of prisons or captivity because of their disobedience. When they cried to the LORD for help, he rescued them. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
17-22 Some were sick because of their sin. When they cried to the LORD for help, he healed them. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
23-32 Some were in peril on ships on the sea, fearful for their lives. They cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he stilled the storm and brought them home safely. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love.
33-41 The LORD turns rivers into a desert, fruitful land into salty waste because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. But he also does the opposite for the hungry, blessing them, raising up the needy out of distress.
42-43 "The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth." Let all who are wise consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
I don't remember ever reading this Psalm before. I like the way it's organized, each desperate situation calling for God's rescue, then ending with a reminder of "the steadfast love of the LORD" in all circumstances. Then there's also the reminder that he doesn't always bless. Just as he can bless the land, so he can also curse it if we refuse to acknowledge His ways.
Psalm 108 (A Psalm of David)
Praise and Prayer for Victory
1-4 My heart is steadfast, I will sing, I will awake the dawn, I will give thanks and sing praises for your steadfast love and faithfulness. "I will awake the dawn." What a great expression, if it means what I think it means, that he's up before the dawn, giving thanks to God as he watches the sun rise, and -- like a rooster, I suppose, crows -- in this case praises God with music -- and even feels like he is responsible for the rise of the sun. The KJV and ASV translate this "I will awake early."
5-6 Be exalted, O LORD, let your glory shine, give victory, and answer me.
7-9 God promises to divide up Shechem and Succoth. He claims Gilead and Manasseh, with Ephraim as his helmet and Judah his scepter. On the other hand, Moab is his washbasin, he throws his shoe at Edom, and shouts in triumph over Philistia.
10-13 O God, will you continue to reject us? Grant us help against our enemies. Human help is worthless.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Psalm 106
Psalm 106
A Confession of Israel's Sins
1-3 At the beginning: Praise and give thanks to the LORD for his goodness, his steadfast love, his mighty doings, for happy are those who are just and righteous.
4-5 Remember me, O LORD, that I may still be alive when you deliver your people, when they prosper, when they are glad, that I may glory in your heritage. Question: did the psalmist see this prosperity, or did it only happen when Christ fulfilled the promise in his death and resurrection?
6-12 The beginning of the confession: We and our ancestors have sinned: They rebelled against you in Egypt, at the Red Sea, yet you saved them from their Egyptian enemies. It's interesting that the psalmist includes himself with his disobedient ancestors, though he couldn't have been in Egypt at the time.
13-15 But they soon forgot, putting God to the test in the wilderness, and he sent a wasting disease.
16-18 They were jealous of Moses and Aaron, and the earth swallowed Dathan; fire burned the wicked.
19-23 They worshiped a golden calf, forgot God their Savior, and he would have destroyed them if Moses had not defended them.
24-27 When they got to the promised land, they had no faith in God's promise, so he made them wander around in the wilderness until their deaths.
28-31 They began worshiping Baal, and God punished them with a plague, until Phinehas [the priest] interceded (which has been reckoned to him for righteousness). See Numbers 25:6-15.
32-33 They angered God at the waters of Meribah, resulting in Moses's rash words.
34-39 They did not destroy the [Canaanite] people as God had commanded and began to serve false gods, even sacrificing their children to "the demons."
40-46 God became angry and gave them over to the other nations, and they were oppressed, although many times he heard their distress and delivered them, for their sake remembering his covenant with them.
47-48 At the end, a prayer and praise: "Save us, O LORD our God...let all the people say, 'Amen.' Praise the LORD!"
After reading this, I am reminded of Romans 9, which I recently read (and outlined in this blog), in particular verse 22, where Paul writes, "What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction?" When I read the Romans passage, I decided he was talking about the Jews as his "objects of wrath," and this psalm seems to confirm that decision. Because of their disobedience, he had reason to destroy them from the face of the earth, but for the sake of the promise he made to Abraham to save ALL nations, he repeatedly punished them, but saved them from destruction.
A Confession of Israel's Sins
1-3 At the beginning: Praise and give thanks to the LORD for his goodness, his steadfast love, his mighty doings, for happy are those who are just and righteous.
4-5 Remember me, O LORD, that I may still be alive when you deliver your people, when they prosper, when they are glad, that I may glory in your heritage. Question: did the psalmist see this prosperity, or did it only happen when Christ fulfilled the promise in his death and resurrection?
