Many times we neither appreciate the significance of our sin nor the depth of our contrition. David sinned big, but he also repented big. Let’s look at this prayer of repentance.
1. What does David deserve from the Lord?
2. How does David describe the sorrow his sin has caused him? How can a hangover do that?
3. Why is it impossible for us to cover up his sin before the Lord? Then why do we try?
4. What is the reaction of David’s enemies when he has fallen into sin?
Many times we neither appreciate the significance of our sin nor the depth of our contrition. David sinned big, but he also repented big. Let’s conclude our look at this prayer of repentance.
1. Why is David left speechless regarding his sin?
2. Why is David so certain the Lord will answer him? (Do you remember what LORD means?
3. How would our enemies (don’t forget Satan) slander us when we seek the good of God’s forgiveness after a terrible sin?
4. What kind of confession should we make when we confess to God?
A lot of times we let the son, Solomon, overshadow the father, David. I don’t think David was a dummy. Here he grapples with the same issues Solomon did in Ecclesiastes. Let’s see what answer he comes up with.
1. What is David’s gripe?
2. Why does he want to keep his mouth shut, but finally, can’t?
3. Why does David need to repent even from expressing his gripe?
4. What two answers is David expecting to his prayer?
No class next week—I’ll be at the AZ-CA Pastors’ Conference in Reno.
In the psalms, the Holy Spirit has David write about himself, yet, at the same time, what David says pertains also to the Savior. Here’s a good psalm to see this intermixing of speakers.
1. Contrast David’s plight before and after his sins were forgiven.
2. The proud turn to idols, the humble to the Lord. Why? You would think “winners” would back the winner!
3. To fully understand verses 6-8, go to the commentary of it in Hebrews 10.8-10. Why didn’t God want sacrifices? What did he want instead as an answer to sin?
4. How is this Gospel?
We won’t have Psalmbreak next week. I will be traveling back from the Commission on Evangelism meeting in Milwaukee.
We continue looking at this psalm where David speaks for himself, yet also speaks for the Savior.
1. How would vv. 9-10 apply to David? How would they apply to Jesus? How would they apply to you?
2. How much did David think he sinned? What was David’s conception of sin?
3. What is part of God’s salvation? What is the full payment of God’s salvation?
4. Why should the Lord not delay in answering our prayers?
Here again David speaks for himself, yet also speaks for the Savior.
1. Why would the Lord deliver a person who has regard for the weak? Is almsgiving a work that earns God’s favor?
2. How does David clearly show he knows he cannot earn God’s favor?
3. Why does David have so many false friends? What have false friends may we have around our deathbed?
4. Can you think of what his psalm has to do with Jesus?
Don’t forget Thanksgiving Day worship services tomorrow at 10 am!
This is the start of Book II of the psalms. We will hear of other authors besides David. Today we have a song from the Sons of Korah, a priestly group of Temple musicians.
1. Why is a thirst-stricken deer a great image of a troubled, worried soul?
2. What may happen to believers that others, looking upon them, would ask, “Where is your God?”
3. Does the oppressed believer get any relief thinking about the Lord’s majesty in the world of nature? Explain.
4. Where alone does the believer find answers and the strength to hope in the Lord?
Don’t forget the first of our Advent services tonight at 7 pm. It will not be too crowded for you! Come! Our theme this year is “Your Light Has Come.” We’ll hear the three year old classes after the service.
This psalm is an echo of Psalm 42, with a lot of the same imagery and even the same refrain!
1. Why would a believer think that God had rejected him? I thought he is facing attacks from numerous unbelievers.
2. What is the light of God which guides us?
3. What effect will this guidance have on the hard-pressed believer?
4. Are there ever times when it seems the whole world is against us?
Don’t forget the second of our Advent services tonight at 7 pm. It will not be too crowded for you! Come! Our theme this year is “Your Light Has Come.” We’ll hear the four year old classes after the service.
This psalm contrasts the golden days of old with the troubles of today.
1. What episode of Israel’s history are the Sons of Korah referring to? What is their assessment of that time in Israel’s history?
2. Prove that the faith of the fathers live on in the lives of the sons.
3. What surprising turn of events has taken place?
4. Do you expect to always come out on the winning side because you are a Christian?
Don’t forget the last of our Advent services tonight at 7 pm. It will not be too crowded for you! Come! Our theme this year is “Your Light Has Come.” We’ll hear the Kindergarten classes after the service. See you often in worship over the holidays! (No class for the next two weeks.)
What a great psalm as we start the Epiphany season! Our King reveals himself to his bride, the Church.
1. Prove that the Sons of Korah are talking about the Savior, Jesus in this psalm. (Look at vv. 2-9)
2. What is represented “your people” and “your father’s house” that Jesus’ bride should forget?
3. Why is the bride so glorious?
4. What is the future of God’s Church on earth and how does that future differ from cowardly Christian naysayers?
This is the psalm that inspired Luther to write, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
1. Will the earth give way? When? How will God still be our refuge?
2. Explain this poetic imagery:
city of God
river
3. When will the Lord bring this desolation to the earth? Why don’t we think of this day this way?
4. What does God ask of us in the face of the sweep of history?
This psalm expresses God’s control over all nations and his desire to save all people.
