Scripture Guide for the Psalms
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1 and 2 Samuel, by Robert Vannoy, Lecture 4
1 Dr. Robert Vannoy, Samuels, Lecture 4 © 2011, Robert Vannoy and Ted Hildebrandt “We now come to the final point in our consideration of the theme of kingship and covenant in 1 and 2 Samuel. Namely, kingship as practiced by David was an imperfect, but true representation of the ideal of the covenantal king. And as I mentioned earlier, we find David’s reign described in the book of 2 Samuel. After Saul’s death at the end of First Samuel, David was initially acclaimed as king by the tribe of Judah, over whom he reigned for a time in the southern city of Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1-7). Then, subsequently, he was accepted as king by the remaining tribes of Israel after the failure of Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, to perpetuate his father’s dynasty among the northern tribes. It’s in 2 Samuel 5 that David finally begins his reign over the entire nation. We read in verse 3 of 2 Samuel 5. “When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.” The first thing that the narrator mentions after describing the beginning of David’s reign over all Israel is his capture of the stronghold of Zion. At the time, Zion was a small but heavily fortified city inhabited by the Jebusites. It was located on the southeastern ridge of what would later become the temple mount of Jerusalem. From a political standpoint, Zion was ideally situated for a new seat of government. -
Psalm 60-64 Monday 22Nd June - Psalm 60
Daily Devotions in the Psalms Psalm 60-64 Monday 22nd June - Psalm 60 For the director of music. To the tune of “The 6 God has spoken from his sanctuary: Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam of David. For “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and 7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Ephraim is my helmet, Valley of Salt. Judah is my scepter. 8 Moab is my washbasin, You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; on Edom I toss my sandal; you have been angry—now restore us! over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; 9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? mend its fractures, for it is quaking. Who will lead me to Edom? 3 You have shown your people desperate times; 10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected you have given us wine that makes us stagger. us 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a and no longer go out with our armies? banner 11 Give us aid against the enemy, to be unfurled against the bow. for human help is worthless. 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, 12 With God we will gain the victory, that those you love may be delivered. and he will trample down our enemies. It seems that this Psalm is written against the backdrop of Israel’s army being defeated in the final days of Saul’s reign. -
Psalms Commentary
I YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE PSALMS: THE HYMNAL OF ISRAEL BOOK I BOB UTLEY PROFESSOR OF HERMENEUTICS (BIBLE INTERPRETATION) STUDY GUIDE COMMENTARY SERIES OLD TESTAMENT, VOL. 9B BIBLE LESSONS INTERNATIONAL MARSHALL, TEXAS 2012 www.BibleLessonsIntl.com www.freebiblecommentary.org Copyright ©2012 by Bible Lessons International, Marshall, Texas All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any way or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Bible Lessons International P. O. Box 1289 Marshall, TX 75671-1289 1-800-785-1005 ISBN 978-1-892691-37-8 The primary biblical text used in this commentary is: New American Standard Bible (Update, 1995) Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation P. O. Box 2279 La Habra, CA 90632-2279 The paragraph divisions and summary captions as well as selected phrases are from: 1. The New King James Version, Copyright ©1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 2. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Copyright ©1989 by the Division of Christian Education of National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 3. Today’s English Version is used by permission of the copyright owner, The American Bible Society, ©1966, 1971. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 4. The New Jerusalem Bible, copyright ©1990 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.freebiblecommentary.org The New American Standard Bible Update — 1995 Easier to read: } Passages with Old English “thee’s” and “thou’s” etc. -
PSALMS 142 and 143
PSALMS 142 and 143 This Maskil, Psalm 142, is written for our instruction. It teaches us how to order our prayer to Yahweh in times of distress. Such instruction is among the most needful, practical, and effectual parts of our spiritual education. He who has learned how to pray has been taught the most useful of the arts and sciences. William Thompson gives a firsthand account of "the cave" thought to be David's refuge: Leaving our horses in charge of some Arabs, and taking one for our guide, we started for the cave now known as Mughâret Khureitûn, which is believed to be the cave Adullam, having a fearful gorge below, gigantic cliffs above, and the path winding along a narrow shelf of the rock. At length, from a great rock hanging on the edge of the cliff, we entered by a long leap a low window which opened into the perpendicular face of the cliff. We were then within the traditional hold of David, and, creeping half doubled through a narrow crevice for a few rods, we stood beneath the dark vault of the first grand chamber of this mysterious and oppressive cavern. Our whole collection of lights did little more than make the damp darkness visible. After groping about as long as we had time to spare, we returned to the light of day, fully convinced that, with David and his lion-hearted followers inside, all the strength of Israel under Saul could not have forced an entrance--would not have even attempted it. Psalm 142 Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. -