6-12 The beginning of the confession: We and our ancestors have sinned: They rebelled against you in Egypt, at the Red Sea, yet you saved them from their Egyptian enemies. It's interesting that the psalmist includes himself with his disobedient ancestors, though he couldn't have been in Egypt at the time.
13-15 But they soon forgot, putting God to the test in the wilderness, and he sent a wasting disease.
16-18 They were jealous of Moses and Aaron, and the earth swallowed Dathan; fire burned the wicked.
19-23 They worshiped a golden calf, forgot God their Savior, and he would have destroyed them if Moses had not defended them.
24-27 When they got to the promised land, they had no faith in God's promise, so he made them wander around in the wilderness until their deaths.
28-31 They began worshiping Baal, and God punished them with a plague, until Phinehas [the priest] interceded (which has been reckoned to him for righteousness). See Numbers 25:6-15.
32-33 They angered God at the waters of Meribah, resulting in Moses's rash words.
34-39 They did not destroy the [Canaanite] people as God had commanded and began to serve false gods, even sacrificing their children to "the demons."
40-46 God became angry and gave them over to the other nations, and they were oppressed, although many times he heard their distress and delivered them, for their sake remembering his covenant with them.
47-48 At the end, a prayer and praise: "Save us, O LORD our God...let all the people say, 'Amen.' Praise the LORD!"
After reading this, I am reminded of Romans 9, which I recently read (and outlined in this blog), in particular verse 22, where Paul writes, "What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction?" When I read the Romans passage, I decided he was talking about the Jews as his "objects of wrath," and this psalm seems to confirm that decision. Because of their disobedience, he had reason to destroy them from the face of the earth, but for the sake of the promise he made to Abraham to save ALL nations, he repeatedly punished them, but saved them from destruction.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Psalms 103-105
Psalm 103
Thanksgiving for God's Goodness
1-5 Bless the LORD, my soul, remembering his benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, goodness, youth
6-14 The LORD vindicates and is just, merciful and gracious, as he removes our transgressions, as the compassion Father he is, for he knows we are just dust.
15-18 The days of mortals are temporary, like grass, but the LORD's love and righteousness are everlasting toward those who fear and obey him.
19-22 The LORD is the King over all; bless him, you angels, all his hosts, his ministers, his works, my soul.
Psalm 104
God the Creator and Provider
1-4 O LORD, you are great, clothed with majesty, ruler of the heavens, waters, clouds, wind, fire and flame
5-9 You have dominion over the earth, setting its foundations, controlling its seas
10-13 You control the springs for the nourishment of your creatures, satisfying the earth with the "fruit of your work."
14-23 You provide grass for cattle, plants for people, trees for birds, mountains for goats, the sun and moon for the seasons, darkness for night animals, daylight for people to work.
24-26 In wisdom you have made it all: creatures, the sea, living things both great and small.
27-30 Your creation looks to you for all good things. When you don't provide, your creation dies. When you send your spirit, it is created.
31-35 May the LORD's glory endure forever, whose look makes the earth tremble, to whom I will sing praise as long as I live. May my meditations please him; let sinners be consumed; Praise the LORD.
Psalm 105
God's Faithfulness to Israel
1-6 O offspring of Abraham, give thanks to the LORD, call on him, make known his deeds, sing to him, glory in his name, seek his strength and his presence, remember his wonderful works.
7-11 He remembers his covenant with Abraham, his promise to Isaac, his everlasting covenant with Israel to give them the land of Canaan.
12-15 He allowed no one to oppress them, when they were a small nation, wandering from one kingdom to another.
16-22 He sent Joseph as a slave into Egypt, until what he said came to pass, and Joseph was made lord of the house of Pharaoh.
23-25 Israel came to Egypt as an alien, and the LORD there made them stronger than their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people.
26-36 God sent his servants Moses and Aaron, performing his signs: darkness, waters to blood, dying fish, frogs, flies, gnats, hail, lightning, desecration of their vegetation, death of their firstborn.
37-42 He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and Egypt was glad. He led them with cloud and fire, gave them food from heaven, and water from a rock. He remembered his holy promise to Abraham.
43-45 He brought his people out with joy and singing, giving them lands and wealth -- "that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws."
I love this "bottom line." Why did God do all this for his people? So he would have a nation that would be submissive to him. He preserved this people for obedience. Did they disappoint him? Indubitably. Yet they still carried out his purpose of bringing His Son into the world, to create a church that transcends physical kingdoms, one whose faithfulness does not depend on political leadership or physical wealth, but is a free and personal choice.