1. While all nations should praise God, what reason does Israel have for praising God?
2. When did God ascend? Who is the psalm talking about?
3. What is God’s reign over the nations?
4. Prove that in God’s Kingdom there is neither Gentile nor Jew, but only fellow-citizens.
This psalm talks about the spiritual warfare that goes on against God’s Church and the Lord’s deliverance of his people.
1. What makes puny little Jerusalem on a dinky mountain so magnificent?
2. What kinds of tactics do the kings of the world use against God’s Church?
3. The psalm talks of unfailing love and God’s judgments. Is this Law or Gospel? Prove it.
4. What does this imaginary tour of the citadel of Zion represent and what does it tell us Christians to do?
A riddle! This whole psalm is a beautifully written riddle, a troubling question with a comforting answer. See if we can figure it out.
1. Why does the psalm have such a grandiose beginning? Do you think sometimes the writers of the Bible knew they were writing Holy Scripture?
2. The rich are the ones who are the evil ones! What can’t their wealth do and why?
3. Now the psalmist turns to the wise. What does their wisdom earn them?
4. What is the riddle?
Today we come to the end of the riddle and its comforting answer.
1. What was the riddle again?
2. What are sheep destined for and how are they like people?
3. What should be a Christian’s reaction to both believer and unbeliever if they are wealthy and influential?
4. What answer to the riddle does the psalmist give in vv. 14-15?
This is a very famous psalm which should turn the thinking of a work-righteous Pharisee on its head. Let’s start it today.
1. We start with a majestic picture of God in nature, yet in verse two, from where does God shine forth and why is this significant?
2. Who is God going to judge and why is he pictured as a firestorm?
3. If God commanded that these sacrifices be brought, why does he say he has no need for them?
4. What is God looking for in the Temple worship?
This is a very famous psalm which should turn the thinking of a work-righteous Pharisee on its head. Let’s finish it today.
1. Who are these verses addressed to?
2. What is ironic about their Temple worship?
3. How does God show the state of their hearts? What is their biggest sin?
4. Salvation or judgment, what spells the difference?
This is a very famous psalm, a penitential psalm of David. Note the superscription and the historical setting of this psalm. We’re going to take it in two weeks.
1. Why should God forgive David his great sin?
2. What kind of confession does David make?
3. Explain the pictures David uses to portray God’s forgiveness.
4. What two parts of repentance are obvious here?
Don’t forget Lenten Worship services tonight at 7 pm!
This is a very famous psalm, a penitential psalm of David. Note the superscription and the historical setting of this psalm. How fitting we are studying it during the season of Lent.
1. Why are vv. 10-12 and v. 15 so familiar?
2. What is wrong with the heart and spirit we already have? What is the forgiven sinner’s natural response to God?
4. What is the sacrifice God desires? Where have we heard this before?
5. Why does David talk about public things like Zion and Jerusalem in this very personal psalm?
Don’t forget Lenten Worship services tonight at 7 pm!
Another psalm made so much more understandable when we look at its superscription and historical setting.
1. Take a look at 1 Samuel 22.6-19 for the story.
2. Doeg has simply told the truth, that David was at Nob! What was his sin?
3. Why will Doeg’s end be an example of divine justice?
4. Why is David’s description of himself ironic in view of his outward circumstance and what does this say about us when we are hard-pressed and harried?
Don’t forget Lenten Worship services tonight at 7 pm!
Here’s a psalm that can make us pretty self-righteous—if we don’t look at it closely. Let’s look at it closely.
1. Who does David condemn first and what is our judgment of his words?
2. Who now does David take on? Is he correct?
3. Who does David take a swipe at in vv. 4-5? What is their sin?
4. What is the biggest need for God’s people as long as they walk the face of this earth?
Don’t forget Lenten Worship services tonight at 7 pm!
Here’s a psalm very similar in the historical background to Psalm 52. Again David is betrayed to Saul, but, thankfully, there are no casualties.
1. Take a look at 1 Samuel 23.19-29 for the story.
2. How can God’s name protect David at this point of his life?
3. Aren’t the Ziphites just following orders? How does the 8th commandment apply to us?
4. What is the difference between what David is saying in vv. 6-7 and a gambler saying, “Lord, if you give me this straight flush I’ll give you 20% of my winnings.”?
Don’t forget Lenten Worship services tonight at 7 pm!
A wonderful psalm when we are at our wits’ end. We’ll take it in two sections.
1. How do the opening verses perfectly describe David’s life as an exile from King Saul?
2. What impact do threats from the wicked have upon God’s people?
3. David’s enemies are terrifying him by their speech. What kind of judgment does he call down upon them?
4. What often is the best deliverance from God when others, in a concerted action, are making our lives hard?
Don’t forget Lenten Worship services tonight at 7 pm!
A wonderful psalm when we are at our wits’ end. We finish it today.
1. Who is the source of David’s trouble? Describe their previous relationship. Could there be similar situations in a Christian’s life today?
