Psalm 137

A lamentation, the psalm is set in Judah's exile in Babylon.

v.1-3 Sitting by a stream of water, weeping for Zion, the exiles are required by their captors to sing a song of Zion.
v.4-6 The exiles protest: how can we sing in a foreign land? They vow to remember Jerusalem.
v.7-9 The poem ends in imprecation (a call for retribution against Edom and Babylon). See Jer 51:56.

The captives are treated most cruelly; but, the psalm contrasts with the NT teaching that we should give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thes 5:18).

Read Psalm 137

Psalm 136

A praise psalm. His Steadfast Love Endures Forever.

v.1-3 Give thanks to the Lord, the God of gods, the Lord of lords.
v.4-9 A celebration of creation.
v.10-16 A celebration of the exodus.
v.17-22 A celebration of the conquest of the promised land.
v.23-25 A celebration of the Lord’s mercies.
v.26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
for his steadfast love endures forever. (For his love has no end.)

The psalm calls us to thoughtful, reflective worship of God for his character (1), his sovereignty (2f.), what he has made (4ff.), what he has done (10ff.), and what he continues to do (25).

Read Psalm 136

Psalm 135

A praise psalm. A call to praise the one true God who is Lord over creation, over all the nations, and of redemption.

Praise the Lord!
v.1-4 Call to praise the Lord (x3): for he is good (Ps 52:9), his name is pleasant, and he has chosen Israel (Dt 7:6).
v.5-7 More reasons for praise: He is great, he is above all gods, he does whatsoever he pleases, he makes clouds rise, lightening and rain, he brings forth the wind. See Jer 10:13.
v.8-12 The Lord’s mighty works for Israel (past salvation). See Ps 136:17-22.
v.13-14 The Lord’s name endures forever (Ps 102:12) and he will vindicate his people (Dt 32:36a) (future salvation).
v.15-18 The idols of the nations are worthless. Those that make them, or trust in them, become like them (dead). See Ps 115:4-8.
v.19-21 Let all Israel, and all who fear the Lord, bless the Lord. See Ps 115:12-13.
Praise the Lord!

The psalm teaches that the Lord is superior to any so-called "god" or idol (which are worthless). The name of the Lord should be praised publicly, privately, and continuously.

Read Psalm 135

Psalm 134

A Song of Ascents. This is the last of 15 “Songs of Ascents” (Ps 120-134). They were sung by pilgrims on their way up to the temple at Jerusalem three times a year for the major feasts.

A call to evening worship.
v.1-2 Servants of the Lord standing in the temple at night (1 Chr 9:23-27) are called to praise (bless) the Lord, lifting up their hands to the holy place (1 Tim 2:8).
v.3 Pronouncement of a blessing from God (who made heaven and earth) in Zion on the people (Ps 115:15).

The true Mount Zion is Jesus, as mediator of the new covenant (Heb 12:22-24). “For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” (Ps 133:3b, see also Jn 3:16)

Read Psalm 134

Psalm 133

A Song of Ascents. Of David. A celebration of unity.

v.1-3 David muses on “how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (See Gal 3:26) Like oil (Ex 30:25) running down the beard and like the dew (Hos 14:5) on Mount Zion. For there the Lord has commanded the blessing: life forevermore (descending from heaven at Christ’s 2^nd coming, Is 26:19).

The Lord has called believers to live in harmony with their brothers in Christ. This unity is a gift from God above. The Holy Spirit is the ointment by which believers in Christ are anointed.

Read Psalm 133

Psalm 132

A Song of Ascents. A royal psalm and a meditation on 2 Sm 7. See also Ps 89.

v.1-5 Petition to God that he remember David, the hardships he endured, and his vow to establish a dwelling place for the Lord (2 Sm 7:1-2).
v.6-7 The ark is found in the fields of Jaar (2 Sm 6:2-15, 1 Chr 13:5-8) and it is heard in Israel: let us worship God in his dwelling place.
v.8-10 “Arise, O Lord” was said whenever the ark was moved in the time of Moses (Nm 10:35). Here the Lord is asked to go to his resting place and clothe his priests with righteousness.
v.11-12 God’s covenant with David (2 Sm 7:11b-16, , 1 Kgs 9:1-9). The fulfillment is in the Messiah (Jesus Christ).
v.13-18 The answer to v.1-10. The Lord has chosen Zion as his dwelling place and will bless it.