Thanksgiving for God's Goodness
1-5 Bless the LORD, my soul, remembering his benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, goodness, youth
6-14 The LORD vindicates and is just, merciful and gracious, as he removes our transgressions, as the compassion Father he is, for he knows we are just dust.
15-18 The days of mortals are temporary, like grass, but the LORD's love and righteousness are everlasting toward those who fear and obey him.
19-22 The LORD is the King over all; bless him, you angels, all his hosts, his ministers, his works, my soul.
Psalm 104
God the Creator and Provider
1-4 O LORD, you are great, clothed with majesty, ruler of the heavens, waters, clouds, wind, fire and flame
5-9 You have dominion over the earth, setting its foundations, controlling its seas
10-13 You control the springs for the nourishment of your creatures, satisfying the earth with the "fruit of your work."
14-23 You provide grass for cattle, plants for people, trees for birds, mountains for goats, the sun and moon for the seasons, darkness for night animals, daylight for people to work.
24-26 In wisdom you have made it all: creatures, the sea, living things both great and small.
27-30 Your creation looks to you for all good things. When you don't provide, your creation dies. When you send your spirit, it is created.
31-35 May the LORD's glory endure forever, whose look makes the earth tremble, to whom I will sing praise as long as I live. May my meditations please him; let sinners be consumed; Praise the LORD.
Psalm 105
God's Faithfulness to Israel
1-6 O offspring of Abraham, give thanks to the LORD, call on him, make known his deeds, sing to him, glory in his name, seek his strength and his presence, remember his wonderful works.
7-11 He remembers his covenant with Abraham, his promise to Isaac, his everlasting covenant with Israel to give them the land of Canaan.
12-15 He allowed no one to oppress them, when they were a small nation, wandering from one kingdom to another.
16-22 He sent Joseph as a slave into Egypt, until what he said came to pass, and Joseph was made lord of the house of Pharaoh.
23-25 Israel came to Egypt as an alien, and the LORD there made them stronger than their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people.
26-36 God sent his servants Moses and Aaron, performing his signs: darkness, waters to blood, dying fish, frogs, flies, gnats, hail, lightning, desecration of their vegetation, death of their firstborn.
37-42 He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and Egypt was glad. He led them with cloud and fire, gave them food from heaven, and water from a rock. He remembered his holy promise to Abraham.
43-45 He brought his people out with joy and singing, giving them lands and wealth -- "that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws."
I love this "bottom line." Why did God do all this for his people? So he would have a nation that would be submissive to him. He preserved this people for obedience. Did they disappoint him? Indubitably. Yet they still carried out his purpose of bringing His Son into the world, to create a church that transcends physical kingdoms, one whose faithfulness does not depend on political leadership or physical wealth, but is a free and personal choice.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Psalms 98-102
Psalm 98
Praise the Judge of the World
1-3 Sing a new song to the LORD for his victories, his vindication of his people of Israel to the whole earth.
4-6 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, with all kinds of instruments.
7-9 Let the sea, the world, the floods, the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, the righteous and equitable judge.
Psalm 99
Praise to God for His Holiness
1-5 Let the peoples tremble before the LORD, who is king, great in Zion, exalted over all, mighty, lover of justice, holy.
6-7 Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called on His name, and he answered them; they obeyed his decrees and statutes.
8-9 LORD, you answered them, you forgave them while avenging their wrongdoings. Extol our God, for He is holy.
Psalm 100
All Lands Summoned to Praise God
1-2 All earth -- make a joyful noise; worship with gladness; sing in His presence.
3 The LORD made us -- we are his people, his sheep
4-5 Come to him with thanksgiving and praise, for He is good, loving, and faithful
Psalm 100 would be good to memorize -- made easier by hymns that use its words. Repeating this throughout the day would be a good antidote when we feel like the world is just too much with us.
Psalm 101
A Sovereign's Pledge of Integrity and Justice
1-4 I will pursue loyalty, justice, and integrity, shunning that which is base, the work of those who fall away, perverseness of heart.
5-6 I will not tolerate slander, a haughty look, an arrogant heart, but will favor the faithful, those who walk in the way that is blameless.
7-8 I will ban those who practice deceit, destroying the wicked, cutting off all evildoers.
