Psalm 142 Today’s psalm reads very much like a lament. From back on March 24 when we were doing Psalm 31, one of my Study Bibles had listed all the elements of a lament. Here they are for Psalm 142: Naturally you might see those various elements in different verses than how I’ve listed them, …
Author Archives: Fred
December 20 / Psalm 141
Psalm 141 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. (v. 5a) (NOTE: In the second half of this verse, in “their evil deeds” David is referring back to the wicked men that he mentioned in verse 4.) Most …
December 19 / Psalm 140
Psalm 140 Today’s psalm reads like one of David’s laments and seems particularly out of place, having just recently seen the happiness and joy of all the “songs of ascents”. But in today’s psalm David explains his situation (Ps. 140:1-5), makes his plea for God’s help (Ps. 140:6-8), then suggests to God the retribution needed …
December 18 / Psalm 139:13-24
Psalm 139:13-24 For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. (v. 13) With these four verses beginning at verse 13, how can anyone who calls him/herself a Christian be in favor of legalized abortion? How does one reinterpret these verses to justify taking a baby’s life? Your eyes saw …
December 17 / Psalm 139:1-12
Psalm 139:1-12 Psalm 139, Day 1. In times past I have said that I am not a Psalms person, that there’s not a whole lot that I get, in general, from reading through the Psalms. This year, naturally, has been different and has given me a much greater appreciation for the Psalms. But that notwithstanding, …
December 16 / Psalm 138
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 …
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”? …