STUDY OF PSALMS - Chapt. 126-130

[We continue with the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). These are songs that the people of Israel sang on their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the annual feasts and festivals days.]

PSALM 126 – “Return from Exile”

(A Song of Ascents)

This is a Community Lament, likely composed after the Babylonian exile but could also be referring to David's return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15-19).

Vs. 1a – “When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion”: Most scholars associate this with Israel's return from Babylon under Ezra and Nehemiah. A gathering of the exiles.

Vs. 1b – “We were like those who dream”: In the ancient days, “those who dream” referred to prophets who communicated messages between God and His people (Joel 2:28-29). The psalmist could also be describing the ecstatic joy that he speaks about in verse 2.

Vs. 4 – “As the streams in the south”: This would be language familiar to the residents of Israel, describing “flash floods”. The plea was for God to work swiftly and strongly for a flood of continued deliverance of His people. While verses 1-3 spoke of gratitude for God's restoration, this verse is a prayer for more.

Vs. 5-6 – “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy”: This suggests that over time, God uses our pain and suffering to bring joy. Notice the sorrow isn't kept... it is planted.

“Both the going forth and the coming home are stressed by a doubling of the verb, and might be translated, ‘He that surely goes forth weeping…will surely come home with shouts of joy.’” (Kidner)

VIDEO: Shir Ha Ma'alot - Song of Ascents: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eISRutmI-r0

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PSALM 127 – “It is Vain”

(A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon)

This is a Wisdom Psalm of Solomon with a look toward eternal life through an OT perspective.  To the ancients, eternal blessings were manifested in generations... children and grandchildren were a guarantee of blessing beyond death.

Vs. 1 – “Unless...”: Without God, our plans are futile.

💛NUGGET: In 1736, Edinburgh, Scotland registered their official Coat of Arms. It bears a motto taken from the first words of this psalm: “Nisi Dominus Frusta”, which means, “Without the Lord, All is Vain”.

Vs. 3 – “The Jew would ask, why is the house being built if it is not for the family? And why are the watchmen protecting the city if not for the families that live in it? Then as now, the family was the basic unit and most important element of society.” (Boice)

Vs. 5 – “But shall speak with their enemies in the gate”: The gate of an ancient city was the gathering place to conduct business and often settle disputes. A man surrounded by plenty of sons would feel unafraid to face his enemies in the gate. From another perspective, a man whose children are upright will never bring him shame, but rather strengthen his reputation.

[A bit ironic that this verse was written by Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines and likely conceived more children than anyone on the planet, yet the Bible only mentions one son, Rehoboam, his heir to the throne and a disappointment to God.]

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PSALM 128 – “Fear the Lord”

(A Song of Ascents)

Psalm 128 is a Wisdom Psalm and is considered to be a companion to Psalm 127. Both psalms focus on the family and emphasize the importance of Godliness in the home. The previous psalm ended with the “blessed (happy) man".  This psalm expounds on his blessedness.

Vs. 1 – This blessing is for EVERY ONE who fears the Lord and walks in His ways.

VERSES 2-6: THE BLESSING

Vs. 3 – “Fruitful vine... olive branches”: In the context of ancient Israel, a man's greatest blessings were a productive farm and a "productive" wife who provided him with a passel of children around his bountiful table.

“The interesting thing about these two images, vines and olive plants, is that they are biblical symbols of the abundant life. They are not food staples like wheat or corn. They symbolize rich blessing.” (Boice)

Vs. 4 – “Thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD”: Just as in verse 1, the blessing is conditional: it requires honor and respect to God.

Vs. 5b - “The prosperity (or good) of Jerusalem” is the glory of God. A single godly man can widen his sphere of influence so as to affect a nation.

Vs. 6 – “May you see your children’s children”: Grandchildren are nothing but pure blessing from God.

💛NUGGET: If God's blessing is based on the fear of the Lord, then peace at home is based on fear of the Lord. If peace at home is based on the fear of the Lord, then the peace of a nation is based on the fear of the Lord.  (Are you picking up what I'm laying down?)

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PSALM 129 - “They Have not Prevailed”

(A Song of Ascents)

Psalm 129 is a Prayer of Confidence in God’s continued protection. It was a historical reminder and  also a future prophecy of God’s never-ending care.

Vs. 1-3 – The statement of affliction (or persecution) is repeated twice to show emphasis, and it ain't no lie. Just look at some of the people who have tried to obliterate Israel: Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, Syrians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, and Nazis... to name a few. Yet God preserves His people.

“The Jews are the longest-enduring distinct ethnic people on the planet. They have been slandered, hated, persecuted, expelled, pursued, and murdered throughout their long existence, but they have survived intact.” (Boice)

Vs. 5-7 – These verses are filled with imprecations against the enemy. The psalmist doesn't wish them death, just a “withering away”

Vs. 8 – In Ruth 2:4, Boaz came upon the workers reaping wheat in his field and yelled out to them, “The LORD be with you!” to which his workers replied, “The LORD bless you”. No such blessings were to be exchanged with the enemies of Israel.

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PSALM 130 - “Out of the Depths”

(A Song of Ascents)

Psalm 130 is one of the seven Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) and is an individual Lament Psalm. As an Ascent Song, Psalm 130 was sung by the pilgrims to direct their thoughts towards forgiveness and prepare their hearts for worship.

Vs. 1 – “Out of the depths”: “Depths” is taken from the root word for "deep" (Hebrew: “amoq”) which means “to make deep”, as in all the way down to the bottom of one's soul. We note the intensity and intimacy of the psalmist's words as he cries out to God, alternating "LORD" and "Lord" eight times within the eight verses of this song.

LORD: Yahweh (Covenant name of God)

Lord: Adonai (Master / Ruler)

💛NUGGET: While Yahweh is the “name” of God, Adonai is the “title” of God. “Adon” means, “master” or “Lord” and the possessive ending, “ai” means “my”. When we use the name of Adonai, we are acknowledging that God IS our Sovereign Master and we ARE his servants.

