Thoughts on the Old Testament
When God is present, the world will know He is there. Does the world take notice when we are there? Do they see Him in us?
Psalm 114 (Cf. Exodus 14.1-31 with Joshua 3.17 and Exodus 17.6 with Numbers 20.1-13)
The second of the Hallel Psalms.
All nature trembles at the presence of its Creator. Shouldn’t we? If man were to stop praising God, the rocks would shout forth His praise (Luke 19.40). Why are we silent?
When God is present, the world will know He is there. Does the world take notice when we are there? Do they see Him in us?
The application of this chapter is simple: Where do you find yourself sitting, standing, and walking? Are you following the ways of those around you while you attempt to live the life God called you to live (syncretism)? Or, are you following His Word and His Word alone?
This psalm introduces the Psalter. Some have suggested that this psalm is an introduction to the book of Psalms, stating it is not a psalm but an introduction to what the Psalms are about. However this chapter is viewed, it can be divided into two equal parts: the blessed follow the law of God (1-3) and the wicked do not follow the law of God (4-6). The law in this chapter is not limited to the Torah (התּוֹרה) but contains all the law of God (תוֹרה). The extra letter (ה) makes it definite. However, this passage is quite reminiscent of Joshua 1.8 (see our study), which concerns the Law of God.
It is appropriate for this chapter to open the Psalter. It brings us to the basics of life: Choose to follow God and you will be blessed. Choose to disobey God and you will be cursed. This is your choice. The blessing is highlighted by Christ in Matthew 5.3-11 (the Beatitudes). The word “blessing” is not singular but plural. This brings with it all the fulness of the blessings that come from God.
Poetically this psalm offers parallelism in the verses. For example, verse one presents three-line parallelism (also synthetic parallelism where the thought is developed), which helps in the interpretation of the verse.
Verses two and five offer two-line parallelism, again aiding in interpretation.
Verse two (also synonymous parallelism)
Verse five
Verse three offers another type of parallelism, emblematic wherein the first line is a figure of speech and what follows explains it:
Verse six offers antithetical parallelism where the first and second line stand in contrast to each other:
Verses 1-3-The blessings of God fall on those who live a discerning life (1), a life that delights in God’s Word (2), and a life that depends on God to work in him (Philippians 2.12-14). The delight in God’s Word results in meditating day and night on it. This means more than thinking about it. It is a repetition of the Word throughout the day not allowing distractions to interfere with the process. A Jewish tradition of rocking back-and-forth, repeating God’s Word, and praying to God comes from this word. This practice is called “davening.”
Verses 4-6-In order to incur God’s curse, simply neglect verses 1-3. The ungodly are unstable (4), isolated and defeated (5), and separated from God (6).
The contrast between the godly and the ungodly is pronounced here. One is the tree with deep roots, and the other is the chaff being blown around.
The application of this chapter is simple: Where do you find yourself sitting, standing, and walking? Are you following the ways of those around you while you attempt to live the life God called you to live (syncretism)? Or, are you following His Word and His Word alone?
For a visual of this psalm, see the graphic.
As long as we are in submission to God’s commands and following His Word, will, and way, we are promised victory (1 John 4.4 and 1 John 5.4). Are you living in obedience or living in syncretism?
2 Samuel 5.11-25 (cf. 1 Chronicles 14-see our study)
The remainder of chapter 5 (see our study of 2 Samuel 5.1-10), establishes David as an international king, not merely a tribal king (12). The description of his home, built with wood rather than stone, presents a palatial estate (2 Samuel 7.2).
David is seen as an international sovereign. In being this he takes on the customs of those around him (syncretism). He adds more wives and concubines. God forbade this in Deuteronomy 17.17 but David allowed this probably because it was accepted cultural protocol for a king in making a peace treaty to take wives from the other’s family. This is the definition of syncretism, taking on what culture mandates as part of your life without regard to what God’s Word has to say. They, and we, always want to be like the others around us (1 Samuel 8.5 [see study] and Ezekiel 20.32).
David establishes a treaty with Hiram of Tyre [more research]. He will later supply David with the material to build the Temple (1 Kings 5.1-18).
As long as David was king over Judah only, the Philistines apparently were not concerned. When he was established as king over all Israel, they began attacking. The remainder of this chapter highlights the exploits of David’s men as seen in our study of 1 Chronicles 11 and will be seen when we return to 1 Chronicles 14.
The highlight is that David discussed his plans with God (19, 20). He did what God commanded and was victorious because of it. Some have suggested the marching on the tops of the trees are the angels marching to battle. Interesting thought that requires more research. Also, in this verse (24), it states that the Lord will go before them. This is not a foreign concept for the Lord is a warrior (Exodus 15.3) and He goes before His people to fight for them (Exodus 14.14; Deuteronomy 1.30; Joshua 5.13-15–see our study).