Psalm 102
Prayer to the Eternal King for Help.
"A prayer of the afflicted, when faint and pleading before the LORD."
1-2 Hear my prayer, O LORD, answer me speedily.
3-11 I am in dire straits: wasted away, lonely, taunted by my enemies, suffering from your indignation, anger, and rejection.
4-17 But you are enthroned, timeless, and it is time for you to show your compassion on your city, Zion, to regard the prayer of the destitute. Then the nations will fear your name.
18-22 Let future generations know that the LORD looked down from heaven and freed his people from death.
23-24 O God, do not take me away at the midpoint of my life.
25-28 Your creation will perish, but you endure. Your servants' children shall live secure; their offspring shall be established.
The commentaries I scanned about this (Gill; Jamiesson, Fausett, Brown; Matthew Henry; C. H. Spurgeon) relate this Psalm to Babylonian captivity, and also as a prophecy of the Messiah and the church. It seems to have three levels of meaning: 1) A recognition that in history God will let his people suffer until the time he deems right to relieve that suffering, at which point no power on earth can stop him; 2) A promise that God's temporary physical kingdom Israel will be realized in a spiritual kingdom to come ("the children of your servants shall live secure"); and 3) On a more personal level, that sometimes we need to be brought to the depths of physical, mental, and emotional suffering before we can appreciate our own weakness and come to depend completely on the One who is here, was here, and will be here forever.
As evidence that this has prophetic meaning and fulfillment in Christ, read Hebrews 1:10-12, which speaks of Christ, quoted from verses 25-27 in this Psalm: 10 And, "In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; 12 like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end."
Praise the Judge of the World
1-3 Sing a new song to the LORD for his victories, his vindication of his people of Israel to the whole earth.
4-6 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, with all kinds of instruments.
7-9 Let the sea, the world, the floods, the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, the righteous and equitable judge.
Psalm 99
Praise to God for His Holiness
1-5 Let the peoples tremble before the LORD, who is king, great in Zion, exalted over all, mighty, lover of justice, holy.
6-7 Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called on His name, and he answered them; they obeyed his decrees and statutes.
8-9 LORD, you answered them, you forgave them while avenging their wrongdoings. Extol our God, for He is holy.
Psalm 100
All Lands Summoned to Praise God
1-2 All earth -- make a joyful noise; worship with gladness; sing in His presence.
3 The LORD made us -- we are his people, his sheep
4-5 Come to him with thanksgiving and praise, for He is good, loving, and faithful
Psalm 100 would be good to memorize -- made easier by hymns that use its words. Repeating this throughout the day would be a good antidote when we feel like the world is just too much with us.
Psalm 101
A Sovereign's Pledge of Integrity and Justice
1-4 I will pursue loyalty, justice, and integrity, shunning that which is base, the work of those who fall away, perverseness of heart.
5-6 I will not tolerate slander, a haughty look, an arrogant heart, but will favor the faithful, those who walk in the way that is blameless.
7-8 I will ban those who practice deceit, destroying the wicked, cutting off all evildoers.
Psalm 102
Prayer to the Eternal King for Help.
"A prayer of the afflicted, when faint and pleading before the LORD."
1-2 Hear my prayer, O LORD, answer me speedily.
3-11 I am in dire straits: wasted away, lonely, taunted by my enemies, suffering from your indignation, anger, and rejection.
4-17 But you are enthroned, timeless, and it is time for you to show your compassion on your city, Zion, to regard the prayer of the destitute. Then the nations will fear your name.
18-22 Let future generations know that the LORD looked down from heaven and freed his people from death.
23-24 O God, do not take me away at the midpoint of my life.
25-28 Your creation will perish, but you endure. Your servants' children shall live secure; their offspring shall be established.
The commentaries I scanned about this (Gill; Jamiesson, Fausett, Brown; Matthew Henry; C. H. Spurgeon) relate this Psalm to Babylonian captivity, and also as a prophecy of the Messiah and the church. It seems to have three levels of meaning: 1) A recognition that in history God will let his people suffer until the time he deems right to relieve that suffering, at which point no power on earth can stop him; 2) A promise that God's temporary physical kingdom Israel will be realized in a spiritual kingdom to come ("the children of your servants shall live secure"); and 3) On a more personal level, that sometimes we need to be brought to the depths of physical, mental, and emotional suffering before we can appreciate our own weakness and come to depend completely on the One who is here, was here, and will be here forever.
