Carefully Examining the Text
Tommy Peeler
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Psalm 97
This psalm calls the earth to rejoice that the LORD reigns
The fact "the LORD reigns" (*Ps. 93:1; 96:10; 97;1; 99:1*) or God is King (*Ps. 95:3; 98:6)* is emphasized repeatedly in the psalms through this section.
*97:2 *The LORD dwells in thick darkness- Sinai-* Exod. 19:16-19; 20:18-21; Deut. 4:11-12; 5:22; Heb. 12:18. *Solomon's prayer stresses the same in* I Kings 8:12; II Chron. 6:1.
*Sometimes the Bible stresses God dwells in light-* Ps. 104:2; I Tim. 6:16.* Whether God is pictured as dwelling in light or darkness, the text emphasizes that we cannot see God in all HIs glory-* Exodus 33:18-23.
97:3 *Fire consumes HIs enemies-* Lev. 10:1-2; Num. 11:1-3; 16:35; Ps. 50:3
97:4-5 *These verses sound like a thunderstorm, an earthquake, and a volcano all rolled up into one- *Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:3-6; Psalm 18:7-15
97;7 *If God is so awesome, it is foolish to worship another.
*97:7* is quoted from the LXX (also* Deut. 32:43)* from the LXX and applied to Jesus. All the angels worship Jesus. A passage applied to Yahweh and HIs glory is applied to Jesus in *Hebrews 1.* Jesus fully shares in being God.
The holiness of God as described in *Ps. 97:2-3* is our hope. Evil and injustice will not prevail forever in our world because God is utterly holy and absolutely powerful.
However, the holiness of God is also our problem. Fire consumes HIs adversaries in *Ps. 97:3*. The word used for adversaries in the Greek translation was used for us all in* Rom. 5:10*. Because of our sin we are His enemies. Righteousness is the foundation of HIs throne but there is none righteous, not even one- *Rom. 3:10.
How can we stand before Him? Nahum 1:6.
*The death of Christ, the greatest injustice and greatest act of unrighteouness in history, displays the justice and righteousness of God- *Romans 3:21-26. *Through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, it is possible that unrighteous and enemies of God like us can be saved.
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Nov 10, 2023
Psalm 96
*I Chron. 16:23-33 *records this virtually word for word. That chapter is describing the moving of the ark to Jerusalem. “In recapturing for us the triumphal entry of the ark to Jerusalem, the Chronicles writes out nearly the whole of this psalm, with part of two others *(105, 106),* as the centerpiece of his chapter” Kidner, 346.
Invitations to praise are found in *vv. 1-3, 7-10a, 11-12a *and reasons for praise are found in *vv. 4-6, 10b, 12b-13. *“Three strophes in *vs. 1-6, 7-10, *and *11-13,* each consisting of a call to praise followed by the cause for praise” Estes, 216.
This Psalm truly has a universal ring to it: *96:1* “all the earth,” *96:3* “among the nations,” *96:3* “among all peoples,” *96:7* “families of peoples,” *96:9* “all the earth,” *96:10* “among the nations,” *96:10* “judge the peoples,” *96:13* He is pictured as judging the earth, the world, the peoples.
*Psalm 96 and the New Testament*
*96:1 *new song-* Rev. 5:9; 14:3 *Jesus' death is a cause for singing the new song.
*96:2 *The word used in the LXX for proclaim the good news is the word used for preaching the gospel.* *It is used to announce the birth of John*- Luke 1:19 *and Jesus-* Luke 2:10.* It describes the preaching of John*- Luke 3:18 *and Jesus- *Luke 4:43; 20:1 *and the disciples in the limited commission*- Luke 9:6. *It is used 15 times in Acts to describe the preaching of Jesus-* Acts 5:42; 8:4, 12, 25, 40; 10:36; 11:20; 13:32; 14:7, 15, 21; 15:35:16:10; 17:18.*
*96:3 Declare His glory- 96:7, 8 *also use the word glory.* *The word for glory is used of Jesus in* John 1:14; 2:11; 5:41, 44; 12:41, 43; 17:22, 24*
*96:3 Wonders- *The word is used in the LXX is used only once in the NT and used of the miracles of Jesus in *Matt. 21:15.*
*96:6 *The words translated strength and beauty in the NASB are in the LXX majesty and holiness. The word for majesty is only used 3 times in the OT but one is in *II Peter 1:16* where Peter says we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. The word for holiness is used in *Rom. 1:4 *according to the spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.* *
*96:10 The LORD reigns- *The word reigns from the LXX is used of Jesus’ rule in* Luke 1:33; I Cor. 15:25; Rev. 11:15, 17. *
*96:10 *He will judge with equity or uprightness. The word used in the LXX is only used in the NT in *Heb. 1:8* and it is of Jesus.
*96:12 Trees of forest rejoice- *The word for trees is used for the death of Jesus in* Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Gal.3:13; I Peter 2:24. *It is also used of the tree of life in* Rev. 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19. *
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Nov 2, 2023
Psalm 95
This is both a call to worship and praise and a prophetic rebuke.
*vs. 1-2, 6* are exhortations which continually cry "Let us" (6 times). We are called to praise, thank, and bow showing our humility before God.
*vs. 3-5, 7 *give reasons to praise, thank, and bow before God.
* *
*vs. 7c-11* is a prophetic rebuke quoted in* Hebrews 3:7-11* in the NT.
*New Testament use of this psalm*
*Heb. 3:7-4:11 *“Christians are like the wanderers in the wilderness, rescued from Egypt (the bondage to sin and death), but not yet arrived in the Promised land (heaven). Accordingly, the author of Hebrews cites* Ps. 95:7-11 *and encourages his readers not to succumb to temptation and die in the wilderness without ever reaching their heavenly rest” Longman, 341.* Heb. 3:7-4:13* “forbids us to confine its thrust to Israel. The ‘Today’ of which it speaks is this very moment; the ‘you’ is none other than ourselves, and the promised ‘rest’ is not Canaan but salvation” Kidner, 343.
*Heb. 3:7-11* Introduced with just as the Holy Spirit says- *Heb. 9:8; 10:15. *Partial quotes are made in* 3:15; 4:3, 7.*
Some of the plays on words in this* Heb. 3-4*
*3:7 Today- 3:13, 15; 4:7, 7*
*3:7, 15 Hear- 3:16*
*3:8, 10, 15; 4:7 Heart(s)- 3:12*
*3:8, 15 Provoked- 3:16*
*3:9 forty years- 3:17*
*3:10 angry- 3:17*
*3:8 in the wilderness- 3:17*
*3:11 swore- 3:18*
*3:11 they would not enter His rest- 3:18*
*3:11 enter His (that) rest- 3:18; 4:1, 3, 3, 5, 10, 11*
*Gen. 2:2 *God rested-* Gen. 2:2
*Joshua gave rest-* Josh. 21:44; 22:4
*David spoke of another rest*- Ps. 95:7-11
*Jesus gives rest*- Matt. 11:28, 29
*This is one of the ways Jesus fulfills* Psalm 95*
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Oct 25, 2023
Psalm 94
*94:1-7 God of vengeance shine forth
*
*94:1 O Lord, God of vengeance- *This is the only time in the Bible that the LORD is addressed this way.* Deut. 32:35; Ps. 58:10; 79:10; Prov. 20:22; Isaiah 35:4; Jer. 51:6; Ezek. 25:12, 14, 17; Nah. 1:2; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30.* He is the God who rights wrongs that wicked men bring upon those helpless to resist.*
94:8-11 A warning to those who think they can hide their way from God
94:12-15 An encouragement to those who are experiencing evil treatment
94:16-23 The LORD sustained the Psalmist when none stood with him
Jesus and Psalm 94*
*94:1 God of vengeance- II Thess. 1:8* and* *picture of Jesus in* Rev. 19:11-21
*
*94:2 Rise up *in the LXX is the same word for the Son being lifted up in *John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32 *and it is also used of Jesus in* Acts 2:33; 5:31 *and being exalted to God’s right hand.*
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*94:2 The one who judges- *Jesus will judge-* John 5:22, 30*
*94:3 How long? Rev. 6:9
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*94:5 crush- *NASB is the same verb used in* Isaiah 53:5 “*He was crushed for our iniquities”,* 10 *“He was pleased to crush Him.”
*94:5* *afflict*- *Isa. 53:4* “He was smitten of God and afflicted”; *Isa. 53:7 *“He was oppressed and afflicted” The two verbs used to describe the mistreatment of God’s people in *Ps. 94:5* are used of the treatment of the Servant in *Isaiah 53*.
*94:6* The word for *killed* used in the LXX is used of Jesus being killed in *Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 21:38, 39; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34; Luke 9:22. *Jesus experienced the same treatment given the most weak and helpless.
*94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man- I Kings 8:39; Matt. 9:4; John 2:24-25*
*94:16 *The Psalmist stood alone, without human help, before the wicked. Jesus experienced this- *Matt. 26:56; Mark 14:50, 51-52.
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*94:17, 18 help Me- *The word of the LXX addressed to Jesus-* Matt. 15:25; Mark 9:24*
*94:17 *The LXX has the idea of my soul being in Hades*- Acts 2:27, 31
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*94:21 Jesus is righteous- Matt. 27:19; Luke 23:47; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14
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*Jesus is innocent- *used in the NT only in* Matt. 27:4, 24*
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Oct 17, 2023
Psalm 93
The LORD reigns is declared in *Ps. 93:1; 96:10; 97:1; 99:1.
*The LORD is King is said in* Ps. 95:3; 98:6.
*The word King is the noun and reign the verb of the same Hebrew root word.
The only Psalm between *Psalms 93-99* that do not state God is King or He reigns in *Psalm 94* and it must be associated in some way with His reign. We will see more about that, LORD willing, when we cover that text.
*Psalm 89* was a Royal Psalm, a psalm emphasizing the human king from the line of David, and apparently written when there was no king left on the throne.
Book 4 of the *Psalms (90-106)* shows that God is still King even if there is no king from David's line on the throne.
*Psalm 93 and Jesus*
*93:1* The truth the LORD reigns is proclaimed in *Rev.19:6* though the thought is contained in several OT passages.
“Christians celebrate God’s kingship in the person of Jesus, the ‘anointed king’ (Messiah) who has come to establish God’s kingdom. When He stilled the waves and walked on the water *(Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-24),* He showed that He is the God who controls the forces of chaos” Longman, 335. *93:3-4*
“The real and fundamental truth about the world is simply this: God reigns. The disparity between this proclamation and the so-called real-world calls for a decision…The decision is the same one Jesus called for when He announced the presence of God’s reign and invited people to enter it *(Mark 1:14-15)”* McCann, 1055.
*93:1* The word used for clothed in the LXX is used 27 times as a verb in the NT. It is used is *Matt. 27:31* and *Mk. 15:20* of the soldier’s treatment of Jesus. They mocked Him, they took the robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him and led Him away to crucify Him. The one who was clothed in majesty is clothed with His own garments in a mocking way.
*93:1* The word for girded in girded Himself is used in *Rev. 1:13, *where Christ is girded with a golden sash.
