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Home , Psalm 115, Psalm 120, Psalm 124, Psalm 128, Psalm 129, Psalm 134

musicians for use in a public service. FAITH FULLY FIT occurs 71 times in 39 different , Saturday: Psalms 144-150 (continued) mostly in the first three books. It occurs within My Spiritual Fitness Goals for this week: Psalms as a marker of some sort of interlude. :3-5 - On the various musical instru- Sometimes it occurs where there is a sharp break in ments listed here, see The People’s , Weekly Spiritual the thought, but at other times it appears in the Psalms 1–72, pages 35-38. There is no evidence middle of a thought. In rare cases it appears at the that dancing was done in the worship at the temple end of a psalm. Apparently it is a musical notation, or the tabernacle; rather, dancing was a natural Fitness Plan but its meaning remains obscure. It is believed to part of festive , such as when be derived from a Hebrew word meaning to “lift brought the ark to . See 2 Samuel 6:14. up” or from one meaning to “be quiet.” Suggested interpretations include (1) an instrumental inter- Introduction & Background lude between vocal sections of the psalm, (2) a to this week’s readings: pause, (3) an increase in the loudness of the music, (4) a sign to divide the hymn into sections, (5) an Introduction to the Book of Psalms - Part 5 emphatic interjection like “,” or (6) a repeat sign like da capo. The first suggestion seems most Music in the Psalms: The exhortations in the likely . psalms to sing to the Lord, the presence of musical terms in the psalm headings, the descriptions of Musical Instruments of the Psalms: the liturgical use of the psalms recorded in the his- torical books, and the traditional use of the psalms in the and church all make it obvious that the psalms are hymns that were written to be sung to the accompaniment of musical instru- ments. Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing how the music of the psalms originally sounded. In the presentation of the psalms in the temple, the vocal music was considered to be more impor- tant than the instrumental accompaniment, be- cause the message conveyed by the words was Week 48 - -150 most important. according to rabbinic tradition, the temple singing was done antiphonally, or respon- sively. There were three main forms of responsive singing in the temple: (1) The first choir sang a line of the psalm, and the second choir responded with a refrain that was repeated throughout the psalm. is an example of this style. (2) The first choir sang a line, and the second choir echoed it. (3) The two choirs sang alternate lines of the psalm, the way we usually sing the responsive reading of the psalms today.

Musical Directions in the Psalms: Fifty-five psalms Most of the questions and answers on the “Weekly Spiritual Fitness Plan” come from “The Whole Bible Project” Bible studies. Background and carry the heading “For the director of music.” This Introduction information come from “The People’s Bible” commentary title appears to designate psalms that were handed series and from “Book of Books,” both published by NPH. over to the chief of the tabernacle or to the temple Monday: Psalm 119 Monday: Psalm 119 (continued) Friday: Psalms 138-143 (continued) Saturday: Psalms 144-150 (continued)

Psalm 119 is an psalm. In most , Verses 113-120—The Hebrew letter Samekh—“S” - This is one of the seven penitential - This psalm has a chiastic arrange- each line of Hebrew poetry begins with a different Verses 121-128—The Hebrew letter Ayin—“Y” psalms; the others are 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, and 130. ment. This means that it begins with theme A, con- letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this psalm, how- Verses 129-136—The Hebrew letter Pe—“P” However, in this psalm the penitential portion is tinues to theme B, repeats theme B, and returns to ever, there are 26 sections of eight verses each. All Verses 137-144—The Hebrew letter Tsadhe—“Ts” small. theme A. This psalm first addresses rational crea- eight lines of poetry in each section begin with the Verses 145-152—The Hebrew letter Qoph—“Q” tures in heaven, the angels, and tells them to praise same Hebrew letter, beginning with the first letter Verses 153-160—The Hebrew letter Resh—“R” God. Then it addresses inanimate creatures in and continuing to the last. Verses 161-168—The Hebrew letter Sin/Shin—“S/ heaven, the stars. It next addresses inanimate crea- There are five major themes in this psalm. (For Sh” tures on earth, like lightning and mountains. Fi- more information, see The People’s Bible, Psalms Verses 169-176—The Hebrew letter Taw—“T” Saturday: Psalms 144-150 nally, it returns to rational creatures on earth, like 73–150, page 195.) kings, and encourages them to praise God. Heading - This is the only psalm labeled