As evidence that this has prophetic meaning and fulfillment in Christ, read Hebrews 1:10-12, which speaks of Christ, quoted from verses 25-27 in this Psalm: 10 And, "In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; 12 like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Psalm 93-97
Note: What an amazing set of Psalms! I'm merely grouping them in 2-page increments as they appear in my Bible, but it would be good to group them together as praise Psalms and go to them frequently as reminders of the nature of the God we worship, and his worthiness to receive our praise.
Psalm 93
The Majesty of God's Rule
1-2 The LORD is king, robed in majesty, girded with strength, who has established the world, whose throne is everlasting.
3-4 The LORD on high is more majestic than the thunders of floods, of mighty waters.
5 Your decrees are sure, your house holy.
Psalm 94
God the Avenger of the Righteous
1-3 How long shall the wicked exult? Shine forth, O God, and punish the proud.
4-7 The evil boast, crush your people, kill and innocent, and say: "The LORD does not see."
8-11 Understand, you fools. The Creator of the ear and the eye -- he hears and sees. He who imparts knowledge to humankind - knows when our thoughts are but "empty breath." What a great expression -- empty breath. We think we're thinking these great human thoughts, and they're like breathing that provides no oxygen to our lungs -- an utter waste of energy.
12-15 Those who receive discipline from God are happy, receiving rest from trouble, until the wicked fall. The LORD will not forsake his people; justice will return to the righteous.
16-23 The LORD rises up, stands against the wicked; his consolations cheer my soul. When the wicked band together, He is my stronghold, my refuge. He will repay the evil; He will wipe them out.
Psalm 95
A Call to Worship and Obedience
1-5 Come! Let us sing, make a joyful noise, come to him with thanksgiving - because he is a great God, King, Master of the earth, mountains, seas, and dry land.
6-7 Let us worship, for we are his people, his sheep. Listen to his voice!
8-11 From God: Do not harden your hearts, as your ancestors did at Meribah, when in my anger I swore that they would not enter into my rest.
Psalm 96
Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment
1-6 Sing, sing, sing to the LORD, tell of his glory, his works, for he alone is the true God, and honor, majesty, strength and beauty belong to him.
7-9 Ascribe to him glory and strength, bring him an offering, tremble before him.
10-13 Let the heavens, earth, sea, and field rejoice that the LORD is king, and he will judge the world with equity, with righteousness, with truth.
Psalm 97
The Glory of God's Reign
1-5 The LORD is king, midst righteousness and justice, with fire and lightnings and the mountains melting like wax in his presence.
6-9 The heavens, peoples, Zion, Judah and even false gods worship him; their worshipers are shamed.
10-12 The LORD loves, guards, and rescues his faithful. For them, there is light, joy, and rejoicing in the LORD.
Psalm 93
The Majesty of God's Rule
1-2 The LORD is king, robed in majesty, girded with strength, who has established the world, whose throne is everlasting.
3-4 The LORD on high is more majestic than the thunders of floods, of mighty waters.
5 Your decrees are sure, your house holy.
Psalm 94
God the Avenger of the Righteous
1-3 How long shall the wicked exult? Shine forth, O God, and punish the proud.
4-7 The evil boast, crush your people, kill and innocent, and say: "The LORD does not see."
8-11 Understand, you fools. The Creator of the ear and the eye -- he hears and sees. He who imparts knowledge to humankind - knows when our thoughts are but "empty breath." What a great expression -- empty breath. We think we're thinking these great human thoughts, and they're like breathing that provides no oxygen to our lungs -- an utter waste of energy.
12-15 Those who receive discipline from God are happy, receiving rest from trouble, until the wicked fall. The LORD will not forsake his people; justice will return to the righteous.
16-23 The LORD rises up, stands against the wicked; his consolations cheer my soul. When the wicked band together, He is my stronghold, my refuge. He will repay the evil; He will wipe them out.
Psalm 95
A Call to Worship and Obedience
1-5 Come! Let us sing, make a joyful noise, come to him with thanksgiving - because he is a great God, King, Master of the earth, mountains, seas, and dry land.
6-7 Let us worship, for we are his people, his sheep. Listen to his voice!
8-11 From God: Do not harden your hearts, as your ancestors did at Meribah, when in my anger I swore that they would not enter into my rest.
Psalm 96
Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment
1-6 Sing, sing, sing to the LORD, tell of his glory, his works, for he alone is the true God, and honor, majesty, strength and beauty belong to him.
