Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph

Psalm 93

This psalm describes the greatness of God over all the earth, over other gods, and over us. The psalmist informs us that God is eternally holy (1-2). He informs us that God is greater than Baal or other gods (3-4). When the Scripture speaks of the sea or floods, it normally refers to chaos. God is greater than the troubles we find ourselves in. God is holy forever (5).

How about us? Does our life reflect the truth of this psalm? Do others see that God is greater in our lives than other things? Do others see how majestic God is by the words we speak, the activities we find ourselves involved in, and the habits of worship we have?

Psalm 92

As you grow, what fruit do others see in you? How is this evidenced in church?

Psalm 92

This is a psalm written specifically for the Sabbath, so says the inscription. As the psalm is read, we see that God is lifted high (1-4), God has judged the wicked (5-9), God gives mercy to those who follow Him (10-11), and mercy will continue throughout eternity (12-15). It anticipates the coming ultimate day of rest when the eternal Sabbath rest is ushered in (Hebrews 4.9-11).

Verses 1-4-A call to worship is given by this unknown author. He calls us to declare perpetually the greatness of God. It requires effort to do this, and it requires skill to do this. If we notice the worship given on the Sabbath Day requires us to do more than merely walk in, sit down, sing, give, and walk out. We are called to involve ourselves actively during this time (and all times).

Verses 5-9-God is contrasted with the creation in these verses. He is above all and He is eternal. Creation is simple and brief. Who is like Him? He knows the wicked and disciplines them (this is in contrast to those who follow Him in the next stanza).

Verses 10-11-In the present, God blesses us with His presence, which is the ultimate blessing.

Verses 12-15-In the days to come, He will continue steadfastly with those who pursue Him. In old age, there is new life, a flourishing life, a fruitful life, and a life that show others who He is. The palm tree represents long life and the cedar represents strength. In Song of Solomon 7.7-8 a palm tree describes a beautiful girl.

As you grow, what fruit do others see in you? How is this evidenced in church?

Later a study of the Sabbath for the Christian will be posted.

Psalm 88

Think of your darkest time, did you quit praying? Remember to focus on Him not on the circumstances.

Psalm 88

This is the last psalm written by a Korahite. This particular Korahite was Heman the Ezrahite. He is either the grandson of Samuel (1 Chronicles 6.33, 1 Chronicles 15.16-22, 1 Chronicles 25.5) who served in solitude leading to the nation rejecting his father and wanting king Saul (cf. the studies from 1 Samuel 3, 1 Samuel 8.1–9, and 1 Samuel 10.23–25). Or, he is from the tribe of Judah and served under Solomon (I Kings 4.29-34). It is believed that he was stricken with leprosy. Either one serves well as their lives fit the psalm: rejected because of sin or rejected because of leprosy. For this post, the grandson of Samuel is chosen as the best fit for the author in that he is a Korahite and a musician in David’s service.

It is written either to a known tune or to an instrument meant for gloom (Mahalath Leannoth). It is a contemplative song used for reflecting on the state of the nation or an individual (Maskil).

This dirge is presented in four stanzas: Heman’s plea (1-2), Heman’s wrestle with death (3-7), Heman’s wrestle with God (8-10), Heman’s continuation with God (11-12), Heman’s plea (13-18).

Verses 1-2-Although this psalm is dark and without written hope, the ray of hope evidence in this and the closing stanza is the knowledge to go to God. Heman turns to God despite what is going on around him. As this psalm is read, we naturally think of the opening chapters of Job where he proclaims: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13.15).

Verses 3-7-In these verses, Heman gives testimony that it is God who has placed him in this situation. Whether it was by sin or sickness, God allowed Heman’s circumstances to overcome him like a flood. This is the sovereignty of God.

Selah-When we are faced with situations that are overwhelming us, do we acknowledge God’s presence and power?

Verses 8-10-Although verses 8-12 belong together, Heman chose to ask us to pause at the end of verse ten, so we will divide these verses in two parts. He has been rejected by those around him either because of sin or because of sickness (leprosy). He feels as though he is about to die. Yet, he still calls to God each day.