Vs. 4a – “BUT there is forgiveness with you”: Where would we be without this “but”?

Vs. 4b – “That You may be feared.”: We love His mercy but fear His justice. And as Adam and Eve proved, we can't have one without the other.

“It was a Welshman in the midst of the wonderful revival of 1905 who rendered verse Psalm 130:4, ‘There is forgiveness with Thee – enough to frighten us!’ which if not accurate translation is fine exposition.” (Morgan)

Vs. 5b – “And in His word I do hope”: His Word is filled with promises.

💛NUGGET: Hope in God and hope in His Word are inseparable.

Vs. 8 – “He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities”: The psalmist ends with confident trust in the God of redemption... not just for himself, but also for the nation. And because God is God, the psalmist didn't waste his hope on any ol' garden variety redemption.  He hoped for ABUNDANT redemption (verse 7).

This psalm reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham for a LAND, a SEED and a BLESSING.

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READING FOR TOMORROW:  Chapters 131-136

LINK TO READING PLAN:

https://bibleplan.org/plans/psalms-in-a-month/

STUDY OF PSALMS - Chapt. 120-125

THE PSALMS OF ASCENTS 

Psalms 120-134 comprise the Songs of Ascents. This is a special songbook made to be sung by the Jews during their pilgrimages to Jerusalem three times a year for the national festivals of Passover, Pentecost and the Day of Atonement.

“Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles.” (Deuteronomy 16:16)

The Hebrew word for “ascent” is ma'alah which means "to go up”. The Bible often talks about going “up” to Jerusalem, since it was literally uphill from the surrounding regions. As the pilgrims made their journey, they worshiped God in song all along the way. Joseph and Mary would probably have sung these psalms as they went up to Jerusalem with their son, Jesus. Jesus and His disciples would have sung them as they traveled up from  Galilee for the feasts.

Jewish historians claim these songs were also sung by the priests in the days of Solomon as they ascended the fifteen steps leading to the Temple in Jerusalem.

SIDE NOTE: One of the most significant and meaningful memories from my trip to Israel was visiting the Southern Steps leading to the temple. Our group stood together on the steps and read the Psalms of Ascents. It humbled my soul to think that I might be standing in the very place were Jesus stood while teaching parables. If I closed my eyes I could almost hear the beautiful voices of the ancient worshipers as they joyfully made their ascent up the temple...

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PSALM 120 – "No Peace"

(A Song of Ascents)

This Lament Psalm was written by a homesick Israelite forced to live among warmongers in a strange land (probably in exile).

Vs. 1 – “In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He heard me”: Even through his despair, the focus is on God.

Vs. 2 – The reason for the psalmist's distress turns out to be people with “lying lips” and “deceitful tongues” who have spoken evil against him.

Vs. 5 – “Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!”: Meshech and Kedar were enemy tribes of Israel. The psalmist had likely been dispersed to lands far beyond Israel against his will.

💛NUGGET: The people of Meshech were descendants of Japheth, son of Noah (Genesis 10:2) and the people of Kedar originated from Ishmael, son of Abraham (Genesis 25:13). Both were known to be cruel, uncivilized warlike tribes.

Vs. 6 – “My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace.” The peaceful palmist complained that he had to live among ungodly people so far away from Israel. He longed for peace (shalom).

💛NUGGET: The name "Jerusalem" in Hebrew means “City of Peace”.

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PSALM 121 – “God is a Keeper”

(A Song of Ascents)

This psalm is actually a blessing for a journey with the emphasis on God “keeping” us in His unending care.

Vs. 1 – “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?”: This song begins with a simple question. The “hills” likely refer to Jerusalem, seen in the distance as the psalmist makes his pilgrimage towards the city. Since the people of Israel looked to Zion (Jerusalem) as God's dwelling place, it would be fitting for them to look towards the hills of Jerusalem.

VIDEO:  "Total Praise" - https://youtu.be/KASubuUl7W8

Vs. 2 – “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”: He immediately answers his own question with a confession of faith.

[VERSES 3-8 are to be sang or prayed as a blessing. Notice that the psalmist switched from first person (“my” and “I”) to “you” and “your.”

Vs. 4 – “He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”: The word “keep” (shamar) also means "to preserve" and is used six times in this poem to emphasize the fact that God is watching over Israel. God is a Keeper.

Vs. 5 – “The Lord shall preserve (keep) your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.”: God watches over us continually and eternally.

Vs. 5b - “The Lord is your shade”: “Shade” is from the same Hebrew word as “shadow” which calls to mind Psalm 91:1: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

💛NUGGET: It is a Jewish tradition to place a copy of Psalm 121 in the delivery room and/or baby carriage of a newborn as a blessing of protection from God.

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PSALM 122 – "Let Us Go into to the House of the Lord"

(A Song of Ascents. Of David.)

This psalm is one of four of the Songs of Ascents attributed to David. It is a song about arriving into the city gates of Jerusalem.

Vs. 1 – “Let us go into the house of the LORD”: The temple had not yet been built during the reign of David. At that time, the tabernacle was set up in the City of David and contained the Ark of the Covenant.

Vs. 2 – “Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!”: They've arrived! After a long and dusty journey, the pilgrim's happy feet are now standing in the City of God.  They are home.

Vs. 3-5 – Three descriptions of Jerusalem are given:

1) It is compactly built. In the time of David, Jerusalem was about one-half mile wide. But “compact” in this context actually refers to the closeness of the Israelites in the sense of their unification.

2) It is where the tribes go up. All the males of Israel were commanded to go “up” to Jerusalem 3 times a year for their religious feasts and festivals.

3) It is where the thrones are set for judgment. The throne of David in Jerusalem and his monarchy served as the centralized seat of justice for Israel.