“a psalm of praise,” from which the book of psalms 148:4 - “Waters above the skies”—See Genesis 1. God’s Word rebukes, corrects, and condemns. Tuesday: Psalms 120-125 takes it name. This is an acrostic, or alphabetic, 1:7; 7:11. But it also gives life. psalm (see The People’s Bible, Psalms 1–72, page 2. The characteristics of the Word: righteous, Psalms 120–133 are a unit. They are called songs of 28). :1 - “A new song”—At various places, dependable, unshakeable, limitless. ascent. In , the pilgrim begins his journey the Lord encourages us to sing a new song. This 145:8 - This is one of the many repetitions of the 3. Our attitude toward the Word, characterized surrounded by enemies. In , he finishes new song is not like the latest piece being played Lord’s beautiful words to Moses in Exodus 34:6. by such words as delight and love. his journey surrounded by his brothers and sisters on the radio. Rather, it contains an eternal, ever-

4. The blessings of God’s Word. For example, it in the faith. The priests sang these psalms as they present newness. Apart from God’s promises and :1 Psalms 146–150 are labeled the gives life, freedom, light, and stability. ascended the temple steps; pilgrims sang them as our Savior, our song can only be one of work- “ Psalms” or “Praise the Lord” psalms. 5. Opposition from enemies of the Word and the they went up to Jerusalem for festivals; the exiles righteousness, despair, and visions of hell. But the The word Hallelujah (not Alleluia) also occurs in psalmist’s attitude toward them. sang them when they returned to . The new song we sing in Christ (that the Revelation 19:1,3,4,6. psalmist draws our thoughts upward as we ap- believers could sing by faith in God’s promises) is a One or more themes may predominate in a section. proach the Lord. 146:9 - “The alien”—This refers to non-Jewish song of compassion, forgiveness, and visions of In this study of Psalm 119, we will think about one people living in the Promised Land. The Lord cared eternal life in heaven. Verses 4 and 5 explain the or two verses from each section. You may wish to 120:4 “Broom tree”—The broom tree is a shrubby for them, just as he cared for his own people. The nature of this new song. focus on others. As you read through the psalm, desert plant, giving sparse shade. However, its Lord’s command to the Israelites not to have any- 149:3 - Some churches have incorporated liturgi- you might try to label each verse with the number stock and roots burned well and so were used for thing to do with the nations around them did not cal dance into their worship services. There is no of one of the themes above. fuel. apply to the many who gave up their idols to wor- evidence, however, that dancing was done in wor- ship God. Think of Ruth. Verses 1-8—The Hebrew letter Aleph—“A” 120:5 “Meshech . . . Kedar”—Meshech is in mod- ship either at the tabernacle or the temple. Rather, Verses 9-16—The Hebrew letter Beth—“B” ern Turkey (far to the north of Israel). Kedar is in 146:10 - “The LORD reigns forever.” The Lord rules dancing was a natural part of festive processions, Verses 17-24—The Hebrew letter Gimel—“G” Arabia, to the southeast. These two places repre- over all things. Yet the main focus of his reign is the such as when David brought the ark to Jerusalem. Verses 25-32—The Hebrew letter Daleth—“D” sent the unbelieving world, where the believer people he has gathered for himself. His kingdom is See 2 Samuel 6:14. a kingdom of mercy in Christ. He extends his reign Verses 33-40—The Hebrew letter He—“H” finds himself when he starts his journey to worship 149:5-9 - This psalm speaks about how the believ- through his Word of grace, and people become his Verses 41-48—The Hebrew letter Waw—“V” the Lord at the . ers are punishing the unbelievers. On the impreca- willing subjects when they believe in his mercy. Verses 49-56—The Hebrew letter Zayin—“Z” tory psalms, see The People’s Bible, Psalms 1–72,

