Tag Archives: Praise

Oct 21 2013

Psalm 146 – The Lord Lifts Up!

benedictionConsidered by some as a part of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118), the last five psalms of the book (Psalms 146-150) are often called the “Hallelujah Psalms.” Each one of them starts and ends with the sentence “Praise the Lord!” The message of this song is simple. It tells the us not to put our trust in those in positions of political or ruling authority, but to put all of our trust in the Lord.

The psalm is obviously a song sung by the entire congregation; and it emphasizes the everlasting authority of God as the Creator of heaven and earth, and the giver of life. It also praises God for His love and care for the righteous, the oppressed, the hungry, and all of those who depend on Him. It declares that He is a just God, who will take care of the wicked in His own way and in His time (verse 9).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Oct 18 2013

Psalm 139 – I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

lake and mountain02This psalm is ascribed to David in the superscription, and its writing style does not contradict that in the least. It is regarded by some as one of the greatest passages in the Old Testament, and it is not hard to understand why when one reads it. Edward J. Young wrote an entire book on these 24 verses (“The Way Everlasting: A Study in Psalm 139”, The Banner of Truth Trust, Edinburgh, Great Britain, November 1, 1997). Most commentators recognize 4 sections to the psalm, consisting of 6 verses each. The first section deals with God’s omniscience. Verse one begins “O Lord, you have searched me and known me!” Verses 7-12 are concerned with his omnipresence. Verse 7 asks “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?”

The third section (verses 13-18) praises God for His omnipotence. Verse 14 is one of the more famous verses: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Put those last four words in a search engine, and you will have hours of reading available; and we cannot do the verse justice here. Suffice to say that “fearfully made” is intended with the same sort of respect and awe that we are to have of the Lord (as in “fear of the Lord”), and the meaning of “wonderfully made” is quite obvious to those who study the intricacies of the human body all the way down to the cell level.

The final section (verse 19-24) is one of supplication for God. It pleads for the Lord to deal with the wicked and with those who speak against him. It is also a plea for God to examine the psalmist’s heart, leading him away from any sin and “in the way everlasting.”

The psalm points out in a most elegant way how much God knows, while acknowledging how little we really know about that very fact. He knows all about us, and He knew us before we were even born, as God told the prophet in Jeremiah 1:4-5. Even His very thoughts are too vast and wonderful for us to comprehend (verses 17-18).

Altogether, these 24 verses speak volumes about the nature and power of our Creator and His care for us, and make an excellent source of thoughts for our prayers to Him.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Oct 11 2013

Psalm 136 – Give Thanks To the God of Heaven

English: An image of Psalm 23 (King James' Ver...

English: An image of Psalm 23 (King James’ Version), frontispiece to the 1880 omnibus printing of The Sunday at Home. Scanned at 800 dpi. Français : Illustration du Psaume 23 (version autorisée par le roi Jacques), en frontispice de l’édition omnibus du Sunday at home. Version numérisée à 800 dpi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ok, so I blew it. In a recent blog about another psalm, I had the choice of several ways to go in choosing a title. But I chose “His Steadfast Love Endures Forever” because of the repetition of the phrase in the psalm.  Well guess what? I should have remembered that was true of other chapters of books in the Bible. Psalm 136 repeats this phrase in every one of its 26 verses! So I went with the opening line of its 26th verse – “Give thanks to the God of heaven.” Since this is indeed what the entire psalm actually does, I think it works anyway.

The psalm is very much a psalm of praise and thanksgiving; and like Psalm 135, it goes through several key events in the history of God’s people to do so. It is a very easy and fulfilling psalm to read; and it gives us much to be thankful and praise God for today as well. As verse 24-25 say “It is he who remembered us in our low estate,…and rescued us from our foes,…he who gives food to all flesh,

For his steadfast love endures forever.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Oct 4 2013

Psalm 135 – Whatever the Lord Pleases

English: Scroll of the Psalms

English: Scroll of the Psalms (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

This is another “Hallelujah Psalm,” but not to be confused with one of the “Hallel” (Psalms 113-118). It begins and ends by praising and blessing God. The praise covers several times and events in the history of Israel, beginning with God choosing Jacob (Israel) for His own (verse 4).