Vs. 4b – “To the Testimony of Israel”: The “testimony” was another name given to the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22; Exodus 27:21).

“Note that Israel was one people, but yet it was in a sense divided by the mere surface distinction of tribes; and this may be a lesson to us that all Christendom is essentially one, though from various causes we are divided into tribes. Let us as much as possible sink the tribal individuality in the national unity, so that the church may be many waves, but one sea; many branches, but one tree; many members, but one body.” (Spurgeon)

Vs. 6-9 – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”: Peace is not a word that comes to mind when we think of Jerusalem. All throughout history, it has been a center of conflict. “Pray for peace” speaks as much to prophecy as to history. The ancient Jews who sang these words wanted peace in Jerusalem because that is where "the house of the LORD our God” dwelled. For them, God's presence was connected to a place. Looking from the other side of the cross, we know that we are never separated from Him (Romans 8:31-39). When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are seeking God’s ultimate fulfillment for His city.

“The goal of the pilgrim is not Jerusalem, as important as that city was, or even the temple in Jerusalem, as important as it was, but God himself, whose true throne is not anywhere on earth but in heaven.” (Boice)

💛NUGGET: The presence of God is what made the tabernacle special. His Spirit does the same within you (Matthew 23:16-22).

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PSALM 123 – "Looking for Mercy"

(A Song of Ascents)

This is a Community Lament for Israel who found themselves in a familiar place of scorn and contempt from those around them. Their response was to look towards God for mercy.

Vs. 2a – “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God”: The eyes of the psalmist are not on anything but the Lord, not necessarily like a servant waiting for orders... but patiently waiting on His Master for answers.

Vs. 2b - “Until He has mercy on us”: The psalmist is dug in. As long as it takes, he will persevere in looking to the Lord for His mercy. 

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PSALM 124 - “IF...”

(A Song of Ascents. Of David.)

This ascent song is a Community Thanksgiving Psalm in praise for God's rescue from destruction and expressing confidence that He will continue to help His people.

Vs. 1-2 – “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side”: Israel remembers how God saved them from sure death. 

💛NUGGET: God is the Difference between Deliverance and Disaster.

Vs. 3-5 – David described the overwhelming troubles Israel faced as “men rose up against us”.  He leaves no doubt that God, alone, has been their Deliverer.

Vs. 7 – “As a bird from the snare of the fowlers”: Fowlers are people who catch birds by using traps.

“Fowlers have many methods of taking small birds, and Satan has many methods of entrapping souls. Some are decoyed by evil companions, others are enticed by the love of dainties; hunger drives many into the trap, and fright impels numbers to fly into the net.” (Spurgeon)

Vs. 8 – “Our help is in the name of the LORD”: The “name of the LORD” alludes to His presence. This is a humble confession made by Israel. Their help came from the same Source that we are blessed to call upon, today.

“The great lesson of this Psalm, from the beginning to the end…is that for every deliverance, whether of a temporal or spiritual nature, we should, in imitation of the saints above, ascribe ‘Salvation to God and the Lamb.’” (Horne)

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PSALM 125 – “Trust in the Lord”

(A Song of Ascents)

God's followers are immovable.  He has us surrounded.

Vs. 1 – “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” As we have the advantage of looking backwards on the history of Israel, it is clear to see how big a role “trust” played in the security of Jerusalem.

Vs. 2a – “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people”: The city of Jerusalem sits on a hill that is surrounded by a range of taller hills.

Vs. 2b – “From this time forth and forever”: God forms a protective ring around us “forever”.  Satan spoke of this as a "hedge" in Job 1:10.  Nothing can get to us without God's permission. Implicit in this, however, is trusting in the Lord (verse 1).

Vs. 3 – So long as Israel trusted and obeyed the Lord, they were divinely protected from the “scepter of wickedness” (wicked kings).

Vs. 4 – “Do good, O LORD, to those who are good”: This statement again reminds us of the promised “blessings and curses” of the OT covenant in which judgment was based on the obedience and disobedience of the people. Those “upright in their hearts” lived a life of obedience to God.

Vs. 5 – “Peace be upon Israel”: This song ends with a blessing for Israel. The formula for peace was given in verse 1: Trust in the LORD. 

Shalom!

VIDEO:  "Surround Us, Lord"  https://youtu.be/dtyVNbXecnI

READING FOR TOMORROW:  Chapters 126-130

LINK TO READING PLAN:

https://bibleplan.org/plans/psalms-in-a-month/

STUDY OF PSALM - Chapter 119

PSALM 119 – THE WORD (From Aleph to Taw)

INTRODUCTION: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, consisting of a total of 176 verses. It is written as an acrostic consisting of 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

• Each stanza contains 8 verses.
• Each verse begins with the Hebrew letter of the corresponding stanza.
  

When translated into English it is difficult to keep the integrity of the message while maintaining the acrostic pattern, but here is an example of the stylization of this psalm using the first stanza / first letter of the Hebrew alphabet:

Alef
A blessing is on them that are undefiled in the way;
and walk in the law of Jehovah;

A blessing is on them that keep his testimonies,
and seek him with their whole heart;

Also on them that do no wickedness,
but walk in his ways.

A law hast thou given unto us,
that we should diligently keep thy commandments.

Ah, Lord! that my ways were so directed
that I might keep thy statutes!

And then shall I not be confounded,
while I have respect unto all thy commandments.

As for me, I will thank thee with an unfeigned heart,
when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

An eye will I have unto thy statutes:
O forsake me not utterly.

This seems like a tedious and limiting way to write a psalm. It is. But it actually serves a purpose. The ancient Israelites used acrostics to not only teach Biblical lessons, but it also served the purpose of teaching the Hebrew alphabet during recitation and writing.

