Philippians – Page 2 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 24

The question being asked is “Who is the King of Glory?” This is the question all men need to answer. How do you answer it (1 Timothy 6.15 and Philippians 2.9-11)?

Psalm 24 (cf. 1 Corinthians 10.26)

This psalm is reminiscent of Psalm 15 (see our study). It was probably written after 2 Samuel 6 (cf. 1 Chronicles 15) when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem for the first time (see our study).

It can be divided in three parts. The first is a praise for whom God is (1-2, cf. our study on Psalm 19). The second is similar to Psalm 15 which provides the requirements for those who can be in God’s presence (3-6). The third is written as a processional antiphony (7-10), where the leader speaks and the congregation responds. The question being asked is “Who is the King of Glory?” This is the question all men need to answer. How do you answer it (1 Timothy 6.15 and Philippians 2.9-11)?

Take a moment to worship God in the context of music. Verse four of this chapter presents a deep thought. “Give us Clean Hands” is a prayer based on this verse. Give it a listen.

Psalm 23

The key to this psalm is the first verse and is found in the pronoun “my.” If this is not true of you, then this psalm is not a psalm that you can cling to for it is only for those who call to God as Savior, Shepherd.

Psalm 23

For all the beauty and splendor of this psalm, it is a psalm reminding us that God meets our needs (cf. Philippians 4.19 and Psalm 37.25). These would include meeting the needs of our entire being. He meets my safety and physical needs as-well-as my need for belonging, love, and meaning. He guides me (2-3), He protects me (4), He is with me (4), His loving-kindness is known to me (6), and He gives me victory (5) with purpose (6). The one thing that is not given me that I have to choose is to serve others the same way He has served me (Mark 10.43-45).

The question to answer is this: Whom am I shepherding toward Christ today?

Many authors have poured over these verses and waxed eloquently (i.e., Max Lucado Traveling Light or Philip Keller A Shepherds Look at Psalm 23). I refer the reader to books such as these to explore the depths of this chapter.

Psalm 1

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?

Psalm 1

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.

does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

Verses two and five offer two-line parallelism, again aiding in interpretation.

Verse two (also synonymous parallelism)

his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

Verse five

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Verse three offers another type of parallelism, emblematic wherein the first line is a figure of speech and what follows explains it:

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Verse six offers antithetical parallelism where the first and second line stand in contrast to each other:

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.

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.

For a visual of this psalm, see the graphic.

Psalm 85

The writer wants us to pause and think about how God has restored us and has forgiven us of our sins. Pause, take a moment, and meditate on what God has done for you. As a Christian we have much to be thankful for; so, what are you thankful for in terms of what God has done for you?

Psalm 85

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What can be determined in context is that it was written after the Babylonian Captivity because the author refers to God’s wrath being removed (3), the desolation of the land (12), and the need for God to restore it for the people (13).

Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44). It is played on the Gittith. This psalm of national lament can be divided into three parts.

Verses 1-3-The writer is expressing his thanks to God for delivering them from the Babylonian Captivity and forgiving their sins.

Selah-The writer wants us to pause and think about how God has restored us and has forgiven us of our sins. Pause, take a moment, and meditate on what God has done for you. As a Christian we have much to be thankful for; so, what are you thankful for in terms of what God has done for you?

The writer then continues with what God has done in terms of showing His mercy by removing His discipline.

Verses 4-7-The writer knows the sins of the nation brought God’s discipline on them. He knows that until God restores them to their land and brings normalcy, the effects of God’s wrath are still on them. Until they are back in the land, until they are “revived” (given new life), until they have experienced God’s salvation, they still feel the effects of God’s discipline. He desires that God’s name be proclaimed because of what God has done (Habakkuk 3.2) not because of the sins of the people.

Verses 8-13-The anticipation of God’s answer is evident in verses 8-9. It is based on His Word (repentant people calling to Him) and His character. Isaiah 32.17 describes that closeness that righteousness and peace have with each other. There is no peace unless righteousness comes.

When we turn to God in repentance for our known sins, He restores right fellowship with Him. In doing this, He brings peace. As we dwell on what He has required, He is present, which is peace (Philippians 4.8-9).