Selah-How tired of calling out to God do we get? Are we exasperated by the delay or the “no” we receive from God in our prayer? Some day I will post a study on prayer; until then, remain persistent. He does incline His ear toward us (1-2).

Verses 11-12-Heman reminds God that the dead do not praise Him. We need to remember to state God’s Word as part of our prayers.

Verses 13-18-No matter the depth of anguish he is experiencing, Heman returns to God and recognizes His hand in all things. He is never given a reprieve from his pain; thus, this psalm is considered the darkest in all 150 chapters of this book.

Think of your darkest time, did you quit praying? Remember to focus on Him not on the circumstances.

Psalm 81

As your desire to live a victorious life increases, you will want to obey God. If we do not submit to His authority, we will be defeated. It is only in giving our all to Him that we have victory in this life.

Psalm 81

This is another Psalm written to be played on the Gittith and is written by Asaph. Although this psalm appears to have been written with Passover terms, it has historically been linked with the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23.33-44). It appears so due to the reference of the blowing of the trumpet at the new moon festival, thus linking it with harvest.

This psalm calls the people to worship at the Feast (1-5), then God pronounces judgement on them for not being obedient to His word (6-16).

Verses 1-5-We are to enter into corporate worship with all we have whether that worship is seen in giving, singing, activity, work, or whatever. When we worship, God speaks.

Verses 6-7-God calls the people to remember Meribah. But, which one? The one at the beginning of the Exodus (Exodus 17.6-7) or at the end (Numbers 20.2-13)? This is the point of the Selah. Moses was obedient at the first and disobedient in the last. Because of his obedience, God blessed the nation. Because of his disobedience, God disciplined him.

Selah-Which do you choose? Pause and consider this: Today did you choose disobedience or obedience?

Verses 8-10-God calls the people to remember what He has done for them. In remembering they should only worship Him.

Verses 11-16-However, God states, they did not submit to God. God gave them over to their sin (Romans 1.18-32). He then tells them of the victory that is theirs if and when they obey.

1 Chronicles 6

So far we have looked at five chapters of genealogies. Chapter 1 presents Adam to Abraham, chapter 2 gives the selective genealogy from Jacob to David, chapter 3 shows the genealogy from David into the captivity. After this, each tribe is presented with portions of their genealogies. Chapter 4 presents Judah and Simeon, chapter 5 we looked at Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, and chapter 6, our current study, presents the tribe of Levi.

1 Chronicles 6 (cf. Genesis 46.11 and Joshua 21)

This genealogy and chapter can be divided as:

The High Priestly Line-6.1–15

These verses present the priests of the tribe. This listing of chief or high priests starts at Levi and ends with Jehozadak who is led captive into Babylon. He becomes the father of Joshua (Haggai 1.1), the High Priest of Zechariah 3.

The Levitical Line-6.16–30

One name should stand out for those who follow these posts and that is Kohath. He is the ancestor of the Korahites.

The Musicians’ Guild-6.31–48

David had appointed some 4,000 singers and musicians during his reign.

The Generations of Aaron-6.49–53
Cities of the Priests and Levites-6.54–81

Remember the Levites did not receive an inheritance among the nations of land. They did, however, receive cities and offerings. There were cities throughout Israel given to the Levites some of which were Cities of Refuge (Wilkinson, B., & Boa, K., 1983).

Cities of Refuge

Six cities of refuge were designed throughout Israel in Old Testament times to provide a haven for people who killed other persons by accident. Protection like this was necessary because of the “avenger of blood,” the relative who considered it his duty to slay the killer. Eligibility for refuge was determined by a judge. For convenience, three of the cities were located on either side of the Jordan River.

Bezer: Located in the wilderness plateau of Moab, Bezer was a walled city within the territory of Reuben (Deut. 4:43).
Golan: Located in the area known as Bashan, Golan was 17 miles east of the Sea of Galilee. This general area today is often called the Golan Heights (Deut. 4:43).
Hebron: The southernmost of the six cities, Hebron was 20 miles south of Jerusalem. It was also known as Kirjath Arba (Josh. 20:7).
Kedesh: Also known as Kedesh Naphtali, this city was located in Galilee in the mountains of Naphtali (Josh. 20:7).
Ramoth: Also known as Ramoth Gilead, Ramoth was an important walled city in the territory of Gad. It was located about 25 miles east of the Jordan River near the border of Syria (Deut. 4:43).
Shechem: Located in the mountains of Ephraim, this is the city where the Lord appeared to Abraham with the promise, “To your descendants I will give this land” (Gen. 12:6, 7). (Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1996).