2. Why does David call upon God to destroy his enemies instead of converting them?
3. How often does it seem David prays? What are the benefits of having set times for prayer?
4. Verse 23 sounds almost like something in the New Testament. Can you think of it? What comfort does this verse give us?
Don’t forget Holy Week services, Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion and Good Friday Service of Shadows, both at 7 pm. And Easter Sunday, with services at 7:30, 9, 10:30 and noon!
What can man do to me? In the afterglow of Easter, that’s a good question!
1. To find out the background of this story, take a look at 1 Samuel 21.10-15.
2. For what two reasons would David be a tempting target to the Philistine courtiers at Gath?
3. Why does David ask God to “bring down the nations?” Who are the “nations” to God’s people today?
4. How are David’s concluding words applicable to the life of Jesus Christ? to our lives?
What can man do to me? In the afterglow of Easter, that’s a good question!
1. To find out the background of this story, take a look at 1 Samuel 24.1-22.
2. Who were the enemies who threatened David’s eternal soul?
3. Saul with his pants down in the cave brings to David’s mind the picture of a bird with its feet caught in a net. Why is it proper that God be pictured as a mother bird overshadowing her young and saving them from on high?
4. Who had the Lord delivered David from that he is almost delirious with joy?
Welcome back after the summer vacation! In this psalm David lays down God’s law upon the movers and shakers of the world.
1. How is government misused in the hands of the wicked?
2. Follow some of David’s imagery and explain how punishment fits crime.
3. Slugs don’t melt away as they move along! Does this image destroy the teaching of the Bible’s infallibility?
4. Why do Christians constantly have to be reminded that there is a God who judges the earth?
Again a psalm where it pays to know the historical background. We’ll take it in two weeks.
1. To find out the background of this story, take a look at 1 Samuel 19.9-17.
2. Why does David call those sinning against him traitors? How is every sinner a traitor?
3. Why is so much evil done under cover of darkness?
4. How did the Lord deliver David and scoff at the evil-doers? Is it true he who laughs last laughs best?
1. David puts his finger on something. Not only do God’s people pray for deliverance, they pray for vindication. Why?
2. Will evil-doers ever really be satisfied? Give a couple of reasons.
3. What did morning mean for David? What does each morning mean for us?
4. Strength and fortress are applied to God, but David also uses the adjective, “loving.” Explain the two natures of God and why this is a comfort to believers.
Never think that David’s life was easy. Victory was not assured in battle. There were many an uncertain moment. Only in retrospect could he see he had to come out on top—kind of like our lives!
1. To find out the background of this story, take a look at 2 Samuel 8.3-14.
2. David’s words in this psalm picture much more of the inner turmoil than the account in Samuel. Why would David and his army be shaken to its core by repeated (and huge!) enemies in the north and in the southeast? When might there be times we feel we are being torn apart by our problems?
3. Why the distinction between Israel and the other nations? Is this still the case?
4. How did David view dangers from enemies and his victories over those same enemies? Why is this important to 21st Century American Christians?
Human weakness and the Lord’s surpassing power—that’s the theme of this psalm.
1. What is “the rock that is higher than I?” and why is God called a rock?
2. How is God a refuge for us—against what foe (and why is the “tent” mentioned?
3. What king is David talking about in verse 6? How can you tell?
4. What is a Christian’s duty and delight when it comes to responding to God’s goodness to us in Christ?
Another view of man’s weakness and God’s power.
1. Why is a fortress, a rock, a tower, a lofty place important for a fighting man?
2. How is David pictured when under attack?
3. Looking at verse 7 in what form is the attack on him taking?
4. Why is it appropriate that David describe both high and low as a breath, a lie? How does that contrast to God?
Another of the psalms David wrote while he was on the run from King Saul in the desert of Judah.
1. What was life like for David on the run in the desert and how is that a fitting picture of our life?
2. What satisfies David about his God?
3. What is the only reason David keeps going and how does he express that?
4. What are the two different outcomes for believers and unbelievers and how does David picture it?
No Psalmbreak next week—I’ll be in Tucson for the fall AZ-CA Pastors’ Conference. Our next meeting will be November 4.
“Nobody likes a complainer,” a mom may say to her grumpy teenager. But is that true?
1. What is David’s complaint?
2. Why are threats to David’s life compared to words which are deadly arrows or plots which are snares? Can you think of a time when this might have been literally true for David?
3. How does God often chastise his children for the lies they tell?
4. What is the proper use for the mouth God gave us according to David?
A Thanksgiving Day sermon a few weeks early! Let’s look at it anyway.
1. I thought God lived everywhere. Why does David put God “in his place?”
2. When we contemplate God’s mighty powers of creation, what is the big mystery?
3. What is God the Father’s “other” work, besides Creation, to our way of thinking?
4. Why is it so important to remember David’s words especially on Thanksgiving?
A big psalm, but one we’ll get through this week. It talks about specific times God has helped his people.
1. What is David describing in verse 6 and how can that be something that makes all the earth praise God?
2. Why does God allow his people to go through hardships, according to David in verses 8-12?
3. Prove that God is not just the Savior of the world or of a nation, but the Savior of individuals as well. Why is that a good thing?
