Title of the Psalm- Compare different translation here.56:1-2 David begs for mercy because of wicked foes56:3-4 David places His trust in God56:5-6 The viciousness of HIs foes56:7-9 Prayer for judgment on foes and God's care for him56:10-11 David's trust in God56:12-13 Thanksgiving for God's deliveranceJesus experienced the same mistreatment that David wrote of in this psalm56:1-2, 5-6 Compare what Jesus experienced with DavidJesus puts His trust in God in the midst of terrifying circumstances56:3-4, 10-11 Compare Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36Jesus offered loud crying and tears56:8 with Hebrews 5:7God vindicated Jesus via the resurrection 56:13 One day God will eliminate all tears for HIs children- Revelation 7:15-17; 21:3-4

Title of the Psalm- Compare different translation here. 56:1-2 David begs for mercy because of wicked foes 56:3-4 David places His trust in God 56:5-6 The viciousness of HIs foes 56:7-9 Prayer for judgment on foes and God's care for him 56:10-11 David's trust in God 56:12-13 Thanksgiving for God's deliverance Jesus experienced the same mistreatment that David wrote of in this psalm 56:1-2, 5-6 Compare what Jesus experienced with David Jesus puts His trust in God in the midst of terrifying circumstances 56:3-4, 10-11 Compare Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36 Jesus offered loud crying and tears 56:8 with Hebrews 5:7 God vindicated Jesus via the resurrection 56:13 One day God will eliminate all tears for HIs children- Revelation 7:15-17; 21:3-4

Psalm 56

OT events seemingly alluded to in this psalm.55:9 seems to allude to the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9.55:9-11 The picture of the wickedness of the city is quite a contrast with Psalms. 46 and 48.55:15 "Let them go down alive into Sheol" Numbers 16:30-33NT and Psalm 5555:22 Casting our care upon God is encouraged in I Peter 5:7.55:23 God hurling the wicked to destruction is in Revelation 19:20-21 among other places.  Jesus fulfills Psalm 5555:2, 4 The word used in the main ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament translated "anguish" in vs. 4 is a word that is used to describe the feelings of Jesus in John 12:27; 13:21.55:6-7 Jesus wishes He could flee from HIs burden- Luke 12:49-50.55:12-14, 20-21 Jesus was betrayed by one who was close to Him- Psalm 41:9; John 13:18

OT events seemingly alluded to in this psalm. 55:9 seems to allude to the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9. 55:9-11 The picture of the wickedness of the city is quite a contrast with Psalms. 46 and 48. 55:15 "Let them go down alive into Sheol" Numbers 16:30-33 NT and Psalm 55 55:22 Casting our care upon God is encouraged in I Peter 5:7. 55:23 God hurling the wicked to destruction is in Revelation 19:20-21 among other places. Jesus fulfills Psalm 55 55:2, 4 The word used in the main ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament translated "anguish" in vs. 4 is a word that is used to describe the feelings of Jesus in John 12:27; 13:21. 55:6-7 Jesus wishes He could flee from HIs burden- Luke 12:49-50. 55:12-14, 20-21 Jesus was betrayed by one who was close to Him- Psalm 41:9; John 13:18

Psalm 55

This brief psalm calls on the LORD to save David from distress.The historical situation is described in I Samuel 23:19-29; 26:1-25. The men of Ziph are from Judah which is David's own tribe. They twice betray David to Saul. Where else can David look for help except to God?54:1-2 Pleas for God to save Him from distress54:3 A description of violent men who seek HIs life54:4-5 He looks to God as His helper and His strength54:6-7 He offers thanksgiving to God for victory. 

This brief psalm calls on the LORD to save David from distress. The historical situation is described in I Samuel 23:19-29; 26:1-25. The men of Ziph are from Judah which is David's own tribe. They twice betray David to Saul. Where else can David look for help except to God? 54:1-2 Pleas for God to save Him from distress 54:3 A description of violent men who seek HIs life 54:4-5 He looks to God as His helper and His strength 54:6-7 He offers thanksgiving to God for victory.

Psalm 54

This psalm is a twin to Psalm 14 but it is not an identical twin. The Psalms go separate ways in Psalm 14:5-6 and Psalm 53:5. I will argue that there is a slightly different emphasis in these psalms and that both fit into different contexts. One example that I do not point out on the podcast is that both Psalms use a Hebrew word that means shame.  The word is used in Psalm 14:6 to describe how the wicked seek to shame the afflicted but the LORD will be the refuge of the afflicted. Psalm 14 stresses the deliverance of the righteous. Psalm 53:5 uses the same term about how God will put to shame those who rejected Him. God judges the wicked in Psalm 53. 