*93:2 Your throne…- Heb. 1:8-9 *
*93:2 You are from everlasting- John 1:1-3*
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Sep 26, 2023
Psalm 92
There is no title like the one in *Psalm 92. I*t was used for worship on the Sabbath days*. Lev. 23:3 *shows us that the Sabbath was a day of worship.* *
* *
The Psalm praises God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness. These attributes of God are especially highlighted in the Psalms. Recently in our study of the Psalms, *Psalm 89* used both of these terms 7 times. The last time these words were used the author was questioning what happened to God’s lovingkindness and God’s faithfulness- *89:49. Psalm 92:2* emphasizes that God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness are still present.
In *vs. 4* the works of God are contrasted in *vs.7, 9* with those who did iniquity. The works of God are contrasted with the works of the wicked.
Compare the planted tree in* Psalm 92:13 *with the planted trees in* Ps. 1:3 *and *Jer. 17:8.*
* *
Both the palm tree and the cedars of Lebanon of* 92:12 *are mentioned in connection with the temple of the LORD. This is significant in light of the mention of God’s house in* 92:13.*
The temple was made from the cedars of Lebanon according to* I Kings 5. In I Kings 6:29, 32, 35 *carvings of palm trees were in the temple. This also reminds us of the Garden where all kinds of tree grew- *Gen. 2:9.*
*Vs. 2, 15* use the same word declare in the NASB. From the beginning of the Psalm to the end of the Psalm God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, and uprightness are declared.
Compare *vs. 15* to *Deut. 32:4.*
How does Jesus fulfill* Psalm 92? *Please listen and see.* *
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Sep 12, 2023
Psalm 91
This psalm gives far reaching promises to which few passages of the Bible compare.
While people will fall dead all around the righteous, it will not happen to God's people *(vs. 7). *"No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near you *(vs. 10)*. God's angel will not even let us strick our foot against a stone* (vs. 12).*
Do these words mean that someone who suffers any of the difficulties described has been unfaithful to God? That seems to be the way that Eliphaz uses these kind of pictures when he presents the picture of the righteous in *Job 5:17-27.* He uses it to accuse Job of sin.
Satan quoted these words to Jesus in *Matt. 4:6 *believing the words exempted Jesus from suffering. I think the use of this passage in *Matt. 4:6 *shows that we must interpret *Psalm 91:11-12* through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The words of *Psalm 91* will be fulfilled but we may not see a full working out of this in this life. If we do not see them worked out in this life they will be fullfilled in the life to come in a deeper and richer way than we can imagine.
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Sep 6, 2023
Psalm 90
The heading speaks of this as the prayer of Moses.
Moses is mentioned 8 times in the Psalms and 7 of those 8 are in Psalms 90-106.
Psalm 90 stresses
The Eternity of God- 90:1-2, 4
The Sovereignty of God- 90:3, 5 God holds man's life in His hand
The Wrath of God against sin- 90:7, 9, 11. God is also a God of lovingkindness- 90:14
This Psalm stresses the brevity of man's life- 90:3, 5-6, 10, 12
It stresses that man is frail, weak, and dependent upon God
The link between sin and death is shown in the earliest chapters of the Bible- Gen. 2:17; 3:19.
Romans 5:12-21 and Romans 7:7-25 continually use the words sin and death. But Jesus' death for our sins and His resurrection have made it possible for us to be forgiven and to have eternal life- Romans 5:21; 6:23; 7:25.
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Aug 24, 2023
Psalm 89:38-52
*Verses 1-18 *praised God and glorified HIm, especially for HIs lovingkindness and faithfulness
V*erses 19-37* celebrated God's lovingkindness and faithfulness in the promises to David
*Verses 38-51* But not introduces this section where it does not seem the promises of God have been fulfilled
It seems like what was promised the kings from the line of David has not been fulfilled.
*89:42* is a good illustration of this.
*Exalted- *God is exalted in *89:13 *and the people are exalted by God in* 89:16, 17* and the king is exalted in* 89:19, 24. *But now the adversaries are exalted.*
Right hand- *God's right hand was exalted in* 89:13* but right hand of the king is exalted in *vs. 25. *The right hand of the adversaries are exalted. *
Adversaries- *The adversaries were to be crushed in* vs. 23 *but now they are exalted.
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Jesus answers Psalm 89:38-52
*He is God's anointed *(38, 51), *God's servant *(39), *and He was made an object of reproach* (50-51).*
*89:49* The cross and resurrection are the ultimate answer to the questions "Where are Your former lovingkindnesses, O LORD, which You swore to David in Your faithfulness?"
*89:48* Jesus provides an answer to the problem of death.
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Aug 16, 2023
Psalm 89:19-37
This psalm is a poetic version of the account in II Sam. 7
89:1-18 Praised God as incomparable and full of lovingkindness and faithfulness
89:19-37 God's promises to David stress His lovingkindness and faithfulness
Many of the things said of the David/ His offspring are things similar to what was said in other royal psalms.
89:23 He will crush His foes militarily- Ps. 2:8-9; 110:1-3
89:25 I shall also set His hand of the sea- His reign will be universal- Ps. 2:8-9; 72:8-11
89:26-27 The Father/Son relationship between God and the king- Ps. 2:7
89:35, 37 Sun and moon are pictures of the eternal dynasty of David- Ps. 72:5, 7, 17
Many of the things said are similar to David's career in Samuel, especially II Sam. 7.
Ps. 89:19 vision- II Sam. 7:17
89:19 one who is mighty- I Sam. 16:18
89:20 I have anointed him- I Sam. 16:1-13; II Sam. 2:1-7; 5:1-5
89:21 The Hebrew word established - II Sam. 7:12, 13, 16
89:24, 28, 33 God's lovingkindness- II Sam. 7:15
89:26-27 Father/Son relationship- II Sam. 7:14
89:30-32 If his sons are unfaithful then God will punish them but will not take HIs lovingkindness away from him- II Sam. 7:14-15
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Aug 10, 2023
Psalm 89:1-18
This Psalm ends Book 3 of the Psalms- Psalms 73-89
It is unique in that it moves from praise in vs. 1-18 to lament in vs. 38-52. Most psalms of lament move in the opposite direction- Pss. 13, 22, 31, 69 are examples.
Lovingkindness- NASB or steadfast love- ESV is a key word in the Psalm appearing in vs. 1, 2, 14, 24, 28, 33, 49.
Faithfulness is also found 7 times in the Psalm- vs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 24, 33, 49.
The word forever appears in vs. 1, 2, 4, 28, 29, 36, 37
God's lovingkindess and faithfulness are forever displayed in His covenant with David.
89:5-7 Even though people feared death when they saw an angel- Gen. 16:13; 32:3; Exodus 24:9-11; Judges 6:22-24; 13:19-22- the angels are overwhelmed with the presence of God
89:8-10 He is incomparable and He rules the seas- Ps. 65:7; 107:29
89:14 His throne is built on righteousness and justice and lovingkindness and faithfulness are fundamental to who He is
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Aug 2, 2023
Psalm 88
There is not sadder psalm that *Psalm 88*
it gives an extensive vocabulary of death
Sheol- *88:3*; Pit- *88:4, 6; *Dead/ death*- 88:5, 10, 15; *Grave*- 88:5, 11; *Dark/ darkness-* 88:6, 12, 18;* shades*- 88:10; *Abaddon-* 88:11; *land of forgetfulness*- 88:12*
He describes God as being behind his problems- *88;6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18
Lessons from Psalm 88
1.* Some suffering in this life may never end*
2. *He does not give up on God and continues to pray*
3. *It makes us long for God's blessings and eternity*
Jesus as an answer to Psalm 88
*While* Psalm 88 *is not quoted in the NT and applied to Jesus, in many ways Jesus lived out the experiences of the author of *Psalm 88. * *
88:3 *He is full of troubles*- Mark 14:33-34
88:5 *He was cut off from the land of the living-* Isaiah 53:8
88:8, 18 *He was shunned by those closest to Him*- Mark 14:50-52
88:18* Darkness was his companion*- Mark 15:33
88:10-12* The resurrection of Jesus transforms the questions expecting a no answer to a ye…
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Jul 25, 2023
Psalm 87
It is a psalm of the sons of Korah
*87:3 T*he psalm emphasizes the city of God as does *Psalm 46:4 *and *48:1, 2, 8, 8.
N*otice the emphasis on those who were born in the city in* 87:4, 5, 6. *This city also clearly refers to a people who know God*- 87:4
87:4 *Rahab in this verse is tied to Egypt and proof of that word used is found in* Isaiah 27:1; 51:9-11. *God's people will include people from far away superpowers like Egypt and Babylon. God's people will include people from persistent enemies like the Philistines and trading powers like Tyre. Cush or Ethiopia was viewed as the most distant of nations and they will be among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.*
87:5 *The LXX speaks of Zion as "my mother" in* Gal. 4:26 *contrast the "the Jerusalem above" with "the present Jerusalem" in* Gal. 4:25.
87:6 *God will write down the name of the citizens of the city*- Isa. 4:3; Ezek. 13:9
*Book III of the Psalms* (73-89) *have often pictured Jerusalem in ruins after the 587 BC destruction. No…
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Jul 12, 2023
Psalm 86
This psalm focuses on God
The name Adonai is used and translated* Lord* in *86:3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15.*
The name Yahweh is used and translated *LORD* in* 86:1, 6, 11, 17.
*The word Elohim is used and translated *God *in* 86:2, 10, 12, 14 *and* gods* in* 86:8.
*The word El is used and translated *God *in *86:15.
*The personal pronoun* You* is used of God in* 86:2, 5, 10, 10, 15, 17.
*Whatever else *Psalm 86* is about, it is first and foremost about God.
*86:1-7 *He cries and begs for God to hear
*86:8-13 *There is no one like God
*86:14-17* He pours out his crisis and begs God's deliverance.
The description of God in *86:5* and in a fuller way in *86:15* is one of the most frequently repeated statements about God in the OT*- Exodus 34:6-7; Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17, 31; Psalm 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2
How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 86?*
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Jun 27, 2023
Psalm 85
Notice what the Psalm says about the nature of God-
*85:3-5 *speaks of God's fury, burning anger, indignation, angry, anger
*85:7, 10* God's lovingkindness
*85:10, 11* God's truth or faithfulness
*85:10, 11, 13* God's righteousness
*85:8, 10* speaks of God's peace
The word שוב in Hebrew used twice in *vs. 1* and translated in the NASB "restore of captivty." It is used in *vs. 3* and translated "turned away." In *vs. 4* it is translated "Restore" and "again" in *vs. 6 *and in *vs. 8* "turned back."
*How does Jesus fulfill the words of Psalm 85?
85:9 *Through Jesus God's glory dwelt among men*- John 1:14
85:2 *Through the cross God's forgives our iniquity and covers all our sins and *85:7 *grants us salvation
*85:8* Peace was spoken at His birth- *Luke 2:14*- at His resurrection- *John 20:19, 21, 26
85:10 *God's lovingkindness and fatihfulness meet in Christ and the cross
*85:10* God's righteousness and peace kiss in Christ and the cross
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Jun 14, 2023
Psalm 84
*What does the Psalm say about God?