Verses 57-64—The Hebrew letter Cheth—“Ch,” as In Psalm 120 the pilgrim begins his journey sur- pages 11-14. A comment: Perhaps we have not - The (the Greek translation in lock rounded by enemies. In Psalm 133 he finishes his suffered enough to appreciate the imprecatory of the Old Testament) ascribes this psalm to Haggai Verses 65-72—The Hebrew letter Teth—“T” journey surrounded by his brothers and sisters in psalms. Perhaps if our children were taken away and Zechariah. They were the two prophets sent to Verses 73-80—The Hebrew letter Yodh—“Y” the faith. The psalms in between these two are from us to be reeducated in atheism (as happened Israel after the exiles returned from Babylon. These Verses 81-88—The Hebrew letter Kaph—“K” arranged in pairs. This psalm speaks of God’s help. repeatedly throughout history), then we would men encouraged the people to finish the work of Verses 89-96—The Hebrew letter Lamedh—“L” Its companion, , also speaks of God’s appreciate the . rebuilding the temple. Verses 97-104—The Hebrew letter Mem—“M” help. Verses 105-112—The Hebrew letter Nun—“N” Psa 121 Heading - “A ”—“A num- Wednesday: Psalms 126-134 Wednesday: Psalms 126-134 Wednesday: Psalms 126-134 (continued) Wednesday: Psalms 126-134 (continued)

Psalms 126 and 127 speak of God rebuilding the 128:5 “Bless you from ”—Zion is where God Psalm 132 - This psalm speaks of God’s continued 133:3 - “Dew of Hermon”—Mount Hermon lay to nation after the captivity. This is the high point of lived among his people and, consequently, the blessings on the house of David. Its companion, the north of Israel. It was a beautiful mountain, this collection of psalms. place from which he blesses us. , also speaks of God’s help. This psalm especially in the morning when it was covered with connects the songs of ascents with the messianic refreshing dew. Mount Zion will be blessed with Heading - “A song of ascents”—Note - This psalm speaks of the Lord’s help promises contained elsewhere in the psalms. the refreshing dew of God’s presence and grace. the repetition of the phrase “great things” leading against those who are oppressing his people, as Psalm 132 Background - The historical back- up to an expression of joy on the part of the Israel- does its companion, . ground for this psalm is 2 Samuel chapter 7. There - This psalm forms a benediction for ites. Also note the sowing of seed, which results in the 13 preceding songs of ascent. Psalm 129 Heading - “A song of ascents”—The David expressed his desire to build a house for the a bountiful and joy-filled harvest. This generates a psalm ascends from a bitter complaint over the Lord; the Lord said he would build a house for 134:1 - “Who by night”—Some of the feeling of ascending joy and blessing. sufferings God’s people have had to endure. It as- David and cause the Savior to come from him. servants were commissioned to work at night, mak-

