A STUDY OF THE PSALMS

by Joe Neil Clayton

PREFACE

All of the Psalms recorded in the Bible are worthy of study, because they were all given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but this abbreviated study is intended to be only an introduction to this section of the "Wisdom Literature." It is designed to show the types of Psalms, and to familiarize us with the content of representative examples of the types. The reader can find much inspiration for proper worship from the Psalms, if he is careful to realize that they relate to the teaching of the Old Testament rather than the New.
There are only 150 Psalms revealed by God in His word, but this probably does not represent all the songs known to the children of Israel. It is recorded that Solomon alone wrote 1005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). David organized the musical worship of the Temple that was to be built by Solomon (1 Chronicles 6:31-32, 15:16-22). The musicians were chosen from among the Levites, and were set up in 24 courses, or divisions, to match those of the Priests (1 Chronicles 25:1-31). Each course served in the Temple for one month. Many years later, King Hezekiah reconstituted this elaborate system during his period of reform. ( 2 Chronicles 29:25-30).
Some sections of the Psalms will not be included in this study, such as the "Songs of Ascents" (120 through 134). These are presumed to be songs sung by Jews as they travelled toward Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. Such example are not excluded for lack of good content, but only in order to make the study more concise.
Most of the Psalms contain elements of prayer, and are worthy of study to help us to learn to pray more sincerely (Romans 8:26-27). The variety of prayerful Psalms will help us broaden our prayer customs.
The text used in this study is that of the New King James Version, but it is good to compare this translation to others.
A Study of the Psalms....
PSALM 119
(NOTE: This psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible, and has the central theme of praise to God for His word. Each section is titled with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poetic device used in this psalm is an acrostic, and the verses under each letter all begin with that letter in the Hebrew. The authorship of the psalm is generally attributed to David, but could apply to anyone who loves the Law of the Lord. Emphasis is given to certain things in the psalm by using bold type, underlining, and italics.)
ALEPH
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! (Deuteronomy 4:29)
3 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments. (Romans 1:16)
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes; oh, do not forsake me utterly!

BETH
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!
(1 John 2:1)
12 Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes!
13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

GIMEL
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. 20 My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times.
21 You rebuke the proud--the cursed, who stray from Your commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
23 Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
DALETH
25 My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.
HE
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.

WAW
41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD--Your salvation according to Your word.
42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in Your ordinances. (Romans 15:4)
44 So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and (I) will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.
48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes.
ZAYIN
49 Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.
51 The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, and have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, and I keep Your law.
56 This has become mine, because I kept Your precepts.

HETH
57 You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. (Matthew 5:37)
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word.
59 I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.

TETH
65 You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

YOD
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed, for they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; but I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed.

KAPH
81 My soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word, saying, "When will You comfort me?"
83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant? when will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful; they persecute me wrongfully; help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth, but I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

LAMED
89 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. (Matthew 18:18)
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.
91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me, but I will consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad. (?)

MEM
97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 1:1-2)
98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

NUN
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much; revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD (Hebrews 13:15), And teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, to the very end. (Hebrews 3:6)

SAMEK
113 I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the commandments of my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope. (Philippians 1:19-20)
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I shall observe Your statutes continually. (James 1:25)
118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments. (Ezra 10:3)

AYIN
121 I have done justice and righteousness; do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for Your servant for good; do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation and Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant; Give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. (Colossians 1:9-10)
126 It is time for You to act, O LORD, for they have regarded Your law as void. (Mark 7:10-13)
127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.

PE
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.
132 Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
133 Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. (Romans 6:14)
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. 136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law. (Jude 22-23)
TSADDE
137 Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.
138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful. (1 John 1:9)
139 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. (Philippians 4:8, James 3:17, 1Peter 2:2)
141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live.

QOPH
145 I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You; Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. 148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your law.
151 You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
152 Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. (Mark 13:31)

RESH
153 Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
158 I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety (sum) of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

SHIN
161 Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word.
162 I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. (Matthew 13:44)
163 I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law. (Colossians 3:8-10)
164 Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. (2 Peter 1:5-11)
166 LORD, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.

TAU
169 Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word. (Ephesians 5:17)
170 Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word.
171 My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; and let Your judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments. (1 Peter 2:25)

A study of the Psalms....