7-9 Ascribe to him glory and strength, bring him an offering, tremble before him.
10-13 Let the heavens, earth, sea, and field rejoice that the LORD is king, and he will judge the world with equity, with righteousness, with truth.
Psalm 97
The Glory of God's Reign
1-5 The LORD is king, midst righteousness and justice, with fire and lightnings and the mountains melting like wax in his presence.
6-9 The heavens, peoples, Zion, Judah and even false gods worship him; their worshipers are shamed.
10-12 The LORD loves, guards, and rescues his faithful. For them, there is light, joy, and rejoicing in the LORD.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Psalms 90-92
Psalm 90 (Prayer of Moses, "the man of God")
God's Eternity and Human Frailty
See Charles Spurgeon's Treasury of David for commentary on this as a Prayer of Moses, cited in Psalms many years after his death. I particularly like what he has to say about the words from this psalm that are commonly used in funerals without recognition of their source- phrases like "you turn us back to dust" (v. 3); "a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past" (v. 4); and "the days of our life...are soon gone, and we fly away" (v. 10).
1-2 LORD, you have always been our dwelling place; you are God in eternity.
3-6 We are just dust in your hands, just as subject to time as you are not. The millenniums are like days to you.
7-12 We are subject to your anger; you see our secret sins; our 70 or 80 years come to an end with a sigh. Teach us to count our days; give us a wise heart.
13-17 Have compassion on us! Satisfy us with your steadfast love. Make us glad in our afflicted days and evil years. Prosper the work of our hands.
Psalm 91
Assurance of God's Protection
1-6 You who look to God for refuge and protection will receive it, fearing neither the terror of the night or the destruction of the day.
7-10 Though a thousand fall at your right and ten thousand on your left, you will be only an observer -- because you have made God your refuge and your dwelling place.
11-13 His angels will guard you, prevent you from cutting your foot on a stone, make you victorious over both lion and snake. This verse is one Satan uses in the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:5-7). Apparently, he understood it to apply to the Messiah -- which means, of course, that he recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
14-16 Promise from God: I will deliver, protect, answer, be with, rescue, honor, satisfy, and save those who love me, who know my name.
As I read verses 7-13 in particular, I can hear the religious charismatics "claiming" these verses as promises that no physical ailment or harm will befall followers of God. But can we make this claim? Even Christians don't go through this life unscathed; they are as subject to the forces of nature as anyone is. Even if we apply this only to the Messiah, as Satan did, it fails. He, after all, died at the hands of evil men. Commentaries indicate that placing ourselves under God's care protects us from succumbing to evil, not the consequences of evil, which makes sense to me.
Psalm 92 (for the Sabbath Day)
Thanksgiving for Vindication
1-4 It is good to give thanks, to sing praises, to declare the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
5-9 LORD, your works are good, and your thoughts are deep - unknown by the dullard, not understood by the stupid; they don't see they are doomed to destruction.
10-11 I have experienced your victory firsthand.
12-15 The righteous flourish, still producing fruit even in old age, showing that the LORD is upright, our rock, with no unrighteousness in Him.
God's Eternity and Human Frailty
See Charles Spurgeon's Treasury of David for commentary on this as a Prayer of Moses, cited in Psalms many years after his death. I particularly like what he has to say about the words from this psalm that are commonly used in funerals without recognition of their source- phrases like "you turn us back to dust" (v. 3); "a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past" (v. 4); and "the days of our life...are soon gone, and we fly away" (v. 10).
1-2 LORD, you have always been our dwelling place; you are God in eternity.
3-6 We are just dust in your hands, just as subject to time as you are not. The millenniums are like days to you.
7-12 We are subject to your anger; you see our secret sins; our 70 or 80 years come to an end with a sigh. Teach us to count our days; give us a wise heart.
13-17 Have compassion on us! Satisfy us with your steadfast love. Make us glad in our afflicted days and evil years. Prosper the work of our hands.
Psalm 91
Assurance of God's Protection
1-6 You who look to God for refuge and protection will receive it, fearing neither the terror of the night or the destruction of the day.
7-10 Though a thousand fall at your right and ten thousand on your left, you will be only an observer -- because you have made God your refuge and your dwelling place.
