Tag Archives: Thru the Bible

Psalm 139

A literal & relational exploration of Psalm 139

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This is one Psalm I have been eager to study in preparation to teach, but which somewhat disappointed me once I got into it.

On the surface it appears a very intimate psalm. It opens with words that seem very personal, even warming, but evidently they are words which are used more generically of what God does with every human being.

So while there is a romantic notion of beginning this psalm as if David were making very personal claims of the exchanges he has with God, it is evidently to be taken as generalized statements which he experiences as an individual but which are not unique to him nor are they the result of being in covenant with God. They are truths respecting God’s knowing of His creatures, rather than personal statements of a Father with His son or a God with His beloved servant.

In summary, this Psalm is a poetic way of saying Hebrews 4:12-13 & Matthew 10:29-30.

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Exalt word name

Exalt His name above His word?

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These Psalms include psalms of praise, psalms of thanksgiving for God’s mercy, a lament over captivity in Babylon but ending with faith filled assurance of their deliverance & finally a Psalm from David regarding God’s delieverance.

There are a couple of difficult sections in these psalms and one regards the title for this message.

The phrase “for You have exalted your Word above your Name” appeasr quite differently in various translations and we address that and the reasons why in this segment.

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Psalm Book V Ascents

The Songs of Ascents Pt. 4

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Well tonight we finish up the lat of the Songs of Ascents with chapters 132-134.

These three chapters are exceedingly small, but powerful in their brevity.

Psalm 132 seems to have been written following the Babylonian exile, with the psalmist standing, as it were, in the rubble of the temple destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar 70 years prior. This psalm is an appeal to God to return the Ark of the Covenant to the temple and sites God’s promise and intervention on behalf of David when he had done the same many years prior.

Psalm 133 is a priestly psalm which makes use of imagery form the anointing of the priests into their office where they stood before God on behalf of Israel and stood before Israel on behalf of God. It ends with a prophetic statement which would be easy to miss. That the blessing God commanded over Zion which has its ultimate fulfillment in the church, is where God has commanded His abundant blessing of eternal life!

Finally in Psalm 134 which had a predictive meaning for Israel at the time, is another priestly psalm making mention of the services performed by the priests in the Tabernacle of Meeting. Ultimately it does this as an elaborated way of expressing the union and intimacy with God we now enjoy as priests unto our God under the New Covenant.

These wrap up the pilgrim songs – those sung by Israel as they ascended the hill leading up to Jerusalem and the temple on their 4 annual and required feasts.

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Psalm Book V Ascents

The Songs of Ascent Pt. 3

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These Pilgrim Psalms cover the topics of God’s protection over Israel, the power and purpose of His merciful forgiveness & the need for humility and not getting involved with earthly things of high-mindedness or the pursuit of wealth.

In Chapter 129, the psalmist addresses the undercurrent of general faith most of Israel had regarding the protection of the Lord for their land and nation. That God would bless those who blessed them and curse. Of course at times their “faith” certainly took the form of presumption. In any case this psalmist is encouraging Israel to acknowledge that though they had been sorely treated by their enemies, the Lord has not allowed them to permanently prevail against them.

In Psalm 130 God’s forgiveness for His people is mentioned in connection with the effect it has of producing reverential fear for God leading to a change of actions. That forgiveness of sins precedes times of chastening where through faith and endurance God effects a more lasting change in us as the Potter has over the clay.

Finally in Psalm 131 David, himself a king, makes the decision to not be high minded nor concern himself with things too profound for him nor in the pursuit of earthly wealth. That instead he quieted his heart before God and placed his hope in Him.

These lessons are repeated throughout both testaments making them timeless and not isolated in time to one covenant or another since they are issues of heart and character. We spent some time exploring these topics as they appear in the New Testament in order to establish a clear connection with New Covenant life in Christ.

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Psalm Song Ascent 2

The Songs of Ascent Pt. 2

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These Pilgrim Psalms include chapters 125-128. They are almost certainly covering the time of the post-Babylonian exile. With themes touching on the transcendent value and promises associated with Mount Zion, the provisions of God in terms of children and harvests as well as the need for God’s direction and help in all of one’s pursuits – these Psalms are timeless and full of profound, yet simply wisdom for daily life!

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