4. What does verse 18 have to say about someone “faking” repentance?
Another psalm often used for Thanksgiving Day! It has more than a few twists and turns.
1. How has David changed the Old Testament blessing in verses 1-2, or has he?
2. How does God rule people who don’t believe in him? How does he rule people who do believe in him? What rule is David talking about in verse 4?
3. What is the harvest God is looking for?
4. What is meant by “fearing God?” and how good is today’s church in getting that across to people?
We’ve got Thanksgiving Day worship this Thursday, 10 am. Hope to see you there!
This lengthy psalm seems to have been written when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. He traces its history in the days of Moses in our section for today.
The first verse echoes the words the high priest spoke whenever Moses broke camp. Isn’t this a kind of mean way to put things?
Why is it fitting that God be pictured as riding on the clouds when it comes to helping orphans and widows and making unbelievers live in sun-scorched lands?
Did God make it rain on the Children of Israel in the Wilderness wanderings? Does he make it rain on us today?
How secure does God make us even in the face of battles and threats of terrorism? How does David describe that?
Don’t forget our first Wednesday Advent worship service! Tomorrow night, 7 pm! We have these services to get people ready for the joyous celebration of Christmas. Our children from the Preschool will be there to help with the spirit of the season. Hope to see you there! No Psalmbreak next week—Friendship Circle will be having their Christmas Party!
We continue with the history of the Ark of the Covenant as it makes its way into Jerusalem. Spiritual and physical supremacy are detailed in our verses for today.
Why would the mountains of Bashan (on the east side of the Jordan) envy Mt. Zion?
Look to Ephesians 4.7-8 for help in interpreting this verse. Why are there so many chariots?
What are the blessings God gives his people?
How does David fully explain the Lord’s punishment and the guilt of the wicked?
Don’t forget our last Wednesday Advent worship service! Tomorrow night, 7 pm! We have these services to get people ready for the joyous celebration of Christmas. Our children from the Kindergarten will be there to help with the spirit of the season. Hope to see you there!
This is the last Psalmbreak of 2003. Our next class will be January 6, 2004!
This lengthy psalm seems to have been written when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. It enters Jerusalem in our section for today.
Looking at the procession of the Ark into the sanctuary, what does this say about people who insist on a simple worship of God?
Why do people serve the Lord?
War is portrayed between God and the world. What results does David pray for?
Why does David give such special attention to Israel if God is the Savior of all nations?
A New Year with the same old problems! Being a Christian is never going to be easy. No good deed will go unpunished!
Explain the pictures David uses to describe his dilemma—what has he done wrong?
Is David really guiltless?
What is the danger to the church when a leader is under attack? What do you think of the recent scandals with Roman Catholic priests?
Why are David’s attackers hypocritical?
As we go through this psalm one begins to think maybe it is not David who is being talked about any more!
When is the time of God’s “favor” and how does that explain a Christian’s view of life?
How are troubles like drowning?
What are two reasons David gives why the Lord should work a rescue?
Look closely at verse 21. Does it strike you as odd? How can it be true for David? Could it be true for someone else? Who?
No Psalmbreak next week. I will be gone to the California Pastors’ Conference. We will meet again on February 3.
We conclude this difficult psalm.
Who is Jesus talking about in verses 22-28? Look at Acts 1.20. Who else is Judas a picture of?
Why would their names be blotted out of the book of life?
What do verses 30-33 predict?
When will God save Zion so that God’s people can live in their own homes?
A straightforward psalm asking God for help. May our prayers be as succinct and on the mark.
Why should God come quickly—isn’t it presumptuous to put a timetable on the Almighty?
Why is it important that the enemies of a believer be turned back in disgrace and shame. Can you give examples?
How does David show we are saved by grace alone in verse 4?
How does David make the transition from the glories of heaven to the problems he is now facing?
Today we start this longer psalm. It goes over some pretty familiar territory with a few surprises.
What does David mean when he says, “to which I can always go?” What if you’ve been really bad?
What do David’s words about how long he has been a believer say to people who think you have to make a conscious choice to let Jesus into your heart before you are a believer?
I thought only American culture cast away the elderly. What are special dangers for the elderly when it comes to the church?
Why does David have so many enemies? Why do you?
We continue our study.
Why, even in the darkest hours, does David have hope? Why should every believer be like this?
Do you always have to know all the answers before you tell others about Jesus? Prove your answer from David’s words.
What is one of the highest purposes of a Christian’s life on earth?
When will God restore David’s life again? Do you see some words which point to David’s belief in a bodily resurrection?
Don’t forget Ash Wednesday Lenten services tomorrow, 7 pm!
Here we have a psalm from smart David’s smarter son, Solomon, which concludes Book II of the Psalms.
What kind of king is Solomon praying for?
How do you know Solomon is not talking about himself?
What kind of rule does Jesus enjoy at present and what is the tribute that is brought him?
What would this world be like if everyone in it were a Christian?
Don’t forget Wednesday Lenten services tomorrow, 7 pm! Our Kindergarteners will sing after the service. We hope you don’t stay away because of the little children singing God’s praises in church.