Wherever believers meet to worship, and where the word of God is proclaimed, is God’s house. The building is not what counts, but rather the spiritual reality of what happens inside.

Read Psalm 132

Psalm 131

A Song of Ascents. Of David. A hymn.

v.1 The psalmist rejects the sins of pride, presumption, and selfish ambition.
v.2 Like a child weaned from his mother (and therefore no longer fretting for milk, content to be at his mother’s side) the psalmist has calmed and quieted his soul.
v.3 The psalmist therefore calls on Israel to hope in the Lord forever.

The psalm anticipates the object lesson, concerning child-like faith, of Mt 18:1-4. It counsels Israel to engage in quite contemplation before action.

Read Psalm 131

Psalm 130

A Song of Ascents. A penitential psalm.

v.1-2 From the depths of his heart, the psalmist cries out (in prayer) to the Lord for mercy.
v.3-4 The issue at hand is the psalmist’s sin (or guilt) before God. The psalmist is confident that there is forgiveness in the Lord (that he may be feared).
v.5-6 The psalmist waits on the Lord (more so than a watchmen for the sunrise, a hope that will not fail, no matter how long the night may seem—morning comes at its appointed time) and expresses his hope in his word.
v.7-8 The focus shifts from the psalmist to all of Israel. Israel is called to hope in the Lord in whom there is plentiful redemption. He will redeem all Israel from its sins.

Self-help books are no answer when the soul cries out from the depths of distress. There is hope to be found only in the Lord and his word.

Read Psalm 130

Psalm 129

A Song of Ascents.

v.1-4 Israel says: greatly have they persecuted me from my youth (the exodus, Hos 11:1); but they have not prevailed against me. They wounded my back with deep, long wounds (like Christ, Jn 19:1) like a plowman plowing his fields. But the Lord is righteous and he has freed me from their grip.
v.5-8 May those who hate Israel be put to shame, make them like withered grass that the reaper ignores. Let not the blessing of the Lord fall upon them (cf. Ru 2:4).

This psalm indicates that the life of faith is not pain free. There are many harsh realities to our journey here on earth. But the psalmist is confident that God will bring his judgment full circle. The plowmen who cut the furrows become the useless harvest in the end. Trust in God and you may get knocked around, but you will be victorious in the end (2 Cor 4:8-9).

Read Psalm 129

Psalm 128

A Song of Ascents. A wisdom psalm.

v.1-4 Blessed is he who fears the Lord and walks in his way:
- you will eat the fruit of the labor of your hands
- you will be blessed and it will be well with you
- your wife will be fruitful and your children will be like olive shoots
v.5-6 Benediction.
- May the Lord bless you all your days
- May you see your children's children
- Peace be upon Israel

This psalm teaches the blessings (stability and peace) that belong to those who fear the Lord and walk in his way.

Read Psalm 128

Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. A wisdom psalm.

v.1-2 In vain we build a house (raise a family), watch over a city, or rise early and stay up late (laboring for food). In vain that is unless the Lord builds the house, and the Lord watches over the city, and the Lord gives sleep (see Ps 4:8).
v.3-5 Children are a blessing and reward from the Lord.

What we do in life will either be the Lord’s doing or it will be pointless. Divine sovereignty trumps human plans and effort. Versus 1-2 appear in sharp contrast to Prv 24:33-34. They are perhaps paradoxically two sides of the same coin. We must avoid burning the candle at both ends while neglecting time with our family and God.

The psalm also instructs us to count our children as blessings not as a burden. All of life’s blessings are from the Lord. Parents have the responsibility to raise children properly trained in righteousness (Prv 22:6). This requires a lot of prayer, discipline, and love.

Read Psalm 127

Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.