THE "MESSIANIC" PSALMS

INTRODUCTION-- In the New Testament, the title "Christ" means, "the anointed one." The Hebrew Old Testament word "anoint" (meshiach, or "Messiah") denoted a person "chosen" or "appointed" to a certain task. Many prophecies, including those in the Psalms, pointed to the anointing of Jesus, Who said to His disciples in Luke 24:44, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." Here, the Lord reminds us that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God," even if in the form of poetry.

LESSON--

Some of the Messianic psalms depict Him as the conquering King.
1. Portions of Psalm 2 are quoted in the New Testament, and applied to Jesus.

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: 6 "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." 7 "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, `You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.'" 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Verses 1-2 are quoted in Acts 4:25-26.
Verse 7 is quoted in Acts 13:33, and Hebrews 1:5, 5:5

Portions of Psalm 110 are cited also in the New Testament as prophecies of the Christ.

The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." 2 The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! 3 Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth. 4 The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." 5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries. 7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore He shall lift up the head.

Verse 1 is quoted, in part, in Mathew 22:44, 26:64; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:20, 22; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13, 8:1, 10:12, and 12:12.
Verse 4 is quoted several times by the writer of Hebrews in his confirmation that Jesus fulfills the prophecy. Hebrews 5:1-10, 6:13-7:28

Psalm 22 is a graphic description of a sufferer rejected of men and maltreated by his enemies, but fits perfectly the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? 2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. 5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed. 6 But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people. 7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" 9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother's womb You have been My God. 11 Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me. 13 They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. 16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! 20 Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. 21 Save Me from the lion's mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me. 22 I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. 23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard. 25 My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him. 26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever! 27 All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S, And He rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth Shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust Shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive. 30 A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation, 31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, That He has done this.

Jesus uttered the words recorded in Verse 1. Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34
The enemies of Jesus fulfilled Verses 6-8. Matthew 27:39-43
Verse 16 is fulfilled in John 20:24-29. (Compare Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37 and Colossians 2:13-14.)
Verse 17 compares with the prophecy of Psalm 34:20, another messianic psalm. (Compare John 19:31-36.)
Verse 18 is fulfilled in John 19:23-25a.
Incidently, Verse 22 is quoted in Hebrews 2:12.

Proof of the death and resurrection of the Christ is found in Psalm 16:8-11, and is used as an argument by Peter on the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:22-32, and by Paul in Acts 13:34-38.

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You." 3 As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips. 5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Acts 2:22-32

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know-- 23 "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 "For David says concerning Him: `I foresaw the LORD always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.' 29 "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 "Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses."

Acts 13:34-38

"And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: `I will give you the sure mercies of David.' 35 "Therefore He also says in another Psalm: `You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.' 36 "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 "but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 38 "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins."

Portions of other Psalms contain Messianic references.
1. Psalm 41:9 is fulfilled by Judas Iscariot in Luke 22:3-6 and John 13:18-30.
2. Psalm 78:2 is fulfilled in Matthew 13:34-35.
3. Psalm 118:22 is fulfilled and quoted in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10-11, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20-22, and 1 Peter 2:4-6-8.
4. There may be other such Messianic references in the Psalms that are confirmed in the New Testament, or which can be deduced to refer specifically to Christ. These are sufficient to establish some Psalms as prophetic.

APPLICATION-- Both the "Messianic Psalms" and other prophecies of the Old Testament confirm the fact that Jesus is the Christ and can be used for that purpose. In doing this, we are merely imitating the work of the Apostles and Prophets of the New Testament, as in Acts 17:1-3. Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."
A Study of the Psalms.....

THE HISTORICAL PSALMS

INTRODUCTION--- The Bible has gained a reputation for its historical accuracy, and, even though many details of its historical narratives have yet to be confirmed by the archaeologists, those which have been confirmed are enough to prove the accuracy of the accounts. One of the internal proofs of divine inspiration of the Scripture is found in the brief summaries of the history of Israel in the Psalms.

LESSON-- Two psalms contain a connected history of the nation of Israel. (See if the details in them match the historical record.)

The first part of the historical summary is in Psalm 105.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!

3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!

4 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!

5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,

6 O seed of Abraham His servant, you children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

7 He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

8 He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,

9 The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac,

10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

11 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance,"

12 When they were few in number, indeed very few, and strangers in it.

13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people,

14 He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for

their sakes,

15 Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm."

16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread.

17 He sent a man before them--Joseph--who was sold as a slave.

18 They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons.

19 Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

20 The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free.

21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions,

22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom.

