><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalm) CHAPTER 1&2 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In Ps. 1 the righteous and the wicked are contrasted. Compare their characters (verses 1, 2), the pictures given of them and their final end (verses 3-6). In what do you delight? And with whom are you most at ease? 2 Ps. 2. What is the Lord's purpose for 'his anointed', and what is involved in its accomplishment? Cf Acts 4: 24-28. What response does this demand from men, and what hope does it offer to them? Note. P5. 2 is the first of what are known as Messianic psalms, i.e., psalms which prophesy the sufferings and glory of the coming Messiah. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalm) Chapter 1+2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- With the start of Psalms Book 1, we begin our look into the worship life of David, the man after God's own heart. 1&2 are not credited to David, but a majority of the remaining songs in Book 1 Psalm 1-41 (37 to be exact) are credited to David. 1)Psalm 1 talks about the righteous and the wicked. The righteous The wicked Passively Actively - Doesn't walk in counsel of wicked - Walks after wicked counsel - doesn't stand in the path of sinners - Stands in the path of sinners - doesn't sit in seat of scoffers - sits among scoffers. Actively Passively - delights in the law of the Lord - doesn't delight in the law - meditates on the law of the Lord day+night - doesn't meditate on the law Final ends - tree FIRMLY(NASB) planted by streams of water - chaff which wind drives away - fruitful, properous - will perish / death - Way known by the Lord = will not stand under judgement Each man's actions and reactions show his character. Let us develop our passive and active behaviors in a way becoming of The Righteous Man(Jesus Christ). 2) The Lord has a purpose for 'his anointed' (The Messiah / King Jesus) Acts 4:26 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. {26 That is, Christ or Messiah} '{26 Psalm 2:1,2} The Lord's Anointed One will take possession of the Earth(this is foreshadowing prophecy of Christ's 2nd coming). This demands us as men to bow before Him and give him all honor and glory, worship and reverence. It offers us the hope of taking refuge in Him and his might and power. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1 In Ps. 1 the righteous and the wicked are contrasted. Compare their characters (verses 1, 2), the pictures given of them and their final end (verses 3-6). In what do you delight? And with whom are you most at ease? (1) The righteous do not have anything to do with the plans of the wicked; they find pleasure/delight in the law of the Lord. They think about His Word day and night, and prosper. Their lives are a testimony of being planted by streams of living water. That is how you can recognize them. Contrastingly, the wicked will not last and will be blown away like chaff (useless debris of grain). They cannot stand before the Lord. Wicked: not lasting, perishing. Righteous: lasting, and testimonial in their lives. 2 Ps. 2. What is the Lord's purpose for 'his anointed', and what is involved in its accomplishment? Cf Acts 4: 24-28. What response does this demand from men, and what hope does it offer to them? (2) God intended for His anointed one, Jesus, to be delivered into the hands of Herod and Pilate and to be crucified for our sins, and to rise from the dead on the third day. The fact that Christ died for our sins requires that we either accept or reject Him. There is no in between - either you repent and believe or you have rejected. God has provided a plan of salvation and eternal life through Christ, an eternal hope (an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..., I Pet. 1:4). Those who believe have the promise of eternal life and peace with God. Many people believe that being a good person is all that is important. The problem is that there is no way "good people" can meet the demands of a Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe. It is a matter of recognizing who God is, and humbling oneself to understand that He is greater than we. We need *His plan* for salvation, which is Jesus Christ. V. 12, "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for His wrath can flare up in a moment. BLESSED ARE ALL WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION TO PSALMS It is a book of praises, prayer and devotion that God's people used after rebuilding the Temple at Jerusalem. The people also used it when they worshipped God in their synagogues. "Rejoice" is another favorite word and "mercy" occurs hundreds of times. The Book of Psalms is divided