This needs more research and it will be done at a later time.

Psalm 78

We need to take into consideration the God who is actively involved in our history. We need to record His work and use that material to remember Him, to praise Him, and to have a foundation for greater faith as we move forward in our history. Do you journal?

Psalm 78

This historical psalm was written by Asaph to remind the Israelites of their heritage and God’s faithfulness. It is a Maskil or a teaching brought before the people on an annual basis. It is good to regularly remember what God has done for us, through us, and to us whether in discipline or blessing.

This psalm provides facts that enable us to learn from the God who created history. When we recall 1 Samuel 4, the nation of Israel was spiritually and politically dead after Eli died. This is evidence in this psalm, verses 59-64.

This psalm also covers other periods in the life of Israel:

Moses (78.5–54)
Joshua (78.55)
the judges (78.56–64)
the kings (78.65–72)

People have not changed over the years. We still rebel against God. As the opening of this Psalm remind us, we need to be faithful to God’s Word in our households (1–8) and our leaders need to be faithful (70–72). We may not be able to do much about the leaders except pray. But, we can be faithful in our home. How are you helping you family remain faithful?

Psalm 77

Will God leave me?
Will God never grant His goodness to men?
Will God cease to show His mercy?
Will God fail to keep His promises?
Will God forsake grace?
Will God, in anger, refuse to bless His chosen?

Psalm 77

This is another psalm of Asaph with a secondary ascription provided, it is according to Jeduthun (Psalm 39, 62, and 89). It can be divided into four parts: sighing (1–3), sinking (4–9), singing (10–15), and soaring (16–20).

Verses 1-3-Asaph is in distress. He is crying out to God with outstretched hand seeing direction and help.

Selah-In your troubles, where do you go? To whom do you turn?

Verses 4-9-God will use sleepless nights to draw us closer to Him, to have us contemplate our purpose and worldview, even to have us struggle with sin both known and unknown. During these times we scream out to God and wonder if He has forgotten His promises to us (2 Peter 3.8-9). When we are in these circumstances we need to remember what He has done or else we will begin to think He is who He is not. Remember, one felt need not met will distort our view of all other needs being met. When we ponder Him, we bring our understanding of Him back to what the Scripture states about Him. In this chapter, He is holy and great (13).

Asaph provides six questions whose answers are ridiculous when the nature of God is known. However, these questions are always on the minds of those who do not know the God presented in the Bible.

Will God leave me?
Will God never grant His goodness to men?
Will God cease to show His mercy?
Will God fail to keep His promises?
Will God forsake grace?
Will God, in anger, refuse to bless His chosen?

Selah-Ponder those times when God creates restlessness for you. When you are awakened at night, do you fight it off and go back to bed or do you wrestle with what God is doing?

Verses 10-15-Asaph remembers to recall the goodness of God in a situation such as these. When we are struggling, it is good to recall what God has done in prior years. In this Psalm, it is what God did during the Exodus (a thousand years prior).

It is in verse ten that Asaph answers the questions from verses 7-9. He realizes that God does not change! It was Asaph’s false perspective of the circumstances that brought this line of questioning. All the answers to these questions and the questions themselves are found to be absurd in light of the truth of whom God is. This is Isaiah’s argument too (Isaiah 55.7-9).

Selah-Asaph made a conscious choice to remember. Journaling is a conscious choice to do something to recall. It is a wonderful method of being able to recall what God has done in your life. Knowing what He has done through your ancestors is also a means of remembering God’s continual faithfulness to you. Why not pick up this habit today?

Verses 16-20-The recalling of Exodus 14 is poetic. God’s work is unseen for a moment then it rushes through and we see He was there all the time. When these verses are read in connection with the previous verses, we gather the idea that God’s ways are not thwarted by man’s interventions. God is God.

My testimony from the late 1980s into the early 1990s is reflected in these verses. In days to come, I may add this to these posts.