23 Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

24 He increased His people greatly, and made them stronger than their enemies.

25 He turned their heart to hate His people, to deal craftily with His servants.

26 He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron whom He had chosen.

27 They performed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they did not rebel against His word.

29 He turned their waters into blood, and killed their fish.

30 Their land abounded with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings.

31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and lice in all their territory.

32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.

33 He struck their vines also, and their fig trees, and splintered the trees of their territory.

34 He spoke, and locusts came, young locusts without number,

35 And ate up all the vegetation in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.

36 He also destroyed all the firstborn in their land, the first of all their strength.

37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes.

38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen upon them.

39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night.

40 The people asked, and He brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it ran in the dry places like a river.

42 For He remembered His holy promise, and Abraham His servant.

43 He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness.

44 He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, and they inherited the labor of the nations,

45 That they might observe His statutes and keep His laws. Praise

the LORD!

The second part of the history of Israel is in Psalm 106.

Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?

3 Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!

4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favor you have toward Your people; Oh, visit me with Your salvation,

5 That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.

6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea--the Red Sea.

8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power known.

9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; so He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness.

10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

11 The waters covered their enemies; there was not one of them left.

12 Then they believed His words; they sang His praise.

13 They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel,

14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert.

15 And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

16 When they envied Moses in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD,

17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan, and covered the faction of Abiram.

18 A fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molded image.

20 Thus they changed their glory into the image of an ox that eats grass.

21 They forgot God their Savior, Who had done great things in Egypt,

22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, awesome things by the Red Sea.

23 Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them.

24 Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His word,

25 But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the LORD.

26 Therefore He raised up His hand in an oath against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness,

27 To overthrow their descendants among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

28 They joined themselves also to Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead.

29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, and the plague broke out among them.

30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stopped.

31 And that was accounted to him for righteousness to all generations forevermore.

32 They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses on account of them;

33 Because they rebelled against His Spirit, so that he spoke rashly with his lips.

34 They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the LORD had commanded them,

35 But they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works;

36 They served their idols, which became a snare to them.

37 They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons,

38 And shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood.

39 Thus they were defiled by their own works, and played the harlot by their own deeds.

40 Therefore the wrath of the LORD was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance.

41 And He gave them into the hand of the Gentiles, and those who hated them ruled over them.

42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.

43 Many times He delivered them; but they rebelled in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry;

45 And for their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies.

46 He also made them to be pitied by all those who carried them away captive.

47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.

48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! and let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD!

III.CONCLUSION-- Historical summaries are useful in persuading people to know the will of theLord.
A.Stephen's use of this tactic was not successful. Acts 6:8-8:3
B. Paul's use of history was succesful. Acts 13:13-43

A Study of the Psalms.....

THE PSALMS OF PRAISE

Psalm 101:1 "I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O LORD, I will sing praises."

INTRODUCTION-- At least 20 of the 150 Psalms may be faithfully construed as "Praise Psalms," but the great majority of them have at least one or two verses of praise. A study of all the Psalms is profitable, but those that praise the Lord are instructive in helping us to fulfill the teaching of Jesus in John 4:24, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

LESSON--

Some of the Psalms that are amost wholly written for the purpose of praise are...

Psalm 8

1 O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. (See Matthew 21:15-16.)

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,

4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, (See Hebrews 2:5-10.)

7 All sheep and oxen--Even the beasts of the field,

8 The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Psalm 103

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. (See Ezra 9:13.)

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him.

14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more.

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.

21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. (See Hebrews 1:7-14.)

22 Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Psalm 145

1 I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever.

2 Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.

5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.

6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness.

7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.

9 The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.

10 All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You.

11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power,

12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.

18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

20 The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.

Psalm 146

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever,

7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.

8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the father-less and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

10 The LORD shall reign forever--Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 147

1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

6 The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders, And fills you with the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;

17 He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold?

18 He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His judgments, they have not known them. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 148

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!

2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!

4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths;

8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

9 Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars;

10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl;

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

12 Both young men and maidens; Old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.

14 And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints--Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 149

1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand,

7 To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples;

8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;

9 To execute on them the written judgment--This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 150

1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp!

4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! (Compare this Psalm with 1 Chronicles 19:25.)

Some of the Psalms mix together praise and prayer.

Some begin with praise, and end in prayer.

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a taberna-cle for the sun,

5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.

13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Consider also Psalms 33, and 40.

Others begin with prayer, and end with praise, such as Psalm 57 and 71

The two psalms that give a brief outline of the history of Israel both begin and end with praise. (See Psalms 105 and 106 in the previous lesson.)