“Still Crying in a Cave”: Psalm
Wheelersburg Baptist Church 7/8/07 Brad Brandt Psalm 142 “Still Crying in a Cave” ** Main Idea: While crying in a cave in Psalm 142 David verbalized four thoughts which he expressed to God. We can learn from David how to respond to our ‘cave experiences.’ I. David tells us what he did (1-2). A. He asked Yahweh for mercy. B. He told Yahweh his predicament. II. David tells us how he felt (3-4). A. He felt weak. B. He felt vulnerable. C. He felt alone. III. David tells us what he knew (5-6). A. He was desperate. B. God is sufficient. 1. Make sure Yahweh is your refuge. 2. Make sure Yahweh is your portion. IV. David tells us what he wanted (7). A. He desired to be set free. B. He desired to praise Yahweh’s name. C. He desired to see Yahweh’s people gather together. Take another look: What do we see in this cave experience? 1. This psalm teaches us about Christ. 2. This psalm teaches us about our desperate need for Christ. A promise is an amazing thing. When someone makes a promise to you, they are using words to communicate intended action, to tell you what will or will not happen. And when God makes a promise that intended action is as good as done! “I will never leave you,” God said in Hebrews 13:5. And He meant it. “I am going to prepare a place for you,” Jesus said in John 14:2, followed by this announcement in verse 3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” You will be with me forever! What an astounding promise! And ponder these words that John heard from the heavenly throne in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. -
Study Questions on the Psalms
Study Questions on the Psalms Habakkuk 3: A Model Psalm 1. Look carefully at the psalm in Habakkuk chapter 3. (a) How do v. 1 and the last sentence in v. 19 differ from the rest of the psalm? (b) What kind of information is in v. 1? (c) What kind of information is in the last sentence in v. 19? 2. Look at Isa 38:9-20. Can you find parallels to the three parts of Habakkuk 3? 3. Compare these elements with Psalm 3. (a) How do the parts of the opening of Psalm 3 align with Hab 3:1? (b) Does Psalm 3 have a final sentence comparable to the one in Hab 3:19? What happened to it? (You might be interested to learn that “Neginoth” is the same word translated “stringed instruments” in Hab 3:19.) 4. Now let’s study the relation of Habakkuk’s psalm to the rest of the book. (a) Read over chapters 1-2. i. These chapters record a conversation. Who is speaking with whom? ii. What two questions does Habakkuk ask? iii. Is he happy with the answers he gets? (b) Now analyze the body of Habakkuk 3. i. Notice how the Psalm is divided into four parts based on a) what Habakkuk is saying and b) to whom he is saying it. What are these four parts? ii. How does v. 2 reflect his attitude in the first two chapters of the book? iii. How does he reassure himself in vv. 3-16? iv. What resolution does he reach in vv. -
Psalms Psalm
Cultivate - PSALMS PSALM 126: We now come to the seventh of the "Songs of Ascent," a lovely group of Psalms that God's people would sing and pray together as they journeyed up to Jerusalem. Here in this Psalm they are praying for the day when the Lord would "restore the fortunes" of God's people (vs.1,4). 126 is a prayer for spiritual revival and reawakening. The first half is all happiness and joy, remembering how God answered this prayer once. But now that's just a memory... like a dream. They need to be renewed again. So they call out to God once more: transform, restore, deliver us again. Don't you think this is a prayer that God's people could stand to sing and pray today? Pray it this week. We'll pray it together on Sunday. God is here inviting such prayer; he's even putting the very words in our mouths. PSALM 127: This is now the eighth of the "Songs of Ascent," which God's people would sing on their procession up to the temple. We've seen that Zion / Jerusalem / The House of the Lord are all common themes in these Psalms. But the "house" that Psalm 127 refers to (in v.1) is that of a dwelling for a family. 127 speaks plainly and clearly to our anxiety-ridden thirst for success. How can anything be strong or successful or sufficient or secure... if it does not come from the Lord? Without the blessing of the Lord, our lives will come to nothing. -
PSALMS 60 and 61
PSALMS 60 and 61 Old Testament history confirms the truth that when God has been rejected by his people-- the nation of Israel--he delivers them into the hands of her enemies. In this 60st psalm, Israel is suffering persecution from the Arameans. This psalm commemorates one memorable part of that battle, when Joab returns and kills 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. David praises God for the triumph, recognizing that the help of man is vain. Psalm 60 For the choir director; according to Shushan Eduth. A Mikhtam of David, to teach; when he struggled with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. 1 O God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; O, restore us. 2 You have made the land quake, You have split it open; heal its breaches, for it totters. 3 You have made Your people experience hardship; You have given us wine to drink that makes us stagger. 4 You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah 5 That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and answer us! 6 God has spoken in His holiness: “I will exult, I will portion out Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth. 7 “Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter. 8 “Moab is My washbowl; over Edom I shall throw My shoe; shout loud, O Philistia, because of Me!” 9 Who will bring me into the besieged city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us? And will You not go forth with our armies, O God? 11 O give us help against the adversary, for deliverance by man is in vain. -
The Second Book of Samuel
