Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 124

Psalm 124

 

-Theme: Overcoming overwhelming odds for survival because of the LORD’s deliverance. God’s answers to those who are on His side.

-Historical Insight: This is a Psalm of ascent attributed to David, possibly written after his defeat of the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17-25).

-*Application* Have you ever felt like the underdog in a battle, but with extreme confidence that things would turn out in your favor? This is the confidence we should have in our God when we know that He is on our side. People will rise up against you, but His Word trumps all the others. What He determines will occur and nothing can stop it. David experienced this firsthand with Goliath earlier in his life (1 Samuel 17). His trust in the LORD and what He could accomplish gave David the strength and courage he needed to defy incredible odds. With God you have a majority, and He can do all things (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23; 10:27). So take to your Heavenly Father the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your path today that threaten to swallow you, engulf you, tear you, and sweep over your soul. When the raging waters tumult on every side, look for your escape and help from the Name of the LORD who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:7-8, Acts 17:24). He will deliver.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 124:6

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 123

Psalm 123

 

-Theme: Looking only to God for His grace and deliverance.

-Historical Insight: This is an anonymous Psalm of ascent; although, Hezekiah has been suggested as the author.

-*Application* When times of assailing prevail upon us, we need only to lift our eyes to the One who is enthroned in the heavens and has all power to deliver. We are simply servants looking to the Master’s Hand for help in our times of trouble. We are maids at the Hand of her mistress, until He is gracious to us, His children. Even when contempt (buwz- being a laughingstock, Genesis 38:23) fills us and our soul is exasperated with the temporary success of those who are at ease and full of pride, the goodness of the LORD is our strength and portion. We can endure because of His victory, which is assured to us on a permanent basis.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 123:2

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 122

Psalm 122

 

-Theme: Stepping into the presence of God. Likening the Temple in Jerusalem to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for the believer in Messiah Jesus.

-Historical Insight: This is yet another “Song of Ascent” or “Pilgrim Psalm” as the Hebrew people went to the Temple for the appointed feasts of the Law of Moses. This one is attributed to King David as a sincere worship Psalm for true believers as they came into the holy city from their journey.

-*Application* Are you overjoyed when you get to come into the presence of the most holy God? It can be in the congregation at church, a small group, or individually. But even with that new covenant fact, Jerusalem is indeed a special place. The aurora of coming into the LORD’s presence is a powerful feeling. I have been there, and it is tangible. The old city is still compact together with bustling economy and activity. The nations still gather there and the faithful still worship, waiting in anticipation of the coming King. God’s ordinances are still valid, and with the coming of His Holy Spirit to indwell the believer, more alive than ever. Truly it is a good thing to worship in the House of the LORD. He is everywhere, but Jerusalem is where He has chosen to magnify His presence and set up His earthly Kingdom for the millennia (1 Kings 11:36, Isaiah 65:18-19; 66:20, Zechariah 2:12: 14:4-10, Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-47, Revelation 20:6). Give thanks for His thrones of righteous judgment and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray that God will prosper those who love the holy city. Seek good for the Israeli people and what they struggle for in this time preceding the return of Messiah Jesus. His Temple will be rebuilt and His glory is on the way to Jerusalem (Jeremiah 31:38-40). Peace and prosperity be upon the apple of God’s eye.

 

Verses to Memorize: Psalm 122:1, 6

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 121

Psalm 121

 

-Theme: Look to the LORD for your help, the Maker of Heaven and earth. God guards His people from danger and preserves their souls forever.

-Historical Insight: The is a “Song of Ascent” or “Pilgrim Psalm” as the Hebrew people went to the Temple for the appointed feasts of the Law of Moses. It has an anonymous author, but some have suggested Hezekiah as the composer of this melody.

-*Application* Look to the LORD for your protection and salvation in this world. Why? He is the Creator and Sustainer. Who else would have this kind of authority over your existence? No one. Our help comes from the LORD and anyone or anything else is a poor substitute. Acknowledge God in all your ways and keep your eyes focused on Him in complete faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). He doesn’t sleep; He is your keeper and the preserver of your soul. He will “guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever (Psalm 121:8).” You have Someone looking out for you. Take hold of His amazing gift and feel secure in Him.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg

 

Verses to Memorize: Psalm 121:1-2, 7

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 120

Psalm 120

 

-Theme: A prayer for deliverance from false accusations and deceitful people who want no peace.