126:1 - “Zion”—Mount Zion, the hill on which the cends to the time when God will judge their ene- Psalm 132 Heading - “A song of ascents”—The ing sure the lights in the tabernacle did not go out. temple was built in Jerusalem. mies. The people encourage these servants to continue psalm rises upward beginning with David’s resolve 126:5 - “Sow in tears”—After eating last year’s 129:3 - “Plowmen have plowed my back . . . made to bring the ark into Jerusalem. It continues with praising the Lord even while they, the people, are asleep. harvest all winter long, the farmer has only a little their furrows long.” This refers to the stripes from the joy of the people, with the prayer of the king grain left to use as seed; he sows it in tears because the whippings they received at the hands of their for blessings on his house, and culminates in God’s 134:2 - “Lift up your hands.” The Jewish people he and his family are hungry and could eat this enemies. promise to bless David’s line and defend his peo- lifted up their hands to heaven when they prayed. grain. ple. The Savior would come from David’s line! The 134:3 - “From Zion”—The temple was located on - This psalm speaks of the lowliness of song rises from human plans to divine fulfillment. Mount Zion. That is where the Lord lived. The refer- Psalms 127 and 126 speak of God rebuilding the the pilgrim. Its companion, , has the 132:6 - “Ephrathah”—An old name for David’s ence “from Zion” reminded the people that there nation after the captivity. This is the high point of same theme. hometown of Bethlehem and the region around it. was only one God, the Maker of heaven and earth, this collection of psalms. This is one of two psalms Psalm 130 Heading - “A song of ascents”—The “Jaar”—Another name for Kiriath Jearim, the city and that he was to be found in his temple in Jerusa- by (the other is ). psalm ascends from repentance, to hope, to God’s where the ark was kept until David brought it to lem. Their help came only from there, not from the Heading - “A song of ascents”—Note love, and finally, to his full redemption in Christ. Jerusalem. gods worshiped at the shrines and high places in the repetition of the phrases “unless the LORD” and 130:1 - “Depths” Although there are other 132:7-9 - Whenever the ark was moved, similar the nations around them. “in vain” in the first part of the psalm. This helps depths, here the psalmist refers to the depths into words were spoken (see Numbers 10:35). Note our eyes ascend to the Lord as the source of our which sin puts us. Solomon’s words at the dedication of the temple help. (see 2 Chronicles 6:41,42). 130:3,4 - “A record of sins”—God does not keep a Thursday: Psalms 135-137 127:1 - At the time of Nehemiah, the builders and record of sins because Jesus washed away our sins - This psalm has been labeled a the watchers were the same. They built with a tool with his blood. Psalm 133 - In Psalm 120 the pilgrim began his “composite” psalm or a “mosaic” psalm since it has in one hand and a sword in the other, always on journey surrounded by enemies. In Psalm 133 he so many parallels elsewhere in the Scriptures. It the watch against attack. - This psalm speaks of the quiet rest of finishes his journey surrounded by his brothers and may have been used in the temple . Like 127:3 “Sons” and “children” are the same because a child with its mother. Its companion psalm, Psalm sisters in the faith. Psalm 134, the priests and people encourage one of the Hebrew parallelism. Children is literally “fruit 122, speaks of the peace of Jerusalem. Psalm 133 Heading - “A song of ascents”—The another to praise the Lord. The basic themes ex- of the womb.” phrases “running down,” “running down,” and Psalm 131 Heading - “A song of ascents”—The pand on Psalm 133 and give specifics on why the “falling” indicate the ascending nature of this psalmist first strips himself of all pretence of under- Lord is worthy of our praise. - This psalm and its companion, Psalm standing deep and important matters. The psalm psalm. Our thoughts are lifted up to the saints wor- If time allows, read each verse and then read the 125, speak about the peace God bestows on his rises to a quiet note of simple hope in the Lord. shiping in God’s temple, enjoying the beauty of city, Jerusalem. Mount Zion, and receiving God’s blessings. parallel section: Verses 1,2—Psalm 134:1,2; Verse 131:1 - “Haughty”—These might be eyes that look 3—Psalm 147:1; Verse 4—Deuteronomy 7:6; Verse Psalm 128 Heading - “A song of ascents”—Note 133:2 - “Precious oil”—Sacred oil was used to down on someone, perhaps a trusting Christian, 5—Exodus 18:11; Verses 6,15-18—:3-8; the repetition of the blessing. The blessings move anoint the priest (Exodus 29:7,21). See also Psalm with scorn. Verse 7—Jeremiah 10:13; Verses 8-12—Psalm higher and higher as the psalm progresses. The 45:7 and Isaiah 61:3. It signifies God’s spiritual 136:10,18-22; Verse 13—Exodus 3:15; Verse 14— ultimate blessing is peace on God’s people. blessings. Thursday: Psalms 135-137 (continued) Friday: Psalms 138-143 (continued) Tuesday: Psalms 120-125 Tuesday: Psalms 120-125 (continued)

