Month: April 2012

Psalm 53

God does look down from His throne and has come down in Christ. He came for salvation and He will come for judgement. If you have not accepted the first, you are in danger of the second. Where do you stand today?

Psalm 53

This psalm and Psalm 14 (see our study) are almost identical in the English. The Hebrew uses a different name for God. Psalm 14 uses Jehovah (יְֽהוָה) three times and Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) four times. Psalm 53 uses Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) each of the seven times it refers to God. However, this change does not occur in verse one or verse five. Verse one of both psalms contain Elohim (אֱלֹהִים). I believe this occurs because the fool says there is absolutely no god (Elohim [אֱלֹהִים])which would include the God of Israel (Jehovah [יְֽהוָה]). The major change is in Psalm 53.5. Compare it to Psalm 14.5-6. This could have been intentional for the purpose set forth in the occasion of the psalm.

This psalm can be a reflection of the state of our country in this generation. This psalm describes trying to rule without God and without His standards for life.

There are four types of people mentioned in this psalm who live a life that denies the reality of God. They are the foolish person who flatly denies there is even a possibility of a god (1), the lazy person who does not take the effort to know God (2), the person who pursues his own desires, he is called perverse (3), and the person who lives life as if there is no consequence for action, they devour all in their path (4). I see this as our society today. God’s judgement is cast. For those who choose to live a life as if there were no God, he will be put to shame (5). For those who choose to live the life God created for them to live, He brings blessings (6).

Genesis 6.5 describes the wickedness of people before the Flood. The word used to describe them is the same word used here, which is corrupt (1).

Psalm 53.2 tells us that God looks down. This is an interesting phrase and occurs elsewhere in the Scriptures. Here is a listing from the Psalms:

God does look down from His throne and has come down in Christ. He came for salvation and He will come for judgement. If you have not accepted the first, you are in danger of the second. Where do you stand today?

Psalm 50

If you were to define worship or service, what would it be? Is it giving offerings, sacrifices, time? Is it the pomp and circumstance of much religious circles. Or, is it the heart attitude that Jesus called for? Can it be purely inward as the monasteries of old? Or, is it outward as James proclaims? There must be a balance between the inward worship of heart and the outward worship of body (Romans 12.1-2).

Psalm 50

Although we have studied other psalms of Asaph already, this is the first one ascribed to him.

The scene is a courtroom wherein God calls His witnesses against Israel (and all mankind). His witnesses are earth (1) and heaven (4). God always calls His creation in when bringing judgment on man. The book of Micah and other prophets share the same motif. The witnesses are called and God asks us to pause (Selah). Do we have witnesses against us in terms of our syncretism?

The charge God lays on the people is that of the people feeling they have obligated God to do their bidding based on what they have done for Him. They feel as though God needs their offerings to survive. We are to do for God out of obligation in order to honor Him for who He is and for what He has done. The Ten Commandments have been broken, and those who are to uphold them are encouraging others to break them. Doesn’t this sound like the United States in our generation?

If you were to define worship or service, what would it be? Is it giving offerings, sacrifices, time? Is it the pomp and circumstance of much religious circles. Or, is it the heart attitude that Jesus called for? Can it be purely inward as the monasteries of old? Or, is it outward as James proclaims? There must be a balance between the inward worship of heart and the outward worship of body (Romans 12.1-2).

Much more needs to be done for the greatness of this psalm. Time does not allow for it today.

2 Samuel 9

David lived his life with all his ups and downs according to the purpose for which God created him (Acts 13.36). This is one of those instances where David served God’s purpose. We will see later that David falters a few times, but, in the end, he serves God’s purpose. How about you? Are you serving God’s purpose for your life in the area He has placed you (Acts 17.26)?