 

Verses 5-7 praise God for His majesty and power over earth wind, sea and sky. Verses 8-9 contain specific praise for God’s signs and works against Egypt and Pharaoh, while verses 10-12 speak of his victories over the kings in Canaan, giving their land to Israel. Verses 15-18 praise God, while pointing out silliness of worshiping idols, which are unreal, nonliving, and unintelligent.

 

The psalm is called a mosaic (Spurgeon said a “tessellated pavement) because there are so many parts of it that are found or quoted in other books of the Old Testament. Verses 1-2 are taken from Psalm 134:1-3, verse 5 from Exodus 18:11,  verse 7 is like Jeremiah 10:13, and verses 15-18 are like Psalm 115:4-8. There are several others.

 

This harmonious and  poetic arrangement of praise verses was compared also by one writer to flowers arranged in a bouquet. It is a fitting description, and a just reason for the servant of God to present such to the Lord. As Barnes said, “the whole design of the psalm is to excite praise to God, and to show reasons for doing so.” To this end, the psalm does a very good job indeed.

 

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

 

/Bob’s boy

 

___________________

 

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

 

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

 

Aug 28 2013

Psalm 86 – Gladden the Soul of Your Servant

David hid in one of the many caves such as this near Adullam, a city 13 miles southwest of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 22: 1-12). David was in this area when three of his mighty men risked their lives to get him a drink of water from Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23: 13-17).

David hid in one of the many caves such as this near Adullam, a city 13 miles southwest of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 22: 1-12). David was in this area when three of his mighty men risked their lives to get him a drink of water from Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23: 13-17).

Psalm 86 is one of the lament psalms written by David. It is not clear whether verse 14’s “a band of ruthless men” that seek his life are Saul’s men or from the time that he had to flee Jerusalem because of Absalom’s conspiracy (2 Samuel 15-17). David’s prayer to God is for the preservation of his life, as well as the comfort of God’s care, and the lifting of his spirits in a time of unimaginable adversity.

Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul

The entire chapter models prayer today for God’s people when they are weary or oppressed, saddened, anxious, or depressed, And it is full of praise to God for His mercy and graciousness, steadfast love, and faithfulness (verses 5, 10, 13, and 15). David glorifies the name of God, while presenting his petitions, and thanking Him for His care. And he expresses his trust in God to do what will be best for him (verses 10 and 13).

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Aug 23 2013

Psalm 105, 113 – High Above All Nations!

Psalm 105 is the second of four psalms that contain substantial historical narratives (Psalm 78, 105, 106, and 136).  Unlike Psalm 78, this one does not recount any of the disobedience of the people along the way. The first 15 verses are also found almost word for word in 1 Chronicles 16:8-22, which has prompted some debate over which was written first. Regardless, this is a hymn of praise to God; and the historical content serves to demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His people, the fulfillment of His promises, and His care for them along the way.

Isaac Blessing Jacob, painting by Govert Flinc...

Isaac Blessing Jacob, painting by Govert Flinck (Rijksmuseum Amsterdam). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Verses 1-6 are a general call for thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. Verses 7-11 recall His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His promise confirmed to Israel of the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Verses 12-15 tell of His care and protection as they sojourned in the land of Canaan prior to Egyptian bondage, and His protection of them from those who might do them harm. Verses 16-22 detail the life and rise of Joseph, while verses 23-25 deal with the years in Egypt leading up to the time of Moses. Egypt is referred to as the land of Ham because in the “table of nations” (Genesis 10), Egypt is named as one of the sons of Ham.

Verses 26-36 detail Moses and Aaron’s arrival on the scene, as well as the plagues God brought on Egypt. Verses 37-42 tell of the Exodus and the wilderness wandering. The chapter concludes in verses 43-45 with confirmation that God gave the land over to them, followed by final words of praise to God for his faithfulness to that promise.

Psalm 113 is a short hymn full of great praise, exalting the Lord our God “who is seated on high.” It is a hymn in which the people sing of a great and majestic God who loves and cares for the poor and those who are in need (verses 7-9). Verses 7-8 are almost word for word a part of Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:8).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Aug 16 2013

Psalm 104 – From Your Lofty Abode

This hymn of praise begins in the first few verses with colorful illustrations of God’s splendor and majesty that is full of poetic beauty.

He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.