AUTHOR: We are not given the name of the author. David, Ezra, Ezekiel, Esther and Daniel have all been suggested as possible candidates. Most scholars believe that it was written during or after the time of the Babylonian exile. It was likely written over a significant period of time, as there is no definite connection between the stanzas. The writer undoubtedly lived under oppression and not only loved the Word of God, but depended on it deeply.

THEME: Modern readers tend to skim through this psalm and it's legalistic themes of strict adherence to the “law”. But as the original targeted audience, Israelites of old would have poured over every word in their desire to follow God's commandments and to lead a happy life. Even so, Psalm 119 is hardly a collection of hints for happiness. It stands strongly upon God's authority and the all-encompassing sufficiency of His Word.

Psalm 119:66 is recited prior to the blowing of the Shofar in celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah (along with: 119:108; 119:122; 119:160; 119:162).

💛NUGGET:  There is a tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church that King David used this psalm to teach his sons (including Solomon) the Hebrew alphabet and the “alphabet of the spiritual life.”

In the NKJV, every verse but four (84, 121, 122, 132) directly references God's Word in some way.  The synonyms used to describe God's Word are:

The 22 stanzas of Psalm 119 are outlined below with corresponding Hebrew letter and subject headings (adapted from the notes of F.W. Grant, Believer's Bible Commentary):

Vs. 1-8: Aleph א – The Blessedness of Obeying the Word
[Begins with a double blessing in vs. 1-2: “Happy are those who...” ]

The psalmist prayed to be totally committed to obedience.

Vs. 9-16: Beth ב – Cleansing by the Word

[The letter “Beth” also means “a house.” Some have suggested that this section tells us how to make our heart a home for the word of God.]

Vs. 17-24: Gimel ג – Discernment by the Word
The psalmist called himself a 'resident alien' on earth, totally dependent upon God.

Vs. 25-32: Daleth ד – Revived through the Word
The psalmist sought clarity from God to understand and apply the Torah to his life.

Vs. 33-40: He ה – Teach Me the Word

[“He” is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and it is used at the beginning of verbs to make them causative. The prayers in this section have the meaning, “Cause me to learn,” “Cause me to understand,” “Cause me to walk”...]

Vs. 41-48: Waw ו – Victory through the Word
The psalmist longed for evidence of God's faithful love (hesed).

Vs. 49-56: Zayin ז – Rest and Comfort through the Word
The psalmist is comforted by God's righteous judgments.

Vs. 57-64: Heth ח – Perseverance in the Word

“Blaise Pascal, the brilliant French philosopher and devout Christian... called verse 59 ‘the turning point of man’s character and destiny.’ He meant that it is vital for every person to consider his or her ways, understand that our ways are destructive and will lead us to destruction, and then make an about-face and determine to go in God’s ways instead.” (Boice)

Vs. 65-72: Teth ט – The Benefit of the Word in Times of Affliction
The psalmist learned from his affliction as a result of the Lord's discipline.

Vs. 73-80: Yod י – Insights through the Word
The repetition of the plea, “Let me...”:
Let me be comforted by Your kindness.
Let me live by Your mercies.
Let me be vindicated by God.
Let me be in the presence of those who fear You.
Let my heart be blameless.

💛NUGGET: The “yod” is the small Hebrew letter Jesus referred to as a “jot” in Matthew 5:18: “Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Vs. 81-88: Kaph כ – Afflicted but Revived by God’s Word
[This seems to be the low point of the psalm. The psalmist is exhausted and weak.]

Vs. 89-96: Lamed ל – Eternity of the Word
The eternal character of God's law is celebrated in this stanza.

Vs. 97-104: Mem מ – Wisdom through the Word

“This is a pure song of praise. It contains no single petition, but is just one glad outpouring of the heart.” (Morgan)

Vs. 105-112: Nun נ – God's Word is a Lamp and a Light

This is the most famous verse of Psalms 119: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Vs. 113-120: Samek ס – The Wicked and the Word
The psalmist looks to God as his shelter and shield in the presence of his enemies.

Vs. 121-128: Ayin ע – Separation and Deliverance through the Word

“The fact that the Bible is not mentioned here, in verse 122, may be an indication of the depth of mental anguish to which the psalmist fell as a result of the oppression he had endured from wicked men. For a moment his eyes seem to be off the Bible and on his fierce oppressors instead.” (Boice)

Vs. 129-136: Pe פ – Joy and Communion through the Word
The psalmist expressed sorrow for those who do not obey God.

Vs. 137-144: Tsadde צ – Everlasting Righteousness of the Word
The psalmist reinforced God's role as Judge.

Vs. 145-152: Qoph ק – Experience through the Word

The psalmist was discouraged by the nearness of his enemies, but put his hope in nearness of God.

Vs. 153-160: Resh ר – Salvation through the Word

In complete dependence, the psalmist prayed that God would give him life as promised through His faithful love (hesed).

Vs. 161-168: Shin ש – Perfect Peace through the Word
The psalmist obeys God in order to enjoy abundant life in Him.

Vs. 169-176: Tau ת – Prayer and Praise through the Word

The psalmist concludes with words of praise to God and prays for God to: “hear me, teach me, help me, save me, seek me.”

💛NUGGET: George Wishart was the Bishop of Edinburgh in the 17^th century. Wishart was condemned to death for his faith. But when he was on the scaffold, he made use of a custom that allowed the condemned person to choose one psalm to be sung, and he chose Psalm 119. Before two-thirds of the psalm had been sung, his pardon arrived and his life was spared.

VIDEO:  Amy Grant:  https://youtu.be/a6LC8cu03Ig

READING FOR TOMORROW:  Chapters 120-125

LINK TO READING PLAN:

https://bibleplan.org/plans/psalms-in-a-month/

STUDY OF PSALMS - Chapt. 113-118

This group of psalms (113-118) are known as the “Egyptian Hallel” ('Hallel' means 'praise'). They are so named because of their connection with the Jewish Passover celebration which commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The first two, Psalms 113-114 are sung before the Passover meal and Psalms 115-118 are sung afterward.