This psalm appears to be set in the restoration of Israel following the Babylonian captivity (See Ezr and Neh).

v.1-3 The people rejoice that God has restored them from captivity. They where full of laughter and songs of joy. It was like a dream come true. The nations acknowledged that God had done great things for them.
v.4-6 But there were many hardships yet to be endured and the people petition God to restore them fully. Then those who sow weeping will sing songs of joy.

These words can also speak to revival in the church. Hard work in the dry parched land can turn to overflowing streams of joy.

Read Psalm 126

Psalm 125

A Song of Ascents.

v.1-2 Two similes. First, those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion. Second, the Lord himself is compared to the mountains surrounding Jerusalem (i.e. protection).
v.3 The troubles of the righteous will not last longer than their ability to bear them.
v.4-5 Prayer asking God to do good for those who are good. But, those who turn away from faith will be led away with the wicked. Finally, peace be upon Israel.

You must have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ to avoid being led away with the wicked. See also Is 3:10-11.

Read Psalm 125

Psalm 124

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

This psalm perhaps recalls the events in 2 Sm 5:17-25.

v.1-5 David recalls an event, perhaps a foreign invasion, where the Lord delivered the people of Israel. The people had been in great danger — “they would have swallowed us up alive.”
v.6-7 Blessed be the Lord who delivered them out of the snare.
v.8 The Lord, who made heaven and earth, is our great help in times of trouble.

With the Lord at our side, the church will surely have the victory against the devil and his forces. If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31) That’s the Lord’s stand, are you in good hands?

Read Psalm 124

Psalm 123

A Song of Ascents.

v.1-2 The psalmist lifts up his eyes to the one enthroned in heaven.
v.3-4 Petition for mercy in the face of contempt from the proud.

Waiting on the Lord is our proper posture, looking for mercy (which we all need). Lift up your eyes to the Lord in faith and humble reliance on him.

Read Psalm 123

Psalm 122

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

v.1-2 The joy of the pilgrim's ascent to Jerusalem. “Now at last our feet stand within your gates.” The long journey is over and the excitement that precipitated the journey returns.
v.3-5 At Jerusalem the people were to give thanks to the Lord.
v.6-9 David calls on the people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

We should worship God in the company of other believers and in public. It should be our greatest joy to be called upon to worship God. When we are together, we should give thanks and pray for peace.

Read Psalm 122

Psalm 121

A Song of Ascents.

v.1-2 The psalmist lifts up his eye to the hills (Mt. Zion) and declares that his help (salvation) comes from the Lord (who made heaven and earth).
v.3-4 The Lord is our keeper and the protector of the church. Our keeper does not slumber but is awake and ready to keep us.
v.5-6 He will keep as close to us as a shadow to the body. He is the shade that refreshes us.
v.7-8 The Lord will keep his people from all evil, from now to eternity.

He that made heaven and earth (all very excellent) is the powerful and sovereign Lord of the hosts and is able to save his people.

Read Psalm 121

Psalm 120

A Song of Ascents. This is the first of 15 songs of ascents (Ps 120-134).

v.1-2 The psalmist recalls a past event when he called upon the Lord. He prays for deliverance from lying lips.
v.3-4 The answer is that the liar will be destroyed by arrows of truth and coals of destruction.
v.5-7 The psalmists situation is that he is living as an alien among gentiles (woe to me). His desire is for peace, but they are for war.

All believers suffer persecution in this fallen world (2 Tim 3:12). May we be like the psalmist and call out to God in our distress.

Read Psalm 120

Psalm 119:169-176

ת Taw

v.169 -170 The psalmist prays (his cry and plea) that his petition might come before God. His supplication is for understanding (of the word) and deliverance from his troubles.
v.171-172 His lips pour out praise for God, grateful that God has taught him his statutes. His tongue sings of God’s word since all his commandments are right.
v.173-174 David chose God’s precepts and made the word his delight. He longed for God’s salvation and helping hand in time of need.
v.175 David prays that he might live to praise God and that the word might help him in this endeavor.
v.176 David confesses that he, like a lost sheep, has gone astray. But he confidently asks God to seek him for he has not (wickedly) forgotten his commandments.