LORD of hosts- 84:1, 3, 8, 12
the living God- 84:2
my King and my God- 84:3
O God of Jacob- 84:8
LORD is a sun and shield- 84:11
How does the Psalm describe the temple?
84:1 Your dwelling place
84:2 the courts of the LORD; 84:10 Your courts
84:4, 10 the house of the LORD
84:3 Your altars
What are the motivations and results of public worship?
1. It is an expression of a deep longing for God- 84:2, 10
2.It reminds us God is our strength-84:5-7 and our trust- 84:12
3. It is a place God hears prayer- 84:8; Isaiah 56:7
How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 84?
John 1:14 God has come near in the person of Jesus
84:1 The word "lovely" is the term for Jesus as the "beloved" Son- Matt. 3:17; 17:5 etc.
84:9 Jesus is God's anointed
84:11 The LORD is a sun- Rev. 21:23
84:11 The cross shows He will withhold no good thing from us- Rom. 8:32
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Jun 6, 2023
Psalm 83
*Name *is a key idea in the Psalm appearing in *vs. 4, 16, 18.*
*vs. 1-5 Petition to God in the midst of crisis
*The enemies are God's enemies in* vs. 2, 5
*They are enemies of Israel in* vs. 3-4
vs. 6-8 A roll call of the enemies
*These 10 groups seem to represent Israel's enemies past and present*
vs. 9-12 Deal with them as You dealt with the enemies of Your people in the days of the judges
*Jabin and Sisera*- Judges 4-5
*Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna-* Judges 7-8
*Interestingly, the judges are not mentioned. The emphasis is on God and HIs deliverance.*
vs. 13-18 Bring judgment upon them that all may seek You
*Those who sought to destroy the name of Israel* (vs. 4) *and now called upon to seek the name of the LORD* (vs. 16) * and it is the LORD's name who is exalted in all the earth* (vs. 18).
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May 25, 2023
Psalm 82 Part 2
The first podcast on* Psalm 82 *dealt with the question of who are the "gods" or "judges" of *vs. 1* in whose midst God rules.
*82:2-4* How long will you continue to judge unjustly?
*vs. 3-4* use four imperatives to describe what the judges should have done.
*vs. 3-4* some six terms are used to describe those who should have been the objects of the judges' mercy.
*82:6 I* said "*You *are gods"
*82:7* These gods are told that they will die like men
Let apply this to our interpretation of *vs. 1.
What is it speaks of pagan gods?*The problem*, *Is the true God affirming the reality of the pagan gods?
*What if it speaks of wicked angels or spirits? *Is this then a reference to the fact that judgment will fall upon wicked spirits and angels- *Matt. 25:41; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6
What if it speaks of human judges? *If it does, would the fact they would die even need to be said? Apparently yes if we look at* Isaiah 14:3-21 *and* Ezekiel 28:1-10.
82:8 *All dominion belongs to God
*
John 10:34*…
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May 23, 2023
Psalm 82 Part 1
This brief psalm has engendered must discussion and debate. Therefore, we seek to cover it in two podcast. This is part 1.
82:1 God stands in the congregation of God and He judges in the midst of the gods.
The Hebrew term Elohim is the first word and the next to last word in the verse. Much of the debate centers are who are intended by this second use of Elohim.
We mention three possibilities as to the identity of the second Elohim in 82:1.
1. They are human rulers.
Human rulers seem to be indicated by the use of the term Elohim in Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9. The judges were to judge based on God's righteousness and holiness and therefore judgment is said to be for God in Deut. 1:17 and II Chron. 19:6-7.
Psalm 45:6-7 Though Israel did not view their king as Divine (God) as some nations, he is addressed as Elohim in Psalm 45:6-7. Solomon is said to sit on the LORD's throne in I Chron. 29:23.
2. They are angels or spirits
Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7 The phrase "sons of God' seem to refer to angels.
D…
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May 9, 2023
Psalm 81
In the podcast I mistakenly say that the New Moon was a weekly feast. That is incorrect. The New Moon was a monthly feast- *Numbers 28:11-15.* It is alluded to in the OT in several places like *I Sam. 20:5, 18, 24, 27; II Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13-14; Amos 8:5.
What does Psalm 81 teach us about God?
1. *God is worthy of praise*- 81:1-3
2. *God rescued Israel out of Egypt-* 81:6-7, 10
3. *God asks that His people listen to Him*- 81:8- *and serve Him alone*- 81:9
4. *God longs for His people to do the right thing and to bless them-* 81:8, 13-16.
Jesus fulfills Psalm 81
81:8, 11, 13 *God's people must listen to Jesus*- Matt. 17:5
81:8, 13 *Jesus longs for us to be saved*- Matt. 23:37-39; Luke 13:34-35
81:10, 16 *Jesus is the ultimate bread who can satisfy our deepest hunger*- John 6:35
*These are just a few of the ideas from this Psalm.
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Apr 18, 2023
Psalm 80
This Psalm pictures God as a Shepherd *(80:1)*, as a Warrior *(80:4, 7, 14, 19),* and God as a Gardener* (80;8...).
80:1 *God dwells above the cherubim*- I Sam. 4:4; II Sam. 6:2; Ps. 99:1
80:3, 7, 19 *Cause Your Face to shine*- Num. 6:24-26; Ps. 67:1*
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Apr 11, 2023
Psalm 79
This psalm contains lamentation (79:1-5), imprecation (or curses) (79:6-7, 10b, 12), pleas for mercy (79:8-10a, 11), and thanksgiving and praise (79:13).
The events of 587 BC were devastating to Jerusalem. Abraham was promised the land of Canaan and they were ripped off of it and taken into captivity.
David was promised a king from his line to sit upon his throne and this king was removed.
Solomon built the temple and the temple was destroyed.
The Psalm is very similar to Psalms 44, 74, and 137.
There is no darker time than this in the OT for God's people. However, remarkably the Psalm will end in praise.
Jesus fulfills these words as we will point out at the end.
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Mar 30, 2023
Psalm 78 Part 2
This beautiful poetic psalm, Psalm 78, continues. It continues to tell the glory of God and sinfulness of His people, Israel. God in His mercy rescues them while the people forget Him time and time again. If this has a happy ending, it will be because of God's persistence.
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Mar 23, 2023
Psalm 78 Part 1
*Psalm 78* is a historical psalm. It is similar to *Psalms 105-106,*
It tells the story of Israel's history much like* Nehemiah 9; Ezekiel 16, 20, 23*; and *Acts 7.*
It stresses the goodness of God to His people and His people's stubborn rebellion to Him.
It emphasizes both God's love and God's holiness and wrath and these attributes are seen against the picture of Israel's sin and rebellion.
*78:1-8 The purpose of history*
History teaches us not to forget God
History teaches us to put our trust in Him
History teaches us not to imitate bad examples
*78:9-11 Ephraim's rebellion
78:12-16 God's goodness to Israel in Egypt and in the wilderness
78:17-20 The people continued to sin and rebel against God
78:21-33 God in His love provides for and in His wrath judges His people
78:34-39 God is gracious and compassionate and forgives the people
Jesus fulfills Psalm 78
78:2 *He is a wisdom teacher greater than Solomon who speaks in parables*- Matt. 13:34-35
78:19 *He provides a table in t…
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Mar 14, 2023
Psalm 77
This psalm moves from lament to praise.
There are no mentions of enemies in* Psalm 77* and only a brief mention of troubles in *vs. 2*. However, his trials must have been intense for they lead him to question if God is who He revealed Himself to be. In *vs. 7-9* what has happened to God's lovingkindness, grace, and compassion. These are terms by which God reveals HImself in *Exodus 34:6-7*. The words of *Exodus 34:6-7* are basically repeated in the *Psalms* in *86:5, 15; 103:8; 145:8.* Is God who He said He was??
The exodus is the answer in* vs. 11-20. *The exodus is proof for all people of all time that God delivers those who trust HIm.
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Feb 28, 2023
Psalm 76
Who can stand before God in His anger?
This is a question asked repeatedly in Scripture- Ezra 9:15; Psalm 130:3-4; Nahum 1:6; Malachi 3:2; Rev. 6:16-17.
The Scriptures give us an answer- Rev. 7:13-14
76:10 The wrath of man praises God.
How? Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:27-28
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Feb 14, 2023
Psalm 75
Key words in the Psalm
The wicked- 75:4, 8, 10
Lifted up, on high, exaltation, exalts- 75:4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 10. These are from the same Hebrew word
Horn, horns- 75:4, 5, 10, 10
75:8 the cup is an image of judgment. Isaiah 51:17-23; Jer. 25:15-28; 49:12; 51:7; Ezek. 23:32-34; Hab. 2:15-16; Zech. 12:2; Rev. 14:10; 16:19; 18:5-6
Jesus fulfills this Psalm.
I am sorry for any background knowledge.
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Feb 9, 2023
Psalm 74 Part 2
Have you ever asked why or how long? Writers in the Bible did as well.
In this podcast we say a few more words of explanation on *74:12-17.
*
We make some vocabulary connections between *Psalm 73 *and *Psalm 74
*"sanctuary" in* 73:17; 74:3, 7
*"violence" in *73:6; 74:20
*"right hand" in* 73:23; 74:11
*"ruins" in *73:18; 74:3
*
How does Jesus answer *Psalm 73* and* Psalm 74?
74:9 *the words "signs" and "prophet"
*74:10, 18* Jesus reviled and spurned
*74:12* My King
*74:2* Redeemed
These are some ways.
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Feb 9, 2023
Psalm 74 Part 1
Why? How long? These questions did not begin to be asked but they have been asked continually throughout history. These question are asked even in God's book.* Psalm 74* is one example of this.
*Psalm 74* is a national lament.* Psalms 44, 79, 89, 137* show great similarities. The book of Lamentations contains many such laments. It is hard for us to imagine the grief of the people when the Babylonians invaded their land and killed some with the sword and starved others in a siege. The lost their land, their king, and their temple and many were asking why?
*74:1-3 *Will Your anger burn forever, O God?
*74:4-8* The horrible scene at the destruction of God's house
*74:9-11* Why does God withhold His judgment when He could destroy His foe in a moment?
*74:12-17* God is praised in that He performs mighty acts of power
*74:18-23* Remember the wicked and do not forget Your people?
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Jan 31, 2023
Psalm 73
This opens book 3 of the Psalms.
The writer acknowledges that he almost lost his faith at the prosperity of the wicked.
*73:1-14 The writer struggles to believe that God is good*
*73:2* But as for me- This phrase is actually a word in Hebrew that begins *vs. 2, 22, 23,* 28.
*73:3 *The Bible warns against being envious of the wicked-* Ps. 37:1-2; Prov. 23:19*
*73:4-5* Their life seems care free and trouble free
*73:8-9, 11* But they are defiant of God
*73:6, 8* They mistreat others
*73:13-14* What does it pay to serve God?
*73:15-20 The Light breaks through as he turns to worship God
73:17 *This is the turning point of Psalm 73 and some have described it as the turning point of the entire book. *
73:18-20 *The wicked are not as secure as it might seem
*73:21-28 He sees that he has a blessing that the wicked do not have. God Himself is the greatest blessing of all.