At the Last Supper (a Passover meal) we are told that Jesus and His disciples went to the Mount of Olives after they sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26). The hymns that Jesus sang the night before His crucifixion were likely these Hallel Psalms. Keep that in mind as you read through these songs.

“This group is necessarily of special interest to us because in all probability, these psalms were sung by our Lord and His disciples on that dark night in which He was betrayed.” (G. Campbell Morgan)

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PSALM 113 - “Great and Gracious”

(Praise Psalm)

THEME: Psalm 113 focuses on God's greatness and grace.

VERSES 1-3: COME PRAISE HIM

Vs. 1-2 – “Hallelujah!”: Praise the LORD x 3!! This is the third consecutive psalm to begin with “Hallelujah!”. These verses tell me that I need to be praising God all the livelong day. I should praise Him in the kitchen and I should praise Him in the car and I should teach my children to praise Him... and their children, and their children's children. So that when I am up in Heaven, generations of praises will echo up from the earth and God will hear our praises to Him forever.

Vs. 3 – "From the rising of the sun to its going down": In this context, the psalmist was not referring to morning and evening. He was expressing confidence that one day God will be praised all over the world.

VERSES 4-9: WHY WE PRAISE HIM

Vs. 4-5 – “His glory is above the heavens”: We praise God because He is GREAT.

Vs. 6 – “Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the... earth”: We praise God because He is GRACIOUS. Who is like God that He would pay attention to us mere mortals?(Psalm 8:4).

💛NUGGET: To appreciate the greatness of God is to be humbled that He loves and cares for us. Have you made God too small?

Vs. 9 – This verse is taken from the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:8. Hannah could not conceive a child and cried out to God for help. He answered her prayer with Samuel who became one of the greatest prophets in Israel. SHE is the childless woman in this verse. But the same thought can be applied to our own spiritual barrenness. If we cry out to God, He will fill us with His strength and joy.

It is significant to remember that Jesus sang these words on the night He was betrayed and arrested, the night before His crucifixion. “As he approached the ultimate depths in this stooping, He sang the song which offers praise to God for this condescending grace.” (Morgan)

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PSALM 114 - “Song of the Exodus”

(Praise Psalm)

This is the only Hallel Psalm that directly references Egypt. It was sung together with Psalm 113 before the Passover meal.

THEME: Remembering Israel's deliverance from Egypt as the central act of God's redemption and Grace in the OT.

Vs. 1 – The Exodus was to be constantly remembered and celebrated.

Vs. 2 – “They are two names [Judah and Israel] for the one people that came out of Egypt at the exodus. This one people is declared to be both God’s sanctuary and God’s kingdom.” (Boice)

Vs. 3-5 – Nature personified: At the beginning of Israel's Exodus when Moses was leading the people of Israel, God parted the waters at the Red Sea. At the end of their journey when Joshua was leading Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan, God parted the River Jordan.

“The division of the sea and the drying up of the river are placed together though forty years intervened, because they were the opening and closing scenes of one great event.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Vs. 6 – “The mountains skipped like rams”: May refer to the rockin' and rollin' that happened when God showed up on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-20).

In the OT, the Exodus was a defining moment of God's redemption for all the generations of Israelites. Under the New Covenant, the Resurrection is OUR defining moment of redemption. Jesus and the cross is our deliverance... a redemption greater than Egypt.

And after singing this psalm, Jesus sat down to His Last Supper... next to Judas, His betrayer.

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PSALM 115 - “Our God is in Heaven”

(Psalm of Confidence)

Psalm 115 is the first song sung (or read) AFTER the Passover meal. Apparently, the intent was for this song to be sung as a response song between groups.

“The opinion of the majority of scholars is that the psalm is liturgical, intended to be sung by alternating groups of worshipers: the priests, the high priest, the people, and so on.” (James Montgomery Boice)

THEME: God alone is to be glorified and praised.

Vs. 1 – “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory...” This reminds me of John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.

“If you meet with a system of theology which magnifies man, flee from it as far as you can…. Here is a test for you to apply, and by it you may tell whether a thing is true or not. Does it glorify God? Then, accept it. If it does not, if it glorifies man—puts human will, human ability, human merit, into the place of the mercy and the grace of God—away with it, for it is not food fit for your souls to feed upon.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

Vs. 1b – “Because of your mercy...” “Mercy” is another way to translate “hesed”, God's covenant love.

Vs. 3-8 – After exalting the Lord, the psalmist goes on a lengthy satirical attack against idols and their makers. 

💛NUGGET:  We take on the characteristics of whatever we worship.

Vs. 9-11 – Trust IN the Lord: An appeal to trust in God as a help and shield is made to three groups:

• Israel
• House of Aaron (priests)
• Those who fear the Lord (“God fearers” / Gentiles)

Vs. 12-13 – The Lord remembers and blesses the three groups mentioned above.

Vs. 17-18 – “Though the dead cannot, and the wicked will not, and the careless do not praise God, yet we will shout ‘Hallelujah’ for ever and ever. Amen.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

Jesus sang this song in the upper room with His disciples after eating the Passover meal. As He sang of His Father's blessings, He was literally the embodiment of the Glory of God.

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PSALM 116 - “Vow of Gratitude”

(Thanksgiving Psalm)

This is the second Hallel Psalm sung or read after the Passover meal.

THEME: Thanksgiving to God for deliverance from impending death and a vow to trust and worship only Him.

Vs. 1 – The Hebrew text reads literally: “I love because He hath heard, the LORD, my voice.” The Jerusalem Bible translates the phrase with: “I love, because Jehovah listens.” He listens.

