Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 21 is another a royal psalm, but this one is sung by the people of Israel to praise God after battle, for victory.  God is exalted and praised for His strength, salvation, answer to prayers, and blessings. This psalm also points to Jesus, who fulfills the promise of the Davidic Covenant to establish the throne of his kingdom "forever and ever" (verse 4 and 6).  Just as the people of Israel sang praises for their king's victory; the Church can sing praises for Christ's victories, and we look forward with hope to His final victory over the Enemy in His Second Coming.  Amen! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Looking at the what the Israelites praised the LORD for, what praises can we similarly offer to Christ our King? In verse 2, the people praise God for answering their prayers, such as those that were lifted up in Psalm 20.  At times when we are not experiencing victory, are there things in o...

  Psalm 20 is a royal psalm, sung by the people of Israel as a prayer for their king before battle.  The people pray for the LORD's protection, help, and favor; and when the heart's desire and plans of the king align with those of God, there is assurance of victory, deliverance, and answer to prayer.  When going into battle, rather than trusting in human strength, such as chariots and horses, may we always trust in "the name of the LORD our God!"  C.H. Spurgeon also says that "it needs but a moment's reflection to perceive that this hymn of prayer is prophetical of our Lord Jesus, and is the cry of the ancient church on behalf of her Lord, as she sees him in vision enduring a great fight of afflictions on her behalf." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-9 The name of God is referenced several times (vs 1, 5, and 7), referring to who God is, His nature and character.  What characteristi...

  Through beautiful poetry, Psalm 19 declares that God has revealed His glory to us through creation and His word.  Creation proclaims the glory of God day and night through all the earth to the ends of the world (verses 1-6); and the word of God even more perfectly reveals the glory of the covenant LORD (verses 7-11).  In light of God's glory, the psalmist responds by recognizing both his unintentional sins as well as his presumptuous sins (verses 12-13).  He ends with a prayer that the spoken words of his mouth and the internal meditations of his heart would be offerings acceptable to the LORD (verse 14). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses1-6 Reflect on times when you have looked upon the beauty of nature and marveled at the majesty and glory of God. Many of the pagan nations worshiped the sun, but this psalm clearly says that the sun is just part of all creation proclaiming the glory of the Creat...

  Psalm 18 is one of the longer psalms, filled with powerful poetic language of God's deliverance.  It is considered a royal psalm that was likely sung at various times in David's life, such as his deliverance from Saul early on, all the way to near the end of his life as recorded in 2 Samuel 22.  David begins with his declaration of deep love for the LORD, with images of God as his rock, fortress, shield, horn of salvation, etc. (vs 1-3).  Then, vivid anthropomorphic language depicting theophany, which is a manifestation of God's presence detectable by human senses, is used to describe how God powerfully and magnificently delivers him from death and destruction by his enemies (vs 4-19).  David is not boasting in verses 20-26; but is describing how he has sought to live righteously, cleansed by God.  Also, he anticipates God enabling his continued deliverance and victories in the future (vs 27-45).  The closing praises include prophetic reference ...

  This is another psalm in which David is being attacked by wicked enemies, but he turns to the LORD and pleads his case before God. He asks for vindication, protection, and deliverance.  He then closes with the assurance of satisfaction in God's presence now and ultimately for eternity.  Charles Spurgeon said "The smell of the furnace is upon the present psalm, but there is evidence in the last verse that he who wrote it came unharmed out of the flame." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 At times when I feel attacked or judged by others, what can I learn from David's example when turning to the LORD in prayer? Verses 6-7 In what ways have I personally experienced God demonstrating the characteristics referenced in these verses, such as His answers to prayers, steadfast love or lovingkindness, refuge, etc.? Verse 8 Reflect on metaphors in this verse, the "apple of your eye" and "sh...