Lessons

Psalm 76

"Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10/Proverbs 4:7). But later we are told that "perfect love casts out fear" (1John 4:18). So how can we fear God and love Him at the same time? And what is fear of God really? How do these two dynamics relate to one another? And is it dangerous to fear God too much? Or too little? Join us as we maneuver through this short and powerful psalm and address the question of fear of God.

Psalm 75

Psalm 75 is God's response to the outcry of Psalm 74. This psalm uses some vivid imagery (horns, strong wine, ladders) to express its power. In these brief ten verses, God provides relief to all the suffering described previously. Come join us as we explore this joyful song of victory.

Psalm 74

In this psalm Asaph asks, "God, where are You? Why don't You do something? Why have you forgotten us?" Asaph asks the honest questions that we have all had at one time or another. But hidden in this psalm is the answer to these same questions, but it will take courage to confront it. Join us on a deep dive into this psalm and its heartfelt cry.

Psalm 73

This psalm begins the "Leviticus Book" of psalms, so it is appropriate that this (and the following ten psalms) should be composed by a Levitical priest. Its author, Asaph, decries the wrong in the world and the suffering of his people. In fact, Asaph seems downright depressed! But one key verse in this psalm provides us with the solution to his bleak outlook on the world - and it is also the key to our own foul moods. Come along for a tour of an inspiring psalm that will lift your spirits.

Psalm 72

Psalm 72 concludes the second "book" of Psalms - the "Exodus Book", and it was written for Solomon, the son of David. But this psalm also seems to foreshadow the great Son of David, Messiah. But how can we be sure? Can we know the true identity of the Messiah? Believe it or not (and I hope you do believe it!), the Messiah's name and title are actually encoded into the letters of verse 5. Join us on a journey through this truly astounding and glorious description of Messiah's coming Kingdom.

Psalm 71

Do you ever feel that time is slipping by way too quickly? That you are growing old and no longer have much to offer? Is so, then this psalm was written for you. David was advanced in years when he composed Psalm 71, and in it he expresses how God's hand supports us from before we were born and even beyond the grave. This psalm is a great blessing to all who need encouragement in their latter years, but it also includes a beautiful secret - the secret of the sapphire - which reveals where God hides and how He can be found. Come join us for an uplifting and inspiring study.

Psalm 70

If you experience a bit of "deja vu" reading this psalm, there is a good reason. Psalm 70 is almost identical to Psalm 40. Why does the Bible contain two nearly identical psalms? There are two main theories, but one is better than the other (in my humble opinion), and I want to share it with you. So come along as we look into this short and beautiful psalm ... or, should I say, 'psalms'?

Psalm 69

Psalm 69 is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament scriptures. It is also sometimes called a twin to Psalm 22 - the crucifixion psalm, and in this psalm we can clearly hear the voice of Messiah. Come along for a fascinating journey through this fascinating psalm.

Psalm 68

This is a firework display of a psalm. It is chaotic, beautiful, and celebratory. Much of the translation is guesswork, but somehow the beauty of its underlying message comes through and make a deep impression. So come along for a rollercoaster ride of a study.

Psalm 67

Psalm 67 is called The Menorah Psalm. It is unique in its structure and contains many hidden features that set it apart from every other psalm. It is also recited each night during the 49 days of counting the omer between Passover and Pentecost. Come join this intriguing look into this beautiful "menorah" psalm.

Psalm 66

Psalm 66 is a beautiful song of praise to God; a psalm composed to bring glory to His great name. It looks to the days of the Messianic Kingdom when the whole earth will bend the knee to Israel's King Messiah. But if this psalm praises God's name, why is His name not mentioned a single time? Come delve into this amazing and uplifting psalm.

Psalm 65

How did David cope with the many trials described in his previous psalms? What tactic did he employ to alter his perception of all his troubles? The key lies in this beautiful song. We will also learn something about praise that may shock you!

