Lessons

Psalm 88

Without dispute, Psalm 88 is the saddest psalm in the Bible. It contains no note of hope or relief, and seems to reflect the soul of a forsaken and dying man. And yet, this bleak psalm contains an undercurrent of strength and may, in fact, demonstrate the strongest of faith. Join us in a study of this dark psalm that also contains great light.

Psalm 87

In Galatians 4:26 Paul wrote that Jerusalem "is our mother". Where did he get such a notion? He got it from this short, powerful psalm. These seven brief verses will inspire your soul!

Psalm 86

This is the only psalm by David found in the 3rd book (the "Leviticus" book) of Psalms, and it appears in the middle of four psalms by the Sons of Korah. Why this unusual arrangement? This moving psalm also contains other unusual and unique features. Why does it refer to God as "Master" (adon) seven times? How can David call himself a "chasid" (a pious man)? What is required for a person to be truly "pious"? What did David mean by "unite my heart"? Join us for an insightful journey through this beautiful and unusual psalm.

Psalm 85

Psalm 85 contains one of the most enigmatic verses in the entire book: "Kindness and Truth have met. Righteousness and Peace have kissed." What are we to make of this? Join us for a rich discussion of this question as we discover some profound insights.

Psalm 84

This short psalm drips with sweet blessings, but is also filled with unique and hidden gems of insight. What does self-sacrifice have to do with freedom and liberty? How can our tears be sweet? How is God manifested when His people are united? How could Temple worship be beautiful? Join us as we delve into this psalm by the Sons of Korah and explore these and other rich truths.

Psalm 83

Psalm 83 is no one's favorite. Psalms calling for destruction seldom are. And yet, this psalm has a unique something about it - an unexpected appeal for redemption of God's foes. This psalm also includes insight into the four methods by which God brings victory in difficult battles. Join us for an intriguing exploration of this short and intense psalm.

Psalm 82

This is the most controversial psalm of all. It is the one Yeshua quotes when He says to his accusers, "You are gods." What did Yeshua mean by this? Join us for a fascinating excursion into this short (and misunderstood) psalm as we try unravel its mysteries.

Psalm 81

Psalm 81 is in many ways a mirror image (alike but opposite) of Psalm 80. This short psalm contains several secret insights that are revealed only in the Hebrew, such as a unique spelling of Joseph's name, a strange word used for "harp", and a curious addition to the first line of The 10 Commandments. Join us for a deep dive into this fascinating psalm.

Psalm 80

What good does suffering do us? Does it in any way improve our relationship with God? This is one of the main themes of this short and powerful psalm. Join us as we observe the growth and expansion of the author's concept of who God is as he experiences suffering.

Psalm 79

One of God's names is El Kanah - "The Jealous God". What does this mean? Isn't jealousy a petty, negative emotion? How can God be jealous? And what could He possibly be jealous of?! Join us for a discussion into this short but powerful psalm as we address these and other questions.

Psalm 78

This lengthy (72 verses) psalm takes center stage in this string of 11 psalms by Asaph. It provides a review of Israel's history - warts and all. But amidst its chorus of failure and pain interweaves a melody of God's grace and lovingkindness. But the climax of this psalm is its reference to how the Holy One of Israel was wounded, using a unique Hebrew word that points directly at the cross. Join us in our study of this sad, majestic, yet beautiful and victorious psalm of God's faithful devotion to His people.

Psalm 77

Can't sleep? Has stress stolen away your peace of mind? Are you so worried and troubled over some issue that your eyes just won't stay closed? Asaph knew this feeling well and penned this poignant psalm that not only addresses this common human experience, but also provides a solution for inner peace during such a time of turmoil. Join us for a discussion into this powerful psalm.

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!