Vs. 3 – “The cords of death surround me”: According to various commentators, “cords” might allude to the bonds and chains of captivity or the linen cloths that were wrapped around the bodies of the dead.

Vs. 4 – “Then I called upon the name of the LORD”: The psalmist provides us with a short but effective 3-part prayer:

1. O LORD
2. I implore You
3. Deliver my soul

Vs. 5 – God is indeed GRACIOUS, RIGHTEOUS and MERCIFUL.

Vs. 7 – “Return to your rest, O my soul”: The Hebrew word used for “rest” in this verse is in plural form, meaning complete rest at all times and under all circumstances.

“Whenever a child of God even for a moment loses his peace of mind, he should be concerned to find it again, not by seeking it in the world or in his own experience, but in the Lord alone.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

Vs. 8-9 – “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”: It is difficult to imagine all that Jesus felt as He sang these words with His disciples. I have no doubt that He sang with confidence and faith, even while knowing He would soon walk down the steps that would take Him on the path to Calvary... to bear the weight of the cross on His bleeding shoulders.

Vs. 10 – “I believed, therefore I spoke”: The Apostle Paul quoted these words in 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 in regards to speaking with of faith and trust in God.

Vs. 13 – “I will take up the cup of my salvation”:  To take the cup is to receive from God.

💛NUGGET:  According to Jewish tradition, this psalm is read immediately following the third cup of wine, which is called “the cup of salvation”.

“It is a profound insight: The only way we can repay God from whom everything comes is by taking even more from him.” (Boice)

Vs. 15-17 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”: (“Precious” can also be translated as “costly”.) This verse is often read at funerals in hopes of bringing comfort to the bereaved. As His saints, our deaths matter deeply to God. We are precious in His sight. From a different perspective and in the context that the death of a believer is a transition to eternal glory... death can indeed be considered “precious”.

Going back to that upper room with Jesus, these words were powerfully prophetic: the death of Jesus was precious beyond any other.

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PSALM 117 - “All You Peoples”

(Praise Psalm)

This is the shortest psalm and also the shortest chapter in the Bible.

THEME: EVERYBODY is to praise the Lord.

Vs. 1 – “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Praise Him, all you peoples!”: Here, is a call for ALL the nations to praise Yahweh. This verse is quoted by Paul in Romans 15:11.

Vs. 2 – “For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever.” The psalmist addresses his own here (denoted by the use of “us”), and gives two attributes for God that are worthy of praise:

• His merciful kindness (hesed = covenant love)
• His enduring truth ('emeth = faithfulness)

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PSALM 118 - “Chief Cornerstone”

(Thanksgiving Psalm)

Psalm 118 is the final psalm in the Egyptian Hallel series. It is likely the last song that Jesus and His disciples sang before leaving the upper room and going out to the Mount of Olives.

Many scholars believe that David wrote this psalm. It was attributed to him after being sung in Ezra 3:10-11.

THEME: Praise and thanksgiving to God for Salvation.

Vs. 1 – “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”: This psalm begins and ends with the same phrase (Mercy = hesed = lovingkindness). A variation of this song is found in Ezra 3:11 at the laying of the foundation for the second temple.

Vs. 2-4 – As in Psalm 115, three groups are invited to join the chorus, suggesting that this song was meant to be song with different parts for different groups. Praising God for His enduring love are:

• Israel
• House of Aaron
• Those who fear the Lord

Vs. 6 – “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear”: Centuries before the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, this psalmist understood the principal of Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

“He does not say that he should not suffer, but that he would not fear: the favour of God infinitely outweighed the hatred of men, therefore setting the one against the other he felt that he had no reason to be afraid.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

Vs. 10-12 – “In the name of the Lord I will destroy them”: Surrounded by armies of enemies, the psalmist could only be victorious through God's power... in the Lord's name, not by his own power.

Vs. 14 – “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.”: These words are taken from the song that Moses sang after God delivered Israel from the armies of Pharaoh (Exodus 15:2). We don't have to be chased through the desert by chariots or surrounded by nations who want to kill us to understand that we need God. We need him just as much as Moses and the Israelites needed Him and just as much as this psalmist needed Him. He gives us strength to endure trials and happy hearts that sing praises for His salvation. He IS our strength. He IS our song. He IS our salvation.

Vs. 22 – “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone”: In biblical times, a cornerstone was the first stone set in the construction of a building. It was the foundational stone upon which the rest of the structure was made. In this passage, the 'chief cornerstone” may have referred to Israel who was despised by the rest of the world, or possibly David. He was rejected by those close to him but anointed as king. Prophetically, however, it was fulfilled in Jesus, which He acknowledged after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem as Messiah (Luke 20:17; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11). Peter also quoted these words following the Resurrection of Jesus in Acts 4:11-12 and in 1 Peter 2:7.

Vs. 24 – “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”: The Lord makes every day, what's so special about “this” day? Historically, it is a Jewish feast day.  Prophetically, it's the day Jesus became the Chief Cornerstone... when He entered Jerusalem as Messiah to the shouts of “Hosanna!” (John 12:13).

Vs. 25 – “Save now, I pray, O LORD”: The word “hosanna” comes from two Hebrew roots meaning, "Save now!”. “Hosanna!” is what the crowd at Jerusalem shouted as Jesus made His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to publicly claim that He was the Messiah (Mark 11:10; Matthew 21:9).

Vs. 26 – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD”: Along with “Hosanna!”, this was also being shouted by the crowds welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem as Messiah (Matthew 21:9; John 12:13)

Vs. 27 – “Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar”: There is no evidence in the scriptures of sacrifices being bound to the altar, except for the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22:9). Some scholars think this is applied to Jesus prophetically, when He was bound and sacrificed for the redemption of our sins (Matthew 27:2).

