Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 109

Psalm 109

 

-Theme: Righteous indignation for those who accuse the righteous and oppression him. Liars and slanderers will be judged strictly by the LORD if they do not turn from their wicked ways. We can be honest and open with the LORD concerning our wounds and troubles when they come from evil people.

-Historical Insight: This is a Psalm for the choir director in the Temple from David. He experienced a relentless amount of persecution and trouble from wicked accusers before and after he became king. His plea is for a just God to recompense the evil he has had to endure.

-*Application* Wounds from people are some of the most hurtful and painful experiences in life. Imprecatory prayers are okay as we see here in this Psalm, but be very careful. Have you become totally clean with God in your own repentance and supplication? Have you extended grace as far as it can be stretched? Is love and the glory of God your motivating factors? There is no doubt that God is just and will repay the wicked for all of their misdeeds of forgery, lies, deception, slander, and violence. The question for us is this: Are we the righteous or the wicked? Examine yourself before you pray against your foes. More times than not, you will see that some adjustments need to be made in your own life before you go ACCUSING others of their conduct detrimental to you. Often times we simply get what we deserve and imprecatory prayers have no authority or value if this is the case. Take Jesus’ advice first, get the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to pray with true righteous indignation (Matthew 7:1-5). But, if you have evaluated the situation as a person of God, you are completely justified to lift up your concerns honestly before the LORD and expect to see Him vindicate your righteous position. Remember this however: 1. God is the One who fights our battles (Deuteronomy 20:4, Romans 12:19), 2. Love covers a multitude of sins and transgressions (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8), and 3. We are commanded to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Finally, there is a Christological aspect to this Psalm, which we need to consider. God, through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross to redeem us, “stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those (Satan or wicked people) who judge his soul (Psalm 109:31).” Thank God for His mercy and power to deliver!

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 109:31

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 108

Psalm 108

 

-Theme: God’s deliverance from our adversaries is powerful beyond our comprehension. The LORD reigns valiantly!

-Historical Insight: This is another Psalm of King David denoting the aggressive power of the LORD to tread down the adversaries of His people, which includes Moab, Edom, and Philistia (Psalm 108:9, 13).

-*Application* Just like Shechem, the Valley of Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah, the LORD speaks His holiness over the believer’s life to guard, protect, and fight for. Keep your heart steadfast and continually praise Him even when things seem hopeless and helpless. God is on the way, and He will destroy all opponents to His good purposes in your destiny. Just like David, awaken your metaphorical harp and lyre and sing His song of victory among the nations and all peoples. His lovingkindness is above the heavens, and His truth reaches to the skies. Let Him be exalted and give Him complete glory. His Right Hand saves!

 

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 108:13

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 107

Psalm 107

 

-Theme: Thanksgiving and praise is to be heaped upon the God who redeems. Consider the goodness of the LORD.

-Historical Insight: This is an anonymous Psalm written to celebrate the Jews’ return from their exile in Babylon.

-*Application* Our God redeems us from our adversaries, and the redeemed of the LORD should say so. He gathers His people from the north, south, east, and west to recollect the anointed in glorious array (Psalm 107:2-3). Though we have wandered and transgressed His holy commands; when we cry out to the LORD in our trouble, He delivers us out of our distress and straightens out our paths (Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28, Proverbs 3:5-6). This is the song of Israel and for all who believe in the Name of Jesus (Acts 10:34-35). Our thanksgiving and praise should be continually present for His lovingkindness, goodness, and wonders, which satisfy the hungry and thirsty soul fully (Psalm 107:9). Rebellion enslaves and afflicts, but the redemptive healing of the LORD frees and gives complete liberty by His eternal Word (Psalm 107:10-22, 41). God will establish His people in abundance and blesses with multiplication (Psalm 107:36-39). The wise will give heed to these things and consider the benefits of a loving and good God (Psalm 107:43).

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 107:2, 6, 20, 41

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 106

Psalm 106

 

-Theme: Congregational repentance of a nation returning from captivity in Israel. God’s patience despite humanity’s forgetfulness and self-willed rebellion. God’s glory through the keeping of His covenant.