11-13 His angels will guard you, prevent you from cutting your foot on a stone, make you victorious over both lion and snake. This verse is one Satan uses in the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:5-7). Apparently, he understood it to apply to the Messiah -- which means, of course, that he recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
14-16 Promise from God: I will deliver, protect, answer, be with, rescue, honor, satisfy, and save those who love me, who know my name.
As I read verses 7-13 in particular, I can hear the religious charismatics "claiming" these verses as promises that no physical ailment or harm will befall followers of God. But can we make this claim? Even Christians don't go through this life unscathed; they are as subject to the forces of nature as anyone is. Even if we apply this only to the Messiah, as Satan did, it fails. He, after all, died at the hands of evil men. Commentaries indicate that placing ourselves under God's care protects us from succumbing to evil, not the consequences of evil, which makes sense to me.
Psalm 92 (for the Sabbath Day)
Thanksgiving for Vindication
1-4 It is good to give thanks, to sing praises, to declare the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
5-9 LORD, your works are good, and your thoughts are deep - unknown by the dullard, not understood by the stupid; they don't see they are doomed to destruction.
10-11 I have experienced your victory firsthand.
12-15 The righteous flourish, still producing fruit even in old age, showing that the LORD is upright, our rock, with no unrighteousness in Him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Psalms 87-89
Psalm 87 (of the *Korahites)
The Joy of Living in Zion
1-3 The LORD loves his holy mount Zion more than all other dwellings.
4-6 The LORD Himself registers those that were born there.
7 Singers and dancers says "All my springs are in you." In other words, Zion is their inspiration?
*The Korahites were descendants of Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi. See Exodus 6:14-30, esp. v. 24
Psalm 88 (of the Korahites, a Maskil (song) of Heman the Ezrahite)
Prayer for Help in Despondency
1-2 Hear me, O LORD, when I cry out at night.
3-7 I am as good as dead, because you are angry with me.
8-9 My friends shun me; I am shut in and cannot escape
10-12 Do your love and your wonders reach into the grave? Can you save in the "land of forgetfulness"?
13-18 I cry out to you, O LORD, but your face is hidden; I am desperate; your wrath and assaults surround me like a flood all day long; my companions are in darkness.
Psalm 89 (A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite)
God's Covenant with David
1-2 I will sing, proclaim, declare that your love and faithfulness will last forever.
3-4 You made a covenant with David to establish his descendants and throne for all generations.
5-18 Who in the heavens is like you?
49-51 Lord, where is your love, your faithfulness? Remember how your enemies taunt me.
52 Blessed be the LORD forever. Amen and Amen.
It seems that the psalmist Ethan in Psalm 89 is taking a different approach than Heman in Psalm 88. He starts with praise, then a reminder to God of His promises, then his complaint, finishing with a "by the way, Lord. Blessed be your name." Note also, the small letters in "Lord" in verse 49 and 50. I wonder if that's intentional.
The Joy of Living in Zion
1-3 The LORD loves his holy mount Zion more than all other dwellings.
4-6 The LORD Himself registers those that were born there.
7 Singers and dancers says "All my springs are in you." In other words, Zion is their inspiration?
*The Korahites were descendants of Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi. See Exodus 6:14-30, esp. v. 24
Psalm 88 (of the Korahites, a Maskil (song) of Heman the Ezrahite)
Prayer for Help in Despondency
1-2 Hear me, O LORD, when I cry out at night.
3-7 I am as good as dead, because you are angry with me.
8-9 My friends shun me; I am shut in and cannot escape
10-12 Do your love and your wonders reach into the grave? Can you save in the "land of forgetfulness"?
13-18 I cry out to you, O LORD, but your face is hidden; I am desperate; your wrath and assaults surround me like a flood all day long; my companions are in darkness.
Psalm 89 (A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite)
God's Covenant with David
1-2 I will sing, proclaim, declare that your love and faithfulness will last forever.
3-4 You made a covenant with David to establish his descendants and throne for all generations.
5-18 Who in the heavens is like you?
- You rule the sea; you scatter your enemies
- The universe is yours; the mountains praise you
- You are strong, righteous, just, loving and faithful
- Happy are those who walk in your light, your name, your glory.
- I have chosen and exalted my servant David
- My hand and arm will be with him so that he will always be victorious over his enemies
- He will acknowledge me, and my covenant with him will stand forever.
- Though his descendants forsake me and I have to punish them, I will never forsake him nor violate my covenant with him
- You are full of wrath, renouncing the covenant
- He is the scorn of his neighbors and his enemies
- You have hurled his throne to the ground, covered him with shame
49-51 Lord, where is your love, your faithfulness? Remember how your enemies taunt me.
