October 30, 2024
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
1
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.
5
The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
6
May you see your children's children!
Peace be upon Israel!
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Psalm 122 is one of the 15 Songs of Ascents, which were sung by worshipers who were on their way up to the temple. It reflects the joy of seeing God’s chosen city, Jerusalem, and being in the house of God to worship. The Songs of Ascents include Psalms 120–134.
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Romans 3 | OT Reference |
---|---|
Sinful Condition | |
v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
Sinful Action | |
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
Summary Statement | |
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 128:1–4 eat the fruit of the labor of your hands. This is a covenant blessing. Compare Deut. 28:1–6 and contrast Deut. 28:33.
Psalm Ps. 128. This wisdom psalm expands some of the topics in Psalm 127. Psalm 127 ended with the “blessed . . . man” (127:5), and Psalm 128 gives a further description of this man. For the ancient Israelites, blessedness consisted of a productive farm, with a faithful wife and children around the table together (see note on Prov. 10:4).
Ps. 128:5–6 May you see your children’s children. This includes living to be old enough to see one’s grandchildren and the delight they give (Prov. 17:6). It also includes the prospect of a faithful family line (Ps. 103:17). With such faithfulness and blessedness, peace would indeed be upon Israel.
Who doesn't want to be happy? We strive for success, status, beauty, the perfect family. You name it, all in the pursuit of happiness. We are conditioned to believe that these things make us happy. "If I was only _____. If I only had _____, then I would be happy." I spent years, too many to count, fixated on what I thought would make me happy. All the striving was exhausting, and the happiness was just temporary (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
Maybe we have deeper longings that all the status and possessions could never satisfy? As we read in Psalm 126, it is joy that our hearts truly crave—a heart that is satisfied and at peace. Joy that no circumstance or person can take away from us. This intrinsic joy is a blessing. It is a soul-filling joy. And God delights in blessing His children.
Psalm 128 gives us a fresh lens to see exactly what a truly blessed person looks like:
When we are full and satisfied with these blessings from the Lord, the cravings for earthly treasures diminish. They may be nice to enjoy temporarily but never to crave. I don't know about you, but I long for favor, satisfaction, a house full of wisdom and fruit, peace, and stability. These things are what the psalmist is referring to when talking about prosperity in the land—blessings in our land, our home, and our heart!
What is necessary to receive this favor? Psalm 128 clearly states that it begins with fear of the Lord. Worshiping Him above all because He is holy and sovereign is essential. It is out of this heart posture that a desire to please and glorify Him comes. Delighting and meditating on God's commands and obeying them leads to His abundant, soul-filling blessings (Psalm 1). Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This wisdom from the Lord is a reward for worshiping Him above all. Wisdom is the lens we need to show us what true blessings from God really are.
This month's memory verse
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a person being blessed?
2. What has the "pursuit of happiness" looked like in your life?
3. How does the fear of the Lord manifest itself in your life?
4. Would you agree that the ability to see things through an eternal lens brings clarity?
5. Are any shifts in your perspective needed? If so, what?
As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!