The psalmist concludes the psalm with the confession that he has gone astray. All God’s people will go astray, but he can confidently pray to the Lord “seek your servant.” The finale is “I do not forget your commandments.” This is then our task, having read this psalm, to remember God’s word and keep his commandments.

Read Psalm 119:169-176

Psalm 119:161-168

ש Sin and Shin

v.161 Persecuted without cause, even so, the psalmist stands in awe of God’s law.
v.162 Here David finds great joy in God’s word (as one that finds great spoil).
v.163 David loves God’s word, which is truth itself, and abhors falsehood (lying).
v.164 Seven times a day, David praised God. That is many times a day. Just once a week won’t do. Praising God is a duty we should very much enjoy. Praise him at every meal and in all things. Give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thes 5:18).
v.165 One can find great peace in loving and following God’s word. This peace is not found in the world’s ways.
v.166-168 David’s hope is in the Lord’s salvation and he keeps the Lord’s testimonies and precepts.

The more we see the beauty and truth of God’s word, the more we will detest a lie.

Read Psalm 119:161-168

Psalm 119:153-160

ר Resh

v.153-154 The psalmist prays for God’s thoughtful consideration of his affliction and deliverance from the same. He calls to God’s attention his remembrance of the law. As in the last section he asks for life (according to God’s promise).
v.155 The wicked man does not seek after God’s word. He goes wherever his heart takes him. But salvation is far from him (and judgment is near).
v.156 The psalmist again asks for life (according to God’s rules). Great are the mercies of our God.
v.157-158 Surrounded by the troubles of the world the psalmist clings to God’s testimonies. He looks at the faithless man in disgust for not following God’s word.
v.159 Once again the psalmist appeals for life (according to God’s steadfast love). He asks God to consider how he loves his precepts.
v.160 Here we are comforted that the sum of God’s word is truth and his rules will last forever.

Do not be like the wicked man who not only doesn't act according to God’s rules, but does not seek God’s word. If you want eternal life, meditate on God’s word and see that the word points to Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in Jesus will have life (Jn 3:16)

Read Psalm 119:153-160

Psalm 119:145-152

ק Qoph

v.145-146 David cries (prays) with his whole heart: Lord save me! Save me from my sins, from temptation, from evil doers, and from any hindrance to doing your will. Then I will be able to keep your testimonies.
v.147-148 David started his day with God; in prayer and meditation on his word.
v.149 David pleads: Lord, give me life (quicken me) according to your steadfast love and justice.
v.150-151 Enemies draw near to destroy me, but you are nearer and ready to save. They are far from your law, but I know all your commandments are truth.
v.152 David had known God’s testimonies from his youth and knew that they were forever.

David knew that just reading God’s word was insufficient, he needed to meditate on it. He did so early in the morning before the day’s distractions were upon him. Here is a suggestion: get up early to pray and meditate on God’s eternal word.

Read Psalm 119:145-152

Psalm 119:137-144

צ Tsadhe

v.137-138 God is righteous and his rules are right. They are established in righteousness and faithfulness.
v.139 The psalmist’s zeal consumes him when he looks on those who have forgot God.
v.140 The word of God is pure (well tried, as in a furnace) and it purifies those who study it and meditate on its precepts. So the psalmist loves it.
v.141 David was small and despised, but he did not forget God and his precepts.
v.142 God’s word is truth (Jn 18:37b) and his righteousness is forever.
v.143-144 In this life there will be troubles and anguish, but God’s testimonies are righteous forever (cf. v. 142). Pray for understanding so you might live (Jn 17:3) and delight in his word.

Find joy in the midst of sorrow in God’s righteous, pure, and true word.