Psalm 64

The previous psalm (Psalm 63) described how David dealt with physical enemies who were out to kill him. But in this psalm, David addresses the issue of hidden and anonymous spiritual enemies. A close study of this psalm can be a great boost to one's faith and peace.

Psalm 63

If you knew that dangerous men were hunting you to kill you, what would you pray for? Protection? Rescue? Superpowers? David found himself in exactly this predicament but prayed for none of these things. What did he pray for? Join us as we explore this short but beautiful and inspiring psalm together.

Psalm 62

For one reason or another, everyone we know fades away. Every relationship will eventually fail, whether through unfaithfulness, illness, death, or betrayal. Where can we find steadfastness in this transitory world with all its transitory relationships? Only in God Himself. That is the theme of this beautiful psalm - the glorious promise of God's eternal faithfulness.

Psalm 61

In this psalm, David uses five different things to describe God's faithful protection. What are these five things? And why are they listed in this order? We will also learn about the special vow made to God and how it may have resulted in the book of Psalms itself.

Psalm 60

Did you ever feel like you were losing even when you were winning? David felt that way at times, too. In this psalm, he expresses this confusing feeling of loss even in the midst of victory. Join us for a look into this phenomenon and why it occurs.

Psalm 59

We are all familiar with so many of David's psalms wherein he moans about the things he is going through and expresses despair and near hopelessness. This psalm could easily have been like one of these. But Psalm 59 has a different tone. Even though David has plenty of reason to be distressed - Saul's minions had surrounded his house to kill him, after all - David seems to have a deep sense of calm and assurance. Though the context of this psalm is tragic, David exudes peace. This psalm is quite beautiful and expresses a deep stillness in the eye of the storm.

Psalm 58

Psalm 58 is a unique psalm which I call Song of the Sociopath. It describes the intractability of certain souls who resist the righteous path and are bent on persecuting the innocent. Such a person was King Saul's counselor, Abner, who, traditions teaches, was the inspiration for this psalm. (Read 1Samuel 26.) On a different note, this psalm is one of the most difficult to translate. Hence, I present here three translations: The English Standard Version, the Robert Alter translation, and the Artscroll Publishers translation. We should not be surprised that grappling this psalm is as difficult as understanding the twisted mind of the sociopath.

Psalm 57

This is the sixth psalm (in a series of nine) where David prays for deliverance. But in this psalm, David does something completely different. Can you discover what it is? We also learn something fascinating about the Hebrew word for "dawn". We will learn about these and many other valuable insights in this short but powerful psalm.

Psalm 56

Psalm 56 begins a series of five psalms called "Michtams". It is uncertain what this term means, but it is somehow related to fine gold, thus making these "golden" psalms, or maybe David's favorite psalms. Psalm 56 is also the second psalm inspired by the time David disguised his sanity while behind enemy lines. (See also Psalm 34.) In this psalm David expresses his loneliness while under persecution. He set this psalm to a tune called "The Mute Dove of Distant Places". But, as David's powerful psalms often do, this one ends on a high note of hope in God.

Psalm 55

Psalm 54

This short psalm describes David's betrayal by the Ziphites - a mob of fellow Judeans - men who should have been loyal to their brother, David. Verses 1-3 are David's prayer for help; verses 4-7 are David's words of praise and commitment to God. A short, powerful psalm that teaches us to never give up hope even when there is not hope!

Psalm 53

In Psalm 52 we discussed the wicked and villainous Doeg. But in this plans we ask the question, what makes a wicked person "tick"? What makes a villain a villain? But David, too, had committed the horrible sins of adultery and murder, and yet he is considered a righteous king - a prefiguring of King Messiah Himself. So, what is the difference between Doeg and David? Psalm 53 is almost identical to Psalm 14, but with some profound difference which provide some valuable insights into this question.