2 Samuel 9

The key to this whole passage is a promise David made to Jonathan before Saul and Jonathan died on Gilboa. David had promised him that David would always take care of the posterity of Jonathan. After he perished, there was only one alive and his name was Mephibosheth (see our study of 2 Samuel 4). His heritage is thus:

  • He is the grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan who was crippled as his nurse fled and dropped him after the overthrow of Saul’s kingdom (2 Samuel 4.4-6)
  • After the overthrow of the kingdom, he was raised by Machir who was a powerful leader among the tribes on the eastern side of the Jordan River (transjordan). He also provided assistance to David in 2 Samuel 17.27-29 (2 Samuel 9.4-6)
  • He was sought out and honored by David because of David’s promise to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20.14-17 (2 Samuel 9.1-13)
  • He was accused by Ziba of attempting to overthrow the kingdom of David when Absalom rebelled (2 Samuel 16.1-4)
  • He explains his side to David (2 Samuel 19.24-30)
  • He was spared by David (2 Samuel 21.7)
  • He was the father of Micha (2 Samuel 9.12)
  • He was called Merib-Baal (1 Chronicles 8.34)

David remembers the promise made to Jonathan after he had conquered and won many battles and became settled (2 Samuel 8.1). We can see this because Mephibosheth had a son (12) by this time. Since he was five when all this happened, some eighteen years could have passed, giving Mephibosheth enough time to marry and have a child.

What David did for Mephibosheth was not what the kings of ancient times did. They would slay all who were potential rivals (even in their own household). David not only spared Mephibosheth but gave him a home even though Mephibosheth could give nothing in return. Isn’t this much like what God does for us? He doesn’t slay us, but in His grace offers us who are crippled by our sin an eternal habitation fit for a king.

David lived his life with all his ups and downs according to the purpose for which God created him (Acts 13.36). This is one of those instances where David served God’s purpose. We will see later that David falters a few times, but, in the end, he serves God’s purpose. How about you? Are you serving God’s purpose for your life in the area He has placed you (Acts 17.26)?

2 Samuel 8

When God provides victories in your life, do you give Him the honor, praise, and glory for them? Or, do you hoard them yourself?

2 Samuel 8 (cf. 1 Chronicles 18)

The theme of this chapter can be seen in two verses, verses 6 and 14. In both of these, the writer states that “Jehovah gave victory to David wherever he went.” The kingdom is growing, through the hand of David by the will of God. This chapter recounts the kings David vanquished (the Philistines, the Moabites, the king of Zobah, the Syrians, and the Edomites [1-8]), the wealth he acquired in these conquests (9-10), and how he ruled his people (15-18). Since David sought God first (2 Samuel 6), God blessed David with a kingdom (Matthew 6.33).

Even the spoils David took, he offered to God for the building of the Temple under Solomon (11).

When God provides victories in your life, do you give Him the honor, praise, and glory for them? Or, do you hoard them yourself?

Historical Notes

  • Verse 2-two of three would be put to death
  • Verse 6-from Damascus to the Euphrates
  • Verse 13-David won a name for himself. Interestingly, David’s name appears twenty-one times in this chapter.
  • Verse 16-For more on Joab, read our studies in 1 Samuel 26, 2 Samuel 2, 2 Samuel 3, and 1 Chronicles 11.
  • Verse 18-For more on Abiathar, read our studies in 1 Samuel 30 and 1 Samuel 21-24.
  • As for the numbers involved in this chapter and in 1 Chronicles, the following numbers are given:

from the Syrians (Arameans) one thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and 20,000 footmen (soldiers) were captured. As well, 22,000 Aramean soldiers were killed. Thus, the 40,000 “horsemen” (2 Sam. 10:18) and 40,000 footmen (v. 18) are merely rounded-off figures for the 42,000 foot soldiers either captured or slain. The word “horsemen” in 2 Samuel 10:18 is thus used imprecisely or may have been miscopied from the listing in 2 Samuel 8:4 (King James Version study Bible. 1997).

Bibliography

Bibliography

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Bridges, R. F., & Weigle, L. A. (1997). King James Bible word book (electronic ed.) (143). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Burrus, D. (2001). Vol. 1: Explorer’s Bible Study: Psalms of Prayer and Praise. Dickson, TN: Explorer’s Bible Study.

