Truth 101 Class

  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 ,"