90-106

Over the next 20 days, let us rest in the book of Psalms.

The collection of Book 4 (Psalms 90-106) follows a myriad of exilic and post-exilic laments. In response to the devastation of Jerusalem, begins recalling that God has been their “dwelling place through all generations.” At the centre of these Psalms is a celebration of God’s reign as King, ending with two Psalms retelling Israel’s history.

These quiet times use a fairly standard method of reading with a series of questions to have in mind as you read and reflect. The aim of these questions is to keep your mind and heart engaged throughout, rather than just going through the motions. The standard questions we will ask are:

What stands out? What questions do you have?  How does the reading point to Jesus?  What could you pray?  Who could you encourage?

You may come to the end of a reading and think, ‘wow, I cannot figure out how that points to Jesus and I have no idea how the passage would help me encourage anyone’. That’s fine! The standard questions we will use may not fit every passage. However, they are important to ask none the less, as they keep us open to the Spirit’s leading as we read.

I also like to recommend the Australian Christian band “Sons of Korah” as a wonderful companion to this series. They have composed beautiful versions of , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 103. You can listen to their music on Spotify, Itunes & Youtube.

Day 1 Psalms 90-92 fit together to form an introduction to book 4 of the Psalms. This Psalm describes some of the grandest pictures of God, and the most revealing descriptions of the mortality of humans. In light of this reality, the Psalmist implores us to examine our own lives.

Read Psalm 90 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  This Psalm is written by , making it the OLDEST Psalm in the Bible  In verse 12, Moses exhorts us, “teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Do you reflect enough on your mortality in light of God’s everlasting character?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 2 Following Psalm 90, this song has strong themes of trust and dependence upon God. It again picks up the language of “dwelling,” “shelter,” and “refuge.” It ends with words of comfort from God to the afflicted in their time of need.

Read Psalm 91 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  Did you notice the misquotes these verses in the temptation of Jesus (Matt 4:1-11)?  Does this Psalm promise we’ll never be kept from harm? Why or why not?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 3 is titled, “For the Sabbath Day.” No doubt, it was to be sung by Israel on Sabbath day. But it’s themes look forward to the perfect Sabbath rest, when there will be final rest at the end of the age.

Read Psalm 92 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  The progression in Psalms 90-92 (Lament -> Trust -> praise)  Verse 8 forms the theological centre of the Psalm: “But you, O Lord, are exalted forever.”  Do you take days to rest? Are they orientated to worship of the creator or worship of yourself?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 4 , begins a group of Psalms praising God as King, continuing to Psalm 99. The common refrain, which holds this collection together, is “The Lord reigns.” It is an invitation to marvel and exalt him for his power and might.

Read Psalm 93 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  What is the significance of “sea” in the Bible?  How might this Psalm connect with Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41)?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 5 Laments constitute the largest group of Psalms in the . Psalm in 94 is a corporate lament, calling for God’s justice and evil upon the wicked. It gives words to the afflicted to call out to God, and know he hears and will act.

Read Psalm 94 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  What is the difference between avenging and revenge?  How does Paul in Romans 12:17-21, encourage these Christians who suffer to live trusting in a God of vengeance?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 6 From the earliest times in the Christian church, Psalm 95 has been used as a call to worship. It invites the reader to praise God for all he has done, and not ignore Him, lest they be judged.

Read Psalm 95 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  The Psalm is quoted twice in Hebrews 3:7-4:13. It warns the recipients of the letter not to stumble in their faith and despise the promises of God, like their ancestors did, and therefore fail to enter into rest.

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 7 Psalm 96 is taken from the song that was written when brought and set the ark in its place in Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 16). It is often called a messianic Psalm and read at Christmas.

Read Psalm 96 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  The build up and repetition of words concerning God’s coming e.g. “sing,” “ascribe,” “come”  How can we see in this Psalm that Jesus is the coming King?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 8 Psalm 97 follows the theme of the coming of the King. But instead of sheer delight, we are confronted with doom and judgement for the idol worshiper and the wicked.

Read Psalm 97 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  Right at the centre of the Psalm is condemnation on those who “worship images,” and “who boast in idols.” What idols and or false gods would Jesus uncover in your life if he were to come right now?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 9 This Psalm is known as the Cantate Domino (‘O sing to the Lord’), to be sung in the Book of Common Prayer during evening prayers. It again offers wholehearted praise for the coming of God’s King, very similar to Psalm 96.

Read What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 10 After the sheer delight of Psalm 98, we now reflect on how exalted and holy God is as King. We approach Him in praise, but also in profound reverence.