Asaph is the author of many of the psalms. He appears to have been a Temple priest, musician and poet who served during the reigns of David and Solomon, but there may have been another man named Asaph who lived after the sack of Jerusalem. It tackles a thorny problem—why do the wicked prosper? For the rest of the year we will be studying psalms written by “Asaph.”
What is the first thing Asaph puts forward as an undeniable fact?
What almost happened to believing Asaph and why?
How can a person lay claim to heaven? What is Asaph talking about?
What reward does Asaph get for his piety?
Don’t forget Wednesday Lenten services tomorrow, 7 pm!
We continue with this psalm of Asaph which tackles the problem of the prosperity of the wicked.
Where alone do the sufferings of the righteous and the prosperity of the wicked make sense?
How can Asaph talk about such pillars of society like the Rockefellers, Hanovers, Caesars and Pharaohs in terms of dreams and fantasies?
How should we treat believers who are wrestling with doubts and unbelief? Why?
What is Asaph talking about when he says, “and afterward you will take me into glory?”
Don’t forget Wednesday Lenten services tomorrow, 7 pm! Our 4 year old full-time class will sing after the service. We hope you don’t stay away because of the little children singing God’s praises in church.
Another of “Asaph’s” psalms. Hard times have come upon God’s believers. Perhaps it was written by the second Asaph after the Babylonians destroyed the Temple and Jerusalem.
Why should God remember the people, the tribes of Jacob and Mount Zion? What doctrine is this a hint of?
What is special about the destruction Asaph has seen? What building would you hate to lose most in a fire?
What makes the plight of Asaph and the rest even worse?
“God’s Word is our great heritage,” the hymn goes. How can we show that in our daily lives?
Don’t forget Wednesday Lenten services tomorrow, 7 pm!
We continue with Asaph II’s psalm asking God for help after the fall of Jerusalem’s Temple.
What is God’s will for all people?
Why is the destruction Asaph sees so incomprehensible when he thinks of God’s creative power?
From your knowledge of the Bible, did the Children of Israel deserve the destruction of Jerusalem? What is Asaph II’s complaint?
If believers perish, they go to heaven! What could be better! What is the danger if the enemies of God are not silenced or thwarted?
Don’t forget Wednesday Lenten services tomorrow, 7 pm! Our 4 year old part-time class will sing after the service. We hope you don’t stay away because of the little children singing God’s praises in church.
This appears to be written by Asaph I! The tune was in vogue during David’s day.
What does it mean that God’s “Name is near” and why is this a blessing?
What would happen to this world if God did not exercise his rule over it?
How does God exalt a person?
Why is destruction of the ungodly often pictured as drinking down a foaming cup of wine? Lots of people in Las Vegas would think that’s a good thing!
Don’t forget Holy Week services, Thursday and Friday, 7 pm!
In the afterglow of Easter this is a wonderful psalm to contemplate. It is written by Asaph I, for the Tabernacle is still the center of worship in Jerusalem.
Why is God known in Judah, Israel, Salem and Zion?
What is the light God is resplendent in? Can you remember an incident from Jesus’ life? What will we see when we look at God in heaven?
What is the plundering that has taken place?
How is every deliverance from the Lord of his people a little Judgment Day?
Another of the psalms of Asaph, again struggling with the problem of evil in a believer’s life.
Why is our timeframe not very good when it comes to suffering and why are the pastors trained that every physical suffering is also a suffering of the soul?
Why is it best to go back to the works of God recorded in the Bible when we are suffering and not to go back to our personal experiences?
What great work of the Lord does Asaph return to?
Why is this a great place for us to go to also when we are suffering?
Another of the psalms of “Asaph” and this is a “biggie.” We’ll be spending the rest of the year going through this one.
Looking at verses 1-4, what is the theme of Asaph’s psalm?
What priority should childhood education have in the church? To help you, rate it along with these items: worship, adult education, evangelism, member retention, social fellowships, community service.
What miracles of Israel’s history does Asaph recount?
Why is any Christian’s desertion of the faith and the duties it entails inexcusable?
We continue with this “biggie” psalm of “Asaph.”
What miracle of God does Asaph now recount?
What was the heart of Israel’s sin in asking for bread and meat in the Wilderness?
How many times will God forgive?
What happens if people are just “going through the motions” when it comes to repentance?
We won’t have Psalmbreak next week—it’s the Friendship Circle’s Spring Luncheon! Our next class will be May 18.
We continue with this “biggie” psalm of “Asaph.”
What was the real test the Israelites put God to, the test that was sinful?
What time of miracles does Asaph recount now?
Did the Children of Israel deserve any of God’s goodness? Do we?
Why do we have to hear over and over the “same old story?”
We conclude Asaph’s psalm as our year of Psalmbreaks comes to a close.
What was the sin of the next generation of Israelites once they got into the Promised Land?
What was God’s judgment on them?—Do you remember when the ark went into captivity?
How did God reject faithless Ephraim and Joseph around 1000 BC?
Why is the leader of God’s people always referred to as a pastor (uh, that’s another term for “shepherd.”) and how was David one of the best?
Have a great summer! We’ll return to our Psalmbreaks on the first full week after Labor Day.
