Tag: Syncretism

Psalm 40

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

Psalm 40

Some consider this psalm to be two psalms connected. They state that Psalm 70 is merely a repeat of Psalm 40.13-17 and there once was a psalm that contained the first twelve verses. The reasoning behind this is the difference in the two sections. They appear to be reversed. The thanksgiving (1-8) is presented before the lament (11-17). This is mention for your information; I choose not to pursue the topic and count it as one psalm.

When this psalm is read, it is a reminder that patience is part of prayer. In fact the Hebrew is emphatic here. David actually writes that in his waiting, he is waiting. David cries out to God asking Him how long until He would answer David’s prayer. Notice it is not if He will answer but when He will answer. If there is a desire for a discussion on prayer, please respond and I will post one at a later date. Within this psalm David presents the great truth of many Old Testament prophets and of the words Paul gives us in Romans 12.1-2: God desires more than mere words or rote actions, He desires our heart, our mind, our strength, our all (1 Samuel 15.22; Psalm 51.16; Isaiah 1.11, 6.8; Jeremiah 6.20, 7.21-28; Amos 5.21-24; Micah 6.6-8; and to name a few). See our study on 1 Samuel 15 and Psalm 51 (as more are completed, links will be provided).

The psalm can be divided by the two types of psalms with the hinge verses of 9-10.

  • Verses 1-8-This is a praise to God for what He has done. David proclaims God’s greatness and then proclaims God’s great claim on our life (see sacrifices above). He wants all of us not a portion of us. He wants us completely, not syncretically. Verses 6-8 are echoed of Christ in Hebrews 10.5-9 for Christ’s perfect, complete, and final sacrifice for our sins (cf. Leviticus 17.11).
  • Verses 9-10-When God works, He expects us to proclaim that work among our friends.
  • Verses 11-17-See our study of Psalm 70

Many have attempted to place each verse in the mouth of Christ. They see the first portion of the psalm as Christ’s resurrection, the middle verses as Christ’s public ministry, and the final verses reflect the cross.

Have you offered your all to God? He is worthy of it. Many of us live a syncretic life without even realizing what we are doing. Instead of referring to the Bible for our guidance, we turn to friends, web sites, and other we celebrate. When we do this, how can we expect the God who expects our all to listen to what we say. In our waiting, we have not truly waited (see our study of Psalm 103).

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Psalm 26

Have God examine your heart today.

Psalm 26

This psalm begins and ends with the desire to bring blessing to the covenant God of Israel  (יְֽהוָה).  David sees a way for this to occur in his life through his integrity, his moral uprightness or righteousness. We find this can only be found in a person who has a right relationship with God and who walks in fellowship with Him.

Due to the topic of this psalm, David’s integrity and God’s grace, many declare that this psalm was written before his failing with Bathsheba. However, the false accusations and the mood of the psalm place it about the time of Absalom’s rebellion with all the false accusations coming against David. This is why it is placed here, in this study, and not prior to 2 Samuel 11.

The words of David, to some, seem proud and boisterous. However, they are no different from his words in Psalm 139.23 where he asks God to search his heart.

Someone once said, “Look at others and be distressed; look at self and be depressed; look at Jesus and you will be blessed.” The thoughts of this anonymous saying present themselves in this psalm. David encourages us to look and examine ourselves (1-5), to focus ourselves on the God of our covenant (6-10), and continue to serve Him (11-12). The only way to truly be blessed is to realize that we are servants of the Most High and serve others in His name. This is true life.

Verses 1-5-Are you living the life God created for you to live? Examine yourself today.  Read our study on Psalm 1 for a call to examine your life.

Verses 6-10-When we look at ourselves, we can get depressed. When we look to others, we can get upset or frustrated or proud. When we focus on God, we can walk on water and we can also see the standard to which He has called us. It is not us or our world that is our standard, it is He who created us who is the standard (Romans 3.23).