Some praise Psalms are quoted in the New Testament.

The writer of Hebrews uses the last verses of Psalm 95 to show that David speaks of a promised rest for those who do not harden their hearts against the will of God. Hebrews 3:7-4:11

The Apostle Peter quotes verses 12-16 of Psalm 34 to encourage those who were under persecution. 1 Peter 3:8-17

3.Any of the Psalms that are quoted in the New Testament are very likely to contain elements of praise to God. See an example in Hebrews 2:11-12.

There are several Psalms that contain the sentence, "Oh give thanks unto the LORD; For he is good; For his lovingkindness (or, mercy) endureth for ever."
1. Variations of this are found in Psalms 106, 107, and 118 (the first four verses, and the last verse).
2. Psalm 136 contains a portion of this sentiment in every one of its 26 verses. (NOTE: This psalm seems to be in the form of a responsive chant performed by two groups of Temple singers during the offering of sacrifices.)

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.

3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:

4 To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever;

5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever;

6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever;

7 To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever--

8 The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever;

9 The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever.

10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, For His mercy endures forever;

11 And brought out Israel from among them, For His mercy endures forever;

12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, For His mercy endures forever;

13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, For His mercy endures forever;

14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it, For His mercy endures forever;

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,For His mercy endures forever;

16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness, For His mercy endures forever;

17 To Him who struck down great kings, For His mercy endures forever;

18 And slew famous kings, For His mercy endures forever--

19 Sihon king of the Amorites, For His mercy endures forever;

20 And Og king of Bashan, For His mercy endures forever--

21 And gave their land as a heritage, For His mercy endures forever;

22 A heritage to Israel His servant, For His mercy endures forever.

23 Who remembered us in our lowly state, For His mercy endures forever;

24 And rescued us from our enemies, For His mercy endures forever;

25 Who gives food to all flesh, For His mercy endures forever.

26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.

APPLICATION-- The book of Psalms is a schoolmaster in the forms and words of praise to God. The New Testament also has several references having to do with the praise of God. Romans 15:9-11; Ephesians 1:3-14; Philippians 1:11; Hebrews 13:15; James 5:13; Revelation 19:5
A Study of the Psalms....

THE PROBLEM OF THE "IMPRECATORY" PSALMS

INTRODUCTION-- Some readers of the Psalms have reacted negatively to those which contain "imprecations," that is, curses and appeals to God for violent punishment of the wicked. However, they are applying the standards of Christian ethics (such as Matthew 5:43-48) to an age when physical violence against enemies of God and His people was common, and even required by God. It is best to read these "imprecations" in that light, and are directed in the cause of righteousness over evil.

LESSON--

Some of these Psalms call for physical punishment.
1. Verse 15 of Psalm 10 calls on God to "break the arm of the wicked," but this vengeful action is needed, in the mind of the psalmist, to rectify the suffering endured by the poor who trust in God. See Vs. 12-14.
2. Verse 6 of Psalm 58 calls for "breaking the teeth" of the wicked, and says that the righteous will rejoice at this vengeance, and "wash their feet in the blood of the wicked." (The context of the Psalm shows why the wicked deserve this.)
3. Psalm 72:1-4 says that God will avenge the poor and "break the oppressor in pieces," but Psalm 94:1-5 shows that oppressors have done the same to the people of God, and deserve such vengeance.
Since God "hates" the works of the wicked (Psalm 5:5), it is good that we do, also.
1. The writer of Psalm 26:5 hated the "assembly of evil-doers."
2. The writer of Psalm 31:6 hated "them that regard lying vanities."
3. The writer of Psalm 101:3 hated "the work of them that turn aside."
4. The writer of Psalm 119:113 hated "them that are of a double mind."
5. The writer of Psalm 139:20-24 thinks it is fitting to hate them who hate God, and to do so with a "perfect hatred."
Final vengeance belongs to God, and He will execute perfect justice.
1. This principle is stated in both the Old and New Testaments.
  1. In the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 32:35-43; Psalm 94:1; Isaiah 35:4
  2. In the New Testament. (Of God) Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30; (Of Christ) 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
2. We must remember, however, that in the age in which the Psalms were written, vengeance was permitted in certain cases. Numbers 35:10-28

APPLICATION--

A.Under the New Covenant, Christians must "give way to the wrath of God." Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
B. We would be wise to join with God in His hatred of evil ways, and with the martyrs' cries for vengeance. Revelation 6:9-11 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.