We start a new year of Psalmbreaks almost where we left off in the spring—a psalm of Asaph psalm as he reacts to tragedy that has befallen God’s people.
How bad was the desolation in Jerusalem?
How does Asaph approach the sins of the enemy nation that has destroyed Jerusalem and why?
How does Asaph approach the sins of God’s people and why?
How and when will God gain praise before believers and unbelievers?
Another psalm of Asaph as he reacts to tragedy that has befallen God’s people. We’ll break it into two parts.
What is Asaph talking about when he says, “you who sit enthroned between the cherubim”?
Do you hear any echo of our liturgy in verse 3? Notice that this will be a refrain for this psalm. It is the plea for help while the other sections give the reasons why God should help his people.
Looking at verses 1-2, why should God save his people?
Looking at verses 4-6 why should God save his people?
Why should God save us?
We continue with this psalm of Asaph.
How does Asaph describe Israel under the “glory days” of King David? Is this an accurate picture?
What is Asaph describing God’s people to and why? Can you think of other places in Scripture where this picture is used?
Who is Asaph basing his hopes for deliverance on in verses 17? How does the work of Jesus make God’s people return and be revived?
What is the impact of the refrain? How could you imagine this psalm to be used in the Temple worship service?
Again this psalm of Asaph psalm reacts to tragedy that has befallen God’s people. It is almost a commentary on the First Commandment.
What is the mood the psalm opens with and what great and joyous festival is referred to?
What two hardships are mentioned to describe the sojourn in Egypt and in the wilderness and how does God show that he is the only God?
Why is Israel suffering?
What blessings does God promise if they keep the First Commandment?
Can you think of threats and blessings pertinent to our lives when it comes to the First Commandment?
This psalm of Asaph was quoted by Jesus to defend himself against charges of blasphemy (John 10.31-35).
Looking at the psalm, who are these “gods”?
What does that say about God and government?
What is the God-ordained role of government?
Who is the final arbiter over the nations and why?
We’ve got elections coming up—what should a Christian be doing?
This psalm of Asaph psalm reacts to impending danger from an alliance of the enemies of God’s people. It gives us insight into the mind of the unbeliever.
What is the goal of this alliance against Israel?
What does Asaph pray happens to these enemies?
Look at the descriptions both of God’s enemies and how Asaph wants them annihilated. Did the people of God have the Old Testament at this time?
Why do people on earth today need to know that God is the Most High God over all the earth and how will that happen?
The sons of Korah seem to be a guild of Temple musicians and composers who were descended from Korah. This is a beautiful psalm, especially coming after the collection of Asaph’s psalms.
Do we look forward to church as much as the writer of verses 1-2 of this psalm does? Why is that and how can it change?
I get mad at the sparrows nesting at my house—they are messy! The psalm has a different twist—what is it?
Is it true that Christians go from strength to strength, even in old age? Explain.
Who is the anointed one? Why is he described as “our shield” and what is his relationship to our prayers being heard?
No Psalmbreak next week. I’ll be attending the District Pastors’ Conference over at Water of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Again, another beautiful psalm of the sons of Korah. After a while you feel bad that they finally stopped writing!
God’s past deliverances are contrasted to present dangers. How can using this pattern for our prayers provide us with great comfort and the shortest way out of our problems?
“Peace to his people--but let them not return to folly.” What is the relationship between being forgiven and leading a Christian life?
Looking at this psalm, which could be used for Thanksgiving Day worship, what is the real harvest God is looking for from the earth?
Identify the sources of these personifications and talk about them.
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Love |
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Faithfulness |
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Righteousness |
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Peace |
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Be sure to vote today if you haven’t already!
This psalm of David reveals a very different spirit from oppressed Asaph and the joyous Sons of Korah. We’ll take it in two sections.
David doesn’t come right out and say what he is facing—he saves that for the end of the psalm (next week!). How does David show his situation is desperate?
Look at how David describes himself: poor and needy, devoted to you; trusts in you. Explain the common thread to these descriptions?
David then goes on to God’s nature as the reason his prayer will be heard—he even quotes one of the psalms of Asaph (see Psalm 50.15). Why should God listen to David’s prayer? Can you think of ways you could copy David’s style for your prayers?
What are the “gods” that tempt us from whole-hearted trust in God?
Again this psalm of Asaph psalm reacts to tragedy that has befallen God’s people. It is almost a commentary on the First Commandment.
What does God use to teach us his ways and how does that work—I thought it was the Gospel that motivates people to live a godly life!
Often we miss the many fleeting references to eternal life. We’ve got one in verse 12. What is it?
What is David’s predicament and how does he expect the Lord to help him?
“You have helped me and comforted me,” David says. What is he talking about and how should that play a part in our prayers?
Another of the happy psalms of the Sons of Korah. Strike up the band again, guys!
What is so special about Zion?
What does this psalm have to say about the exclusivity of Christianity?
What does this psalm have to say about the inclusivity of Christianity?
Why do fountains represent the Word of God in the Church? There wasn’t a single fountain (in my recollection) in the Temple precinct.