52 Blessed be the LORD forever. Amen and Amen.
It seems that the psalmist Ethan in Psalm 89 is taking a different approach than Heman in Psalm 88. He starts with praise, then a reminder to God of His promises, then his complaint, finishing with a "by the way, Lord. Blessed be your name." Note also, the small letters in "Lord" in verse 49 and 50. I wonder if that's intentional.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Psalms 83-86
Psalm 83 (of Asaph)
Prayer for Judgment on Israel's Foes
The Joy of Worship in the Temple
Prayer for the Restoration of God's Favor
Psalm 86 (Prayer of David)
Supplication for Help against Enemies
Prayer for Judgment on Israel's Foes
- 1-8 O God, do not hold your peace, for your enemies -- who hate you -- are plotting to overthrow your people.
- 9-12 Do to them as you did to Midian and Sisera; make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:25), who wanted to possess your pastures.
- 13-18 Make them like dust, like chaff, like a forest consumed with fire; put them to shame; let them know you alone are the Most High over all the earth.
The Joy of Worship in the Temple
- 1-2 How lovely is your dwelling place; my soul longs for your courts
- 3-4 As a sparrow finds a home, happy are those who live in your house
- 5-7 Happy are those whose strength is in you; the dry land is a place of springs as they travel to Zion
- 8-9 Hear my prayer, O God, behold our shield
- 10-12 One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere, for you are a sun and shield, withholding nothing from the upright. Happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Prayer for the Restoration of God's Favor
- 1-3 LORD, in the past you forgave your people.
- 4-7 Don't be angry forever; restore us again, revive us, show us your steadfast love and grant us your salvation.
- 8-9 Let me hear what God has to say. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him.
- 10-11 Steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace will come again.
- 12-13 God will give what is good; righteousness will go before him.
Psalm 86 (Prayer of David)
Supplication for Help against Enemies
- 1-7 Answer me in my neediness; preserve my life; be gracious to me; gladden my soul. For you are good, forgiving, abounding in steadfast love. Is David "buttering up" God, or just giving him his due, admitting his own weakness in the sight of God?
- 8-10 You are great, O LORD, like none other and above all others. You alone are God.
- 11-13 Teach me, give me an undivided heart, and I will thank and glorify your name forever, for you have delivered me.
- 14-17 A band of ruffians seeks my life, but you are merciful and gracious. Show me your favor, so those who hate me may be put to shame because of your help.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Psalms 79-82
Psalm 79 (of Asaph)
- 1-4 The nations have defiled your temple, laid Jerusalem in ruins, killed your people with no one to bury them.
- 5-7 How long will you be angry with your people? Pour out your anger on the nations that have done this.
- 8-10 Forgive our iniquities, help us, deliver us, forgive us. The nations will be asking where you are.
- 11-13 Hear the groans of the prisoners, taunt those who taunted you. Then we your people will thank you forever, from generation to generation.
- 1-3 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim. Restore us, let your light shine, that we may be saved.
- 4-7 How long will you be angry, feeding us with the bread of tears, making us the scorn of our neighbors and enemies? Restore us, let your light shine, that we may be saved.
- 8-13 You took a vine out of Egypt, cleared ground for it, and it spread all over the land.
- 14-18 Turn and look from heaven, have regard for this vine. Rebuke those who have burned it. Then we will never turn back from you. Restore us, let your light shine, that we may be saved.
- 1-5 Shout for joy, raise a song, blow the trumpet on our festal day, for it is a statute for Israel.
- 6-7 God's voice says, I relieved you, I rescued you in your distress.
- 8-10 "Hear me, while I admonish you. Do not listen to or bow down to foreign gods. I am the LORD your God who brought you up out of Egypt."
- 11-12 But my people did not listen, so I gave them over to their stubborn hearts.
- 13-15 O, that they would listen. Then I would subdue their enemies.
- 16 "I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."
- 1-2 In his place in the divine council, in the midst of the gods, God asks: "How long will you show partiality to the wicked?"
- 3-4 To the weak and lowly: 1) Give justice; 2) Maintain their right; 3) Rescue and deliver them.
- 5 They walk in darkness; earth's foundations are shaken
- 6-8 Even though, as children of God, you are gods, you will die like mortals.
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