73:25-26 *What blessing compares with God Himself??*
73:28* Notice how the psalm ends much as it began*- vs. 1.*
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Jan 25, 2023
Psalm 72
This psalm speaks of an ideal king
72:1-4, 12-14 The king does justice and righteousness.
He cares for the weakest and most defenseless.
72:8-11 His reign is universal
72:5-7, 15-17 Prosperity and blessing will be in his time and the people bless him that his reign will be forever
72:18=20. A doxology closes this second book of the Psalms.
Book 1- Psalms 1-41
Book 2- Psalms 42-72
Book 3- Psalms 73-89
Book 4- Psalms 90-106
Book 5- Psalms 107-150
David (II Sam. 8:15-18); Solomon (I Kings 10:9); and Josiah (Jer. 22:15-16) were said to do justice and righteousness. But none of them lived up to all that was in the psalm.
The last king of Judah was captured, his sons were killed before him, and then his eyes were put out. What about the universal reign of 72:8-11?
The Jewish people continued to keep this psalm and to read it and it inspired hope of a king who would come. It gave them hope of a Messiah.
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this king above all kings.
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Jan 13, 2023
Psalm 71
In this psalm the writer calls out for deliverance from his distress and praises God for deliverance.
The petition and complaint section of Psalm 71 are* vss. 1-4, 9-13, 18*, and the statements of trust and praise are in* vss. 5-8, 14-17, 19, 24.
God's righteousness is emphasized in the Psalm- 71:2, 15, 16, 19, 24. *
The words "continually" in *vs. 3, 6, 14* and "all day long" in *vs. 8, 15, 22* are a couple of the key words and phrases throughout the Psalm.
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Jan 11, 2023
Psalm 70
God is begged to help and deliver in *vs. 1, 5*
The enemies are described in *vs. 2-3*
The faithful are pictured in *vs. 4*
*Notice some contrasts between the wicked and the righteous*
*vs. 2* The wicked seek his life, while in* vs. 4* the righteous seek God
*vs. 2* The wicked delight in David's hurt, while in *vs. 4 *the faithful love His salvation
*vs. 3 *The evil men say, "Aha, Aha", while in *vs. 4* the godly say, "The Lord be magnified."
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Jan 3, 2023
Psalm 69 B
A new podcast. The first on Psalm 69 just emphasized the text itself. This podcast focuses on Jesus and the New Testament and what they say about the fulfillment of the Psalm.
Psalm 69 is one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the NT.
69:4 hated me without a cause- John 15:25
69:9 For zeal for Your house consumed me- John 2:17
69:9 The reproaches of those who reproached You feel on Me- Romans 15:3
69:21 John 19:-28-30 does not quote but seems to allude to this passage.
69:22-23 is quoted in Romans 11:8-10
69:25 is quoted in Acts 1:20 and applied to Judas.
This psalm however is not simply a prophecy of Jesus because there are words here that Jesus could not have uttered- 69:5 for example.
What does that mean for our understanding of Scripture??
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Jan 2, 2023
Psalm 69
This is a psalm of individual lament.
69:1-5 David describes his destress. It is as if he is drowning in deep waters and he cannot find his footing.
69:6-12 His suffering has come upon him specifically because of his love for God and God's house.
69:13-19 He appeals to God to rescue him because of God's lovingkindness, truth or faithfulness, and His compassion.
69:20-21 There is no one to comfort him in his distress.
69:22-28 He asks God to judge his adversaries in ways they sought to judge others
69:29-36 Praise to God
As is so often the case, pouring out his problems in distress have led to God's deliverance.
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Dec 13, 2022
Psalm 68 part 2
This psalm will pick up the discussion of the psalm, Psalm 68, picking up around vs. 21. If you have not listened to Part 1 of the Psalm, let me encourage you to do so.
Much of the podcast will focus on how Jesus fulfills the words of Psalm 68.
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Dec 13, 2022
Psalm 68 part 1
Psalm 68 has been described by quite a few writers as the most difficult of the Psalms to interpret. One reason it is so difficult is because around 15 words are used only here in the OT.
It is a difficult psalm but when that is the case one thing we can focus on is what the Psalm teaches us about God.
1. This Psalm teaches God as a warrior who conquers HIs foes- 68:1-2, 6, 12, 14, 17-18, 21-23, 28-31.
2. The Psalms shows God a compassionate and merciful God who cares for the weakest- 68:5-6, 10, 19-20.
3. The Psalm shows God as an awesome and holy God whose presence shakes the earth- 68:8, 15-18.
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Nov 29, 2022
Psalm 67
This brief Psalm pictures all nations and peoples praising God.
The Psalm is built on the promises of God to Abraham to bless all nations through him and his descendants (Gen. 12:1-3; 22:18) and the blessing the priests pronounced (Numbers 6:24-26).
The nations are not viewed as hostile like Psalm 2:1 or asking God to judge them like Psalm 59:5, but instead it pictures the nations praising God because of the blessings that His people receive.
God is praised because He judges the nations with uprightness (4), and guides them (4), and because He blesses HIs people (6).
Jesus and Psalm 67
Jesus is the ultimate display of the light of God's face shining upon us- II Corinthians 4:6; John 1:1-5.
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promises of God to Abraham- Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:7-8, 16, 26-29
Through Jesus the nations praise God- Psalm 117:1 is quoted in Romans 15:11 as we see Jews and Gentiles praising God together. Revelation 5:9; 7;9-10.
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Nov 10, 2022
Psalm 66
This is the first Psalm in which David has not been mentioned in the heading since Psalm 50.
66:1-12 is a national thanksgiving
66:1-4 All the earth is to praise God
66:5-7 God turned the sea into dry land
66:8-12 God has afflicted HIs people but finally brought them to a place of abundance
66:13-20 is an individual thanksgiving
66:13-15 He pays his vows to God
66:16-20 He gives thanks to God
How does the Psalm speak of Jesus?
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Nov 2, 2022
Psalm 65
This Psalm is divided into three parts
*65:1-4* People come to the temple to praise, pray, and the LORD provides
*65:5-8 *All the world looks to God
*65:9-13* God is blessing the land
Jesus fulfills the picture of* Psalm 65
65:3 *God forgives sin and Jesus forgives sin*- Mark 2:1-12; Luke 7:48-49
65:7* God stills the storm and Jesus does-* Mark 4:35-41; Matt. 8:23-27; Lk. 8:22-25
65:8 *God does signs that leave the world in awe. The word for signs is the same word used for Jesus' miracles in the gospel of* John- 2:11.
*Yet the God who is girded with might*- 65:6- *girds Himself with a towel to wash the disciples feet-* John 13:4-5.*
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Oct 28, 2022
Psalm 64
This psalm consists of a prayer for help-* 64:1-2*- A description of the enemy- *64:3-6*- and a dramatic intervention by God- *64:7-10.
Key words:
hide-* *64:2, 4* compare *vs. 2* with *II Kings 11:2; II Chron. 22:11.
tongue- 64:3, 8
arrow- 64:3, 7
shoot- 64:4, 7
blameless- 64:4, 6
suddenly- 64:4, 7
see- 64:5, 8
fear- 64:4, 9
Also listen for how Jesus fulfills the Psalm. *
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Oct 21, 2022
Psalm 63
Psalm 63
David in the wilderness of Judea discusses his thirst, his longing for God.
He praises God- vs. 3, 5- He blesses God- vs. 4- He meditates on Him- vs. 6- sings for joy- vs. 7- clings to Him- vs. 8
Jesus fulfills Psalm 63. Please listen to how.
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Sep 13, 2022
Psalm 62
This psalm uses the Hebrew word translated "only" or "alone" some six times. Four of these times in passages about God Himself-(*62:1, 2, 5, 6)*. God alone is our rock and our salvation.
What does the Psalm tells us about God? *(62:1-2. 5-6, 7, 11-12)*
Why is man such an empty object of hope and trust? *(62:9-10)*
What does the Psalm tells us about Christ?
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Sep 8, 2022
Psalm 61
What are some key words in the Psalm?
The word "hear" in *vs, 1, 5*
The word "refuge" in *vs. 3, 4*
The mention of "Your name" in *vs. 5, 8
*What does He say about God?
God leads HIm to the rock- *vs. 2*
God is His refuge and tower of strength-* vs. 3*
God is the One he fears-* vs. 5* and praises- *vs. 8
*God supports and strengthens the king*- vs. 6-7*
God is One he looks to when his heart is faint- *vs. 2
*
How does Jesus fulfill *Psalm 61?
*He cried to God and He heard*- 61:1, 5; Heb. 5:7
*Jesus is the Rock*- 61:2; I Peter 2:4-8; Rom. 9:33
*We find shelter under Jesus' wings*- 61:4; Matt. 23:37-39
*He is King forever*- 61:6-7
Hebrews 7 *emphasizes Melechizedek, who was both King and Priest. There is no record of his death and that is a picture of his continuing in these offices forever. Jesus fulfills this picture.
He exercises lovingkindness and truth- *61:7*
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Aug 18, 2022
Psalm 60
This Psalm has a lengthy heading which ties in to David and Joab's conflicts with Edom recorded in II Sam. 8:13-14; I Chron. 18:12-13; and I Kings 11:15-16.
This most closely fits a national lament mourning a defeat in battle. Verses 5-12 are largely repeated in 108:6-13.
60:1-3 uses several verbs that stress God's hand in this crisis.
60:5 but the people are God's beloved
60:6-8 God has divided out the land among His people and He has promised to conquer Israel's foes
60:9-12 They beg God's help and aid in their conflict with Edom because only He can deliver and save. In the end they express confidence that He will
How does this psalm speak of Jesus? Listen and consider.
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Aug 13, 2022
Psalm 59
This psalm has characteristics of an individual lament- 59:1-4- and a national lament- 59:5, 8, 13.
Some key themes in Psalm 59
1. David's description of his enemies- 59:1, 2, 3, 5, 6-7, 14-15
2. His evaluation of himself- He is innocent- 59:3-4; He puts his trust in God- 59:9, 16-17; He sings God's praises- 59:16
3. The urgency of David's requests for help- Four imperatives are used in 59:1-2; He calls God to arouse Himself to act on his behalf- 59:4-5; The imprecatory section of 59:11-13
4. What David says about God- God is his stronghold- 59:9, 16; God's lovingkindness is stressed- 59:10, 16, 17. God rules over the nations- 59:5, 8- and He mocks those who seek to defy Him- 59:8. He will demonstrate that He rules by His judgment- 59:11-13
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Aug 2, 2022
Psalm 58
This psalm opens by addressing the wicked
58:1-2 An address to the unjust judges
58:3-5 A description of them and the evil they do
58:6-9 A plea to God to judge these wicked people
58:10-11 The rejoicing and celebration at the fall of the wicked
The translation of the Psalm is difficult. Compare several translations at vs. 1 and vs. 9 to illustrate some of the difficulties in the psalm.
Is it legitimate to pray such prayers today?
How does Jesus fulfill the Psalm?
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Jul 27, 2022
Psalm 57
Possible connections between Psalm 57 and the background of I Samuel 24
1. The word for "wings" in Psalm 57:1 is the same word "edge" for Saul's garment in I Sam. 24:4, 5, 11, 11
2. The "sons of men" use their tongues against David in Ps. 57:4 and David asks Saul why he is listening to man (same word) who tell him David is trying to kill him.