Don’t forget Thanksgiving Day worship at 10 am!
“Sung to the tune: The Suffering of Affliction.” No matter how happy-go-lucky you are, hardships and times of sadness will come. Let the Sons of Korah tell us about it.
Why do the psalms so often talk about praying to God “day and night?” Does that really happen?
What does it sound like Heman has been afflicted with?
What would a Christian afflicted with cancer suffer?
Heman’s biggest suffering seems to be that he is already counted as dead—how should we approach a visit to someone in the hospice?
Remember! Advent worship services start this Wednesday, 7 pm.
We conclude this chilling psalm of the Sons of Korah.
How is Heman looking at death?—the believer’s soul will go to heaven and praise God there!
Does God hide is face from us and reject us? What is Heman showing about his inner turmoil?
I asked a dear member of my former church what it felt like to have a stroke. She said, “It was as if I had lost myself.” What does Heman mean when he says, “darkness is my closest friend”?
What part should honesty play in our prayers? Will this ever border on exaggeration or whining?
Remember! Advent worship services this Wednesday, 7 pm.
Some Hebrew scholars think a maskil is a teaching psalm. This one teaches so much we can’t cover it all in one day!
How will Ethan’s words really make God’s faithfulness known through all generations? Did he know he was writing the Bible? How can your words make a lasting impression?
Of all God’s wonders in creation and history, what takes center stage and how does Ethan show it?
What comfort does God’s supremacy in heaven give us?
Many think these verses talking about God creating order out of disorder when he created the world. How can we show God’s ordering hand in our lives regarding our family relationships? Our finances? Our church?
Remember! The last Advent worship service is this Wednesday, 7 pm.
We continue with the great maskil, teaching psalm, of Ethan. Our verses today focus on King David.
God’s moral qualities, righteousness and justice, are spoken of here. How do these qualities show in the lives of the people of God?
People often picture the life of Christians as drab and dreary affairs. How does Ethan show that isn’t so?
Look at all the verbs in verses 19-29. Who is the subject of most of them? What does that show about who is in charge of heaven and earth?
What is all that God asks from David and from you and me? Why is this enough?
See you at one of our Christmas services (Christmas Eve, 5, 7 and 11 pm, Christmas Day, 10 am)! We won’t have Psalmbreak next Tuesday but will meet again in the New Year, on January 4.
We conclude the great maskil, teaching psalm, of Ethan. Our verses today focus on King David’s sons.
How does God’s Gospel love show in his treatment of David’s successors? How does it show in his treatment of us?
Ethan’s gripe is that it sure doesn’t look like God is keeping his gracious word to David. How does he picture it?
Can you name times people may have felt God has broken faith with them?
The psalm comes to a close on a very bitter tone—what is it? And how in the world can Ethan still end the psalm with “Praise be to the LORD forever!”?
This is a psalm of Moses, going all the way back 400 years before David wrote. In the Hebrew Bible it is joined to Psalm 91 as one psalm. See why it is often the psalm read at a New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day service.
What is Moses getting at when he talks about “a thousand years are like a day that has just gone by” to God?
Can you point to some events in Moses’ life that would make him think deeply about the brevity of life?
How long can people expect to live? How long can people to expect to live happily? Why?
God’s Gospel love lasts forever. Man, a creature of but 70 to 80 years, sins. What does this psalm have to teach the teenager and the grandparent?
Here’s the rest of Moses’ Psalm 90. It is more upbeat.
The Lord is compared to a mother bird sheltering her young—this is also the picture Jesus used when he mourned over Jerusalem’s unwillingness to believe. What is expected of the chicks for this protection to work and what does it mean to us in our worried lives?
You can almost see the judgments of God upon Israel in her wilderness wanderings. How can Moses say it will not come near you when he, Joshua and Caleb were the only ones who survived the 40 years of wandering in the Wilderness who had been above 20 years of age at the Red Sea?
Why can’t I be reckless as I trust in God to keep his word in protecting me with guardian angels?
What is the greatest blessing God can give and how does Moses show that in this psalm?
No Psalmbreak next week. I will be at the state pastors’ conference.
Here’s a psalm for a specific occasion—the day of rest and worship, the Old Testament Sabbath.
Some Christians object to guitars and other musical instruments in the worship service. What do you think they do about verse 3 of this psalm?
What are the deeds and the works that the believer is rejoicing over? How will this always gladden the heart of any believer anywhere at any time?
Where alone do we hear and see the defeat of the wicked? Why also is it important to come to church on Sunday for this reason?
Fresh and green in old age! How can Christians have that on this earth!?!
Here’s a short psalm of sheer praise and adoration for God.
We have become accustomed to seeing Hebrew poetry express the same idea in different ways. Since that is so, what is the connection between God’s majesty and his strength?
The psalmist shows the Lord’s strength in contrast to the tumultuous oceans. Why didn’t the Israelites like the ocean?
Earlier the psalmist said God’s throne was established, now he says God’s statutes stand firm. What is the more glorious attribute of God—his power in nature or the saving Gospel revealed in his Word?
How could an overemphasis of God’s awesome power over his awesome Gospel love get us into trouble?