“These verses were likely in the mind and heart of Jesus on the night before His crucifixion. Singing these words must have moved Him in a way beyond our comprehension. “No soul – neither that of the composer of the song, nor that of anyone who employs it – ever entered so completely into all its deep spiritual significance, as did the soul of Jesus, as, before passing out to Olivet, to Gethsemane, to Calvary, He sang it with that little group of men.” (Morgan)

Vs. 29 – The psalmist comes full circle, ending where he began: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good...”

VIDEO:  Acappella https://youtu.be/CFWCH60nJ-A

💛A Bit of BIBLE Trivia💛

📖In most Bibles, the very center of the Bible (by chapter count) is Psalm 118.
📖The shortest chapter of the Bible is Psalm 117.
📖The longest chapter of the Bible is Psalm 119.
📖The very center verse of the Bible is Psalm 118:8.  It says:
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

READING FOR TOMORROW:  Chapter 119

LINK TO READING PLAN:

https://bibleplan.org/plans/psalms-in-a-month/

STUDY OF PSALMS - Chapt. 108-112

PSALM 108 – “Deliver Your Beloved”
(Psalm of David)

[This is considered a Community Lament.]

This is not a new psalm; it is actually made up of two recycled psalms: Psalm 57:7-11 and Psalm 60:5-12. David wrote Psalm 57 when he was fleeing from Saul and Psalm 60 after a historical military battle. In combining the two into a new song arrangement, David presents his enemy on both a personal and national level. He is ultimately secure under God's protection.

VERSES 1-5: RECYCLE OF PSALM 57:7-11
Vs. 1-5 – David praises God's hesed, His steadfast covenant love and mercy. In Psalm 57:10, God's love reaches to the heavens. In verse 4, it is above the heavens.

VERSES 6-13: RECYCLE OF PSALM 60:5-12

Vs. 6-13 – David's praise becomes a prayer of appeal to his faithful God for deliverance against Israel's enemies.

💛NUGGET: The Hebrew word for “beloved” is “yadid”.  Guess what else is derived from this word?  David.  The name of David means beloved. 

Vs. 9-13 – David's enemies are specified as Moab, Edom, and Philistia. It may be that the old foe, subdued earlier in David’s day, must be defeated, again. David did triumph over the Philistines with God's help (2 Samuel 8:1).

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PSALM 109 – “The Accusers”
(Imprecatory Psalm of David)

[This Psalm of David is considered to be one of the strongest Imprecatory Psalms in the collection. It can also be considered a Lament Psalm.]

REVIEW: An Imprecatory Psalm is one in which the writer calls down curses upon their enemies, asking God to defeat and/or destroy them in righteous vindication. David, himself, did not act upon these curses but left vengeance up to God. It's important to remember that David did not have full knowledge of the grace of Jesus like we do. We are to love our enemies and pray for them (Luke 6:27-28), even though it's not always easy to do. Some people make you wanna go 'Full David' and call down fire and brimstone!

Vs. 4a – “Accusers” comes from the same Hebrew root word as “satan”, who is also called the Accuser.

Vs. 4b – “But I give myself to prayer”: David is about to dump some doom on his enemies, but he knows he is not responsible for their actions or their outcomes. He gives himself to prayer and leaves it in God's Mighty Hands. Instead of seeking revenge for their injustice, he prayed to the Judge.

“The Hebrew is more abrupt and therefore even stronger. It says literally, ‘But I prayer.’ That is, ‘I am all prayer or characterized by prayer. While my enemies are uttering false words about me to other people, trying to do me harm, I am speaking to God. I am praying to God always.’” (Boice)

Vs. 6-20 – One commentator viewed David's pronouncements over his enemies as prophesies rather than curses. There are scholars who believe these verses describe the words of David's enemies against him. Others take these verses to be David's own words. If they are the enemy's words rather than those of David, then they are quoted out of context by Peter in Acts 1:20, referring to Judas, an evil man who was rightly condemned. David, in this situation, is an innocent man wrongly condemned.

"We therefore take these words to be David’s own, and while giving due weight to the element of righteous anger and of rhetorical hyperbole, we see them as comparable to the outbursts of Jeremiah and Job: recorded for our learning, not for our imitation; yet voicing the cry of innocent blood which God is pledged to hear.” (Kidner)

Vs. 20 – “Let this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers”: As in verse 4, David made his wishes known to God in hope that God would bring down his enemies.

Vs. 21-29– David appealed to God's steadfast love to deliver him. He did not ask God for assistance based on his own righteousness but on the basis of God’s name and mercy (hesed).

Vs. 30-31 – “I will give thanks to God who protects me”. The psalm concludes with hope.

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PSALM 110 – “Messiah, Priest and King”

(Psalm of David)

This is the most cited chapter in the NT with over 25 direct quotes or allusions, including: Matthew 22:44; 26:64; Mark 12:36; 14:62; 16:19; Luke 20:42-44; 22:69; Acts 2:34-35; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 5:6; 7:17, 21; 8:1; 10:12-13; 12:2.

Psalm 110 is gloriously Messianic. It it not about David, but about his Lord (Adonai). It was prophetically written by the hand of the Holy Spirit 1000 years before Christ appeared upon the scene.  Historically, it addresses the Davidic dynasty.  However, the fulfillment is realized only in the Messiah.

Vs. 1 – “The LORD said to my Lord”: This is the most quoted OT phrase in the NT. Here, David prophetically revealed the words of Yahweh (the LORD) to the Messiah. Jesus validated David's prophecy in Matthew 22:42-45 when He asked the Pharisees, “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?”. When they correctly answered “The son of David”, Jesus quoted verse 1 and asked, “If David then calls Him 'Lord', how is He his son?” BOOM!

The Messiah was not only David’s son... He was also David’s Lord.  He was Lord of those Pharisees, too, even though He wore dusty sandals instead of a crown.

