Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 122 is in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). Psalm 122, in particular, is a psalm of David. He is within the gates of Jerusalem, describing the city, and praying for its peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 What makes us glad to be able to "go to the house of the LORD" together? Verses 3-5 What descriptions of Jerusalem in these verses would be beneficial to be able to be said of the Church as well? Verses 6-9 Jerusalem means "city of peace." In light of what is happening in Israel today, take time now to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Pray for Peace in Jerusalem" by Tom Mottershead:   Link

  Psalm 121 is in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). In Psalm 121, we have the assurance that the Creator God is our helper and keeper. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 Why is it beneficial to lift my eyes up to the LORD whenever I need help? Verses 3-8 In what ways is God our Keeper or Protector? (NOTE:  The word for keep/protect/watch/guard/preserve is repeated six times in these verses) If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Lift My Eyes Up" by Brian Doerksen:  Link

  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar ,  imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial t...

  Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word:  Law ( torah ) - instruction or teaching Testimonies ( edot ) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant Precepts ( piqqudim ) - details on actions to take Statutes or Decrees ( huqqim ) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God Commandments ( miswot ) - commands or orders Rules or Judgments or Ordinances ( mispatim ) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong Word or Promise ( dabar , imrah ) - spoken promises or revelation Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to...

  Psalm 118 is the last in the Egyptian Hallel series (113-118), so it may be the hymn Jesus and His disciples finished singing as mentioned in Matthew 26:30 or Mark 14:26. This psalm begins with a call to give thanks (vv. 1-4).  It continues with individual thanksgiving for deliverance out of distress (vv. 5-18). The last part includes community thanksgiving with references to the temple gates, stones, and altar (vv. 19-27). This psalm then closes like it begins, by giving thanks to God (vv. 28-29). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 19-21 Knowing that I am able to enter God's presence because of Christ, what is my response? Verses 22-23 These verses, referenced in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7, point to Jesus as the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God to be the cornerstone of the Church. What does it mean for me to be one of the stones in God's "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5)? Verse 24 No ma...

  Psalm 118 is the last in the Egyptian Hallel series (113-118), so it may be the hymn Jesus and His disciples finished singing as mentioned in Matthew 26:30 or Mark 14:26. This psalm begins with a call to give thanks (vv. 1-4).  It continues with individual thanksgiving for deliverance out of distress (vv. 5-18). The last part includes community thanksgiving with references to the temple gates, stones, and altar (vv. 19-27). This psalm then closes like it begins, by giving thanks to God (vv. 28-29). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 In these verses, Israel, the Levites, and those who fear the LORD are called, as in Psalm 115:9-13. Why does being reminded that "His steadfast love endures forever" inspire me to give thanks? Verses 5-13 In what ways do the repeated phrases in these verses give me assurance (e.g., " The LORD is on my side ," " It is better to take refuge in the LORD ,...

  Psalm 117 is part of the Egyptian Hallel series (psalms 113-118). This is the shortest psalm. It is a call for all nations and peoples to praise the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 This verse is referenced in Romans 15:8-13. How does the New Testament passage enhance our understanding of Psalm 117:1? Verse 2  Of all God's attributes, why might this psalm of praise emphasize God's covenant love and faithfulness? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following are links to YouTube videos: "Laudate Dominum" (Psalm 117) by Mozart:  Link "Psalm 117 Song Word for Word" by Zac Fitzsimmons:  Link

Psalm 116 is part of the Egyptian Hallel series (psalms 113-118). While this praise series corporately celebrates God's deliverance of all Israel from slavery in Egypt, this psalm is also an individual thanksgiving and praise for deliverance of the psalmist's soul from death. Because God has heard his cries, he vows to call upon the name of the LORD for as long as he lives. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-11 The psalmist declares his love for the LORD because of what He has done ( e.g., heard cries and delivered ) and because of who He is ( e.g., gracious, righteous, merciful, etc .).  Why do I love the LORD? Verses 12-19 What can I offer to the LORD for His goodness to me? (For example, consider what it means to " lift up the cup of salvation, " " call on the name of the LORD, " " pay my vows to the LORD ", or " offer...the sacrifice of thanksgiving. ") If you woul...

  Psalm 115 is part of the Egyptian Hallel series (psalms 113-118), typically sung during the Passover Feast to celebrate deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This psalm may be intended to be sung antiphonally with verses 1-8, 12-13, & 16-18 by the people and verses 9-11 & 14-18 by the priests. All glory is to be given to our sovereign God who is greater than the worthless idols of the world.  God's people can trust Him for His help, protection, and blessings. God is to be praised "from this time forth and forevermore." Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 When might I have sought glory for myself instead of giving all glory to God? Verses 2-3 How can we point those around us to our sovereign heavenly God? Verses 4-8 These verses show that those who worship idols become like them, unable to speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, or make a sound. In what ways might the idols in my life get in the way o...

  Psalm 114 is part of the Egyptian Hallel series (psalms 113-118), typically sung during the Passover Feast to celebrate deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This psalm calls all creation to tremble in reverent fear before the Lord. It is He who parted the Red Sea and the Jordan, shook Mount Sinai, and brought forth water from the rock in the wilderness. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 These verses say that among God's people is where He dwells in holiness (" His sanctuary ") and reigns (" His dominion ").  In what ways am I set apart for God's Kingdom? Verses 3-6 These verses describe the parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River at the beginning and end of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as well as their time at Mount Sinai. What wondrous things has God done in our lives to demonstrate His awesome presence? Verse 7 The psalmist calls all the earth to fear the...