into five books and the main authors of each book are listed as the following: 1 - 41 David; 41 - 72 David/sons of Korah; 73 - 89 Asaph; 90 - 106 Unknown; 107 - 150 David/Unknown. [What the Bible Is About] Many Psalms contain references to Christ, that are wholly inapplicable to Any Other Person in history. Psalms most obviously Messianic are; Psalm 2, 8, 16, 22, 45, 72, 89, 110, 118, and 132. [Halley's Bible Handbook] Psalm 1 - Blessed Is The Man That Delights In The Word Of God (i) The Man Is Like A Tree Planted By Streams Of Water, 1:3a: A tree planted by the stream of water is planted by the gardener. (ii) The Man Meditates The Law Of The Lord, 1:2b: He lifts his eyes upon Jesus all the time. He does not follow [WALK] the strategy of the wicked ones; he does not stay [STAND] around among sinners; he does not fellowship [SEAT] with the mockers. Why is this man remaining on earth? He is here to grow in Life, in Truth; to know how evil is this world; to be tested in faith; to distinguish the truth and false; to remove the false, the dross. (iii) Yields Its Fruit IN Season, 1:3b: Fruit is life reproduction. It reflects the maturity in life. It is food to others. In the spiritual sense, they are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 5:3-5. Soul saving is also fruit bearing. Matthew 7:16 - 20 bY THEIR FRUIT YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM. dO PEOPLE PICK GRAPES FROM THORNBUSHES, OR FIGS FROM THISTLES? lIKEWISE EVERY GOOD TREE BEARS GOOD FRUIT, BUT A BAD TREE BEARS BAD FRUIT. a GOOD TREE CANNOT BEAR BAD FRUIT, AND A BAD TREE CANNOT BEAR GOOD FRUIT. eVERY TREE THAT DOES NOT BEAR GOOD FRUIT IS CUT DOWN AND THROWN INTO THE FIRE. tHUS, BY THEIR FRUIT YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM. (iv) Leaf Does Not Wither, 1:3c: Leaf is the identification of a tree. From the leaf you can tell what kind of tree it is. Leaf is the indicator of the health of a tree. Leaf provides freshness of air, by yielding oxygen, and absorbs carbon dioxide. Leaf provides shade and greenness for environmental balance and aesthetic enhancement. Leaf blocks the wind (not like chaff that goes with the wind) and filters the dust. (v)Whatever He Does Prospers, 1:3d: Romans 8:37 IN ALL THESE WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US. (vi) The Way Of The Righteous And The Way Of The Wicked, 1:6: Matthew 7:13 - 14 eNTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE. fOR WIDE IS THE GATE AND BROAD IS THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO destruction, AND MANY ENTER THROUGH IT. bUT SMALL IS THE GATE AND NARROW THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO LIFE, AND ONLY A FEW FIND IT. Psalm 2 - The First of the Messianic Psalms; A Hymn of the Coming Messiah The Lord has established His own King over all the kings and rulers of the earth. All human authorities are ultimately accountable to Him. [The Word in Life Study Bible] Acts 4:25 stated that the author of this Psalm is David. There are four parts of this Psalm [Willmington's Guide to The Bible]: · the rebellion of man, vs. 1-3 · the reaction of God, vs. 4-6 · the rule of the Son, vs. 7-9; His Deity, vs.7; and His Universal Reign, vs.8 · the recommendation of the Psalmist, vs. 10-12. Verses 7 and 12 read in Life Application Bible for Students: · "His chosen one replies, `I will reveal the everlasting purposes of God, for the Lord has said to me, `You are my Son. This is your Coronation Day. Today I am giving you your glory.'" · "Fall down before his Son and kiss his feet before his anger is roused and you perish. I am warning you - his wrath will soon begin. But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!" ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 3+4 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= For the probable circumstances of both psalms, see 1 Sa. 12-I7. 1 Ps. 3 is a morning psalm. As David wakes, what adverse con- ditions confront him (verses 1, 2)? Cf 2 Sa. 16: 5-8. How does David react (verses 3,4)? What are the consequences of his trust in the Lord (verses 5-8)? What may we learn from his example? 2 Ps. 4 is an evening psalm. In verses 2-5, David addresses his adversaries. What counsel does he give them? In what does he find his own strength, joy and security? Note. 3:5. If this psalm was written, as seems likely, on the second morning after David's flight from Jerusalem, it was a great encouragement to him that the night bad passed without an attack. Cf 2 Sa. 17: 1-4, 14. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 3+4 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Psalm 3 is believed to have been written in the morning during the time when David was fleeing from Absalom. David seeks God for his Shield(v 3) and his protection. He puts his full trust in Him. Though adversaries are mounting up against him, though people doubt he will find favor in the eyes of God, David puts his faith in the One. He give Him glory and to Him he cries for help. The Lord answers David and delivers peace, and sustenance to him. He gives David confidence and strength to carry on. Another praise and worship song based on this psalm is Salvation Belongs to Our God. Salvation belongs to our God Who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb Praise and Glory, Wisdom and thanks, Honor and power and strength. Be to our God forever and ever, Be to our God forever and ever, Be to our God forever and ever, amen. And we, the redeemed shall be strong In purpose and unity Declaring aloud Praise and Glory, Wisdom and thanks, Honor and power and strength. 2) In Psalm 4, we find David singing at the end of the day of his trust in God. He asks his adversaries how long his honor will be opposed. He tells them that the Lord hears when he calls to Him. He advises that the should find should tremble, not sin, meditate, be still, offer up sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord. David attributes gladness in his heart, peace and safety to the Lord. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) D. describes the Lord as A SHIELD AROUND HIM, BESTOWER OF GLORY, LIFTER OF HIS HEAD, ANSWERER OF PRAYER, PROTECTOR/SUSTAINER, DELIVERER, STRIKER OF ENEMIES, BLESSING HIS PEOPLE. We see the nature of D.'s desire for protection in v. 7b, "...Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked." Teeth often characterize a person's mood and health; gnashing of teeth when in agony, smile when happy, clenched when angry, healthy when well-nourished and cared for. D.'s statement seems to ask the Lord to bring his wicked enemies to ruin - break their teeth. We also can trust God to break the teeth of the wicked who are pitted against us! (2) Psalm 4, the Lord is: RELIEVER OF DISTRESS, MERCIFUL, HEARER OF PRAYER, SETS APART THE GODLY FOR HIMSELF, FULL OF LIGHT, FILLS OUR HEARTS WITH JOY, MAKES US DWELL IN SAFETY. D. addresses unbelieving, idol worshippers saying that they are seeking delusions and false gods. Later on, he gives a noteworthy statement, v. 4, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, SEARCH YOUR HEARTS AND BE SILENT. SELAH." Cross ref. with Eph 4:26, "In your anger do not sin: Cross reference with Eph. 4:26, "In your anger do not sin: DO NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN WHILE YOU ARE STILL ANGRY.." This is a great guideline for Christians. We are not to let our angry emotions control or get the better of us. It should not bother us in our sleep. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 3 - A Morning Prayer Of Trust (i) David Fled From Jerusalem; Instead of fighting with Absalon in Jerusalem, David run away. To me, it is because he did not want cause any damage to the Holy City; the same reason that he did not kill Saul because of Saul was an anointed king. (ii) Anger Would Be More Frustrated Than Safety: To flee from his own son's attack would be an unbearable situation. How could David sleep under such circumstance?! His prayer must really reach to the throne and gave him the peace and contentment to be able to sleep and wake up in the morning with trust in the Lord to start a new day. (iii) To Strike Their Jaw And Break Their Teeth: These enemies were like animals that bit. So David prayed for them to have broken jaw and falling teeth to stop their animal behaviors. On the other hand, jaw and teeth are serving the function for digestion. With broken jaw and teeth, they would not be able to gain strength. Psalm 4 - Distress And Relief In A "Good Night" Prayer: I need to pray this prayer - Lord guard my rights, vs. 1 Prayer in confidence - Know this, the Lord works wonders for those He loves, He hears me when I call to Him, vs. 3 A prayer that puts you in sweet dreams - In peace I lie down, and fall asleep at once. You alone make me rest secure. Good night my Lord, my Savior. vs. 8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 5 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What does this psalm reveal about God? Write out a list of the truths which you discover here, and let them form your responsive worship. 2 The psalm is an example of David at prayer. When, how, why and for what does he pray? Do my prayers express the same urgent concern and expectant faith? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 5 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) The Lord is portrayed as: MY KING AND MY GOD, DOES NOT TAKE PLEASURE IN EVIL, HATER OF WRONG, DESTROYS LIARS, ABHORS BLOODTHIRSTY AND DECEITFUL MEN, MERCIFUL, NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES, BLESSES THE RIGHTEOUS. (2) A morning prayer, which is made in expectation. Evil men and liars are seeking D.'s life. Probably spreading vicious lies about him. D. prays for leading in the straight way, declaration of his enemies' guilt, banishment for their sins; also for joy, protection, blessing and favor for the upright. The language is indicative of strong faith, active and confident. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 5 is another of David's morning prayers. 1 What does this psalm reveal about God? Write out a list of the truths which you discover here, and let them form your responsive worship. 1) This reveals God's nature(Holy, just, intolerant of sin, unable to abide with it). It also shows again the power and protection that God can provide, his shielding strength. - We must 'order' v3 our prayer and then watch for God's leading May we order up our requests to the Lord and await his leading! 2) David prays again in the morning. He prays for the Lord to hear his prayer, to protect against evil and those wishing to harm him, and be guided in paths of righteousness. Oh that each of us could have the expectant faith that David shows when he 'orders up' his prayer. Almost like order a meal, David truly expects the Lord to deliver a banquet for him to feast upon. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 5 - A Sample Morning Devotion Prayer: How David started his day - At daybreak You listen to my cry out for help; at dawn I hold myself in readiness for you. I watch for you on this new day. >From verses 4 to 12 is really an echo of Psalm 1. The wicked ones, their lips lie and their throats are yawning graves, spread death, vs.9. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Another example of prayer. David seems to have suffered both from sickness and the taunts of his enemies. His sickness gave them occasion to point to him as one 'smitten of God'. 1 Verses 1-7. Explain in your own words the state of David's heart and mind as he made his prayer. What does he (a) confess to God, and (b) expect from God? 2 Note in verses 8-10 how David has come to an assurance of answered prayer and certain deliverance-an assurance which he openly confesses before God and men. Have you had any similar experience? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) This psalm is truly "pathetic". It is vivid in its imagery, v. 6-7, "I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes." If ever there was a psalmist who could evoke empathy by their words, it was David. Psalm 6 was written responsively to God's punishment of D. for his sins. It seems that D. became extremely ill and had no strength (Cf. Ps. 32:3-5; 38:1-8). He begs for mercy, and shows strong faith in the Lord's forgiveness, saying "The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." (2) IMO, it takes just as much faith to believe in God as it does to believe in His forgiveness of sins. If one doesn't trust that He exists, it is impossible to believe that He accepts sinners by grace. Therefore, our faith is also tested by how much we believe that Jesus Christ took away ALL our sins on the cross. Certainly, this is not a license to sin, Romans 6: "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? BY NO MEANS! WE DIED TO SIN; HOW CAN WE LIVE IN IT ANY LONGER?...OFFER THE PARTS OF YOUR BODY TO HIM AS INSTRUMENTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. FOR SIN SHALL NOT BE YOUR MASTER, BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT UNDER LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- This psalm is one of those known as the penitential psalms, Psalms to ask for relief from distress. 1) David realizes that he has sinned. He realizes that the Lord is afflicting him for that sin. In his misery he cries out to the Lord. He asks for restoration knowing the Lord is a loving God. He describes the extreme nature of his distress. He must have been in an emotional state of wreckage. Torn between misery and hate, fear and loath. He confesses to God that He has sinned and expects that God will receive his prayers. 2) David here states his confidence that God not only has heard his prayers, but will cause his enemies and those who seek to do him harm shame. I cannot say that I have every had the confidence that David is displaying here that he is SURE beyond a shadow of a doubt that God will shame his enemies. I pray that one day I might have that faith, yet am honestly apprehensive because that confidence requires a complete shaking of one's foundation. Lord give us each one the confidence to approach you with our confession of faith and trust with boldness that you will deliver us from our enemies and those who would do us harm. