Media – Old Testament Survey

2 Chronicles 8

This chapter is found in 1 Kings 9.10-28 and covers the activities that occupied Solomon’s time.

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Ruins of the Temple of Bel in Palmyra

Verses 1-9 parallel 2 Chronicles 7.12-22 except for the addition by the writer of the Chronicles of verses 12-18. Second Chronicles does provide an explanation of verses one in the chapter. All that Solomon desired is defined as the two buildings that he built (the Temple and his compound 2 Chronicles 7.11).

God offers two types of promises or covenants in these verses, as was explained in 2 Chronicles 7.12-22. These are conditional and unconditional. For an explanation of these see our discussion in 2 Samuel 7 and Psalm 27.

God appears to Solomon for the second time (see 1 Kings 3.4-15). There are no details, merely the statement. It seems as though God spoke to him through a dream; in other words, there was no audible voice of God. God gives Solomon assurance that He has heard Solomon’s prayers. His answer is the unconditional covenant of a ruler on the throne. God then informs Solomon of the conditional covenant He has made with those He has chosen and created from the beginning of time (i.e., Deuteronomy 28.36–37 and29.24ff.). You obey and God will bless. You disobey and God will chastise. It is interesting in what we see in Israel today. We do not see the Temple. What we see is the Mosque of Omar, which is really the Dome of the Rock. Is this God’s promises fulfilled in judgment?

Verses 10-28 parallel 2 Chronicles 8. What is found in these verses are the buildings and other activities in which Solomon was involved. A reference to corvée is presented again (see our explanation of this in 1 Kings 5). This chapter details cities and strategies of Solomon.

Will God be blessing you today or disciplining you today?

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Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer Map-1

Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer Map-2

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Teach for God Ministries.

Psalm 136

Psalm 136 (2 Chronicles 7.3, 6)

We can neatly divide this psalm in two parts. The first is proclaiming God’s goodness based on the story of Creation. The second is proclaiming God’s goodness based on how He delivered Israel from captivity. Taking these two parts, we can see this psalm praises God for all that is in the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy.

The psalm stands out among all the psalms for the repetition of “for His steadfast love endures forever.” We know this psalm as the “Great Hallel” psalm and it was associated with the Feast of Passover. Today, it is used more as a call to worship (Davidson, 1998).

Attempt to listen to this psalm the way they may have read it by using two choirs to sing the lines. The choir to the left sang the historical truth and the choir to the right sang the refrain of God’s never-ending mercy. Hallelujah!

The meaning of the repeated phrase must include God’s faithfulness to who He is and what He has promised to do. To translate this with that meaning of חסד included: “for His faithfulness to Himself will never end” or “His Word stands with surety.” So, considering the ever-changing economy, culture, and world we live in, isn’t it great to know that He will never change? His truth is always true, no matter the circumstances and no matter what others claim.

Do you readily proclaim God’s goodness to those around you by what you do and what you say? Do they hear the choirs that resound the marvel of God’s faithfulness in your gait?

This might be a good exercise for each of us to do today: write one thing that God has done for you or in your family and write the refrain after it. Now, do this each day for a month. Compile the list in chronological order and upload it here. Let others see God’s goodness in you.

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Psalm 136 – Forerunner
Chris Tomlin – Forever
His Love Endures Forever

©2012 Teach for God Ministries. Used by Permission.

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Teach for God Ministries.

Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By David R Williamson. ©2012 Teach for God Ministries. Website: www.teach4god.com

Psalm 119.1-24

Since we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 2.11), we need a guide for our journey. That Guide is the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He uses His written word to guide us on our journey. When we take our eyes off His Word, we take a turn toward destruction. The importance of studying and knowing the Scripture is overwhelming here. Christianity is not a felt religion, it is a knowing relationship with a God who reveals Himself to us in His Word. Your life reflects your knowledge and application of God’s Word. How are you doing?

Psalm 119.1-24

Aleph (א) verses 1-8

This section presents the key to understanding this particular psalm (all the Bible really). It is to walk in the ways of God. The nature of such a man is found in the actions he takes. He walks in God’s ways, keeps God’s laws, and seeks God’s truth. When Paul tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, he is applying what these verses are telling us (2 Corinthians 10.4-6).

When we do this, we are allowing God to work in and through us, which, in turn, allows us to live the life for which He created us. This life is one that is increasingly characterized by the leaving of sin, which produces shame, and the turning to God (2 Timothy 2.22 and 1 John 1.5-2.1, 3.9, and 5.18). To truly live the life God called us to live, we must go from knowledge to practice.