Psalm 142

David again is crying out from a cave (Adullam?) for God’s help. He knows his strength is gone. He knows it is only through God that he is able to continue God’s work.

Psalm 142

David again is crying out from a cave (Adullam?) for God’s help. He knows his strength is gone. He knows it is only through God that he is able to continue God’s work. How aware are we that we are not able to do things for His kingdom without His strength? There are times I wonder how we think we can do God’s work without God’s power (Philippians 4.13).

1 Samuel 18-19

A review of the regression of Saul seems appropriate here. He is chosen by God as a result of the disobedience of the people (1 Samuel 10, cf. Jeremiah 2 particularly verse 13 and Isaiah 50).

A review of the regression of Saul seems appropriate here. He is chosen by God as a result of the disobedience of the people (1 Samuel 10, cf. Jeremiah 2 particularly verse 13 and Isaiah 50). He receives the Holy Spirit temporarily. Remember that this is an Old Testament phenomenon. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit permanently indwells believers. After his willful rebellion against God, God replaces him with David (1 Samuel 16.13-14). The Spirit is removed from Saul and placed on David. This sets the stage for all that is to come through the rest of 1 Samuel. Our passage today begins in this milieu. David and Jonathan become great friends. Saul seems pleased with all that is occurring. The three of them battle the Philistines and are victorious. The people proclaim God’s work in and through both Saul and David. Saul becomes enraged, jealous, and seeks to kill David from that moment. He does not see God’s work but his. This returns us to the opening verses of 1 Samuel 17 where Saul is focused on himself, not God. When we focus on what we are doing and not on what God is doing, envy, jealousy, strife, anger, rage, etc. (Galatians 5.16-26) become our “fruit.” This is what happened with Saul.

God gives us over to our desires. Since Saul desired to disobey God and not walk in the Spirit, God gave him a spirit that was likened to his desires–an evil one. It is evidence here that Saul has gone crazy. The rest of his career is characterized by vengeance and violence against one who seeks Saul’s best. The remainder of Saul’s life is in pursuit of killing the one who refuses to kill him. What primary goal do you have in life? Is it pursuing your passions or God’s will? When we pursue our desires apart from God, we live insanely (reread Galatians 5.16ff). When we follow God’s will, we are blessed with the life we desire because we are in alignment with His will for us (Matthew 6.33 and 16.24-26).

We see Saul desiring to be part of David’s life in that he admired David’s accomplishments. But his desire to be number one consumed him and he demoted the one who was able to help him. Even in this demoted state, David grew in popularity, was successful, and even Saul stood in awe of him because David was walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

This motif continues throughout this chapter and the rest of the book. Saul tries to defeat David with many snares, David is victorious, and Saul gets angrier. At times, although sad, it is comical. Think about someone you know that became angry and then began to act foolishly. This is Saul.

He thinks if he can trick David into wanting to marry any daughter of his that David will die by the hand of the Philistines. His logic, “I don’t want David as a son-in-law, but if I can get him to want to marry my daughter he will have to pay a dowry. He won’t be able to afford it. So, I will make it the death of one-hundred Philistines. He will die in the battle. My daughter won’t have to marry him because he will be dead.” Foolish. If God is for us, who can be against us? No one! His planned failed, of course. David defeated the Philistines, his daughter Michal loved David, David became more famous, and Saul’s anger grew.
To make matters worse, Saul’s son Jonathan became David’s best friend. Jonathan even knew that David would take the throne from him. Jonathan was joyful about his because he knew this was God’s will. He didn’t think that because he was a prince that he had a right to the throne, it was in God’s hand. This is in line with what Christ did for us in Philippians 2.5-11.

In chapter 19 Saul’s family intercedes for David and helps him escape from the evil Saul planned for David. David flees to Ramah (just north of Jerusalem) to spend time with Samuel. This is where David begins his career fleeing for his life from the hand of Saul. The end of chapter 19 is odd and gives evidence of the Spirit coming and going while not permanently indwelling in the Old Testament.

Are we willing to stand for God no matter the cost like David, Jonathan, and Michal? Or, like Saul, do we try to sway the situation in our favor where people will like us and applaud us? What is the measure of your success?