In verses 3–5, David presents six reasons for his integrity:

  1. He calls on God’s grace, not his works.
  2. He basis his daily walk on the truth of God’s Word, not his desires, which only someone indwelt with the Spirit of God can claim.
  3. He proclaims that he has not joined in with others whose purpose is to walk away from God.
  4. He refuses to walk with those who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3.1-5).
  5. He does not gather together with those who seek to do evil. The congregation he seeks is where he can serve God by serving others.
  6. He refuses to commune with those who propose wickedness. He knows he sits at God’s table (see our study of Psalm 23).

How do you measure up to these six reasons?

Verses 11-12-God calls us, knows us, will conform us ultimately into the image of His Son; He called us, He made us righteous, and He will bring it to completion (Romans 8.28-30 and Philippians 1.6). It is all about Him, not us. He has chosen to use His body, the church, as the chosen instrument to help our conformity to His image through the work of the Holy Spirit. Are you involving yourself in the local congregation? Are you actively praising God by serving others there? If not, you are not walking in integrity. This is the heart of this psalm, David’s desire to worship God with God’s people (6-8). David knew in order to do this he needed to be a man in right relationship with God and in fellowship with Him. Jesus stated this in Matthew 5.23-24.

Have God examine your heart today.

2 Samuel 14

There are times when people play on our emotions and on our real experiences in order to manipulate us into doing something which seems right in our eyes (Read Judges) but in the end it is destruction (Proverbs 14.12). This is syncretism at its peak. Be careful of things that you want to hear (2 Timothy 4.1-5) that do not align with Scripture. This is Satan’s number one ploy. In this chapter David’s trusted nephew was the source.

2 Samuel 14

Depending on how the preposition in verse one is rendered, this chapter takes two differing views. If the preposition עַל is translated “toward,” which is contextually difficult, the meaning is that David desired to have Absalom in his presence. However, is refusal to meet with him when he returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14.24). The preposition most likely should be translated “against,” which better fits the passage. For the rest of Absalom’s life, he and David were at odds with each other. He would not allow Absalom into his presence, Absalom rebelled against David (see our study of 2 Samuel 15), and Absalom died tragically in rebellion to David (see our study to come on 2 Samuel 18 and The Consequences of Sin [study to come]). Through the deceit and duplicity of Joab in this chapter, David granted Absalom’s return. There was not repentance on Absalom’s part and not reconciliation on either part. Absalom was next in line to be king, Joab was playing both sides of the field and was not above deception to obtain favor in the eyes of both David and Absalom. In using this woman, he played on David’s emotions and upon a real experience David had. Nathan was a prophet through whom God spoke to convict David of his sin (see our study of 2 Samuel 12). The woman of Tekoa was used to play on this real experience in David’s life. She told him things that would get his emotions playing on who his son was and the need to see him no matter the cost. It would cost Absalom his life, David’s relationship was never restored with Absalom because they never sought reconciliation. They did not discuss the sins nor seek forgiveness for them.  Even though Absalom goes before David with obeisance, there is no repentance. Nothing biblical occurs.

Absalom’s character surfaces at the close of the chapter (25–33). He is good looking, charismatic (in the true sense of the word-drawing people to him), deceptive, and cruel.

There are times when people play on our emotions and on our real experiences in order to manipulate us into doing something which seems right in our eyes (Read Judges) but in the end it is destruction (Proverbs 14.12). This is syncretism at its peak. Be careful of things that you want to hear (2 Timothy 4.1-5) that do not align with Scripture. This is Satan’s number one ploy. In this chapter David’s trusted nephew was the source.

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 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 25

How well do you know God?

Psalm 25

This psalm is the second of eight acrostic psalms. It is a psalm of David, who is praying for God to deliver him from his enemies as he also seeks forgiveness for his sins. These themes are interwoven throughout this complex psalm.