Burrus, D. (2001). Vol. 2: Explorer’s Bible Study: Psalms of Prayer and Praise. Dickson, TN: Explorer’s Bible Study.

Davidson, R., M.A. (1998). The vitality of worship : A commentary on the book of Psalms. Grand Rapids, Mich.; Edinburgh: W.B. Eerdmans; Handsel Press.

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Psalm 39

When we are not doing that which God has called us to do, His hand will be upon us. In this short life we have to live, it is best lived under the watchful gaze of God. This is only done when we abide in His Word. What are you doing today that causes God to gaze graciously on you?

Psalm 39

This psalm reveals more of whom David is and of whom we are than many other psalms. He does the very thing he desires not to do. He is determined not to speak, yet does. James informs us why we cannot control the tongue (James 3).

It is his desire not to bring shame to God’s name. So, he comes to God in the quiet of his place and breaks forth in complaints.

The Selahs found in this chapter provide the outline. David proclaims the futility and shortness of life (1-5). He then asks us to pause and consider this for ourselves. God disciplines His children for their sin (6-11). We need to pause and consider what chastisement God is giving us. David then prays for God not to look upon his sin any longer (12-13), which He does not (Psalm 103).

When we are not doing that which God has called us to do, His hand will be upon us. In this short life we have to live, it is best lived under the watchful gaze of God. This is only done when we abide in His Word. What are you doing today that causes God to gaze graciously on you?

Music

I Put My Hope In You (Psalm 39) by Derek Sandstrom

Psalm 36

Jeremiah 17.9 reminds us of what this psalm states. By nature, we are wicked. To the core of our heart, we are wicked. Our names could be placed at the beginning of this psalm. It is only because of God who is mentioned in verses 5-9 that we can have a clean heart, a new heart; that is only found in Jesus. Are you standing against the wicked (4) or are you walking beside them (Psalm 1)? Is your life lived partly for God and partly for you in this world? Are you living a life of syncretism?

Psalm 36

This psalm is clearly a psalm of contrasts much like Psalm 1. It contrasts the rebelliousness of the wicked man (1-4) with the righteousness of God (5-9) and concludes with a prayer of protection for the righteous (10-12). The superscription of “the servant of Jehovah” provides a similarity to Psalm 18. The subject matter reminds us of Psalm 14 and Psalm 53.

Verses 1-4-The style is rough in the Hebrew as David describes the life of the wicked man. The progression from disavowing God to practical atheism is brought on by the deceit of man and the teachings of deceitful mankind. These result in belief in self and blindness to moral issues where in the self becomes a god and there are no moral bounds. What is true for you may not be true for them; we call this moral relativism. When we examine the world, our world, the United States, we see this as having already occurred and Christians stand in its wake. This psalm is for us.

These verses show the attitude of those who deny God. They believe they will not be found out and if they are they will not be judged for it. Think of those the world celebrates, they commit crimes and believe they can walk off without being judged merely because of their name or position they hold. As an example, a recent President committed atrocities in the White House, was impeached, and then let go primarily because he was helping the economy.

The very first word in Hebrew (לַמְנַצֵּחַ) is not even translated in many versions. It means an oracle that is prophetic, coming from God, and it is associated with “the transgression” (נְאֻֽם־פֶּשַׁע). This would mean that God gave to David an insight into the very nature of the wicked, those in rebellion against God. And, that is the denial of the existence of the God who also reveals His very nature in verses 5-9. When describing those who base their righteousness on what they do, Paul quotes Psalm 36.1 in Romans 3.18. The person who walks away from God is described in Micah 2.1 as one who cannot sleep until he has devised a wrong and when he awakens he completes the thought with action. There will come a time when those who walk away from God will be incapable of doing anything of value in God’s sight (Jeremiah 4.22 and Romans 1.18-3.31). This is primarily because the wicked do not think that what they are doing is wrong. Abortion is an example of these verses being played out in the United States.