-Historical Insight: This is an anonymous Psalm that ends Book 4 in its greater context of the Psalms. This is a repentance song of remembrance for the nation that elucidates the history of Israel’s turning from the LORD, but His great patience, grace, compassion, and redemption when they returned to Him.

-*Application* The story of the Old Testament exploits of the nation of Israel is a stark reminder for us to remain faithful unto the sealing work of our God through His Holy Spirit and Jesus’ work on the cross (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). Our human nature is to forget, complain, and turn aside to our own way. Abide in Christ and remember His power and goodness in all seasons. Praise Him rather than grumble about the hardships you face. Cry out and depend on Him in your desperation AND in your times of prosperity. His ways are good to favor His people. He remains faithful even when we are faithless even though there may be some chastisement for disobedience (Psalm 106:13-29, 32-46, 2 Timothy 2:13).

 

Verses to Memorize: Psalm 106:44-46

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 105

Psalm 105

 

-Theme: God’s incredible miracles should be remembered. The LORD has brought His people through to fulfill His promises in faithfulness. God loves His people and will take care of them.

-Historical Insight: This is a Psalm of David recounting many of God’s marvelous deeds in bringing Israel into the Promised Land through His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron.

-*Application* This short survey of history for the Jewish people and the LORD’s miraculous provision and providence assures us that we are going to be cared for in the same manner. God loves His people who trust in Him, remember His promises, rejoice in Him, pray to Him, seek Him, share His glory to others, and follow Him in obedience (Psalm 105:1-5, 43, 45). What He has done for them, He will do for you. He will not allow evil to “oppress” or “touch” His anointed ones, and His prophets will not be harmed (Psalm 105:14-15). God is on our side!

 

Verse to Memorize: Psalm 105:15

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 104

Psalm 104

 

-Theme: Have an appreciation for God’s intricate creation and how it works. God not only creates, but maintains His works. He is NOT just a Designer who watches His creation. He is involved. The LORD’s care is our joy.

-Historical Insight: This is an anonymous Psalm.

-*Application* God’s earth is laid on His foundation, sure and reliable. He oversees the intricate workings of this place we call home to every functional detail. Every creature and geographic formation has a purpose and reveals the glory of the LORD. There is a rhythm and flow to the way this world operates as a master plan of the Designer. Even in its cursed state, God cares for this realm and functions in it to make it viable for habitation and wellbeing. “Let the glory of the LORD endure forever; let the LORD be glad in His works (Psalm 104:31).” Our meditation of this green planet and the Creator who maintains it should always be pleasing to Him, and we should be glad in it. Sinners will be consumed and the wicked no more one day when this earth is renewed and rebuilt post curse (Psalm 102:26; 104:33, Hebrews 1:10-12, Revelation 20:11-15; 21 & 22).

 

Verses to Memorize: Psalm 104:31, 34

Bible Study Notes in Psalms- Chapter 103

Psalm 103

 

-Theme: God’s grace and loving pardon in the reverent believer’s life. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

-Historical Insight: This is a famous Psalm of David, which has been set to music in various ways throughout 3,000 years of world history.

-*Application* All that is within us should praise our mighty, holy, forgiving, healing, redeeming, loving, satisfying, compassionate, relational, patient, and righteous God. He is completely worthy, and we should give Him ceaseless thanks for the everlasting life that He bestows on His beloved children. Not one of His benefits should we ever forget. Why do we have a human tendency to forget His remarkable goodness? We are but mere creatures who are here one day and gone the next except for His salvation. Process for a few moments what that actually means. God has established His throne in the heavens and “His sovereignty rules over all (Psalm 103:19).” His angels, who are mighty in strength, perform His word in complete obedience. All His heavenly hosts bless Him in service for the purpose of completing His will. Even His works in creation bless the LORD. Why would we not join the chorus of hallelujahs and delight our own soul in the celebration of His omnipotence?

 

Verses to Memorize: Psalm 103:1, 3, 11-12