Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 69 is another lament of David. It begins with powerfully descriptive metaphors of flooding waters and deep mire for what he is going through.  While he recognizes his own foolishness, yet it is without cause that he is being hated by many enemies. Still, his primary concerns were for God's honor and to not cause shame to the community.  He turns to God in prayer, with an imprecatory section for those who dishonor God.  Even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances, he is able to close in praise and calls all heaven and earth to praise God!  Also, several verses of this psalm are referenced in the New Testament.  The verses referenced are: v. 4 in John 15:25 v. 9 in John 2:17 and Romans 15:3 v. 21 in John 19:28-29, Matthew 27:34,48, Mark 15:23,36, and Luke 23:36 v. 22-23 in Romans 11:9-10 v. 25 in Matthew 23:38 and Acts 1:20 Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 In what overwhelm...

  Psalm 68 is the last in this series of "psalm songs" from Psalm 65 to 68.  It is also considered a processional hymn.  It could refer to the procession when David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, a festival procession, or the anticipated procession of Christ the King after returning victorious from battle.  Throughout the psalm, God is praised for His awesome power, protection, and provision. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 Verse 1 references what was said whenever the Ark of the Covenant set out to lead Israel on their journey (Numbers 10:35).  Are there any paths that I am embarking on in which I need to ask God to rise up and take the lead instead? Consistent with wisdom literature, what happens to the wicked in contrast to the righteous? Verses 4-6 Verse 4 emphasizes singing "praises to His name" and says "his name is the LORD" ("YAH" or "JAH").  This shorten...

  Psalm 67 is another one of the "psalm songs."  This psalm has a missionary outlook carrying the theme that God blesses His people so that we would be a blessing to the world (ref. Gen. 12:2-3).  We look forward to when all peoples will praise God! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 Verse 1 reflects the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26.  What is the effect of changing the recipient from "you" to "us" in this psalm? In what ways might these verses change my perspective when asking for God's blessings in my life? How might I bless others through God's blessings to me? Verses 3 and 5 These verses are repeated as refrains in this song.  What is the significance of adding "all" in the second part of the chorus? [NOTE:  For the Jews, "all" would have included the Gentiles] Verse 4 It is when Christ returns that this verse will be fulfilled.  This verse is th...

  Psalm 66 is another one of the psalm songs .  It begins with a universal call to all the earth to give God praise (v. 1-7), then shifts to a community call to God's people to praise Him (v. 8-12), and closes with the psalmist's individual praise and thanksgiving to God (v. 13-20).  May we all shout for joy to God and sing praises to His glorious name! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-7 These verses are a call to give God praise and worship for who He is ( i.e., "His name" ) and for what He has done ( i.e., His awesome deeds ).   What names of God point to attributes that I want to praise Him for at this time? What has God done for me that I want to praise Him for at this time? [NOTE:  "turned the sea into dry land" (v. 6) refers to parting the Red Sea when the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, which ultimately points to our deliverance from slavery to sin through the ...