3. They prepare a net for David's soul or life in Ps. 57:6 and Saul seeks David's life in I Sam. 24:11.
4. While Ps. 57:6 expresses the idea of Lex talionis, in I Sam. 24 Saul who is pursuing David is helpless in David's hands.
Psalm 57 and Jesus
57:1 Compare Matt. 23:37 and Luke 13:34.
57:5, 11 The word "exalted" translated in the Septuagint is the same word for Christ being "lifted up" on the cross- John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32
57:5, 11 God's glory is displayed in the cross- John 12:23, 28; 13:31-32; 17:1, 5
57:3, 10 God's lovingkindness and truth are pre-eminently displayed in the cross
57:9 God is praised among all nations and peoples- Romans 15:9
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Jul 7, 2022
Psalm 56
Title of the Psalm- Compare different translation here.
*56:1-2* David begs for mercy because of wicked foes
*56:3-4* David places His trust in God
*56:5-6* The viciousness of HIs foes
*56:7-9* Prayer for judgment on foes and* *God's care for him
*56:10-11* David's trust in God
*56:12-13* Thanksgiving for God's deliverance
*
Jesus experienced the same mistreatment that David wrote of in this psalm*
*56:1-2, 5-6* Compare what Jesus experienced with David
Jesus puts His trust in God in the midst of terrifying circumstances
*56:3-4, 10-11* Compare *Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36*
Jesus offered loud crying and tears
*56:8 *with *Hebrews 5:7*
God vindicated Jesus via the resurrection *56:13 *
One day God will eliminate all tears for HIs children- *Revelation 7:15-17; 21:3-4*
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Jun 30, 2022
Psalm 55
OT events seemingly alluded to in this psalm.*
55:9 *seems to allude to the tower of Babel in *Genesis 11:1-9.
55:9-11 *The picture of the wickedness of the city is quite a contrast with* Psalms. 46 *and* 48.
55:15 *"Let them go down alive into Sheol" *Numbers 16:30-33
NT and Psalm 55
55:22 *Casting our care upon God is encouraged in *I Peter 5:7.
55:23 *God hurling the wicked to destruction is in* Revelation 19:20-21 *among other places. * *
Jesus fulfills *Psalm 55*
*55:2, 4* The word used in the main ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament translated "anguish" in *vs. 4* is a word that is used to describe the feelings of Jesus in *John 12:27; 13:21.
55:6-7 *Jesus wishes He could flee from HIs burden*- Luke 12:49-50.
55:12-14, 20-21 Jesus was betrayed by one who was close to Him- Psalm 41:9; John 13:18*
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Jun 18, 2022
Psalm 54
This brief psalm calls on the LORD to save David from distress.
The historical situation is described in *I Samuel 23:19-29; 26:1-25.* The men of Ziph are from Judah which is David's own tribe. They twice betray David to Saul. Where else can David look for help except to God?
*54:1-2* Pleas for God to save Him from distress
*54:3* A description of violent men who seek HIs life
*54:4-5* He looks to God as His helper and His strength
*54:6-7* He offers thanksgiving to God for victory.
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Jun 2, 2022
Psalm 53
This psalm is a twin to Psalm 14 but it is not an identical twin.
The Psalms go separate ways in Psalm 14:5-6 and Psalm 53:5. I will argue that there is a slightly different emphasis in these psalms and that both fit into different contexts.
One example that I do not point out on the podcast is that both Psalms use a Hebrew word that means shame. The word is used in Psalm 14:6 to describe how the wicked seek to shame the afflicted but the LORD will be the refuge of the afflicted. Psalm 14 stresses the deliverance of the righteous. Psalm 53:5 uses the same term about how God will put to shame those who rejected Him. God judges the wicked in Psalm 53.
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May 25, 2022
Psalm 52
This psalm shows a stark contrast between the wicked- *52:1-4*- and the righteous- *52:6-9.
*
In *vs. 5* four verbs are used to emphasize that God will bring the wicked down. The wicked are broken down, snatched up, torn away, and uprooted.
*52:1-5* speaks in second person and addresses the ungodly man.
*52:6-7* speak in third person describing the ungodly.
*52:8-9* David speaks in first person and describes his trust in God's lovingkindness.
The psalm contrasts the ground of the wicked's trust *(vs. 7)* with the ground of the trust of the righteous *(vs. 8).
*The psalm uses an agricultural image to describe the judgment on the wicked* (vs. 5) *with an agricultural image to describe blessings upon the righteous* (vs. 8).*
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May 20, 2022
Psalm 51 B
*51:1-2* Plea for mercy
*51:3-6* David confronts how horrible his sins are
*51:7-9 *He pleas for complete forgiveness
*51:10-12* Create in me a clean heart
*51:13-17 *God wants a whole hearted repentance*
51:18-19 *He asks God build Zion
The things David requests: God's mercy, blotting out of sins, washing, cleansing, created anew all find their greatest fulfillment in Jesus
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May 20, 2022
Psalm 51
This is David's great confession after his sin with Bathsheba
The historical event is recorded in II Sam. 11-12. We read more of David's grief over his sin in this psalm.
It will take us more than one podcast to cover it.
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May 4, 2022
Psalm 50
This focuses on teaching man about God rather than praising God.
Asaph- *I Chron. 6:39; 15:17 -19; 16:5; 25:1; II Chron. 29:30*
*50:1-6 *The LORD God summons HIs covenant people to court
*50:7-15* What is the true meaning of sacrifice?
Sacrifice does not provide God with something that He needs. God owns and possesses all and would not ask our permission if He needed anything.
Sacrifice itself is not rejected. Notice the mentions of sacrifice in *50:5, 8, 14-15, 23.*
We are dependent upon God, and He is not dependent upon us.
*50:16-23* Warning to the violators of the covenant
*50:18* They rejoice in thieves and adulterers- *Rom. 1:32
50:21 *God kept silent, and they interpreted this as the fact that He was indifferent to immorality- *Rom. 2:1-4
What does Psalm 50 teach us about God?
50:1, 4, 10-12 *God is sovereign over everything*
50:4, 6 *He is judge of all*
50:9-12 *We are dependent upon God and He is not dependent upon us*- Acts 17:24-28
50:18-21 *God is not indifferent to imm…
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Apr 28, 2022
Psalm 49
This is a wisdom psalm. It focuses on teaching men more than it does on praising God. It uses the word "proverb" in* vs. 4 *that is found in the book of Proverbs. It has similarities to the book of Ecclesiastes. Compare *Psalm 49:10* to *Ecclesiastes 2:12-23* and *Psalm 49:12* perishing like the beasts to *Ecclesiastes 3:18-21.
49:1-4 A message for all to hear
49:1 *This is directed to all and not exclusively to Israel.
*
49:5-12 All will die and no man will redeem his own life
49:6 *Some boasted and trusted in their riches. The proper object of our hope and trust is God but many put their trust in the wrong place. *
49:5, 16 *Apparently the rich and their prosperity was a threat to those who read this psalm.
*49:7, 7, 8, 15* The word redeem or redemption plays a key role in the psalm. There is not enough money to redeem out life from the grave.
*49:9* Notice the contrast between living eternally and not undergoing decay.
*49:10* All will die, wise and foolish alike.
*49:12, 20* form…
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Apr 14, 2022
Psalm 48
This is sometimes called a Zion psalm.
This psalm focuses on the city- *48:1, 2, 8, 8*- Mt. Zion- *48:2, 11*- Zion- *48:12-* temple*- 48:9.
*But the ultimate focus of the city is on God- His greatness*- 48:1- *His protection*- 48:3- *HIs* *lovingkindness, righteousness, and justice*- 48:9-11- *His presence*- 48:13-14.* The praise of the city is the praise of the God who dwells there.
The city of Jerusalem represents something bigger. *Gal. 4:26* speaks of the Jerusalem which is above. *Hebrews 11:10; 13:14* talks of a quest for a city whose builder and maker is God. *Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10, 14* pictures the "new Jerusalem." This small capital represents God dwelling with man.
All that was intended by the city and the temple is fulfilled in Jesus- *John 1:14; 2:19-22; 4:19-26.*
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Apr 7, 2022
Psalm 47
This psalm pictures God as King- *47:2, 6, 7.
*
His dominion is "all the earth"- *47:2, 7;* "the nations"- *47:8*. He subdues peoples and nations- *47:3*- and therefore all nations celebrate HIs reign as king- *47:1, 5.
*
The reception given to Him is the reception that kings received when coming to the throne-* I Sam. 10:24; II Sam. 15:10; I Kings 1:39; II Kings 9:13; 11:12.
*In a sense each of the Psalms tell the gospel story and* Psalm 47 *is no different.
*47:1* mentions joy because God reigns and the word for joy used in the LXX of the OT is the same word used of response to Jesus in *Luke 1:44.
47:1, 2, 7 *All the nations are subject to Jesus*- Matthew 25:32; 28:18-20
47:3 *Christ will put all enemies beneath His feet*- I Cor. 15:24-26
47:4 *Just as God chose Israel, He chose us*- Eph. 1:4
47:4 *He prepares Israel's inheritance as He prepares us*- I Peter 1:4
47:5 J*esus ascended to God-* John 20:17; Acts 2:34; Eph. 4:8, 9, 10.
47:2, 6, 7 *Jesus is King*- Matt. 2:2; 27:11; John…
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Mar 24, 2022
Psalm 46
What do we do when all our world is falling apart?
Where can we look? To whom can we go for help?
*Psalm 46 *can be divided easily into three parts based on the Selah's at the end of *vs. 3, 7, 11.*
*46:1-3 *Describes a natural calamity
It does not seem to be a literal description but a statement that even in the worst case scenario that we can trust God.
*46:4-7* Describes armies gathering for war outside Jersualem.
*Isaiah 36-37* and *II Kings 18-19* describe a situation like this. But the nations gathered against God and His city will fall while God will not be moved.
*46:3* The word "roar" is the same word translated "uproar" in *46:6. *The natural calamity of* vs. 1-3* has a parallel in the the military crisis* in vs. 4-7.*
*46:8-11 *God is our stronghold in all the earth
*10* To whom are these words addressed? It seems as it they are addressed to the nations which are told to stop fighting and acknowledge God as God.
*Jesus and Psalm 46*
*46:5 *Jesus is God's presence with m…
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Mar 17, 2022
Psalm 45
This psalm describes a royal wedding.
The king is mentioned in 45:1, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15.
45:1 The writer speaks of his skill and his good theme
45:2-9 Give a description of the queen
These verses present an ideal picture of who the king is.
The king is the best looking of men- vs. 2; I Sam. 9:2; 16:12; II Sam. 14:25; I Kings 1:6
The king is the mightiest of warriors- vs. 3-5; I Sam. 8:20
The king fights for the most noble of causes- vs. 4
The king loves what is right and hates what is wrong- vs. 6-7
45:10-15 are an address and a description of the king
vs. 10-12 are more of an address to the queen
vs. 13-15 a description of the queen
45:16-17 A Statement about their offspring, the descendents
Is the king called God? Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9 refers to judges who base their decisions on God's as Elohim. Could a king who bases his authority on God's gift be spoken of in the same way?