Read Psalm 99 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  How many times is the word holy mentioned in this Psalm? How often are you gripped by God’s awesomeness?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 11 -106 forms somewhat of a mini-Psalter. These Psalms reflect various responses to God’s kingly reign: celebration (100); promise to faithful living (101); a prayer for future rebuilding of Zion (102); praise for God’s love (103); and God as creator (104). The section concludes with two retelling of Israel’s history (104 & 105).

Read Psalm 100 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  How many different ways does the Psalmist thank God?  In response to this Psalm, write down three different things you can be thankful to God for.

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 12 Martin Luther called Psalm 101 “David’s mirror of a monarch.” The Psalm was composed for the use at the inauguration of a king or celebration of his kingship. It declares the type of commitment a king needed for godly rule.

Read Psalm 101 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  Re-read verse 5. When in David’s life did he get this wrong? Do you think this is written before or after the event?  What salient words does this Psalm contain if you are a leader?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 13 This is the fifth of seven in the Psalter. This Psalm split into two main parts: cries of distress (1-11) & God’s mercy (12-23). It closes with what is commonly been noticed as messianic themes.

Read What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 What Davidic themes do you find throughout?

Notice  Hebrews 1:10-12, quotes verse 25-27 word for word. What connection is the writer of the Hebrews making between Jesus and the Psalm?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 14 is an exuberant Psalm of praise, centred on the theme of God’s grace. Repeatedly, David recalls the mercies of God, offering forgiveness, compassion, and abounding in love. It is difficult not to remember of the grace we have received in Christ as this Psalm is read.

Read Psalm 103 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  In verse 12 the Psalmist writes, “For a far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Because of Jesus, we also can know true and lasting forgiveness from our sins. How can you thank God for his compassion and love today?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 15 praise God as creator of the world and as the one who provides for all creation. Charles Spurgeon reflects, “The poem contains a complete cosmos: sea and land, cloud and sunlight, plant and animal, light and darkness, life and death, are all proved to be expressive of the presence of the Lord.”

Psalm 104 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  The structure of the psalm closely parallels the creation account of Genesis 1. Can you notice the 6 days of creation throughout this Psalm?  Walk outside. What created things can you praise God for today?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 16 Book 4 of the Psalter ends with two stories retelling Israel’s story from two points of view. The first focuses on remembering the mercies of God in their history. This portion of the psalm particularly focuses on the period from Abraham to Joseph.

Read Psalm 105:1-22 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  The first fifteen verses of the psalm are used as a song at the carrying up of the ark from the house Obed-edom in 1 Chronicles 16.

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 17 The second half of Psalm 105 describes God’s people in Egypt. It centres on His miraculous signs in redeeming them out of slavery, leaving their captives with their wealth and shouts of praise to God.

Read Psalm 105:23-45 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  Psalm 105 recalls exclusively of God’s graciousness and working for His people. Why does it fail to mention any of the Patriarch’s and Israel’s many failures?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 18 The final Psalm of the collection retells the history of Israel from a different perspective. While Psalm 105 focused on remembering the mercies of God in their story, Psalm 106, adds the warning not to repeat their wickedness and rebellion against God.

Read Psalm 106:1-12 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  In verse 7, God’s people are indicted for not remembering the “many kindnesses” of God. How do you fall into the same error and forget all that Jesus has done for you?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 19 This portion of Psalm 106 describes the Israelite apostasy while journeying to the promise land. Having just experienced the redemption from Egypt, they soon forget turning to worship idols. They in turn now experience the same judgement as the Egyptians, lest Moses intercedes in their place.

Read Psalm 106:13-23 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  Paul in Romans 1:23 picks up the language of psalm 106 when describing every human condition to exchange the glory of God for images of created things. How often do we exchange God’s glory for lesser images?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?

Day 20 The final section of Psalm 106 focuses on Israel’s failure in the promise land. It continues to tell of disobedience and idol worship, but plummets to new lows, retelling how they even sacrificed their children to the Canaanite gods. Yet despite their great wickedness, the Psalm ends in God remembering his people because of his great love.

Read Psalm 106:24-28 What stands out?

What questions do you have?

 How does the reading point to Jesus?

Notice  The Psalmist recounts the story of Israel’s apostasy at Baal of Peor (see Numbers 25). Again, someone (Phineheas) stands in the place of God’s people, averting the plague and punishment that fell on Israel.  Are you shocked by Israel’s repeated sinful? Are you shocked also by God’s grace and mercy?  Why is this such a fitting Psalm to complete this collection?

 What could you pray?

 Who could you encourage?