Introduction to the Book of Psalms
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Old Testament Psalms in the Book of Mormon
17 Old Testament Psalms in the Book of Mormon John Hilton III he Psalms provide powerful messages of praise and worship . Their words Treverberate not only throughout the Old Testament but also in the New . Elder Jeffrey R . Holland has written that “the book of Psalms may be the one biblical text admired nearly equally by both Christians and Jews, to say noth- ing of those of other faiths—or no faith at all—who find comfort in its verses and encouragement in the hope they convey ”. 1 Over one hundred years ago Franz Delitzsch noted, “Next to the book of Isaiah, no book is so frequently quoted in the New Testament as the Psalter ”. 2 Henry Shires similarly states that “the N[ew] T[estament] has been influenced by Psalms more than by any other book of the O[ld] T[estament] . In 70 cases N T. quotations of Psalms are introduced by formulas . There are 60 more quo- tations that have no introductory formula, and in an additional 220 instances we can discover identifiable citations and references ”.3 These frequent New Testament allusions to the Psalms should not be surprising, for as Robert Alter writes, “Through the ages, Psalms has been the most urgently, personally pres- ent of all the books of the Bible in the lives of many readers ”. 4 John Hilton III is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. 291 292 John Hilton III Given that the Psalms are frequently quoted in the New Testament, one wonders if a similar phenomenon occurs in the Book of Mormon . -
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. -
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. -
The Imprecatory Psalms KJV 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 109, 129, 137, 140 Psalm 5 1 Give Ear to My Words, O LORD
The Imprecatory Psalms KJV 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 109, 129, fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. 137, 140 8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: Psalm 5 his eyes are privily set against the poor. 1 9 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he meditation. lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and poor, when he draweth him into his net. my God: for unto thee will I pray. 10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, poor may fall by his strong ones. 11 O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: unto thee, and will look up. he hideth his face; he will never see it. 4 12 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. not the humble. 5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou 13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hatest all workers of iniquity. hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: 14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. -
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 59 — a Song to a Different Tune
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: The Master Musician’s Melodies Bereans Sunday School Placerita Baptist Church 2005 by William D. Barrick, Th.D. Professor of OT, The Master’s Seminary Psalm 59 — A Song to a Different Tune 1.0 Introducing Psalm 59 y After three psalms (Psalms 56, 57, 58) to the tune of “Al-tashheth” (“Do Not Destroy”), Psalm 59’s postscript indicates a different tune: “Shushan Eduth” (“Lily of Testimony” or “‘Lilies’—A Testimony,” see 59:16). y Psalm 59’s background is 1 Samuel 19:11-12, which contains a number of verbal ties to the psalm. ♦ “watch” (1 Sam 19:11; Ps 59:9. ♦ “morning” (1 Sam 19:11; Ps 59:16. ♦ “tonight” (1 Sam 19:11) and “evening” (Ps 59:6, 14) 2.0 Reading Psalm 59 (NAU) 59:1 A Mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. 59:2 Deliver me from those who do iniquity And save me from men of bloodshed. 59:3 For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men launch an attack against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD, 59:4 For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me. Arouse Yourself to help me, and see! 59:5 You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity. -
David's Prayer in the Cave
Sermon #2282 Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit 1 DAVID’S PRAYER IN THE CAVE NO. 2282 A SERMON INTENDED FOR READING ON LORD’S-DAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1892 DELIVERED BY C. H. SPURGEON AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, NEWINGTON ON LORD’S-DAY EVENING, MAY 18, 1890 “Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.” Title of Psalm 142 “A PRAYER when he was in the cave.” David did pray when he was in the cave. If he had prayed half as much when he was in the palace as he did when he was in the cave, it would have been better for him. But alas! when he was king, we find him rising from his bed in the evening, and looking from the roof of the house, and falling into temptation. If he had been looking up to heaven, if his heart bad been in communion with God, he might never have committed that great crime which has so deeply stained his whole character. “A prayer when he was in the cave.” God will hear prayer on land, and on the sea, and even under the sea. I remember a brother, when in prayer, making use of that last expression. Somebody who was at the prayer meeting was rather astonished at it and asked, “How would God hear prayer under the sea?” On inquiry, we found out that the man who uttered those words was a diver, and often went down to the bottom of the sea after wrecks, and he said that he had held communion with God while he had been at work in the depths of the ocean. -
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. -
Psalm 53 in Canonical Perspective
Botha, “Ps 53 in Canonical Perspective,” OTE 26/3 (2013): 583-606 583 Psalm 53 in Canonical Perspective PHIL J. BOTHA (U NIVERSITY OF PRETORIA ) ABSTRACT Psalm 53 is an adapted version of Ps 14, crafted to fit in among a cluster of psalms consisting of Pss 52–55. Each of these psalms is described in their respective headings as a “Maskil,” while Pss 52 and 54 each also have a biographical link to the time of persecution of David by Saul. It is argued that various contexts have to be taken into consideration for a full understanding of Ps 53: the differences between Pss 14 and 53; Ps 53’s links to the cluster of Pss 52–55; the connections it has with Proverbs, and the connections it has with the history of David in 1 Samuel via the two biographical notes in the cluster which seem to apply to it as well. When all these contexts are taken into consideration, Ps 53 appears to be an explication of certain texts in Proverbs, as if applying the truths of wisdom teach- ing to the experiences of David. A INTRODUCTION Psalm 53 is often treated simply as a duplicate of Ps 14 and sometimes also as its more corrupt version.1 Hossfeld and Zenger provide a welcome exception to this tendency. They consider Ps 53 to be a separate psalm and the differences between the two psalms as intentional redactional changes made to the text of Ps 14 in order to produce a new composition in Psalm 53.2 The opposing view, 1 In commentaries it is often glanced over, referring the reader back to Ps 14, and is considered by some to be the corrupt form of a text which was better preserved in Ps 14. -
Agpeya English Ereader Test
The Agpeya 1 The Agpeya Book of the Hours Table of contents 2 Table of contents The Agpeya .............................................................................. 1 Table of contents ..................................................................... 2 Introduction to Every Hour ...................................................... 6 The Lord’s Prayer ..................................................................... 6 The Prayer of Thanksgiving ...................................................... 7 Psalm 50 .................................................................................. 9 PRIME .................................................................................... 11 Prime Psalms ....................................................................... 14 Prime Holy Gospel (St. John) ............................................... 34 Prime Litany ......................................................................... 36 The Gloria .............................................................................. 37 THE TRISAGION ...................................................................... 38 Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God ...................... 40 Introduction to the Creed ...................................................... 41 The Creed .............................................................................. 41 Holy Holy Holy ..................................................................... 43 The Concluding Prayer of Every Hour .................................... 45 Table -
A Tenebrae Service
The following is adapted from the Episcopal Book of Occasional Services, 1994 edition. Concerning the Service: The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for "darkness" or "shadows") has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week, which in medieval times came to be celebrated on the preceding evening. Apart from the chant of the Lamentations (in which each verse is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet), the most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only the Paschal Candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Toward the end of the service this candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the resurrection (Matthew 28:2), the Paschal Candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence. Tenebrae The ministers enter the church in silence and proceed to their places. The Office then begins immediately with the Antiphon on the first Psalm. It is customary to sit for the Psalmody. First Nocturn Antiphon 1 The zeal of thine house hath even eaten me up; and the rebukes of them that rebuked thee are fallen upon me. Psalm 69:1-22 Salvum me fac AVE me, O God, * for the waters are come in, even S unto my soul. 1 2 I stick fast in the deep mire, where no ground is; * I am come into deep waters, so that the floods run over me.