Deuteronomy 32:36; Verses 19,20—Psalm “You have exalted your word above all your name,” ber of explanations have been offered for this title. Psalm 124 - This psalm speaks of the Lord’s help 115:9,10; 118:2-4. which means, “Your present promise makes your One suggestion is that these psalms were sung against those who are oppressing his people, as reputation even greater than it was before.” The when the priests were going up the steps of the does its companion, Psalm 129. Psalm 136 - “His love endures forever” is repeated promise David is referring to is that God will estab- temple for the worship service. Another suggestion 26 times in this psalm. “Love” could also be trans- lish his line, ending in the greatest King of all, the is that the title refers to the going up to Jerusalem Psalm 124 Heading - “A song of ascents”—The lated “mercy” and “grace”; it is God’s undeserved Messiah. See 2 Samuel chapters 7 and 23. for the pilgrim festivals or the going up to Jerusa- ascending pattern of this psalm is found in the love for us that “endures forever.” lem when the exiles returned from Babylon: repetition of the thoughts; notice the piling up of 139:15 - “Secret place . . . depths of the earth”— “There is an ascending thought pattern in some of terms in verses 3-5 and again in verses 6 and 7. 136:2,3 - “God of gods” and “Lord of lords”—This these psalms, which has sometimes been sug- David is speaking about his mother’s womb. 124:2 “When men attacked us”—Various enemies repetition highlights the Lord’s vast superiority to gested as the source of the name ‘songs of as- are suggested, such as Saul before David became any imaginary gods. See 1 Corinthians 8:5,6 and cents.’ In this style successive verses pick up and 140:3 - “Selah”—This seems to divide the first half king, Absalom after David became king, and the Deuteronomy 10:17. develop a word from the preceding verse” (The of the psalm into three stanzas (see The People’s national enemies David fought against. Later peo- Bible, Psalms 1–72, pages 33-35). People’s Bible, Psalms 73–150, pages 211,213). - This psalm ties Psalms 135–137 to- ple would have thought of the Assyrians and Baby- gether with the songs of ascents, Psalms 120–134. 121:1 “To the hills”—The hills were dangerous, lonians as they sang this psalm. It is an imprecatory psalm. (On the imprecatory 141:2 - “Incense”—Incense burned on the small providing homes for robbers and wild animals. Is psalms, see The People’s Bible, Psalms 1–72, alter in the Holy Place. The smoke that went up the psalmist looking to the hills in fear? But the hills - This psalm and its companion, Psalm pages 11-14.) from it symbolized the prayers of God’s people. It also symbolized strength and safety. Is the psalmist 128, speak about the peace God bestows on his was special incense made from a special formula. looking to the hills for help? city, Jerusalem. 137:7 - “The Edomites”—They were descendants David prayed that his prayer take on that same of Jacob’s brother Esau and had been enemies of 125:1 - “Mount Zion”—Mount Zion is the south- status. - This psalm speaks of the peace of the Israelites at least since the days of Moses when east hill of Jerusalem, on which the Jerusalem. Its companion, Psalm 131, speaks of the they refused the Israelites permission to pass 141:2 - “The evening sacrifice”—See Numbers sat. The temple mount is the northern extension of quiet rest of a child with its mother. through their land (Numbers 21:14-21). When Jeru- 28:1-8; 1 Kings 18:29. A lamb was offered on behalf this hill. Zion is not a particularly impressive moun- of the people every evening. It was commanded by salem was destroyed by the Babylonians, the Psalm 122 Heading - “A song of ascents”—Note tain, but it does lie within a protective ring of sorts. God, and it pleased him. That is how David wanted Edomites cheered them on. the repetition of the phrases “house of the LORD,” The Mount of Olives that overlooks it to the east is his prayers to be. 200 feet higher. The mountain to its west is 100 137:8,9 - “Daughter of Babylon”—The Babyloni- “Jerusalem,” “tribes,” “thrones,” and “peace.” We ans, whom God used to destroy Jerusalem, were 141:7 - It is not clear how this verse fits into the can almost see the tribes traveling the path upward feet higher (today this western hill is called Mount themselves to be destroyed because of their train of thought. The NIV adds the words “They will to Jerusalem, entering that city, and ascending the Zion, but it is not the original Zion). (Note the state- “puffed up” and “arrogant” attitudes (Habakkuk say” and understands the words as spoken by the stairs to the outer courts of the house of the Lord ment “the mountains surround Jersusalem” [verse 2:4,5). Their destruction is described in Isaiah 13:16 wicked. It is also possible to understand the words where they would worship him. Their minds would 2].) But the real protection of the Holy City was not in almost exactly the same words found here. as a description of the sufferings the righteous un- ascend to thoughts of peace. the surrounding mountains but the protection of dergo at the hands of the wicked. the Lord. 122:5 - “Thrones for judgment”—God is en- throned in our hearts when we listen to his Word 125:3 - “The scepter of the wicked”—The ability or Friday: -143 - David wrote this psalm about his prayer to God when he hid in a cave from King Saul. for instruction and comfort. right of the wicked to rule over the land. Psalm 138 Heading - This psalm begins a group of See and 1 Samuel chapters 22 and 24. eight psalms all written by David. David was in desperate trouble. He was in the Psalm 123 - This psalm speaks of the lowliness of the pilgrim. Its companion, Psalm 130, has the 138:1 - “Gods”—Most often this word refers to Judean wilderness with a small group of men— outcasts and refugees from Saul’s territory. The same theme. idols. In this psalm, however, David invites the kings of the earth to praise the Lord (verse 4). Con- only thing some of these people had in common Psalm 123 Heading - “A song of ascents”—Note sequently, “gods” probably refers to the rulers of with David (at least at first) was that they were the ascending nature of “eyes” and “mercy.” We the world. See :1,6. fleeing from Saul. On two occasions, David hid in a lift up our eyes to the Lord in heaven, from whom cave with Saul’s army camped outside. we receive mercy. 138:2 - “You have exalted above all things your name and your word.” The Hebrew literally says,