Psalm 73

The wealthy and those who are at ease in this life are living on a slippery slope leading to destruction. The condition of the United States in this era (post 2008) is evidence of this truth. In a moment of time the nation went from apparent wealth and ease to devastation and poverty.

Psalm 73

A psalm written by Asaph. This Psalm is quite like Psalm 37 and Psalm 49 (see comments on Psalm 49).

The psalm is written as a teaching poem. It begins with temptation (1-3), description of the wicked (4-14), the wicked will perish (15-20), uncertainty (21-24), victory (25-26), destruction of the wicked (27), and trust in God (28).

Verses 1-3-Asaph recognizes that God is good both in the opening and closing verses. He begins and ends with the goodness of God. However, in-between he reminds us of ourselves. We are tempted to be envious of those who have more than us. We see the grass as always greener in someone else’s house. We covet, envy, and forget that God is indeed good. When we see a desire or a felt need not being met, it is quite easy to forget all the blessings we have due to the focus on the one thing that is missing. Most cases of adultery begin this way.

Verses 4-14-Although Asaph sees the wicked, he is still envious of them. He sees their life of ease and his harsh life and seeks their existence (cf. Malachi 3.13-15). Verses 11-12 show the perversity of their minds. They presume they can hide their sin from God, if there is such a being.

These verses depict not merely the corrupt but those who laud them as celebrity. The people praise the very ones who cause them grief. This is the United States today.

Verses 15-20-Asaph regains focus, not on what he does not have but on who has him. When we are perplexed over the issues of life and its seeming injustice, we need to spend time in God’s presence in order to regain an understanding of who He is and who we are in Him.

Verses 21-28-When we are embittered by the successes of those around us, we need to be reminded of who God is in this world. As we draw near to Him, we gain a better perspective on this life. James 4.8 promises that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.

Chris Tomlin’s song “I Will Rise” is good to listen to (it contains verse 26).

1 Chronicles 5

We need to remember that the battle is the Lord’s battle, not ours. We are to be prepared for war (Ephesians 6.10-17), we are to be actively involved in faith (1 John 4.4 and 5.4), but the victory is always His (cf. verse 22).

1 Chronicles 5 (Genesis 46.8-9)

This chapter is a continuation of the genealogies from chapters one, two, three, and four (read these short accounts to gain a perspective on these lists). This list contains the descendants of Reuben (1-10), Gad (11-22), and the half-tribe of Manasseh (23-26). Joshua 13 informs us that these were the tribes who settled on the eastern shore of the Jordan River.

Although Reuben was the firstborn, he sinned against his father Jacob (Israel) by sleeping with Jacob’s concubine (Genesis 35.22 and 49.3-4). This was tantamount to desiring to take Jacob’s place. This will be shown in the study in 2 Samuel 1. Since Joseph was the firstborn of the wife Jacob loved (Rachel), he was given the place of firstborn. Verse ten reminds us that God did take care of the descendants of Hagar as God promised to do (Genesis 25.12-18). See verses 18-22 in this chapter for a reference to the Hagarites.

Because of Manasseh’s exposure to and allowance of the idolatry of the nations that surrounded them, they gave into idolatry. Because of this, God judged them through the nation of Assyria and they were carried away into captivity by Tiglath-Pileser (745-727). The Assyrian Captivity will be developed in a later post (2 Kings 15.29).

This needs more research and it will be done at a later time.

1 Chronicles 4

This is a continuation of the genealogies from chapters one, two, and three (read these short accounts to gain a perspective on these lists). This list contains the descendants of Judah (1-23) and the descendants of Simeon (24-43).

1 Chronicles 4

This list contains one name with narrative, Jabez (whose name means Sorrow). Bruce Wilkinson wrote a short treatise on prayer from these verses (9-10). Dr. William E. Arp wrote “The Prayer of Jabez: The Bible and the Book” as an analysis of the book.

The list also contains a reference to the mixing of blood between Egyptians and Israelites (17). Genesis reminds us that this was sin (Genesis 35.22 and 49.3-4).

The tribe of Simeon was so small that it was enveloped by Judah’s territory.

This needs more research and it will be done at a later time. Need to place a map of the twelve tribes.