The Word in Life Study Bible (1997) presents this chart for Psalm 119.2:

119:2 THE BENEFITS OF OBEYING THE BIBLE

Psalm 119:2 promises blessings for obeying God’s Word (or “testimonies”) and seeking the Lord with one’s whole heart. The psalm goes on to mention or allude to a number of these benefits:

Avoiding sin and pursuing godliness (Ps. 119:3, 11, 36, 102, 133).
A motivation and basis for praising God (119:7, 171).
A pure lifestyle (119:9).
Readjustments in our priorities (119:14, 92) and values (119:16, 20, 37, 48, 72, 103, 111, 127).
Insight into our purpose on earth (119:19, 32, 125).
Avoiding and learning from God’s rebuke (119:21–22, 67, 71, 75, 118).
A basis for evaluating criticism and opposition (119:23, 41–42, 51, 61, 69, 84–88, 98, 161).
A source of wisdom and guidance for day-to-day life (119:24, 66, 105, 130, 176).
Encouragement, hope, and comfort (119:25, 28, 41, 49–50, 52, 55, 61, 81–83, 114, 166).
Something valuable with which to occupy our minds (119:27, 55, 62, 97, 147–148) and conversation (119:46, 164, 172).
A basis for truth, honesty, and integrity (119:29–30, 99–100, 104, 163).
A sense of freedom (119:45).
A source of new songs (119:54).
An accurate basis for self-examination (119:59).
Fellowship with like-minded believers (119:63, 79).
A solid foundation for our faith (119:66, 89–90).
Protection and peace (119:114, 165).
The ability to discern right from wrong (119:136, 138–139, 158).
A motivation and basis for prayer (119:169–170).
The Lord’s help (119:173–174).

Which of these are you not experiencing today? This is an area of prayer and discipline for you.

Beth (ב) verses 9-16

When my life is planned around God’s Word, I will live a life that is pleasing and holy to Him (Romans 12.1-2). The sure way to accomplish this is through Scripture memorization that leads to acting upon what is memorized. Remember that memorization is not for the moment but for life. If you truly have memorized a verse or passage that becomes your guide throughout life. You know it. You apply it. You do not forget it.

Gimel (ג) verses 17-24

The study of God’s Word needs to be a regular exercise done on a daily basis. This would include meditation, which is to eat as a cow would chew cud. Chew for a bit, let it digest for a while, chew on it again, let it digest again. Repeat this process throughout the day. When we daily meditate on God’s Word, He brings joy into our life. Read these couplets to see the connection Psalm 119.15-16, 23-24, 47-48, 77-78.

A great verse to pray when beginning any Bible study is verse eighteen. The psalmist implores God, as should we, to open his eyes to the wonderful truths or principles in God’s Word. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and is necessary to understand what God’s Word means and how we can apply it to our lives (Daniel 5.11-14, John 16.13-15).

Psalm 91

Our only sense of security in this world is our fellowship with God, which is based on His establishing a right relationship with us in Jesus.

This psalm was missed at the beginning of this study. Although it is here, it should be the second one in these writings.

Psalm 91

Although this psalm has no name associated with it, Jewish practice is to assign an unnamed psalm to the previously named psalm. Therefore, this would be a psalm of Moses. The devil showed us that this psalm is a messianic psalm when he used it in his temptation of Jesus in Luke 4.10.

Verses 1-8-When we are in fellowship with God, we are protected.
Verses 9-16-Our continued sense of peace and security is only found in our fellowship with God.

Our only sense of security in this world is our fellowship with God, which is based on His establishing a right relationship with us in Jesus.

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Shelter (Psalm 91)

Psalm 90

All men die. The wise man seeks to live his life for God. When we fulfill His purpose for our lives, we live the greatest life possible. It is not the number of years you live but the amount of life you allow God to use through you in those years.

This psalm was missed at the beginning of this study. Although it is here, it should be the first one in these writings.

Psalm 90

God is eternal. Man is not. This is the first psalm written. It was written by Moses. Probably shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Realize that at least a million Israelites died during their punishment for not trusting God. In those forty years of wonder, those million or so people 20 years of age and older died. Do some math here. One million divided by forty years is 25,000 per year, which is about 68 people per day or two to three each hour. They fought in no wars. They just died. This is the low end of the number too. So, is it any wonder Moses is considering the frailty of man in this psalm and comparing it with the majesty of God?

Verses 1-6-God does not need a place for people to gather, for He is our sanctuary. We will see this same terminology in Psalm 91.9 in our next study. He is from “vanishing point to vanishing point” as the Hebrew would exclaim for the English translation “everlasting to everlasting.” He is before we can imagine and beyond what we can fathom.
Verses 7-11-With God there are no secrets. What is done in the darkness of your room is evident before Him and His judgement will come.
Verses 12-17-Four items of prayer are listed here: Teach us to number our days (12), give us peace with You (13), give us mercy (14-15), and work in us again (16-17).

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O God Our Help in Ages Past by Isaac Watts performed by Choir of King’s College

Psalm 118

As you go through your day, realize that God made this day for you to bring Him glory nothing more, there is nothing more, and nothing less, why settle for less.