“Adonai refers to an individual greater than the speaker. Here is a case of David’s citing God’s words in which God tells another personage, who is greater than David, to sit at God’s right hand until God makes the person’s enemies a footstool for the person’s feet. This person can only be a divine Messiah, who is Jesus Christ.” (Boice)

Jesus also affirmed that David was the author of this psalm, which He wrote through the Holy Spirit (Mark 12:36). More importantly, He affirms the Trinity:

“For David himself said by the HOLY SPIRIT:

‘The LORD (the FATHER) said to my LORD (the SON) ...”

💛NUGGET: Stephen was given a glimpse of the Trinity at the moment of his death. “Stephen, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:54-56)

Vs. 2 – “The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion”: Most commentators interpret the “rod of Your strength” as Jesus, meaning that God will give Jesus rule over all enemies throughout the world. However, Adam Clarke is among those who think the rod of Your strength represents the Gospel: “The Gospel – the doctrine of Christ crucified; which is the powerful scepter of the Lord that bought us; is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword; and is the power of God to salvation to all them that believe.”

Vs. 3 – Huh?? Don't feel bad if you don't understand this verse... even translators can't agree on its meaning. The gist of it is either: 1) referring to the Messiah's volunteer army, full of young, dewy men or 2) referring to the Messiah who never loses his strength (“dew of Your youth).

Vs. 4 – “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”: This statement is an oath made by God (the Father) stating that Jesus has an eternal priesthood, separate and apart from the priestly line of Aaron (Levites). The priesthood of Jesus is in the order of Melchizedek, a King and High Priest, briefly mentioned in Genesis 14. In the Hebrew system, kings could not be priests and vice versa. Melchizedek was the only exception to this rule. Hebrews 7:16 tells how Melchizedek was a “type” of Christ, “a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life”. As a descendant of David and as the Son of God, Jesus fulfills the roles of King and High Priest and “is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Vs. 5-6 – The King moves from the throne to the battlefield with God at His right hand (place of power and strength) and I ain't gonna lie... it's kind of a gory scene. In fact it could be right out of Revelation 19:11-16. The next time we see Jesus, He won't be looking like the mild-mannered guy on our Sunday School flannel boards, y'all.

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PSALM 111 – “The Blessed God”

This psalm is the first in a series of three “Hallelujah Psalms”. All three open with “Hallelujah” (Praise the LORD) and are also part of a group of acrostics psalms (Psalms 111-119). All are untitled and without attributed authorship.

Except for the “Hallelujah”, each line of Psalm 111 begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This psalm is connected to Psalm 112 and was likely written by the same author. Both psalms are composed of the same number of Hebrew syllables and Psalm 112 picks up thematically where Psalm 111 leaves off. Here is Psalm 111 laid out so that the acrostic device can be seen:

1. Aleph – I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart,

Beth – in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

2. Gimel – Great are the works of Yahweh,

Daleth – studied by all who delight in them.

3. He – Full of honour and majesty is his work,

Waw – and his righteousness endures forever.

4. Zayin – He has gained renown by his marvelous deeds;

Heth – Yahweh is gracious and merciful.

5. Teth – He provides food for those who fear him;

Yodh – he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6. Kaph – He has shown his people the power of his works,

Lamedh – in giving them the heritage of the nations.

7. Mem – The works of his hands are faithful and just;

Nun – all his precepts are trustworthy.

8. Samekh – They are established forever and ever,

Ayin – to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

9. Peh – He sent redemption to his people;

Sadhe – he has commanded his covenant forever.

Qoph – Holy and awesome is his name.

10. Resh – the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom;

Shih – All those who practice it have a good understanding.

Taw – His praise endures forever.

Vs. 4-6 – Remembering God's wonderful works:

• He is gracious and full of compassion
• He has given food to those who fear Him
• He will ever be mindful of His covenant
• He has declared to His people the power of His works
• He has given them the heritage of the nations

Vs. 7-8 – These verses declare God's laws to be absolute and eternal.

Vs. 10a – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”: This wisdom expression is repeated in Job 28:28 and Proverbs 1:7. In this context, “fear” is not defined as the emotion of being afraid. The Hebrew word used for “fear” is “yir'ah” and can have several meanings. It can refer to outright terror; it can mean “respect”, “reverence” or “awe”. The “fear” of the Lord is a combination of all of these. A person who has reverence and respect for the majesty of the LORD will follow His commandments and seek to understand His Word, leading to the path of wisdom and discernment.

💛NUGGET: Wisdom doesn't come in a box. We have to seek it.

Vs. 10b – “A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.”

“The Psalm closes with words which prepare for the next, as they declare that the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, and that such as act according to that fear have good understanding.” (Morgan)

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PSALM 112 – “The Blessed Man”
(Wisdom Psalm)

Psalm 112 picks up where 111 left off with “the fear of the Lord”. These two psalms may have been written together.

Vs. 1 – “Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.”: Like Psalm 111, this psalm begins with a “Hallelujah!” and echoes the final words of the previous psalm, delighting in God's Words.

Vs. 7 – “He will not be afraid of evil tidings”: We are surrounded, dare I say... bombarded by “evil tidings” today. They may come to you from your workplace, the 24-hour news cycle, social media,  your healthcare provider, your frenemies or even your family. Satan is the producer of evil tidings. Recognize that. Because “greater is He who is in YOU than he who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4). The one who fears the LORD will not be afraid.

💛NUGGET:  The antidote to fear:  TRUST IN THE LORD.

Vs. 9 – Paul quoted this verse in 2 Corinthians 9:9 to encourage Christians to be generous.

Vs. 10 – The fate of the wicked is contrasted with the blessings that are given to the ones who fears God.

VIDEO: 4 HIM  https://youtu.be/aceChBwbkzk

READING FOR TOMORROW:  Chapters 113-118

LINK TO READING PLAN:

https://bibleplan.org/plans/psalms-in-a-month/