PROVERBS 1:7; 3:1–12 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil (Proverbs 3:7). “The fear of the Lord” (1:7)—the theme of Proverbs—has nearly as many interpretations as interpreters. The best way to understand it is to look at another passage that addresses our attitude toward the Word of God. … Continue reading “TO FEAR IS TO OBEY”
MENTAL AND MORAL PURPOSES
PROVERBS 1:1–6 Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance (Proverbs 1:5). Do you actually read prologues or prefaces? They are usually where authors thank family or friends for their patience, or secretaries or editors for their help. Because of this, readers frequently jump right to the “real … Continue reading “MENTAL AND MORAL PURPOSES”
SONGS OF PRAISE
PSALM 150 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6). The word Hallelujah in Hebrew means “Praise the Lord” or literally, “Praise YAH!” There are four groups of psalms that are called “Hallel Psalms” because they include the word Hallelujah (Psalms 104–106, 111–118, 135–136, 146–150). One group was sung at … Continue reading “SONGS OF PRAISE”
THE BLESSINGS OF UNITY
PSALM 133 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1). Psalms 120–134 are called “Psalms of Ascents.” We don’t know for certain why these psalms are given this name. Perhaps the thought is that they “ascend” to God as praise, though this is true of all the Psalms. Traditionally, … Continue reading “THE BLESSINGS OF UNITY”
MERCY FOUND IN THE DEPTHS
PSALM 130 But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared (Psalm 130:4). Psalm 130, a penitential psalm, has been one of the most loved psalms throughout all of church history. Great composers have set it to music. Great preachers and theologians have written on it. Like so many of the psalms, Psalm 130 … Continue reading “MERCY FOUND IN THE DEPTHS”
PRAYERS OF JUDGMENT
PSALM 109 Appoint an evil man to oppose him; let an accuser stand at his right hand (Psalm 109:6). Psalm 109 is sometimes regarded as the toughest of the imprecatory psalms, the psalms of cursing. The New Testament applies it to those who crucified Christ (verse 8 with Acts 1:20; verse 25 with Matthew 27:39; … Continue reading “PRAYERS OF JUDGMENT”
THE LORD TO THE RESCUE
PSALM 107 He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave (Psalm 107:20). Psalm 107 is a psalm of deliverance the theme of which is our gratitude to God for His salvation of us. The psalm bases its imagery on the world God created. It mentions four places that are … Continue reading “THE LORD TO THE RESCUE”
ARGUING WITH YOURSELF
PSALM 42 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:11). Psalm 42 is a psalm of distress. The psalmist is in trouble. He finds himself in exile from God’s people and oppressed by … Continue reading “ARGUING WITH YOURSELF”
CONFESSION OF SIN
PSALM 32 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin (Psalm 32:5). Psalm 32 is a penitential psalm, the favorite of the greatest theologian of the early church, St. Augustine. In this … Continue reading “CONFESSION OF SIN”
THE REVELATION OF GOD
PSALM 19 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1). Psalm 19 is a wisdom psalm. It can also be considered a nature psalm because in its introduction it discusses God’s self-revelation in His creation. The theme of the psalm as a whole is God’s revelation … Continue reading “THE REVELATION OF GOD”