Remember! Lent starts tomorrow with Ash Wednesday worship service at 7 pm.
A psalm that clearly lays out the ways of the wicked and the ways of the godly.
What does it mean to “avenge” and what must be avenged, according to the psalmist?
What is the relationship between arrogance/boasting and other terrible crimes, like murder?
Why do the wicked act this way? Don’t they know they will be called to account?
What should God’s power in creation and in the governance of history teach people?
Remember! Lenten worship service tomorrow at 7 pm!
We continue with this psalm that clearly lays out the ways of the wicked and the ways of the godly. Today, thankfully, we get to the godly!
Why is discipline a good thing when it comes from the Lord and in what two ways does he “train” us?
Why are God’s people his inheritance?
Who alone gives the individual Christian support against corrupt government? Can you give some examples?
In what two ways does a corrupt government show itself?
Remember! Lenten worship service tomorrow at 7 pm!
Here is a psalm significant for its use in the liturgy (the Venite) and its citation in the book of Hebrews.
How do you know there is only one God when you look at the world around us?
How do the psalmist’s words show God has not walked away from his creation to let it run on its own?
When is the best time to repent? Why?
What is the “Promised Land” for us where we will find rest and how can we be different from those Old Testament people who never entered into God’s rest?
Remember! Lenten worship service tomorrow at 7 pm!
Here’s a psalm of praise and adoration for God which also has a very strong evangelism emphasis. See if you can find it.
What is the unique job of God’s people?
Why is the Lord’s power at creation so often pointed at to prove he is unique and other gods are but idols?
What are two ways we can acknowledge that God is Lord? Why would we be tempted to prefer the latter and not the former?
Why is the Last Day a source of joy for all the world?
Ok, point out just five places where there is an evangelism emphasis in this psalm.
Remember! Lenten worship service tomorrow at 7 pm!
In many ways, Psalm 97 mirrors the thoughts of Psalm 96.
What is the glory of the Lord compared to in vv. 3-6? Can you point to a time when these phenomena were present at one time?
“But what about the people who never had a chance to hear about Jesus?” What does the psalmist have to say about that?
How great is God over the false gods?
Why can’t you be a Christian and be hooked on Internet pornography?
Remember! Lenten worship service tomorrow at 7 pm!
Another of those “sing to the Lord a new song” psalms!
What is the relationship between Israel and the rest of the world when it comes to the revelation of God’s salvation?
How complete should people’s joy in the Lord be? Do you know what it is called when we attribute human emotions to inanimate objects?
Again, what is the reason for all this joy in nature?
What if I can’t sing and don’t sing in church?
Remember! Holy Week worship services, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, at 7 pm!
Another psalm with some familiar phrases in it, but this time it gets a little historical on us.
Why should believers as well as unbelievers tremble before the Lord?
What about times when we are tempted to doubt God, like at the death of a child, a miscarriage or the loss of a spouse?
Is it wrong to recount the lives of the saints of old? What are the lives of former believers supposed to do for us?
The worship of God in the Old Testament was very much at a place—his holy mountain (where was it?). Where is that “place” for us New Testament believers?
A good psalm to end our shortened Bible Class year because of the building project.
Why is gladness and a sense of joy necessary for worship? Is it wrong to laugh at a sermon? Why? What if the pastor deliberately is writing jokes into his sermon?
Why are we always God’s sheep, not his herd of cattle or pack of wolves?
What is the real reason we are adding on to our church?
What if it is just to keep the picture of progress going forward to keep the people interested? What effect should shenanigans in the church on earth have on believers?
This should be our last Psalmbreak for the year—we are entering the construction phase of the Building Project and the church will be shut down during the week. (I’ll add just a few more in case our best laid plans go awry!)
Here’s a psalm of David showing the heart of a godly ruler. Although we aren’t kings and queens, there are families we rule over.
Explain the relationship between worshipping God and leading a godly life? Do you see why the pastor is worried when his parishioners are not in worship?
Often evil in the world is met with apathy. What should be a believer’s attitude towards evil, even if he is “not in a position of power” to do something about it?
What role do Christians have in encouraging others to walk with Christ and how can they carry out that role?
How can that big, fat sinner, David, talk like this—isn’t this a bit hypocritical?
An anonymous psalm pleading to the Lord for help. We’ll start it this week.
We’ve had this phrase “hide your face” a number of times in the psalms. What does it mean? Why would God hide his face from anyone’s prayers?
Look at some of the pictures the psalmist uses to describe his mental and spiritual condition.
Is he clinically depressed? Maybe some Zoloft is what he needs!
What has happened that the man is so down? How do setbacks in your church (or synod!) make you feel and what do you do about it?
We conclude this psalm asking the Lord for help over the ruin of his Church.
Luther once said, “Salvation comes through the Church.” I think the psalmist is saying the same thing—where? And explain the statement—I though the Holy Spirit brought salvation.
Who are the prisoners and “those condemned to death” that the psalmist is talking about? What does this show about when this psalm was written?
What is God trying to teach us when he breaks our strength, cuts short our days and even brings to our mind that this ancient creation will perish?
What comfort does it give us that God remains the same?