Read Psalm 119:137-144

Psalm 119:129-136

פ Pe

v.129-130 God’s testimonies (1) are wonderful, (2) give light (enlighten), and (3) impart understanding. Therefore my soul keeps them.
v.131 David longed for God’s word. (Ps 42:1)
v.132-133 The psalmist declares his love for the name of the Lord and asks God to (1) turn to me, (2) be gracious to me, (3) keep my steps steady, and (4) don’t let sin master me.
v.134 David asks for deliverance from oppression so he can keep God’s precepts more cheerfully.
v.135 The psalmist asks for God’s favor (make your face shine on me) and instruction in keeping God’s word.
v.136 The sins of sinners are the sorrows of saints. (MHC)

God’s word, carefully studied, can impart much wisdom in how we are to go about this life on earth. Ask God to give you instruction in his ways — and study his word.

Read Psalm 119:129-136

Psalm 119:121-128

ע Ayin

v.121-123 The psalmist, oppressed, appeals to God. He had acted justly, but was oppressed by the insolent. His eyes long for salvation.
v.124-125 Now he appeals for instruction in God’s statutes and understanding to know God’s word (without which we cannot know it).
v.126 The psalmist complains about the lawbreakers and petitions the Lord to take action.
v.127-128 He loved his Bible more than his money! More than fine gold. He considered God’s precepts to be right. He loved God’s commandments and hated “every false way” (sin).

We can only understand God's word to the extent that God gives us understanding. God will make known his precepts to those who fear him (Ps 25:14). Pray to God that he might give you understanding.

Read Psalm 119:121-128

Psalm 119:113-120

ס Samekh

v.113-114 The psalmist loves God’s word and finds hope in it. He also finds shelter — “you are my hiding place.”
v.115 We must not keep company with evildoers (Ps 1:1). David tells them to depart from him.
v.116-117 David prays for God to uphold him. Without God’s assistance he would fall into sin.
v.118-120 God will punish the wicked. David trembles at the thought.

We are dependent in our lives on the grace of God. Pray that he will uphold you. Make him your hiding place. If you depend on God for your safety, you will have the benefit of his saving power in your life.

Read Psalm 119:113:120

Psalm 119:105-112

נ Nun

v.105 God’s word is light to direct our life.
v.106 The psalmist swears an oath to keep God’s rules.
v.107 David prays: I am afflicted, give me life.
v.108 Accept my prayers and teach me your rules.
v.109-110 David’s life is in danger yet he does not forget God’s law.
v.111-112 He commits to keeping God’s word always, even to the end.

Make God’s word your heritage forever. Live it, meditate on it, enjoy it.

Read Psalm 119:105-112

Psalm 119:97-104

מ Mem

v.97-103 God's word:
- Oh how I love it
- it is my meditation
- it makes me wise
- it is ever with me
- it gives me understanding
- I keep it's precepts, and keep away from evil
- I do not turn aside from it
- it is sweet to my taste
v.104 Through your precepts I get understanding and therefore I hate every false way.

What a catalog of love for God's word. Love it, meditate on it, live it.

Read Psalm 119:97-104

Psalm 119:89-96

ל Lamedh

v.89-91 God created the world and his word is firmly established.
v.92-93 God’s word is the psalmists delight. By God’s word the psalmist has life.
v.94-95 The psalmist asks for deliverance from the wicked.
v.96 God’s word is greater than all earthly perfection.

In God's word we have life. Start a program today to read the bible everyday.

Read Psalm 119:89-96

Psalm 119:81-88

כ Kaph

v.81-82 The psalmist, in a crisis, longs for salvation and comfort.
v.83-84 He asks how long must he endure before God judges his persecutors.
v.85-87 They have dug pitfalls for me, persecuted me with falsehoods, and almost made an end of me.
v.88 The psalmist pleads: “in your steadfast love give me life.”

This is a prayer for deliverance. The psalmist was afflicted, but he did not neglect God’s word. Whatever your spiritual need, find your hope in the word of God. This ends the first half of Ps 119.

Read Psalm 119:81-88

Psalm 119:73-80

י Yodh

Psalmist’s voice speaking to God
v.73 You made me God, give me understanding to learn your word.
v.74 I have hoped in your word.
v.75-77 Your rules are righteous, your promises comfort me, and your law is my delight.
v.78 Let those who lie about me be put to shame, as for me, I will meditate on your words.
v.79-80 Let those who fear you turn to me in fellowship and may my heart be found blameless.

We should all pray v.73. Will you pray it with me today?

