Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 84 is another psalm of the Sons of Korah, who were gatekeepers as well as Levitical singers.  Since the psalmist longs to be in God's dwelling place, he considers the sparrows who build nests at the Temple and people who make pilgrimages there to be blessed.  He also prays for God's favor upon the anointed king, which ultimately points to Jesus.  He closes with praise to God for blessings to those who trust in Him. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 How much do I really   long to be in God's presence and to sing His praises? Verses 5-7 What do these verses show us about strength for our journeys? The word Baca can be translated as weeping or tears.  When are times that our valley of tears might be made into springs of joy? Verses 8-9 Pray now for leaders we know who have been appointed by God. Verses 10-12 In what ways are those who trust in the LORD blessed? If you would like to meditate on

  Psalm 83 is the last "Psalm of Asaph."  It is a prayer for God not be silent but to take action against enemies who seek to wipe out the nation of Israel.  Specific enemies are named, and the imprecatory section calls upon God to defeat them just as He had in past examples recorded in the Book of Judges.  Yet overall, the hope is that humiliation of the enemies may cause them to seek the LORD's name and to recognize that He is "the Most High over all the earth" (v. 18). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-8 Many of those listed in these verses have been enemies of Israel throughout history even to this day, but behind them all is Satan.  Why would Satan want "the name of Israel [to] be remembered no more" (v. 4)? Verses 9-12 These verses list examples of how God defeated enemies of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges.  In what ways has God given us victory in our lives over t

  In Psalm 82, God assembles those who have judged unjustly and admonishes them to give justice and protection to the weak, orphan, poor, and needy. Those who rule in moral darkness will be judged by the Most High.  The psalm closes by looking forward to when God will reign in justice.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 How does the image of the divine council remind us of accountability? Verses 2-4 What do these verses show us about how leaders should govern or judge? Verse 5 How do those who rule in darkness shake the moral order established by God on earth? Verses 6-7 Jesus references Psalm 82:6 in John 10:34-38.  How does this add to our understanding these passages?  [NOTE:  Referring to rulers as "gods" means that they are to be God's representatives when reigning on earth ] Verse 8  How does seeing all the wickedness and injustice around us make us yearn even more for Christ to return? If you wo

  Psalm 81 may be considered a prophetic psalm, because of its similarities to oracles of Old Testament prophets. The beginning verses of the psalm indicate that it is likely connected to a Feast celebration.  Then God speaks to His people, reminding them of how He has delivered them from slavery in Egypt, but also of how they have tested Him through their stubborn unfaithfulness.  In the closing verses, we see God's desire for Israel to listen to Him and walk in His ways.  We are also reminded of the theme of blessings to the righteous and destruction for the wicked. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 These verses describe a call for the people to worship in singing, the Levites to play instruments to lead in music, and the priest to sound the trumpet in celebration of a festival that God has decreed.  What have I consecrated and set apart for celebration and worship of the LORD? Verses 6-10 These verses desc