Psalm 52

Psalms 51 and 52 form a pair. Both psalms resulted from a rather involved background story involving terrible sins, but the two sinners could not have been more different! David was the sinner in Psalm 51, and Doeg was the sinner in Psalm 52. How are they alike? And how are they profoundly different? What was it about Doeg that makes him one of the most despised and reviled characters in the entire Bible?

Psalm 51

Psalm 51 is sometimes called The Chapter of Repentance. David composed this psalm when the prophet Nathan rebuked him regarding his sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. As tragic as David's sin was, it did result in a psalm that provides a path to proper repentance. In this study we will answer the question: is all sin the same? Why did David say that his sin was against God alone? What good did David hope would result from this dark chapter in his life? What part of this psalm has become of the daily prayer liturgy?

Psalm 50

Asaph was the second most prolific psalmist, coming second only behind David. Psalm 50 is the first of the twelve psalms of Asaph, but why is it separated from the other eleven? Those are grouped together as Psalms 73-83. Why did the arrangers of the book of Psalms place this psalm of Asaph right here between Psalms 49 and 51? Join us as we look into Asaph's profound words about God's judgment of His people and the two kinds of sins each of us is prone to fall into.

Psalm 49

This final psalm of the Sons of Korach is one of the most difficult to translate. It is traditionally believed to describe Korach's wealth, which led to his eventual rebellion and downfall. The authors refer to this psalm as a 'proverb' and a 'riddle', but one truth comes shining through: wealth is a great hindrance to serving God fully from the heart.

Psalm 48

Psalm 48 is a love song for Jerusalem and is part of the daily prayers for the second day of the week - Monday. Why was this psalm about Jerusalem chosen to be read on the second day of the week, a day know as "division day" - the only day of creation when God did not say "it is good"? Also, how did Jerusalem get its name? We address these and others questions that arise from a close reading of this beautiful and well known psalm.

Psalm 47

Have you ever thought about why we clap our hands? Why is smacking one open hand against the other such an instinctual thing in human beings? There is actually a very spiritual reason for this universal behavior. As we dive into Psalm 47, we will answer this question and look into the kind of people who will join themselves to "the God of Abraham" in the end times. Join us for a fascinating study of this short but powerful psalm.

Psalm 46

Do you sometimes feel like this world is being shaken to pieces? Do the institutions and values that were always so stable and dependable seem like they are falling into ruins? If so, this is a psalm that will provide great comfort. This psalm actually counsels us to relax as God has everything covered. There is no need for us to start worrying until God does. (And that just isn't going to happen!)

Psalm 45

Psalm 45 is the only love song in the entire book of Psalms. It is the Messiah's wedding song. The first half describes the King and His attributes. The second half describes the Queen and her beauty. Join us for a preview of the goal of creation, the ultimate fulfillment of end-times prophecy, and God's purpose for mankind as we explore this glorious and beautiful psalm.

Psalm 44

Psalm 44 is unusual. Though it resembles other psalms that decry Israel's suffering and persecution from the nations, this psalm has a completely different twist to it. Whereas other psalms attribute God's anger to human failure, this one is just the opposite. Why does God's punishment befall us when we have not sinned nor broken His covenant? In fact, why do the past and the future appeal to us while the present seems so miserable? The Apostle Paul provides valuable insight into this psalm, so In this study we place Psalm 44 and Romans 8 side by side to produce a beautiful insight into why the present seems so difficult.

Psalm 43

This short psalm is a continuation of Psalm 42 and should be read along with it. It continues the psalmist's conversation with his own soul as he conquers depression.

Psalm 42

With Psalm 42 we begin the second book of Psalms - The Exodus Book - which opens with eight psalms penned by the sons of Korah. Both this psalm and the following one are unusual because the psalmist addresses his own soul by asking it questions and offering it advice. But how can such a thing be? What is this bizarre ability that we human beings have of talking to ourselves? And if I can talk to myself, who is actually doing the talking and who is doing the listening? We tackle these and other questions as we delve into this wonderful psalm.