Verse four invites us to do the opposite of what the evil do. They do not reject evil. We need to actively reject the evil that the world, the devil, and we present to ourselves (1 John 2.15-17).

Verses 5-9-The style is lyrical when it comes to describe God (John 8.12 tells us this is speaking of Jesus). When it comes to knowing who God is, we need to rely on His revelation of Himself in His Word (Romans 11.33). Otherwise, we might mistake ourselves for Him. Part of the revealing God does becomes a revelation of our nature as well (as seen in the first four verses). The more aware we are of Him, who is light (John 1.4-5, 9), the greater we know our darkness (1 John 1.5-7). This is where repentance comes in (1 John 1.9). God blesses those who seek to know Him (9). He does not merely bless them with a place to go but with a life to live. Knowing Him goes far beyond what our imaginations can capture (Ephesians 3.20-21). It is not merely having a source of water for refreshment (Jeremiah 2.13), it is a fountain pouring forth. It is abundant life (John 10.10)

Verses 10-12-David’s prayer is for God to protect the righteous from the wicked. In God’s presence is protection (12). The wicked cannot stand before Him (see Psalm 18). David was given a revelation of the wicked, of God, and, here, a glimpse of the horror of judgment on the wicked (Proverbs 24.16). There will be a place, “there,” where the wicked will not stand (the Judgment Day).

Jeremiah 17.9 reminds us of what this psalm states. By nature, we are wicked. To the core of our heart, we are wicked. Our names could be placed at the beginning of this psalm. It is only because of God who is mentioned in verses 5-9 that we can have a clean heart, a new heart; that is only found in Jesus. Are you standing against the wicked (4) or are you walking beside them (Psalm 1)? Is your life lived partly for God and partly for you in this world? Are you living a life of syncretism?

Psalm 33

As this psalm is read, the personal relationship and fellowship God desires with humanity are evident. He created all, not evolution (6-7). He looks from heaven to see man and interact with him (13-19).

Psalm 33

As in Psalm 29, praise is based on the worthiness of the object to be praised. In this case, God is far above all other things and is most worthy to be praised (see our study on Psalm 29).

The psalm is neatly divided into three parts:

  • The call to praise God (1-3)
  • The reasons to praise God (4-19)
    • He has proven faithful to His Word (4-9)
    • He has done so by His work (10-12)
    • He is righteous and steadfast in how He deals with us (13-19)
  • A prayer to God (20-22)
    • We wait on Him
    • We are glad in Him
    • We hope in Him

As this psalm is read, the personal relationship and fellowship God desires with humanity are evident. He created all, not evolution (6-7). He looks from heaven to see man and interact with him (13-19).

He also is involved with nations (10-12). How far has our nation gone from His watchful eye? Nowhere. How far have we gone from His will?

Psalm 29

Try to describe God in terms of nature without making nature god. Ascribe the worth to God due Him.

Psalm 29

Just a cursory reading of the psalm should cause the reader to reconsider worship (as do Psalm 15, Psalm 19, and Psalm 93). Since worship is ascribing worth to something, then we should worship greatly. God is great and is due great worth. How do you worship at home and at church? If you need a moment to consider how great He is, review “That’s My King!” at the bottom of the video page.

Notice the chapter refutes that God is nature (“Mother Nature”). In order to be God, He must be above and in control of nature as verses 3-9 present. Notice the use of the sevenfold “voice” in this passage. ]As time allows, I will present a study on certain numbers found in Scripture.[ The power behind the sevenfold voice that shakes the earth comes as the power for peace. If you listen to the psalm, you will hear, see, and feel the power of the storm David is describing.

Strength comes to those who seek Him and living the life He created us for is a by-product of that pursuit as seen in the word “peace” that closes this psalm.

Try to describe God in terms of nature without making nature god. Ascribe the worth to God due Him.