Read Psalm 119:73-80

Psalm 119:65-72

ט Teth

v.65-66 You have dealt well with me, teach me good judgment and knowledge. See Phil 1:9.
v.67-68 Teach me your statutes for you are good.
v.69-70 Though persecuted, I will keep your precepts with my whole heart.
v.71-72 Affliction has been good for me because I have learned your statutes. Your law is better than gold and silver.

The daily trials we go through in this life can be vehicles that God can use to teach us good judgment and his precepts. Pray with the psalmist for God’s instruction and keep what you learn with your whole heart.

Read Psalm 119:65-72

Psalm 119:57-64

ח Heth

v.57 “I promise to keep your words” — the very words of life.
v.58 “be gracious to me according to your promise” — the promise is God’s word.
v.59-61 When I think about my life, I hasten to keep your testimonies. The wicked try to snare me, but I will remember your law.
v.62-63 At midnight I praise you and I keep company with those who fear you.
v.64 Teach me, O Lord, because the earth is full of your love.

Delayed obedience is disobedience. The psalmist promises to consider God's words and hasten to turn his feet in the direction they lead him. Can you promise the same today?

Read Psalm 119:57-64

Psalm 119:49-56

ז Zayin

Voice of psalmist speaking to God:
v.49-50 Your word is my hope, my comfort, and my life.
v.51 Though I am persecuted I keep your law.
v.52 I take comfort in your rules.
v.53 I am angry about the wicked, who forsake your law.
v.54-56 Your statutes are my song and I have kept your precepts.

Remember the name of the Lord, day and night. Keep his precepts and take comfort in his word. If you haven’t already, establish the daily practice of reading God’s word and obeying his precepts. It will be a blessing in your life.

Read Psalm 119:49-56

Psalm 119:41-48

ו Waw

v.41-42 Psalmist asks for salvation (according to God’s promise) from one who taunts him.
v.43-45 His hope is in God’s rules, he will keep the law forever, and seek God’s precepts.
v.46-48 The psalmist will speak of God’s testimonies before kings, he will find delight in and meditate on God’s statutes.

We are called to love and keep God’s commandments. Meditate on his word today.

Read Psalm 119:41-48

Psalm 119:33-40

ה He

v.33-35 Teach me your statutes and I will delight in them, keep them to the end, and observe them with my whole heart.
v.36-37 "Incline my heart", "turn my eyes", "give me life" - the psalmists asks God to help him keep his law (recognizing he cannot do it on his own). Life is the gift of God. Turn me from the worthless cares of this earthly existence and show me the way of your life-giving words!
v.38-40 I long for your (good) precepts, confirm your word by giving me life eternal.

Do you long for the life-giving word of God? You are reading this blog, that's a good start. Ask God to confirm his word to you by giving you eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Read Psalm 119:33-40

Psalm 119:25-32

ד Daleth

v.25 “my soul clings to the dust” — I am but a mortal man.
“give me life according to your word” — but your word gives eternal life.
v.26 "When I told of my ways” — when I confessed my sin.
“you answered me” — you forgave me.
v.27-32 Teach me, O God, your precepts. I choose to follow you.

Have you chosen to follow God? If not, pray to him now and confess your sins. Ask God to teach you his ways.

Read Psalm 119:25-32

Psalm 119:17-24

ג Gimel

The psalmist addresses God:
v.17 The psalmist asks for God’s bountiful provision so that he can live and keep God’s word.
v.18 “Open my eyes” he acknowledges his need for help in understanding the law.
v.19-20 “I am a sojourner” he realizes he is on earth temporarily and he is consumed with longing for God’s rules.
v.21-24 Despite persecution from the world, the psalmist will meditate on God’s word.

Be consumed with God’s word like the psalmist. We are here on earth but a little while, meditate on the eternal and unchanging word of God.

Read Psalm 119:17-24

Psalm 119:9-16

ב Beth

v.9 The way to keep pure. “Young man” indicates the psalm was used for instruction to children.
v.10 Seek the Lord with your whole heart and don’t wander from his commandments.
v.11 Why? So that you won’t sin against God.
v.12 “teach me your statutes” — we can’t do it on our own, ask God for help.
v.13-16 The psalmist delights in God’s word.