A PATRISTIC COMMENTARY THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL FR. TADROS Y. MALATY 2004 Initial edition Translated by: DR. GEORGE BOTROS Revised by SAMEH SHAFIK Coptic Orthodox Christian Center 491 N. Hewes St. Orange, California 92869-2914 INTRODUCTION As this book in the Hebrew origin, is a complementary to the first book of Samuel, we urge the reader to refer back to the introduction of that book. According to the Jewish tradition, the authors of this book were the prophets Nathan and Gad, beside some of those who were raised in the school of the prophets, founded by the prophet Samuel. In the Septuagint version, it is called “The second Kingdoms book.” WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN? It was written after the division of the kingdom, and before the captivity. It embraces a complete record of the reign of King David (2 Samuel 5: 5); and mentions the kings of ‘Judah,’ as distinct from those of ‘Israel’ (1 Samuel 27: 6). ITS FEATURES 1- Its topic was a survey of King David’s life, following his strife with king Saul, who was killed by the enemies at the end of the previous book; a narration of king David’s ascension to the throne, his wars, and the moving up of the Tabernacle of God to Jerusalem. It also gave a record of David’s fall in certain sins, with all the incessant troubles and grieves they entailed. In other words, this book represents the history of the people during the 40 years of king David’s reign. Its study is considered to be of special importance to everyone intending to comprehend David’s psalms. -
Psalms the Human Condition Life in the Ancient World Was Nasty, Brutish
Psalms The Human Condition Life in the ancient world was nasty, brutish, and short, and ancient Israel was no exception. The Psalms, more than any other book in the Bible, provide a window to the experiences of ordinary people. Out of the Depths Many of the psalms of complaint are cries of despair: “out of the depths I cry to you O Lord” (Psalm 130:1). Life is lived in the shadow of death, and of the netherworld Sheol: For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the Pit . like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand. You have put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep. (Psalm 88:3,5b-6) Human life was not entirely extinguished at death, but afterlife in Sheol was nothing to look forward to. Sheol is imagined as a dark damp basement, a pit from which there is no escape. There is no enjoyment in Sheol. The dead cannot even praise the Lord (Psalm 115:17). Indeed, in Sheol there is not even remembrance of God (Psalm 6:5). Consequently, life is lived in fear of going down into Sheol: The waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire where there is no foothold . Do not let the flood sweep over me or the deep swallow me up or the Pit close its mouth over me (Psalm 69:1-2, 15). A Temporary Reprieve When the Psalmist prays to be delivered from Sheol, the request is for a temporary reprieve or for a postponed sentence. -
Exegesis of the Psalms “Selah”
Notes ! 147 BIBLE STUDY METHODS: PSALMS The Psalms are emotional. At times, God speaks too, but most of what we read are man’s words directed toward heaven. All these words are completely inspired by God. Our issue is to determine how they function as God’s Word for us. The Psalms are not: • doctrinal teaching - No! • biblical commands on our behavior - No! • illustrations of biblical principles - No! They provide examples of how people expressed themselves to God (rightly or wrongly). They give us pause to think about (1) God, and (2) our relationships to God. They ask us to consider the “ways of God.” Exegesis of the Psalms Separate them by types. Understand their different forms and their different functions. The New Testament contains 287 Old Testament quotes. 116 are from Psalms. The 150 Psalms were written over a period of about 1000 years. Moses wrote Psalm 90 in 1400B.C. Ezra wrote Psalm 1 and Psalm 119 about 444 B.C. Our task is to view the Psalms through the lens of Salvation History. “Selah” The Psalms are poetry and songs. The music is lost to us. “Selah” was intended to signal a musical pause. It’s not necessary to read it out loud. It’s a signal to pause and meditate. Though the Psalms are different from each other, they all emphasize the spirit of the Law, not the letter. Do not use them to form doctrines, independent of New Testament writings. The Psalms are emotional poetry. They often exaggerate through the emotions of their writers. The language is picturesque. -
Psalm 50-54 Monday 8Th June - Psalm 50
Daily Devotions in the Psalms Psalm 50-54 Monday 8th June - Psalm 50 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, 12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, speaks and summons the earth for the world is mine, and all that is in it. from the rising of the sun to where it sets. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, or drink the blood of goats? God shines forth. 14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, 3 Our God comes fulfill your vows to the Most High, and will not be silent; 15 and call on me in the day of trouble; a fire devours before him, I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” and around him a tempest rages. 16 But to the wicked person, God says: 4 He summons the heavens above, “What right have you to recite my laws and the earth, that he may judge his people: or take my covenant on your lips? 5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, 17 You hate my instruction who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” and cast my words behind you. 6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, 18 When you see a thief, you join with him; for he is a God of justice. you throw in your lot with adulterers. 7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak; 19 You use your mouth for evil I will testify against you, Israel: and harness your tongue to deceit. I am God, your God. 20 You sit and testify against your brother 8 I bring no charges against you concerning your and slander your own mother’s son.