Psalm 118

The sixth of the Hallel Psalms

As can be seen in the MacDonald post on Psalm 118, this psalm was recited in a processional as the worshipers were entering the Temple. It is also a Messianic Psalm in that verse twenty-two is used by and of Christ in Matthew 21.42-46, Acts 4.10-12, Ephesians 2.19-20, and 1 Peter 2.7. Verse twenty-six is called out by the crowds regarding Jesus, labeling Him as the Messiah, in Matthew 21.9 and by Jesus in Matthew 23.39. Verse twenty-seven is also used by and of Jesus as well in John 9.5 and 1 Peter 3.18. Verses 19-21 point out the gate of righteousness and Jesus describes Himself as the Gate to salvation, or being made righteous, in John 10.9.

The three groups of worshipers mentioned in verses 2-4 are the three groups of worshipers in the world. Israel, those born Jews, Aaronites, those born as priests in the group of the Jews, and those who fear the Lord, Gentiles–the rest of the world. It would not include those who reject the possibility of God for they are not worshipers.

Because this is the final Hallel Psalm, Jesus would have sung this as He and the disciples left the Upper Room in John 14.31. Do you think you could walk out of a room on your way to your execution singing praises to God?

As you read through this psalm, gather the phrase “in the name of the Lord” and realize that our victory in life is only in the name of the Lord. Our strength, song, and salvation are all in Him and in none other. Where do you place your confidence? How do others know this?

As you go through your day, realize that God made this day for you to bring Him glory nothing more, there is nothing more, and nothing less, why settle for less.

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Psalm 116

The fourth of the Hallel Psalms

Verses 1-2-We are to praise God, here it is due to God’s desire to hear and answer our prayers.
Verses 3-11-God hears our prayers and will deliver us from them. This deliverance may not be as we deemed but as He willed, which is better by far. The psalmist tells us that he believed even when he spoke forth doubt. Paul quotes this verse in 2 Corinthians 4.12-13.
Verses 12-18-We are to praise God for He is worthy of the praise. Verses 12-14 remind us to partake of the Lord’s Supper and of offering in the church assembly. Are you actively involved in your church? The Cup of Salvation is the third cup of the Passover.
Verse 19-Praise Him publicly not merely in your head, heart, or home.

Notice how the psalmist responds to God’s goodness (Henry, M, 1996). We call this worship.

He will love God (1)
He will continue to call upon him (2, 13, 17)
He will rest in him (7)
He will walk before him (9)
He will pay his vows of thanksgiving, in which he will own the tender regard God had to him, and this publicly (13–15, 17–19)
He will continue God’s faithful servant to his life’s end (16)

How does your worship measure up to this standard? What can you do today to change that?

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I Love the Lord by Whitney Houston

Psalm 115

The theme throughout this psalm is the glory belongs to God not to us, not to our possessions, not to our idols, but to Him alone. What have you chosen to replace Him within your life? Remove it!

Psalm 115 (Cf. Psalm 135.15-18)

The third of the Hallel Psalms

Verses 1-8-Honor Him for He is God alone.
Verses 9-11-Trust Him for He can help alone.
Verses 12-18-Praise Him for He is worthy alone.

The theme throughout this psalm is the glory belongs to God not to us, not to our possessions, not to our idols, but to Him alone. What have you chosen to replace Him within your life? Remove it!

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No Unto Us (Psalm 115) at Shadow Mountain Community Church Choir and Orchestra (Pastor Dr. David Jeremiah) sung by Joi Bowling

Psalm 113

As God is in this world, so are we to be in this world. Do you walk by the poor and needy or do you stoop to help those in need? What would Jesus say about your actions and attitude? Take a moment to read Matthew 24-25 and listen to Keith Green’s song The Sheep and the Goats. There is no faith without action for faith creates action (James 2.14-26).

Psalm 113 (cf. Philippians 2.5-8 [He is immanent] and 1 Timothy 6.11-16 [He is transcendent])

This is the first of the Hallel Psalms or Praise Psalms used at the Passover Meal (Psalms 113-118, 136). Some have attributed this psalm to Samuel because the reference in verse nine imitating 1 Samuel 2.5, 8. Although this could be, it is not the view held here.

Verses 1-3-A call to praise God. All those who are His are to praise Him. We praise Him by thanking Him for who He is in our lives. We are to do this perpetually and everywhere our feet trod.
Verses 4-6-He is to be praised because He is great, He is without equal, and He has humbled Himself to be concerned with the affairs of man.
Verses 7-9-He is to be praised because He cares for the poor, needy, and barren, which are examples of His humbling of self to care for the needs of man.

Is God conceited? Read these articles by John Piper and NewLife Christian Fellowship to determine for yourself.

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