Read the bible, study it, meditate on it, memorize it, ask God’s help to understand it, delight in it, obey it, apply it to your life everyday.

Read Psalm 119:9-16

Psalm 119:1-8

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem of 22 stanzas of 8 verses each corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The theme is the psalmists delight in God's word (cf. Ps 1:1-2 and Ps 19:7-11). Eight synonyms for scripture are used throughout: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, rules, word, and promises.

א Aleph

v.1 Beatitude on following God’s law.
v.2-3 Beatitude on keeping his testimonies.
note: v.1-3 serve as an introduction to the entire psalm.
v.4-8 (Voice of psalmist speaking to God.) Psalmist declares he will keep God’s laws.

Read Psalm 119:1-8

Psalm 118

The final “Egyptian Hallel” psalm (Ps 113-118). A hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance.

v.1 A call to give thanks to the Lord.

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!

v.2-4 All Israel and all who fear the Lord are called to say “his love endures forever.”
v.5-18 A description of God’s deliverance in wartime.
v.6 cited in Heb 13:6.
v.19-24 The righteous will enter through the gates.
v.22 cited in Mt 21:42, Mk 12:10-11, Lk 20:17, Acts 4:11, 1 Pt 2:7.
v.25 A prayer for deliverance and success.
v.26-27 The one who comes in the name of the Lord is praised.
v.26 cited in Mt 21:9, 23:39, Mk 11:9, Lk 13:35, 19:38, Jn 12:13
v.28 Vow to praise God.
v.29 A call to give thanks to the Lord. (Repeat of v.1)

This psalm may have been the hymn sung at the conclusion of the Last Supper (Mt 26:30). The psalm is Messianic with fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Every believer should give thanks to the Lord in all things and especially for the cross.

Read Psalm 118

Psalm 117

A praise psalm.

1 Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

v.1 Call to praise. Quoted by Paul in Rom 15:11.
v.2 Reason for praise.
Praise the Lord! (Hallelu Yah)

We need to reach the world for Jesus so that God may receive the praise of the nations.

Read Psalm 117

Psalm 116

A praise psalm.

v.1-4 The Lord delivered the psalmist, who declares his love, from the snares of death.
O Lord, save me!
v.5-6a Praise God for his attributes (graciousness, righteousness, mercy, he preserves the simple).
v.6b-11 Psalmists testimony of God's deliverance.
v.12-19 Vow to praise God and to worship him.
Praise the Lord (Hallelu Yah).

Lean on the Lord for his grace.

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Psalm 115

A praise psalm.

v.1 Praise to God. Declaration of his glory.

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name
give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love
and your faithfulness!

v.2-3 Response to the (pagan) nations, who ask: where is God?
v.4-8 The pagan "gods" are powerless. Those that worship them, become like them—dead.
v.9-11 Call to Israel to trust in the Lord.
v.12-13 The Lord remembers his people and will bless those who fear him.
v.14-15 A prayer for blessings on the people of Israel.
v.16-18 God, who is sovereign, is to be praised.

18 But we will bless the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!

The Lord alone is God, he rules over all, and he prospers his people. Giving thought to any man made idol is insanity. Praise God who alone is worthy of praise. Guard your heart and mind against idols (1 Jn 5:21).

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Psalm 114

A poem concerning the miraculous deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea (Ex 14) and the Jordan River (Jos 3).

v.1-2 Introduction. When Israel came out of Egypt, they became God’s sanctuary.
v.3-4 Using personification the poet describes the sea and the Jordan as fleeing and the mountains as skipping.
v.5-6 Using apostrophe the poets asks the sea and Jordan why they fled and the mountains why they skipped.
v.7-8 The poet commands the earth to tremble at the presence of God (see also Rv 20:11), who turned rock into springs of water (Ex 17:5-6 and Nm 20:8-11).

Here the psalmist ensures God's people that he will work for their good in times of trouble. Note the use of parallelism throughout.