  • Verses 1-3, 13-15-David knew where he should place his confidence, his soul, his life. He knew the only place to go was to God.
  • Verses 4-5, 8-9, and 12-Each of these verses contain the desire of David to have God’s teachings in order to have true guidance. He knew to have God’s Word is to have God’s presence.
  • Verses 7, 11, and 18-David seeks God’s forgiveness. There is an undertow here. David knows that God’s presence is only known where forgiveness dwells.
  • Verses 2 and 20-David feared that God would be put to shame if he were put to shame. So, the prayer is not for David to not be “embarrassed” but for David’s life not to put a blemish on the character of God. This is known as the fear of the Lord (12 and 14).
  • Verse 21-David knew that only through God’s character being developed in his character would he be able to live the life that God created for him to live.
  • Verses 16-17-If you notice, David was quite honest with God, who knows all things anyway. He not only confessed sins, see 7, 11, and 18, but confessed the condition of his heart due to the circumstances in which he found himself.
  • Verse 22-The prayer concludes not only for David but also for the nation in which he dwelt, which is Israel.

A key thought in this passage is integrity. In verse 21 David associates integrity as coming only from God to those who wait on Him. Integrity is having one mind, one purpose, one goal; it is not to be divided. It is possessed by an absence of syncretism. It is best illustrated by Jesus in Luke when Luke states Jesus set His face like flint toward Jerusalem (Luke 9.51, cf. Isaiah 50.7). Another writer wrote a comment on this passage, “Jesus Set His Face Like Flint.”

We can be assured of God’s guidance when we seek to glorify Him, wait on Him, ask for His help, confess our sins, and submit to His Word. All this implies what is found most commonly in this chapter. We need to know His Word well. For in knowing His Word, we can know Him. If you notice, David bases his prayers on who God is (2-3, 5, 20-21).

How well do you know God?

Psalm 101

The question then comes for each of us, what do we strive after as children of God? Have we allowed worthless things to deter us from God? Where do you stand?

Psalm 101

This psalm was written by David at the time the Ark was placed in Jerusalem establishing the city as the political and religious capital of Israel (see our study on 1 Chronicles 16).

A possible outline of Psalm 101: The Ideal King is Pure in Life (1-4) and Pure in Justice (5-8). The only true King that reflected this was Jesus Christ. The character expected of a leader by God is presented in this psalm (Word in Life Study Bible, 1997).

  • To govern wisely, without compromising their integrity.
  • To completely disassociate themselves from wicked schemes and those who promote them.
  • To tolerate no slanderous talk and to dismiss subordinates who even appear to be using privileges to unfair advantage.
  • To surround themselves only with people who are faithful to the Lord.
  • To purge their administrations of deceivers and liars.
  • To root out and destroy wicked people from the land.

Loosely stated, he is to avert his ways from syncretism. David goes so far in saying that he will not set any wicked thing before his eyes (3). The word for wicked happens to be belial (בְּלִיָּעַל) wherein we get the term of a god found in Scripture (Deuteronomy 13.13 and 2 Corinthians 6.15). A worthless thing becomes our god, which is syncretism.

The question then comes for each of us, what do we strive after as children of God? Have we allowed worthless things to deter us from God? Where do you stand?

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.

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.

1 Chronicles 14

When we do things after we consult God, we will be successful. When we attempt to do things our way, without His counsel, we will ultimately fail.

1 Chronicles 14 (cf. see our study of 2 Samuel 5.11-25)

This chapter is the parallel of 2 Samuel 5.11-15 wherein David is established as a king on an international level as he makes treaties with other countries. It is also seen in his taking of wives (see the study in 2 Samuel 5.11-25 for greater detail).

The two differences lie at the end of each pericope. Second Samuel 5 lists eleven sons while 1 Chronicles lists thirteen sons. The other difference is the fame of David spreading throughout the land (all countries). That is, the military strength of Israel is brought before all the nations that surround Israel. His nation has been established. The only failure to this point was the failure wherein he did not seek God’s counsel that of the Ark remain in the house of Obed-edom. This will be remedied in the next chapter.

When we do things after we consult God, we will be successful. When we attempt to do things our way, without His counsel, we will ultimately fail.