As long as we are in submission to God’s commands and following His Word, will, and way, we are promised victory (1 John 4.4 and 1 John 5.4). Are you living in obedience or living in syncretism?
In each case of the remembering, Moses or another leader pleads on behalf of the people for God to forgive them. They stand in the gap for those who have rebelled (Ezekiel 22.30). We are called to do the same thing (Galatians 6.1-3 and Matthew 18.15-17).
This is considered the first of the Hallelujah Psalms because it begins and ends with hallelujah (הלליה), which is “Praise the Lord.”
The key to this passage and the other historical psalms is to remember. In Psalm 105, remember because of the great things God has done; in Psalm 106, it is remembering that bad things we have done and turn from them. This psalm is a rehearsal of those things Israel did in rebellion to the good things God had done for them. Before we start pointing the finger, we need to remember that we do the same today. Think of God’s grace and forgiveness; then, ponder the things that we have done that abuse that grace and forgiveness. Paul summed it up in Romans 6 with an emphasis on our not sinning because of God’s grace.
Verses 1-3-The psalmist begins with praise and will end with praise as-well. He is calling us to observe what we have done and to pursue justice instead.
Verses 4-5-These verses are likened to Luke 23.42 where the repentant thief asks Jesus to remember him when He enters His kingdom.
Now we arrive at the reason for the repentance and petition.
Verse 47-This is a call to national repentance and a call to give God the glory due His name.
Verse 48-This doxology is what began the psalm. Whatever our lot in life, we need to remember to praise the Lord.
In each case of the remembering, Moses or another leader pleads on behalf of the people for God to forgive them. They stand in the gap for those who have rebelled (Ezekiel 22.30). We are called to do the same thing (Galatians 6.1-3 and Matthew 18.15-17).
1 Chronicles 12 (cf. 1 Samuel 22, 27, 29, 30)
Our studies in 1 Samuel (22, 27, 29, and 30) covered the material found in the first twenty-two verses of 1 Chronicles 12. So, refer to them for now (more on this chapter will come in the future).
This chapter details the tribes that were loyal to David. Notice in verses 29-30 that some were still loyal to Saul. It was not a clean transition to the throne for David. Looking at verses 38-40, we can see the celebrations that occurred when David was finally proclaimed king over all Israel.
For further insight into these verses refer to these previous studies:
Probably the greatest contrast gathered from these verses is how David and Saul gained followers. When these verses are read, we see that David attracted followers. They were drawn to him. Saul had to draft men into his army (1 Samuel 14.52). Our character and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives attract others to our ministry. What is your character like? How is the Holy Spirit working in you today?
Look over this chapter again. Focus on these verses: 2, 8, 15, 16-18, 32, 33, and 38. What did you notice about these people who were attracted to David? Would you meet these qualifications? Jesus calls each one of us to His service. Does He attract you? Are you qualified for service or has sin stained you for this season? Are you skilled? Yes. The Holy Spirit has gifted you. Are you trained? Second Timothy 2.15 requires us to do this work. Are you fearless? Again, 2 Timothy 1.7 proclaims that God has given us a spirit that should be fearless. Are you loyal? This is your decision. Will you follow Him regardless of the command? Will you follow His Word and His leaders and help others to do the same? Do you see what is going on around you and desire to change things for God? This is the list. How do you match-up? The good news is that God can qualify you as you surrender to His Word, His will, and His way.
Are you proclaiming the One who is greater than David, Jesus, as King of your life? If so, your faith and ability to do great things will increase. The more we lean on God and allow Him to rule our lives the greater our life will be primarily due to our living the life that He created for us to live. How strong are you today? What does your daily workout look like?
Due to the method of this study, in that we are attempting to do a chronological study of the events of the Old Testament, we are studying the first ten verses of 2 Samuel 5. These verses coincide with 1 Chronicles 11.1-9. We will look at 1 Chronicles 11 next before we return to complete 2 Samuel 5. For the remainder of 2 Samuel and the books of the Kings, we will work with simultaneously with the Chronicles.
This chapter provides the third anointing of David being king. Here it is an anointing by all the tribes of Israel to be king over Israel. Second Samuel 2.4 points to the Southern tribes anointing David king over Judah. First Samuel 16.13 is the most important anointing given by Samuel prophetically proclaiming David to be the great and future king over all Israel. Verse two represents the people’s belief that Samuel’s anointing of David to be king over all Israel was indeed an act of God anointing David. The Israelites were obeying God’s will and proclaiming David the rightful king.
Hebron is an important city in the life of Israel. It is here the patriarchs, except for Rachel, were buried (Genesis 23.2; 25.9; 35.27-29; 49.29-33). It is one of the oldest cities in the world that is still in existence. The Cave of Machpelah is still there; however, it is covered by a mosque (background information from Jewish Virtual Library).