Read Psalm 114

Psalm 113

A praise psalm. A worship hymn. Part of the “Egyptian Hallel,” Ps 113-118. These psalms were sung at the Passover.

Praise the Lord (Hallelu Yah).

v.1 Call to praise the name (the sum total of the greatness of his character) of the Lord.
v.2-3 A beatitude (2) and a second call to praise (3)
v.4-9a God's praiseworthy attributes and deeds.
- the Lord is high above the nations (4)
- his glory (the sum total of the supremacy of who God is) is above the heavens (4)
- who is like the Lord our God? (nobody) (5)
- he is seated on high (5)
- he looks far down on the heavens and earth (to meet man where he is in the trenches of life) (6)
- he raises the poor from the dust (7)
- he lifts the needy from the ash heap (7)
- he makes the poor sit with princes of the people (see 1 Sm 2:8) (8)
- he gives the barren woman a home and children (9)
v.9b Final crescendo — Praise the Lord

“Man’s chief work is the praise of God” — St. Augustine

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Psalm 112

An acrostic praise psalm. Eulogy to the godly man (or a God-centered life).

Praise the Lord (Hallelu Yah).

v.1a Opening: Praise the Lord!
v.1b-9 Description of the godly man.
The man who fears the Lord:
- is blessed (happy, satisfied, content, whole, full) (1)
- finds great delight in God's commands (1)
- his children will be mighty (2)
- the generation of the upright (the people around the God-fearing man) will be blessed (2)
- wealth and riches are in his house (3)
- his righteousness endures forever (3)
- even in darkness, light (spiritual light) dawns for the upright (4)
- he is gracious, compassionate, and righteous (4)
- good will come to him who is generous (5)
- he conducts his affairs with justice (5)
- he will never be shaken (6)
- he will be remembered forever (6)
- he has no fear of bad news (7)
- his heart is steadfast, trusting the Lord (7)
- his heart is secure, he will have no fear (8)
- in the end he will look in triumph on his foes (8)
- he scatters gifts to the poor (9)
- his horn will be lifted high in honor (9)
v.10 Closing proverb about the wicked man (the converse of v.1).

Many blessing are available to the one who fears the Lord and delights in doing his commands.

Read Psalm 112

Psalm 111

A hymn. An acrostic praise psalm. Praise of God for his righteousness. Psalms 111 & 112 are twins.

Praise the Lord (Hallelu Yah).

v.1 Call to praise.
v.2-9 God's praiseworthy acts and attributes.
The works of the Lord are:
- great (2)
- pondered by those who delight in them (2)
- glorious and majestic (3)
- remembered (4)
- faithful and just (7)
- steadfast for ever and ever (8)
- done in faithfulness and uprightness (8)
The Lord:
- provides food for his people (5)
- remembers his covenant forever (5)
- provides lands to his people (6)
- shows his people the power of his works (6)
- provided redemption for his people (9)
- ordained his covenant forever (9)
Attributes of the Lord:
- his righteousness endures forever (3)
- he is gracious and compassionate (4)
- all his precepts are trustworthy (7)
- holy and awesome is his name (9)
v.10 Proverb on the fear of the Lord.

All that God does is good and the fear of him is the beginning of wisdom.

Read Psalm 111

Psalm 110

A Psalm of David. A royal psalm. A messianic psalm.

Sit at my right hand.

This is the most frequently quoted OT passage in the NT.
The embodiment of this ideal king is Christ.

v.1 David quotes God’s voice (1^st person of Godhead) exalting the king (2^nd person of Godhead).
v.1 is quoted in Mt 22:44, Mk 12:36, Lk 20:42-43, Acts 2:34-35, Heb 1:13.

1 The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”

v.2a God gives the king a mighty scepter.
v.2b-4 The king in triumph.
v.4 is quoted in Heb 5:6, 7:17, 7:21.

4 The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”

v.5-7 God in triumph.

This psalm declares the sovereignty of God, and his son Jesus Christ, over all the earth. Do you know him? If not repent of your sins now and believe in him—this moment.

Read Psalm 110