These ideals were never fulfilled in Israel's kings and led to an expectation of One who would fulfill…
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Mar 2, 2022
Psalm 44
This is the first of eleven national laments in the book of Psalms.
*44:1-8 *Israel's Glorious Past
The word save is used in *vs. 3, 6, 7.* They did not win the land of Canaan nor their great victories in the past by their own power but by God's.
* *The phrase "all day long" is going to be used in *vs. 8, 15, 22.*
*44:9-16* Israel's Miserable Present
Nothing in *vs. 1-8 *prepared us for the dramatic shift in *vs. 9-16.*
*44:17-22* Their Protest of Innocence
No other psalm make such claims of national fidelity like this one.
*vs. 17-18* The people state their loyalty to God
*vs. 19* They talk of the pain they experienced
*44:23-26 *Israel begs God to take action
This is a call for God to awake from His "Sleep" and act.
*Jesus and Psalm 44
*He saved us by His power-* vs. 1-8; Eph. 2:1-10; II Tim. 1:9
*He is our King-* John 19:19-22
*Any horrible experience of suffering Israel described in *vs. 9-16* has some comparison to His experiences on the cross*.
*If any could ever protest the…
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Feb 24, 2022
Psalms 42 and 43
Why would we combine these Psalms?
1. The same refrain appears in 42:5, 11; 43:5
2. There are other similar lines- compare 42:9; 43:2
3. There is no heading to Psalm 43 in the Hebrew text
These are the first Psalms we have studied ascribed to someone other than David. The "sons of Korah" are mentioned in the heading of Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88. They are apparently descendants of Korah the Levite of Num. 16 who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron and perished. His sons did not perish- Num. 26:10-11. They became temple musicians and gatekeepers- I Chron. 26.
Psalms 42 and 43 speak of despair
42:5, 11; 43:5 "Why are you in despair, O my soul?"
42:3 Tears were his food continually
42:7 He feels as if he is drowning.
42:9; 43:2 he is continually mourning
These Psalms speak of hope
42:5, 11; 43:5 Hope in God
42:8 God gives His lovingkindness and songs in the night
43:3-5 He longs to be at God's holy hill
These passages describe an intense desire for God
42:1-2 His desire for Go…
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Feb 17, 2022
Psalm 41
The writer may state his conclusion at the beginning of the Psalm- 41:1-3.
How blessed is the one who considers the helpless- 41:1
Then the text gives six (6) lines to show how he will be blessed- 41:1b-3.
David's speaks- 41:4
His enemies take center stage- 41:5-9. The psalm mentions "enemies" 41:5, "enemy"- 41:11, and those "who hate me" 41:7. The plot and plan against David. They gossip about him. They anxiously await his death.
Be gracious to me, David says- 41:10. The plea for God to be gracious in 41:4, 10 surrounds the treachery of his enemies in 41:5-9.
He prays God will raise him up- 41:10.
The psalm ends book 1 of the Psalms. Each of the books ends on strong notes of praise to God- 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48; 146-150.
How does Jesus fulfill the Psalm?
41:9 is quoted and applied to Judas by Jesus in John 13:18
41:1-3 Jesus did not seem to experience the deliverances promised to one who helps the helpless.
41:5-9 Jesus did however experience all the hatred and opposit…
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Feb 3, 2022
Psalm 40
A Psalm of David
40:1-2 He has waited for the LORD and he has lifted his feet up out of the clay
40:3-5 The LORD put a new song in his mouth
40:6-8 God desires a complete submission to Him and a desire to do His will
40:9-10 He has not been quiet about God's deliverance
40:11-12 He begs God not to withhold compassion from Him
40:13-17 He asks God to hurry to his rescue
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Jan 25, 2022
Psalm 39
*Key Themes in Psalm 39
Silence- 39:1-3, 9, 12
Brevity of Life- 39:4-6, 11, 12
Sin and suffering- 39:8-11*
*Jesus fulfills Psalm 39*
This ending is answered in the resurrection of Jesus.
This psalm reveals “the bewilderment about man that was only finally dispelled when the Word became flesh, and when the gospel brought life and immortality to light” Kidner, 156.
*39:1-2, 9* Jesus’ silence when on trial- *Matt. 26:62-64; 27:11-14.*
*39:2 *His silence did not eliminate Jesus’ grief*- Matt. 26:37-38.*
*39:8 *Jesus brings forgiveness for our transgression. He solves the problem of our sin- *Acts 13:39; Rom. 4:25*
*39:4-6, 13 *The brevity of life and the certainty of death is answered by the resurrection and life-* John 11:25; 14:6.*
*39:11 *He provides us riches that neither moth eats nor rust destroys and riches that thieves cannot break through and steal.* *
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Jan 19, 2022
Psalm 38
This Psalm repeatedly references David's sickness- *38:3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17.* He is suffering intensely.
He is suffering because of his sin- *38:3, 4, 5, 18.*
This is not to say all suffering is directly connected to our personal sin. The book of Job shows that is not true. However, we cannot say that there is no connection between personal sin and suffering either. David experiences it right here.
His enemies add to his pain- *38:12, 16, 19, 20*- while his friends stand far off- *38:11*.
Jesus experienced the suffering the author of *Psalm 38* experienced:
His friends forsook Him- *Matt. 26:55-56, 58; Luke 23:49
*He was beaten so badly there was no healthy part of His flesh-* Isaiah 52:14; 53:5; Matt. 27:26-31.
*He enemies laid traps for Him-* Mark 3:6; Luke 11:54; 20:20
*Jesus was like a deaf man*- Matt. 27:13 *and a mute man*- Matt. 27:13-14
*Jesus was not like the Psalmist in the sense that He never sinned*- Hebrews 4:14-16; I Peter 2:22.
*Jesus is able to carry away the burden…
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Jan 13, 2022
Psalm 37
*Righteous- vs. 12, 16, 17, 21, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39*
*Other brief descriptions of the righteous: *
*11 “humble” *same word used in* vs. 14*
*14 “The afflicted and needy,” “who are upright in conduct”*
*18 “the blameless”*
*22 “blessed by Him”*
*37 “the blameless man,” “upright,” and “man of peace”*
* *Characteristics of righteous-
*21 “the righteous is gracious and gives” *
*26 “All day long, he is gracious and lends. And his descendants are a blessing” *
*30 “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom and his tongue speaks justice”*
*31 “The law of his God is in his heart”*
*37 “man of peace”*
*40 “they take refuge in Him”*
* *Righteous will “inherit the land”- *9, 11, 22, 29 *“and dwell in it forever*,” 34 *“And He will exalt you to…”
Other statements of blessings upon the righteous-
*4 “He will give you the desires of your heart” *
*5 “He will do it”*
*6 “He will bring forth your righteous…
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Jan 4, 2022
Psalm 36
This psalm contrast the character of the wicked- 36:1-4- with the character of God- 36:5-9
36:1 Transgression speaks- These two words are put together this way only here in the Bible. The word "speaks" is often translated "oracle" and refers to an oracle from the LORD.
Here it is transgression or rebellion that is giving this oracle.
"There is no fear of God before his eyes" Romans 3:18 quotes this.
36:4 The wicked man plans evil upon his bed. Compare Micah 2:1-2 and Proverbs 4:16. Contrast this to Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
36:5-9 God's character is said to be lovingkindness, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments. These attributes of God are without limitations.
How does Jesus fulfill these words?
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Dec 15, 2021
Psalm 35 C
Three main points that we make in this our third podcast on Psalm 35.
1. Jesus experienced the pain and suffering David spoke of on a level deeper than he ever did
See vs. 7, 11, 12, 15 especially
2. Jesus did not curse because of this suffering but He called for a blessing instead
This is not to criticize imprecatory prayers, but it is to say that is not what Jesus engaged in.
Jesus took the curse upon Himself- Galatians 3:13/ Deuteronomy 21:22-23
Jesus called for mercy for those who tormented Him- Luke 23:34
3. Jesus fulfills Psalm 35 via HIs death and resurrection
35:13 Jesus humbled Himself- Philippians 2:8
35:9, 27 rejoicing at His deliverance- The words in the Greek translation of the OT are used in Acts 2:26 to speak of rejoicing at Jesus' resurrection.
35:25 In His deliverance, HIs resurrection, Jesus swallowed up death- I Corinthians 15:54; II Corinthians 5:4.
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Dec 10, 2021
Psalm 35 B - Can we pray calling judgment on the wicked?
This Psalm calls down curses upon those who have opposed the Psalmist.
See verses 1-8, 26.
Sometimes we hear that these prayers were acceptable in the Old Testament but they are not acceptable today.
In the OT God's people were encouraged to love their enemies- Exodus 23:4-5; Prov. 25:21-22.
In the OT God's people were forbidden from taking personal vengeance- Proverbs 20:22; 24:29.
In the NT we find God's people calling down curses upon the wicked- I Cor. 16:22; Galatians 1:8-9; 5:12; Rev. 6:9-10.
In the NT we find rejoicing at the fall of evil and wicked people- Rev. 18:20; 19:1-6
This is not an effort to eliminate Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-36; Luke 23:34, or Acts 7:59-60 from the Bible. It is an effort to say that prayers of judgement also have their place.
These prayers show us
That evil is real- Isaiah 5:20- and that we must be outraged by evil- Psalm 119:104, 128, 163.
These prayers do not encourage personal vengeance but they leave things in the hand of God- Psalm 35:13-14;…
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Dec 7, 2021
Psalm 35
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.
In this Psalm David describes how he was mistreated, lied about, pursued by wicked people.
Frequently through the Psalm David will affirm his innocence- vs. 7, 7, 11, 13-14,
He calls on God to rescue him and to judge those who are mistreating him- vs. 3, 4-8, 26
He calls on God to bring the same kind of judgment upon the wicked that they are bringing upon him. We sometimes call this lex talionis. Lex talionis is literally law of the tooth. We used it to speak of how in God's justice the punishment often fits the crime.- vs. 7-8.
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Dec 1, 2021
Psalm 34
This psalm speaks of the fear- vs. 4- troubles- vs. 6, 17- afflictions - vs. 19- of the righteous.
This psalm speaks of the LORD delivering and rescuing His people from afflictions- vs. 4, 6, 17, 19.
Psalm 34 speaks of God protecting HIs people- vs. 7, 9, 10, 15, 20, 22.
This psalm speaks of God judging the wicked- vs. 16, 21.
Psalm 34:20 is applied to Christ's death on the cross- John 19:36 and context. John 19:36 also applies to Jesus fulfilling the picture of the Passover Lamb in Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12. But Jesus also fulfills the picture of the righteous sufferer in the Psalms.
The above idea stretches the idea of God delivering the righteous. If we do not see it fulfilled in this life, we shall see it in the resurrection.