-Historical Insight: This is technically an anonymous Psalm, but some have attributed it to Hezekiah, King of Judah. This chapter begins the “Song of Ascents” or “Pilgrim Psalms.” These were songs the faithful Jewish people would sing in celebration and reverence as they made their way to the Temple for the appointed feasts of the Law. Everything in Hebrew literature speaks of going “up” to the Temple, thus the “ascending” is very important as they came before God. Psalm 120 begins the journey in a distant-hostile land. Psalm 122 pictures the pilgrims arriving in Jerusalem, and the rest of the ascent psalms up through chapter 134 move more and more toward the Temple mentioning various characteristics of the LORD.

-*Application* How do you handle hostile situations where people are lying about you or your character? Do you, in trouble and weakness, cry out to the LORD as your ultimate strength? He will answer with gentle confidence in our times of struggle with accusers. He is the true Deliverer from a deceitful tongue. Keep seeking peace during your sojourn on earth, and never mind those haters. Let your love exude from your inner man, changed and transformed by the renewing of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2, Titus 3:5, 1 John 4:7).

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 120:7

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 119:161-176: Shin and Tav

Psalm 119 (Shin and Tav)- Verses 161-176

 

-*Shin Application* Are you ever persecuted by those in authority over you without any just cause? You are not alone. The Psalmist experienced this as have many others throughout the ages. The Psalmist answers give us some weapons through the Sword of the Holy Spirit (Ephesian 6:17) to combat this senseless evil. First, stand in awe of the words of God when you are under assault. Second, rejoice in the Word of God; it stands firm through the fiercest storms of life. Find great spoil in the truths of Scripture. Also, hate and despise falsehood that is against the law of the LORD. In other words, be honest and expect honesty. In love, courageously call out deceptions even when it costs you something. Who knows, you may be the next Martin Luther starting a new reformation. Further, praise the LORD continually in your circumstances. His ordinances are righteous and will prevail in the end. Remember that those who love His law have “great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble (Psalm 119:65).” Nothing beats that. Avoid the turmoil of worry and despair. Hope in the LORD’s salvation; it is coming to all who believe. Do His commandments and keep His testimonies. Love them exceedingly because all of our ways are before the all-knowing God.

*Tav Application* As our cries come before the LORD, there should be an expectation that He will give us understanding of every event and circumstance that we face in life. His Word has an answer for every need we have. So, dig deep and mine out His treasures from Scripture. Let your supplication (tĕchinnah- petition for favor) come before His throne of grace as you beg for deliverance (Hebrews 4:16). Keep uttering praise to the King in the midst of serious situations. He teaches us in our dire straits. Sing new songs to Him and adore His commandments even in your trouble. Faith overcomes. His Hand is ready to help you, trust in Him. We long for His salvation in this sojourn of life (Romans 8:18-25); keep delighting in His law. Realize that it is for the LORD’s glory that our soul lives. Praise Him continually. He will be your help and Savior. We have all gone astray at times like little lost sheep. Thank God that He seek us out and finds us in our weakness. So, please do not forget His guidelines.

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 119:165

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 119:145-160: Qoph and Resh

Psalm 119 (Qoph and Resh)- Verses 145-160

 

-*Qoph Application* Our deepest desire when we cry out to God with all our heart is for Him to answer and let us know that He is there and in control of our situation. This comes by faith, which is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence (substance, conviction) of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Because Christ is our Savior and has rescued us from the dominion of Satan, we shall keep His statutes out of reverence and love all the days of our lives (Acts 26:18). Our devotion knows no time limits; we can come before His throne of grace at any hour with confidence in the King to deliver us as we meditate on His Word and get revived (Hebrews 4:16). Though there may be threats to well-being externally, we shall fear no evil because the LORD is WITH us, He is near (Psalm 23:4; 91:1-16, Matthew 28:20 Roman 8:15-18). And, all His commandments are truth extending from the beginning on into eternity. His Word will never fail or pass away (Matthew 5:18; 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 16:17; 21:33).

-*Resh Application* We see the necessity of our affliction in this passage. Our affliction and trouble brings about our cries to the LORD for rescue, deliverance, and redemption. While salvation is far from the wicked, the believers who follow in obedience to God’s commands find His mercy and reviving strength. So, while our adversaries and persecutors may be many, don’t turn aside from His testimonies. Behold the treacherous ones and loathe (quwt- to be grieved by, detest) them because they do not keep the Word of the LORD. Pray for their salvation and a change of heart (Luke 6:28). Ask the LORD to consider how much you love His precepts (ways) and trust in the strength that is coming from Him. The sum of God’s Word is total truth and His righteous ordinances last forever, even after the wicked are erased. So, take pity on the losers who are currently outside the Kingdom, and love them like Jesus did sharing your precious faith (Matthew 9:36, Mark 6:34, Luke 19:41-44, Romans 10:15). Let love prevail in your affliction tests. Who knows, the very ones persecuting you may come to Christ and be radically transformed, like the Apostle Paul (Acts 9).

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 119:160