Psalm 138 The first of eight psalms “of David” in the next ten days. What can we expect to find in psalms “of David”? Thanksgiving and praise, certainly, and pleas for deliverance from his enemies. We see all that today in Psalm 138. See especially Ps. 138:1-2,7-8. For though the LORD is high, He regards …
Author Archives: Fred
December 15 / Psalm 137
Psalm 137 The Babylonian Exile. Two days ago, my first comments on Psalm 136 talked about the Lord’s hand in Israel’s deliverance, perseverance and conquest/victory, mostly in Moses’ days. I first chatted about deliverance (redirection) two days ago, then conquest/victory (success) yesterday. Although today’s Psalm 137 speaks passionately about revenge, truly that Babylonian captivity is …
December 14 / Psalm 136:13-26
Psalm 136:13-26 Yesterday I wrote about deliverance, couching it also (in lesser terms) as redirection. We see Israel’s deliverance in Ps. 136:10-15,24. From there we see different acts of God with respect to Israel – preservation (Ps. 136:16,22,23,25) and victory / conquest (Ps. 136:17-21). Preservation is best shown in verse 25, …He Who gives food …
December 13 / Psalm 136:1-12
Psalm 136:1-12 It is often difficult to break these longer psalms without interrupting the flow. Today is a good example. I broke Psalm 136 at verse 12; verse 13 would also be good; or verse 16. Pick your own break today! Today’s verses break down into three sections – praising and thanking God for Who …
December 12 / Psalm 135:13-21
Psalm 135:13-21 O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD! O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! Blessed be the LORD from Zion, He Who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD! (vv. 19-21) What does it mean to “bless the LORD”? …
December 11 / Psalm 135:1-12
Psalm 135:1-12 It was a wacky morning and a busy afternoon, so I’m just now posting. But it’s a worthy verse to post on: “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” (v. 6) This is the might, the power of our God. Whatever He …
December 10 / Psalm 133-134
Psalm 133-134 Two psalms today, three verses each. Interestingly, for Carol and me each of these psalms has associated music. Our leader at the Bible Study where we met was a talented musician who wrote guitar music for Psalm 133. And Psalm 134 is one that we’ve sung regularly at church services. It’s difficult to …
December 9 / Psalm 132:11-18
Psalm 132:11-18 For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it as His dwelling place. “This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it…” (vv. 13-14) One wonders. Often we Christians ask whether we are to take the Bible literally or figuratively or whatever’ly. Taking these verses literally …
December 8 / Psalm 132:1-10
Psalm 132:1-10 Psalm 132, the first half. December 8, in the Catholic Church, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. We say in our Nicene Creed, “Begotten, not made…” and we believe it. How miraculous is this, that God, the God of the Universe can come to earth as a tiny …
December 7 / Psalm 131
Psalm 131 Only three verses. Psalm 117 was shorter – two verses – but we read it in conjunction with Psalm 116. So, only three verses today. O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. (v. 1, …