I Peter 2:3 alludes to Psalm 34:8 and I Peter 3:10-12 quotes Psalm 34:12-16. The righteous people who received this epistle were experiencing troubles, fears, and afflictions. Psalm 34 gives them assurance that ultimately God would deliver the righteous…
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Nov 25, 2021
Psalm 33
This Psalm praises God
33:1-5 Sing to Him a new song and praise Him you who are righteous
33:6-9 The LORD as Creator- Let all stand in awe of Him
33:10-12 The counsel and plans of the nations are thwarted but God's counsel and plans stand
33:13-15 The LORD sees all people and all their works
33:16-17 Victory belongs to the LORD
Kings, warriors, and horses cannot bring victory by their own strength but the LORD is source of our strength
33:18-19 The eyes of the LORD are upon us and rescue us from disaster
33:20-22 All of these words are to encourage us to trust in the LORD and hope in Him
How Jesus fulfills Psalm 33?
Jesus is Creator- John 1:1-3, 10; Col. 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2
Jesus is the Word- John 1:1-3, 14; Revelation 19:13-14
The death and resurrection of Jesus are the ultimate demonstration of the LORD thwarting the plans of the nations and accomplishing His will- Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 4:25-28; compare its language with Psalm 33:10-11.
Jesus gives us a new song- Revelation…
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Nov 9, 2021
Psalm 32
This psalm describes David's struggle with unconfessed sin and then the joys of forgiveness when he humbled himself before God.
*1. The burden of sin*- *32:3-5*
His bones have wasted away and he is groaning- *32:3*
His pain is perpetual- *32:3* "all day long" and *32:4* "Day and night"
The hand of the LORD is heavy against him- *Ruth 1:13; I Sam. 5:6, 7, 9.* The hand of the LORD that David looked to in *31:5, 15* is now pressing against him heavily. This is not God's fault but it is David.
His strength is dried up- *32:4*
Are you carrying this heavy burden?
*2. The blessings of forgiveness- 32:1-2*
Three different terms for evil are used- transgression, sin, and iniquity
Three different terms for forgiveness are used- forgiven, covered, not imputed or not counted
Three different terms for confession are used- acknowledged, did not hide, confessed
God is more willing to forgiven than we are to confess- *32:5*
*3. The mood changes at 32:6 and he calls on all to learn the lesson from th…
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Nov 3, 2021
Psalm 31
The Psalm is quoted by Christ on the cross. Psalm 31:5 is quoted by Jesus in Luke 23:46.
This does not mean that the psalm speaks exclusively of Jesus since 31:10 makes a reference to the writer's "iniquity"- NASB. Some versions have words like "misery" instead of "iniquity." The word "iniquity" is based on the Hebrew text and the word "misery" is based on the Greek translation of the OT.
Notice some of the things that David experienced that Christ also experienced.
They laid a net to trap him- vs. 4. The slandered him and plotted to kill him- vs. 13.
David was a "man of sorrows"- vs. 10 and was forsaken by those closest to him- vs. 11.
David experienced these things and was delivered from death. Jesus experienced all these things and He was crucified, but not even death stops the promises of God. God raised Jesus and provided salvation through Him.
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Oct 28, 2021
Psalm 30
This psalm tells us God's anger is for a moment but His favor is for a lifetime- vs. 5.
God will turn our mourning into danger and give us garments of joy instead of sackcloth- vs.11
Judgement is not the final word for God's people
Exodus 34:6-7; Isaiah 54:7-10
Jesus fulfills the psalm in the greatest sense by HIs resurrection and He turns our grief to joy.
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Oct 20, 2021
Psalm 29
The Power of God in the thunderstorm
The psalm speaks of the LORD 18 times and the "voice of the LORD" 7 times.
The Canaanites believed that Baal controlled the storm and the lightning. But the things that psalms attributes to Baal, the Bible attributes to YHWH.
The showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is about who controls these the storm, the lightning, and the weath.
29:1-2 A Call to Praise God
29:3-9 The glory of God in the thunderstorm
29:10-11 The LORD as King forever
Jesus fulfills Psalm 29
The "voice of the LORD" could be tied with Jesus as the Word- John 1:1
The heavenly being- ESV- praising God in vs. 1-2 finds fulfillment in Luke 2:10-11.
Jesus demonstrates His control of the storm in Mark 4:35-41
Jesus walks on the water in Mark 6:45-52 and shows His control over the elements.
Jesus can turn water into wine- John 2:1-11.
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Oct 18, 2021
Psalm 28
This psalm has been described as an individual lament or a psalm of thanksgiving or a royal psalm.
28:1-5 Petition
28:6-9 Praise
Key words: Notice has "hear the voice of my supplication" in vs. 2 is picked up in vs. 6.
The word "hands" is used to refer to David lifting his hands to God in vs. 2, the hands of the wicked in vs. 4, and the work of God's hands in vs. 5.
The word "bless" is used in vs. 6 of David blessing God and in vs. 9 begging God to bless David.
In vs. 2 David "lifted up" his hands to God and in vs. 9 the LORD is carrying or "lifting" HIs people.
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Oct 6, 2021
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? These bold words introduce this psalm.
27:1-6 sound more like a psalm of confidence or praise
27:7-14 sound more like an individual lament as David pours out his problems to God
Some have suggested that these were originally two different psalms. However, a common vocabulary ties the portions of this psalm together: "God of my salvation" vs. 1, 9; "adversaries" or "foes" in vs. 2, 12; "heart" in vs. 3, 8, 14; "seek" in . 4, 8, 9. These are some of the common links in the psalm.
Two verses that stand out to me are verses 4, 10.
In vs. 4 he desires to be in the house of the LORD more than he desires anything else.
In vs. 10 he asserts that the LORD will not forsake him. The LORD is more reliable than the most certain cases of human love.
So he affirms his desire not to forsake God on the basis of his knowledge that God will not forsake him.
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Sep 29, 2021
Psalm 26
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Sep 18, 2021
Psalm 25
What does Psalm 25 teach us about God?
1. God is a God of forgiveness
25:6-7, 11, 18
God is a God of mercy- 25:6
Lovingkindness- 25:6, 7, 10
Good- 25:7-8
faithfulness or truth- 25:10
He forgives based on His goodness- 25:7- and His name's sake- 25:11
2. God is a God who teaches, instructs us in the right way
25:4-5, 8-10, 12-14
God instructs sinners in the way- Sin means to miss the mark- Judges 20:16- and those who miss the mark are taught the right way or right path by God- 25:4, 4, 8, 9, 12.
God is a God anxious to teach sinners and not just to judge them.
3. God is worthy of our trust
25:1-2 We can trust in Him and lift up our soul to Him
25:15 He lifts our feet out of the net
25:3, 5, 21 Waiting upon Him is stressed in the psalm. In vs. 5 he waited on the LORD "all day long."
David has sins- 25:7, 11, 18- afflictions- 25:16, 18- troubles- 25:17, 18- and distresses- 25:17.
God is worthy of trust in all these situations.
Jesus in Psalm 25
25:19 HIs enemies were many and they were…
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Sep 15, 2021
Psalm 24
This psalm could be divided into three distinct parts- vs. 1-2, 3-6, 7-10.
24:1-2 The LORD's dominion over all in heaven, earth, and sea
24:3-6 Who may ascend into God's holy place?
One must have clean hands and a pure heart.
He must not lift up his soul to falsehood nor swear deceitfully
24:7-10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts
What does the Psalm teach us about God?
How does the Psalm foreshadow Christ?
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Sep 12, 2021
Psalm 23
The LORD is portrayed as the good shepherd in vs. 1-4 and a gracious host in vs. 5-6.
Some passages that talk of the work of a shepherd are
Genesis 31:39-40 The shepherd worked tirelessly
I Samuel 17:34-36 He risked his life
Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7 He went looking after every lost sheep
Isaiah 40:11 He carried the sheep in his bosom
The shepherd protected and provided for his sheep.
The LORD is a gracious host unlike Simon in Luke 7:44-46
23:6 pursue- is a word that deals with a diligent chasing after another. Here it is goodness and mercy that pursue us.
Jesus as the Good Shepherd
John 10:1-18
Mark 6:34, 39
Revelation 7:15-17
Jesus as the Gracious host
Revelation 19:7-9
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Sep 9, 2021
Psalm 22 Part 2
This psalm is quoted or echoed repeatedly in the New Testament and applied to the suffering of Christ.
There is no clear record of pre-New Testament sources applying this to the sufferings of the Messiah.
Psalm 22:1 is quoted in Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34
Psalm 22:7-8 is alluded to in Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29; Luke 23:34-35
Psalm 22:18 is quoted and applied to Christ's suffering in John 19:23-24
Psalm 22:22 is quoted and applied to Jesus in Hebrews 2:12
Does this psalm speak exclusively of Jesus? David was a prophet and is he hear simply prophesying of the experiences of the Christ?
Does Psalm 22 have some reference to David's experiences which are fulfilled in a greater and richer way in Jesus.
I seek to suggest in this podcast that while these words are David describing his experiences that God selected the words so that he also prophesies about the death and resurrection of Jesus.
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Sep 9, 2021
Psalm 22 Part 1
This psalm is often quoted in the New Testament. In this podcast we are simply seeking to explain it in its OT setting. Lord willing, in the next podcast we will talk about its use in the NT.
In this psalm there is a contrast between the "I/me" sections where David explains his crisis and the sections that emphasize "You" as he begs God's help.
22:1-2 Why have You forsaken me?
22:3-5 The LORD has delivered Israel in the past
22:6-8 David is despised and mocked
The glorious past only increases his pain in the present
22:9-11 God has been with him constantly and He begs him not to be far away
22:12-18 He dramatically describes his enemies and the seriousness of his situation
22:19-21 He begs God to hurry to his aid
22:22-31 The LORD will turn his lament into praise
The praise answers the lament earlier in the book.
God has not despised him but He has answered his prayer- vs. 24 contrast vs. 6 and vs. 2
This will lead to universal praise of God- vs. 27-31
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Sep 4, 2021
Psalm 21
This and the previous psalm are both usually called "royal psalms."
These psalms are linked by the Hebrew word for "salvation" in 20:5, 6, 6, 9; 21:1, 5.
The word "king" is used in 20:9; 21:1, 7.
The "right hand" appears in 20:6; 21:8.
Psalm 21 begins and ends with a mention of the LORD and His strength
21:1-7 The LORD is source of all the king's blessings and strength
21:8-12 The enemies are conquered
Are the "you" and "your" words a reference to God or to the king? Whichever view we take may not be that important if we understand that God was the source of all the king's strength and HIs victories are only through Him.
21:13 The LORD is exalted and praised
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Sep 2, 2021
Psalm 20
This is called a royal psalm because of the emphasis on the role of the anointed- vs. 6- and the king- vs. 9.
Key words in the Psalm:
"answer" in vs. 1, 6, 6, 9
"victories" "saves" "saving" or "save" are all from the same root word in vs. 5, 6, 6, 9
The word "name" is used in 20:1, 5, 7.
The people had great hopes for the king- II Sam. 21:17; Lamentations 4:20
The king's responsibility is to trust God and to remember Him- vs. 7
Some trusted in horses and chariots but battles were won by God's power
Psalm 33:16-17, 20
Psalm 44:2-3
Deuteronomy 20:1-4
Joshua 24:11-12
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Aug 27, 2021
Psalm 19
C. S. Lewis called it the greatest poem in the book of Psalms.
19:1-6 The heavens are declaring the glory of God
If creation overwhelms us and leads us to stand in awe, how much more should we stand in awe of the Creator HImself.