Waimea Canyou, Kauai, Hawaii

Waimea Canyou, Kauai, Hawaii

Then in verse 5, he states the wondrous things that the Lord has created, the power and wisdom that he has in his mighty hands, and then continues with his ongoing care for the world. Verse 5 has been used by skeptics to discredit scientific awareness in the Bible (“He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved”). But the verse is simply poetry that speaks to the stability and indestructibility of the earth as in Job 26:7.  Knowledge of the shape and placement of the earth is clearly not in question (see also Isaiah 40:22).

The psalmist notes in intricate detail the care with which God has seen to the renewal, nourishment and growth of all things living on the earth, and the beauty with which the lands and oceans are both combined and separated, teeming with “creatures innumerable.” The psalm closes as it began, with “Bless the Lord, O my Soul” and words of praise for the God who rules even the mountains:

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works,
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke!

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Aug 12 2013

Psalm 111 – Great Are the Lord’s Works

Preceding Psalm 112, which is clearly a psalm of wisdom, this hymn of praise and thanksgiving begins with recognition of the great works of the Lord on behalf of His chosen people. The theme is the splendor an majesty of the acts of power and might that only God Himself could possibly work.

When the Israelites were safely across the Red Sea, crossing on dry land, Moses stretched out his hands and the waters of the sea poured back over the Egyptians and their chariots (Exodus 14:23-31).

When the Israelites were safely across the Red Sea, crossing on dry land, Moses stretched out his hands and the waters of the sea poured back over the Egyptians and their chariots (Exodus 14:23-31).

He has caused His works to be remembered by His people through their grateful word passed down through the generations as He had willed them to do (Exodus 12:25-27, Job 4:1-7) – and by His holy word through His prophets. It reminds us that God cares for His people (“He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever”). Verses 6-9 appear to continue the covenant remembrance as it recalls deliverance from Egypt. The psalm concludes in verse 10 with a phrase pointing to Proverbs 9:10 (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Aug 9 2013

Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Though both the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom would be sent into exile, God still promised to bring them back. While Joab and the Israelite army were far off attacking Rabbah, David stayed behind in Jerusalem and eventually committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of one of David's best soldiers.

Though both the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom would be sent into exile, God still promised to bring them back. While Joab and the Israelite army were far off attacking Rabbah, David stayed behind in Jerusalem and eventually committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of one of David’s best soldiers.

Again the superscription of this psalm assigns the author as David, while many scholars believe that it’s origin was during the time of Babylonian captivity. The reason there are so many psalms which have this ambiguity and controversy is because the time of captivity and exile bears great similarity to the time when David had his ordeal with Absalom – following his sins with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah the Hittite. God’s proclamation through Nathan of the woes to come for David were, as always, utterly fulfilled as was the judgment on his people for their idolatry. It was the shame for their sin, repentance and regret, and utter despair at the consequences of their action that was the common denominator.

Psalm 103 is another hymn of praise, declaring the love of the Lord for His people despite the punishment he had brought to pass on them. The recognition in verse 6 of the Lord’s justice for the righteous and the oppressed applies equally to David’s situation as it does to Uriah in his death, as well as to the poor and unfortunate that the people had abandoned in their selfishness, greed, and idolatry before exile. The text speaks of the brevity of life on earth for man contrasted with the everlasting and steadfast love that the Lord has for His people.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

Aug 7 2013

Psalms 42-43 – As the Deer Panteth

Mount Hermon is one traditional site for Jesus' transfiguration, and is near the site of mount Mizar, mentioned in Psalm 42

Mount Hermon is one traditional site for Jesus’ transfiguration, and is near the site of mount Mizar, mentioned in Psalm 42

Psalms 42-43 compose Book 2 of the Psalms; and many believe that 42 and 43 are actually a single psalm that was divided in error. The case for that claim is strengthened by the fact that the two share a couple of refrains – 42:9 and 43:2 are mostly the same, as are 42:11 and 43:5. When the two psalms are read together, they flow quite smoothly.

Psalm 42 is the basis for the  hymn “As the Deer Panteth,” by Martin Nystrom. It is the song of a child of God who is separated by miles from the place where worship was done. The psalmist longs to be in the presence of God to worship and praise Him in song. It is believed that the psalm was written by David, and Psalm 42’s superscription supports that belief – at least where chapter 42 is concerned. But the circumstances and verses well fit a psalmists possible words during the Babylonian captivity. It is the timeless nature of God’s word that makes these possibilities equally credible.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.