David is called in verse two a shepherd and a ruler (or prince). When this terminology is compared to Ezekiel 34.23-24, we see a comparison to the coming Messiah. David, then, is a type of Christ who is to come. More will be developed on this concept at a later date. The term “Messiah” means “anointed one.”
We see the years of David’s reign given in verse five. David reigned more than forty years, from the age of thirty (Jesus’ ministry began at thirty too) and he was king until he was in his seventies.
The Jebusites (those who dwelt in what is called Jerusalem today), were confident in their ability to defend their capital. They thought it was impenetrable (6). When a topographical map of the surrounding area is viewed, it is reasonable for the Jebusites to think that the city was impenetrable. The Jebusites held this territory since the days of Joshua (Joshua 15.63). This is one reason David sought the city. God gave the city to David and to Israel (10). Remember, with God all things are possible if He desires them for us.
David’s plan of attack seems to be an attack on the water system of Jerusalem. Later, King Hezekiah would use this as a means of defense (2 Chronicles 32.2-4).
The first mention of “Zion” found in the Bible is in verse seven.
As 2 Samuel 3.1 reminds us, David’s claim to be king grew greater than that of Saul; so, we see here in verse ten, that David became greater and greater because God was with him. Just as Saul became weaker because God had left him, so David became stronger because God was with him.
Are you proclaiming the One who is greater than David, Jesus, as King of your life? If so, your faith and ability to do great things will increase. The more we lean on God and allow Him to rule our lives the greater our life will be primarily due to our living the life that He created for us to live. How strong are you today? What does your daily workout look like?
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?
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:
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?
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?
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.
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).
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.
This psalm calls us to consider how blessed we are in being chosen by God to be the place He dwells. Have you thanked Him for doing that? Do so, now
Another psalm of the Korahites possibly written after the exile (see Isaiah 4.3).
Verses 1-3-The writer proclaims God’s love for Jerusalem. He maintains that God loves the city because He was its founder (1 Kings 11.13). And because it is the home of the Temple where God’s glory is manifest.
Selah-We are called to pause in order to reflect on where God now dwells. As Christians, He dwells in us. He has made us into His Temple for all to see and hear our holy praise of Him (1 Corinthians 6.18-20). How are you doing? Have you spoken glorious things because of God? Have others spoken glorious things of God because of you?
Verses 4-6-The one born in and who lives in Jerusalem have been chosen and blest by God and noticed by others (see Isaiah 4.3). The Rahab mentioned here is not the harlot (Joshua 2.3-11) and ancestor of David and Jesus (Matthew 1) but represents Egypt (the Hebrew spelling is pointed differently and has different spelling [for Egypt-רַהַב and for the harlot- רָחָב] (Isaiah 30.7).
Selah-We are called to pause in order to reflect on where we are born. If we are believers, we have been born again into the Temple wherein He dwells. He records our name in His Book of Life. He had established this before the foundations of the world.
Verse 7-Springs represent salvation (Isaiah 12.3), which is only found in God.
This psalm calls us to consider how blessed we are in being chosen by God to be the place He dwells. Have you thanked Him for doing that? Do so, now.
This psalm could be another post-exilic psalm, written in hopes of returning to Jerusalem. Or, it could be written during the time of David after a defeat by the enemies. I prefer the former. It is written by a priest from the tribe of Levi, a Korahite. These were the gatekeepers and singers in the Temple according to 1 Chronicles 9.19; 12.6; 26.1. It is also a psalm of national lament.
This psalm could be another post-exilic psalm, written in hopes of returning to Jerusalem. Or, it could be written during the time of David after a defeat by the enemies. I prefer the former. It is written by a priest from the tribe of Levi, a Korahite. These were the gatekeepers and singers in the Temple according to 1 Chronicles 9.19; 12.6; 26.1. It is also a psalm of national lament.
This psalm can be divided into four parts:
Verses 1-8-The first eight verses describe life as it was when God’s power was manifest in the nation. This is describing the time of conquest of the land of Canaan. It was a glorious time in Israel’s past. The psalmist is calling the people to remember what God has done. But, he is also, calling God to remember His glory during that time as-well.
Selah-We are called to pause here. What is it that you can recall about God’s activity in your life? How did He save you? From what has He delivered you? To what has He called you? How committed to Him are you? Read verse eight. Have you boasted of Him to others lately? Have you thanked Him for who He is? Notice it is not for what He has done but for who He is.
Verses 9-16-These verses rehearse Ezekiel 20. God warned the people not to turn to the left nor to the right but to walk in the path that He set for them. They turned from Him. He disciplined them.
Verses 17-22-The psalmist knows that God sees into their hearts (Jeremiah 17.1-18). And, still, they do not understand why God has disciplined them. It is a mystery to them. Paul quotes verse 22 in Romans 8.36.
Verses 23-26-They call out to God based on His mercy and love not on what they have done.
In what area of your life are you turning away from God’s path? Have you considered the consequences of the actions you are taking or are pondering taking?