19:2-4 They bear constant testimony to who God is. They speak a language with no words but they speak a language that has no limits or boudaries.
19:4-6 The glory is shown in the sun bursting forth from its chamber.
19:7-11 God's glory in HIs special revelation of Scripture
The law of the LORD... is perfect.. restoring the soul
This structure is found 6 times in vs. 7-9
19:12-14 In light of God's revelation. The author is in awe of His greatness and glory and begs for HIs mercy.
The LORD is his rock and redeemer.
Jesus fulfills the Psalm as He is Creator- John 1:1-3, 10; Col. 1:15-17
Jesus is the Word made flesh- John 1:1, 14
Jesus is our rock- Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; I Peter 2:4-8
Jesus is our redeemer- Ephesians 1:7; Coloissians 1:13-14
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Aug 26, 2021
Psalm 18- Part 2
In this royal psalm, David acknowledges that all he is and has is from God.
18:3 He hears David's call and rescues him
18:16 He drew him out of many waters
18:17 He delivered him from the strong enemy
18:18 The LORD is his stay in time of calamity
18:28 The LORD is his lamp
18:29 By God's strength he performs heroic acts
18:30 He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him
18:31 The LORD is his rock
18:32 The LORD girds him with strength and makes him blameless
18:33 He makes his feet strong
18:34 He trains his arms for battle
18:35 God's right hand upholds David
18:36 The LORD enlarges his steps
18:39 He girds him with strength
18:43 The LORD placed him as head of the nations
18:47-48 The LORD executes vengeance and subdues peoples
18:50 The LORD shows lovingkindness
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Aug 26, 2021
Psalm 18: Part 1
This is viewed as a royal psalm, a psalm about the king.
David composed it after deliverance from his foes according to the heading.
Look at how he describes his relationship with God in vs. 1-2.
18:1-3 He loves the LORD
18:4-6 The crisis from which the LORD delivered him
18:7-15 The LORD's dramatic intervention to rescue His servant and judge His foes
18:16-19 The LORD drew David out of the waters
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Aug 18, 2021
Psalm 17
Psalm 17
17:1-2 David begs God to hear his prayer
17:3-5 The LORD has examined him and tried him
17:6-8 He begs God to protect and shield him
17:9-12 David describes the wicked and their violence to him
17:13-15. The LORD is to bring down the wicked and he longs to see their face
Connections with Psalm 16
16:1 taking refuge in the LORD. 17:7
16:8 The mention of the LORD's right hand 17:7
16:1 Keep me. 17:8
16:8 "I will not be moved" 17:5
16:5 Portion- where is our portion
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Aug 5, 2021
Psalm 16
Psalm 16
Heading: A Mikhtam of David- Psalms 56-60
16:1-4 David trusts in the LORD vs. those around him who trust in other gods
16:5-6 The LORD is his portion, inheritance, cup, lot, and heritage
16:7-11 The LORD is at His right hand and He will not be shaken
16:8-11 is quoted in Acts 2:25-28, 31 by Peter and Acts 13:35-37 by Paul. Both of these speakers emphasize that these words did not have their ultimate fulfillment in David. David died and was buried and his tomb underwent decay. These words have their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus and His resurrection.
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Aug 4, 2021
Psalm 15
15:1 The Question: O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
15:2-5a The Answer: The character of the one who continues to be in God's presence
vs. 2 Three participles describe him positively: He walks with integrity, works righteousness, speaks truth
vs. 3 negatively he does not slander with his tongue, do evil to a neighbor, or take up a reproach against a friend
vs. 4 He demonstrates who he is by the company he keeps and he keeps his word even when it is painful.
vs. 5 He does not put out his money at interest and he does not take a bribe to strike down the innocent.
15:5c The Promise: He who does these things will not be shaken.
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Jul 29, 2021
Psalm 14
Psalm 14:1-3 The foolishness of living without God
14:4-6 The LORD is with the righteous
14:7 O that salvation would come out of Zion.
The Hebrew word translated "there is no" as in "there is no God" is used 4 times in verses 1-3. The first time man in saying in his heart that there is no God to call him to account. The other 3 times this Hebrew word is used in vs. 1-3 is God's assessment of man: there is none good. The word is used twice in vs. 1 and twice in vs. 3.
Psalm 14 is virtually repeated in Psalm 53. The small differences highlight a slightly different emphasis in these two psalms. Psalm 14 has unique phrases like the LORD is with the righteous generation and the afflicted have made the LORD his refuge. These unique phrases are emphasized in 14:5-6. In Psalm 53 verse 5 is unique as it speaks of scattering the bones of the wicked and it stresses God's judgment of the wicked.
Romans 3:10-12 quotes Psalm 14:1-3 and Psalm 53:1-3 and emphasizes that all have sinned and are in…
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Jul 28, 2021
Psalm 13
Psalm 13:1-2 How long, O LORD??
This psalm is a classic example of a psalm of lament.
"How long" is asked 4 times with the questions surrounding it intensifying.
13:3-4 Rescue me now
13:5-6 I will praise the LORD
The psalms of individual lament usually end in praise and the praise at the end of the psalm answers the plea expressed earlier in the Psalm.
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Jul 26, 2021
Psalm 12
Psalm 12:1-4 The wicked are consuming the godly
12:1 Help- NASB; Save- ESV
12:2-3 The wicked lips of the evil men
12:5-8 The LORD will preserve the poor and afflicted
The LORD arises the save the righteous
12:6 The LORD's words are pure in contrast to the words of the wicked in 12:2-3.
12:7 The LORD will preserve them.
12:8 sons of men- this phrase appears in both vs. 1 and vs. 8.
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Jul 17, 2021
Psalm 11
Psalm 11
11:1 The security of the Psalmist
11:2-3 The threat of the wicked
11:4 The sovereignty of God
11:5-6 The destiny of the wicked
11:7 The destiny of the righteous
What does Psalm 11 say about the LORD?
11:1 He is our refuge
11:4 He is in His holy temple
11:4-5 He tests all men
11:5-6 He will bring judgment upon the wicked
11:7 He will bless the righteous
How does Jesus fulfill the picture of an innocent sufferer in Psalm 11?
11:1 in Luke 13:31-33 Jesus was basically told to flee like in 11:1
11:2 The wicked shot at Jesus secretly- Matthew 26:4; Mark 14:1; Matthew 26:55
11:1 Jesus took refuge in God- I Peter 2:22-23
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Jul 10, 2021
Psalm 10
Psalm 10 and Psalm 9 may have originally been one Psalm. Even if that is not the case, there are many connections between the Psalms. Here are some of them.
10:1- times of trouble- 9:9
10:2 the wicked- 9:5, 16, 17; 10:2, 3, 4, 13, 15
10:4 The Hebrew word for "Seek" in 9:10, 12; 10:4, 13, 15
10:11 The claim that God has forgotten- 9:12, 18
10:12 Arise- 9:19
10:16 The LORD is king- 9:4, 7
10:16 nations- 9:5, 15, 17, 19, 19, 20
10:18 vindicate is the word "judge" in 9:8
10:1-2 Where is the LORD in the midst of trouble
10:3-11 A description of the wicked
10:12-15 A plea for God to arise and judge the wicked
10:16-18 The king has heard their cry and will defend them
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Jul 5, 2021
Psalm 9
Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to the LORD
9:3-6 My enemy will stumble and turn back
9:7-10 The LORD has established His throne for judgment
9:11-12 Sing Praises to the LORD
9:13-16 Lift me up from death and let the nations sink down
9:17-18 The wicked nations vs. the afflicted and needy
9:19-20 Do not let man prevail
The Psalm emphasizes that the LORD will...
bring judgment upon the wicked- 9:3, 5, 6, 15-16, 17, 19-20
vindicate the righteous- 9:9, 10, 12 , 18, 18
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Jun 6, 2021
Psalm 8
When Apollo 11 went to the moon in 1969 they had a silicon disk in which they left messages from 73 nations and the message from the Vatican was the text of *Psalm 8*
Psalm 8 begins and ends with praise to God. It is an inclusion beginning and ending with the same words, "LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth" vs. 1, 9.
1. The Psalm speaks of the greatness of God compared to the relatively small heavens.
2. It stresses how immense the heavens are compared to small and insignificant man.
3. It states that man is small but God has given Him an exalter position in the universe.
Psalm 8 is quoted often in the NT.
Psalm 8:2 is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:16 to speak of how the children are praising Him in the temple.
Psalm 8:4-6 is quoted and broken down in Hebrews 2:6-9 and applied to Jesus.
Psalm 8:6 is applied to Jesus in Ephesians 1:22-23 and I Corinthians 15:27.
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May 31, 2021
Psalm 7
Psalm 7:1-2 The enemy threatens to tear David apart
7:3-5 If he is guilty, may he be judged
7:6-11 He calls on the LORD to arise in judgment
7:12-16 Judgment will fall upon the head of the wicked
7:17 Final praise
God as judge from Psalm 7
God is judge of all peoples- 7:7-8
God is a righteous judge- 7:11
God is angry with sin- 7:6, 11
God punishes the wicked- 7:9, 11, 12-16
God vindicates the righteous- 7:8, 9, 10
I made a mistake around the 22 minute mark in talking about the word in the Greek translation for "Arise." It is actually the word in the Greek translation for "lifted up" which also appears in the same verse.
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May 9, 2021
Psalm 6
The division we made of Psalm 6 is
1. The psalm describe the depth of David's despair- vs. 2-3, 6-7
2. His plea to God for help- vs. 1, 4-5
3. His confidence of victory- vs. 8-10
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May 1, 2021
Psalm 5
This psalm alternates between petitions to God (vs. 1-3, 7-8, 11-12) and descriptions of the wicked (vs. 4-6, 9-10). The psalm distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked but it also reminds us that we only enter the LORD's house by the abundance of HIs lovingkindness (vs. 7).
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Apr 22, 2021
Psalm 4
An evening prayer
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Apr 8, 2021
Psalm 3
Psalm 3
David flees from Absalom
3:1-2 Many are rising against him
3:3-4 The LORD is his shield
3:5-6 The LORD sustains me
3:7-8 Salvation belongs to the LORD
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Apr 2, 2021
Psalm 2
*Psalm 2*
*vs. 1-3 *The nations plot rebellion against God
*vs. 4-6 *The LORD scoffs at the nations who seek to defy Him
*vs. 7-9* The LORD's King will rule all nations with a rod of iron
*vs. 10-12* Resistance is futile and the only option is surrender to God
*verse* *7 *is applied to the baptism of Jesus- *Matthew 3:16-17*- and transfiguration-* Matthew 17:1-5.
* It is applied to the resurrection of Jesus*- Acts 13:33. *See also* Hebrews 1:5; 5:5.
vs. 9* is applied to Jesus in Revelation *12:5; 19:15 *and to Christians in* Revelation 2:26-27.*
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Mar 27, 2021
Psalm 1
A brief summary of Psalm 1 and its distinction between the righteous and the wicked.
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Mar 20, 2021
Introduction to Psalms
In this very brief introduction to Psalms we ask whether the Psalms are words to God or from God, what kind of literature is Psalms, and how the Psalms speak of Jesus.
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