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 6 - A Repentance Prayer: Verses 1-3 expressed his sorrow and pain after committed sins. Do not put me in death because of my sins. Otherwise, I can not praise you any more, vs. 5. Verses 6-7, David's repentance. It is God's mercy and to make my enemies ashamed and dismayed, vs. 9-10. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 7-8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In Ps. 7 David is experiencing persecution. On what grounds does he make his appeal to God (verses 1-11)? In what two ways does he seejudgment will overtake the wicked (verses 12-16)? Learn from verse 17 how prayer should end. 2 PS. 8. What two truths here make the psalmist worship and wonder? And, more particularly, what is here declared concerning the place of man in the mind and purpose of God? Cf Heb. 2: 5-10. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 7-8 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) D. considers that the evil will receive just punishment - falling into the pit they have made; and trouble the evil man has caused will recoil on himself. It would feel satisfying to see that they get what they deserve; however, we must remember that the Lord says to leave room for His wrath, not to repay evil with evil. Most strikingly, D. praises God amidst his persecution: v 17, "I *WILL* GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD BECAUSE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND *WILL* SING PRAISE TO THE NAME OF THE LORD MOST HIGH." I believe that the "I will" is very important here. It means you must actively will yourself and choose to praise God despite the obviously bleak and stressful circumstances. This can be applied to each and every day for all Christians. Can we praise God at the end of each day?? (our spirit is probably right if we can.) That's my goal and hope. (2) This is definitely a psalm to read out loud to praise in God!! If only we could read Psalm 8 every night before sleep with our heart really in it...."WHEN I CONSIDER YOUR HEAVENS, THE WORK OF YOUR FINGERS, THE MOON AND THE STARS, WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF HIM...O LORD, OUR LORD HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME IN ALL THE EARTH!!" The two truths found here, IMO, are God as ultimate and awesome Creator and God's Greatness, being so far and highly above man, yet giving man "managerial" power over things on earth. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This is another lament of David. He is crying for mercy from Cush the Benjamite. My study bible relates that it was perhaps written when he was fleeing Saul and Cush was an agent of Saul seeking to kill David. David appeals to God on the basis of his feelings that he is innocent of any wrong against God(3-5). David sees that if the wicked do not repent, they will be face judgement. David ends his prayer in praise to God. 2) David ponders how majestic is God's name in the Earth. Creation and the majesty of the the creator have him in awe. He questions why God even loves us or places us where we are in the grand scheme of things. Hebrew 2:5-10(NASB) [5]For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. 6 But one has testified *somewhere, saying, «*WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU REMEMBER HIM? OR THE SON OF MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM? 7YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; 8*YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.» For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now *we do not yet see all things subjected to him. 9But we do see Him who was *made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, *because of the suffering of death *crowned with glory and honor, so that *by the grace of God He might *taste death *for everyone. 10For *it was fitting for Him, *for whom are all things,and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to *perfect the *author of their salvation through sufferings. This psalm in also the basis for Michael W. Smith Chorus How Majestic is Your Name. May we sing it with the feeling that is underlying this psalm next time we sing it, and remember just how great is our God who has given us so much as a demonstration of His Love for us! