Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 36 carries the common theme in Wisdom literature of the contrast between wickedness and righteousness.  At the center of the psalm is a focus on the steadfast love of the LORD that "extends to the heavens" and is immeasurable.  God's love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice affects all creation.  He provides protection and abundant blessing; for He is the "fountain of life" and the light.  The psalm closes in prayer in response to the lovingkindness of God contrasted with the wickedness of man. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 What do these verses tell us about the sinful nature of man?  (For example, verse 4 says that the wicked person "plots trouble while on his bed," indicating that they are continually plotting evil, not resting even when it is time to sleep) The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 36:1b in Romans 3:18 as he describes the depravity of mankind, leading to...

  Psalm 35 is one of the Imprecatory Psalms (7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139), praying for God's judgment and justice.  The psalm begins with David asking God to be his advocate against accusers and to be his deliverer against attacks from enemies.  Judgment against the wicked is a common theme in wisdom literature, reminding us of God's ultimate justice.  Our appropriate response is to rejoice and to praise the LORD. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 In verse 1, contend , plead , argue or strive are legal terms.  What does it mean for me that Jesus is my Advocate against Satan the Accuser in a court where God is Judge? These verses pray for God not only to defend (i.e. " take hold of shield and buckler ") but also to take the offensive (i.e. " draw the spear and javelin ").  What battles am I fighting in which I need to remember that I don't have to fight them alone? Ve...

  Psalm 34 is also an acrostic, similar to Psalm 25, with each verse beginning with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The historical background of this psalm is narrated in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when David pretended to be insane in order to escape from Abimelech at Gath.  In this psalm, David praises God, particularly for His deliverance.  We are encouraged to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (vs 8). Also consistent with wisdom literature, we are to fear the LORD and the live the life of the righteous, in contrast to the wicked. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 What do these verses show me about praising, boasting in, magnifying, and exalting the LORD? (e.g. take into consideration the words like "continually," "humble," and "together") Verses 4-7 What do these verses show me about the LORD when I am facing troubles? These verses use various pronouns (e.g., I, me, their, ...