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 7 A Prayer For Protection And Vindication This is a Psalm David sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. The Trible of Benjamin was king Saul's tribe, among whom David had numerous enemies. Obviously, Cush is one of the enemies. 7:3-5 Lord, don't charge me of certain thing I did not do. 7:6-8 The Lord will judge us with our righteousness and according to my integrity. Refer to John 16:8-11 for clarification. wHEN HE (THE hOLY sPIRIT) COMES, HE WILL CONVICT THE WORLD OF GUILT IN REGARD TO SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUDGMENT -------. Awake, my God - It seems to say, Lord do something to these wicked men. 7:9 God tests (searches) the hearts and minds. 7:11-13 God is a just judge. 7:14-17 Praise of His righteousness and mercy. Psalm 8 A Shepherd Psalm - Glory In His Creation 8:1 o lORD, OUR lORD, HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME IN ALL THE EARTH! 8:2 fROM THE LIPS OF CHILDREN (God's children) AND INFANTS (newly converted) YOU HAVE ORDAINED PRAISE 8:9 o lORD, OUR lORD, HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME IN ALL THE EARTH! It takes God's fingers to create man, 8:6. It takes God's arm to redeem us! (Isaiah 53:1) Salvation is far more costly than creation!? 8:5 You made him (man) a little lower than the heavenly beings (angels, KJV). Hebrews Chapter 1 - The Son is superior to angels. Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels (temporarily). Why God created man? One of the reasons is yOU MADE HIM RULER OVER THE WORKS O FYOUR HANDS; ---- , 8:6-8. Psalm 8 should be studied together with Hebrews 1:1-2:4 "------. We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, andevery violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us, by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 9-10 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= These psalms were probably originally one, as is shown by the fact of their common 'alphabetic' structure. In the LXX they are one psalm. The contents are, however, different. Ps. 9 is mainly a song of praise, celebrating victory over foreign nations; but PS. 10 consists mainly of prayer, pleading for the overthrow of the wicked within Israel. 1 Make a detailed list of the truths we may learn about the Lord from these psalms. 2 From Ps. 9 what do we learn of the actions and longings of David, and of his experience of the Lord? Contrast this with the thoughts and actions of the wicked as described in PS. 10. To what extent is your own action, experience and longing similar to David's? Note. 9: 17. The meaning is that through the judgments which God is executing the life of the wicked will be cut short by death =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 9-10 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) In Ps. 9 and 10, the Lord is: WONDROUS, THE MOST HIGH, UPHOLDER OF THE RIGHTEOUS, RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, REBUKER OF NATIONS AND DESTROYER OF THE WICKED; REIGNS FOREVER (ETERNAL KING), JUST GOVERNOR, REFUGE FOR THE OPPRESSED, STRONGHOLD IN TROUBLE, NEVER FORSAKING THOSE WHO SEEK HIM; ENTHRONED IN ZION, AVENGES BLOOD, SAVIOUR, KNOWN BY HIS JUSTICE. SEES TROUBLE AND GRIEF AND HELPS, HELPER OF THE FATHERLESS, HEARER OF THE AFFLICTED, ENCOURAGER, DEFENDS THE FATHERLESS AND OPPRESSED. (2) D. has been persecuted, near death. His desire is to praise God in Jerusalem (in the gates of the Daughter of Zion, v.14) and there rejoice in the Lord's salvation. It seems that he has had some victory over his enemies, v. 3-4, "My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause..." In Ps. 10, the wicked are seen as haughty and far from God, preying on the helpless. D. longs to see the Lord lift up his hand against the wicked, and to help the helpless. His final statement is: "THE LORD IS KING FOR EVER AND EVER...DEFENDING THE FATHERLESS AND THE OPPRESSED, IN ORDER THAT MAN, WHO IS OF THE EARTH, MAY TERRIFY NO MORE." D. always ends in praise to the Almighty. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We see in these Psalms that the Lord is: Righteous Judge, destroyer of Nations, Abiding forever, A stronghold, not forgetful, gracious, and King Forever. 2) David reveals to us in Ps9 that he gave praise to God with All his Heart. He is bursting with joy to tell of all that the Lord has done for him. The wicked are not so, in Psalm 10, David paints a picture of the unrighteous who denies the Lord and his authority and power. I am including a chorus sung at the Franconia Alliance Men's Retreat based upon Psalm 9. Psalm 9 Words and Music by Sally Beck I will praise, (I will praise) You oh Lord(you oh Lord) with all my heart(with all my heart) I will tell(I will tell) Of your wonders(of your wonders) I'll be glad and exult in thee(I'll be glad and exult in thee) I will sing praise to your name oh most high I will sing praise to your name I will sing praise to your name oh most high I will sing..................praise to your name -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 9 & 10 These are acrostic Psalms, as well as Psalm 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119 and 145. Acrostic Psalms are those in which the initial letter of successive verses follow the order of Hebrew Alphabet. [Halley's Bible Handbook] Psalm 9 Giving thanks for victories; Psalm 10 is a prayer for help - Will the wicked suceed? Psalm 9 and 10 were originally one poem that breaks into 20 stanzas. It is a poem to express that God Crushes The Wicked And Saves The Humble. Some outstanding stanzas are listed as the follows: Stanza 1, Aleph: 9:1-2 To praise God by telling of all God's marvelous works; Stanza 4, He: 9:7-8 God's everlasting throne and judgment with justice; Stanza 19, Shin: 10:15-16 Yahweh is king for ever and the pagans are doomed to vanish; Stanza 20, Tau: 10:17018 Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble and the earthborn man may strike fear no more. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Psalms) CHAPTER 11-12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In Ps. 11 why does David not follow the advice of those who see the situation as hopeless(v3) and suggest flight? What gives him confidence to stand firm? Do you have this confidence? 2 How are the word of man and the Word of God contrasted in Ps 12? Note 11:3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Psalms) Chapter 11-12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) David takes refuge in the Lord. He does not see the hopelessness in the situation described by his enemies. The last verse, Upright men will see his face is his motivation. May it be our goal and focus too. 2) In Psalm 12 David contrasts man's words with God's Word. Man lies and creates deception with his word, whose ultimate goal is conquering those around them. This is different from God's Word which David describes as flawless, refined, pure. The goal of God's Word is the proclamation of Truth. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1)D. says, "In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: Flee like a bird to your mountain." It is like saying, 'I'm a Christian - God is my shelter. Why should I run from my enemies?' The Lord is D.'s confidence. We too should have confidence to stand firm, because we have the armor of God. (Eph. 6:14...: STAND FIRM THEN WITH THE BELT OF TRUTH...BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS...FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS THAT COMES FROM THE GOSPEL OF PEACE...SHIELD OF FAITH...HELMET OF SALVATION...SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.") We are in a spiritual battle against evil forces. (2) The wicked are liars, deceivers, flatterers, boastful. Contrastingly, the righteous , the oppressed and weak will be protected from those who malign them. V. 6, "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." And as a comfort against the lies of evil enemies, v 3: "May the Lord CUT OFF all flattering lips and every boastful tongue..." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Psalm 11 Protection In Time Of Crisis When the foundations are being destroyed, the righteous ones can do nothing to help, 11:3. The wicked ones shoot secretly at the upright in heart, 11:2. And God tests the righteous, (11:5a). However, they will see His face, 11:7b. For the wicked He will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot, 11:6. Because His soul hates the wicked and violent ones, 11:5. The Lord observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them from his holy temple, in his heavenly throne. Praise to the Lord! Today He also lives in us, Galatians 2:20. Psalm 12 The Man Of God Confronts Moral Decay The wicked ones lie and boast, 12:2, they prowl on every side and are being honored, 12:8. They proudly declare that "we will triumph with our tongues. We own our lips. We speak our own hearts and we are our own maters!, 12:4. Lord! Help us. There are not many godly men on the earth anymore! 12:1. The Lord said - I will arise for (1) the oppression of the poor and (2) for the sighing of the need, 12:5. The words of the Lord are pure like silver refined in a furnace of clay seven times, 12:6. David trusted the words of the Lord would keep him safe and protect him from such wicked people forever, 12:7. Each day, the Lord gives us new experience to trust Him.