This psalm is a twin to Psalm 14 but it is not an identical twin.  The Psalms go separate ways in Psalm 14:5-6 and Psalm 53:5. I will argue that there is a slightly different emphasis in these psalms and that both fit into different contexts.  One example that I do not point out on the podcast is that both Psalms use a Hebrew word that means shame.  The word is used in Psalm 14:6 to describe how the wicked seek to shame the afflicted but the LORD will be the refuge of the afflicted. Psalm 14 stresses the deliverance of the righteous. Psalm 53:5 uses the same term about how God will put to shame those who rejected Him. God judges the wicked in Psalm 53.

Psalm 53

This psalm shows a stark contrast between the wicked- 52:1-4- and the righteous- 52:6-9.In vs. 5 four verbs are used to emphasize that God will bring the wicked down.  The wicked are broken down, snatched up, torn away, and uprooted.52:1-5 speaks in second person and addresses the ungodly man.52:6-7 speak in third person describing the ungodly.52:8-9 David speaks in first person and describes his trust in God's lovingkindness. The psalm contrasts the ground of the wicked's trust (vs. 7) with the ground of the trust of the righteous (vs. 8). The psalm uses an agricultural image to describe the judgment on the wicked (vs. 5) with an agricultural image to describe blessings upon the righteous (vs. 8).

This psalm shows a stark contrast between the wicked- 52:1-4- and the righteous- 52:6-9. In vs. 5 four verbs are used to emphasize that God will bring the wicked down.  The wicked are broken down, snatched up, torn away, and uprooted. 52:1-5 speaks in second person and addresses the ungodly man. 52:6-7 speak in third person describing the ungodly. 52:8-9 David speaks in first person and describes his trust in God's lovingkindness. The psalm contrasts the ground of the wicked's trust (vs. 7) with the ground of the trust of the righteous (vs. 8). The psalm uses an agricultural image to describe the judgment on the wicked (vs. 5) with an agricultural image to describe blessings upon the righteous (vs. 8).

Psalm 52

51:1-2 Plea for mercy51:3-6 David confronts how horrible his sins are51:7-9 He pleas for complete forgiveness51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart51:13-17 God wants a whole hearted repentance51:18-19 He asks God build ZionThe things David requests: God's mercy, blotting out of sins, washing, cleansing, created anew all find their greatest fulfillment in Jesus

51:1-2 Plea for mercy 51:3-6 David confronts how horrible his sins are 51:7-9 He pleas for complete forgiveness 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart 51:13-17 God wants a whole hearted repentance 51:18-19 He asks God build Zion The things David requests: God's mercy, blotting out of sins, washing, cleansing, created anew all find their greatest fulfillment in Jesus

Psalm 51 B

This is David's great confession after his sin with BathshebaThe historical event is recorded in II Sam. 11-12. We read more of David's grief over his sin in this psalm. It will take us more than one podcast to cover it. 

This is David's great confession after his sin with Bathsheba The historical event is recorded in II Sam. 11-12. We read more of David's grief over his sin in this psalm.  It will take us more than one podcast to cover it.

Psalm 51

This focuses on teaching man about God rather than praising God.Asaph- I Chron. 6:39; 15:17 -19; 16:5; 25:1; II Chron. 29:3050:1-6 The LORD God summons HIs covenant people to court50:7-15 What is the true meaning of sacrifice?Sacrifice does not provide God with something that He needs. God owns and possesses all and would not ask our permission if He needed anything.Sacrifice itself is not rejected. Notice the mentions of sacrifice in 50:5, 8, 14-15, 23.We are dependent upon God, and He is not dependent upon us.50:16-23 Warning to the violators of the covenant50:18 They rejoice in thieves and adulterers- Rom. 1:3250:21 God kept silent, and they interpreted this as the fact that He was indifferent to immorality- Rom. 2:1-4What does Psalm 50 teach us about God?50:1, 4, 10-12 God is sovereign over everything50:4, 6 He is judge of all50:9-12 We are dependent upon God and He is not dependent upon us- Acts 17:24-2850:18-21 God is not indifferent to immorality 50:15 He will rescue those who call to Him and in 50:22 tear in pieces those who forget Him.How does Psalm 50 teach us about Jesus?50:9-12 Man could not offer a sacrifice great enough to make atonement, and God offers the offering to bring  us into a right relationship with Him.50:18 Men prefer thieves and adulterers. They even asked for a robber to be given to them instead of Jesus- John 18:40- but God provides the sacrifice to make us right with Him.

This focuses on teaching man about God rather than praising God. Asaph- I Chron. 6:39; 15:17 -19; 16:5; 25:1; II Chron. 29:30 50:1-6 The LORD God summons HIs covenant people to court 50:7-15 What is the true meaning of sacrifice? Sacrifice does not provide God with something that He needs. God owns and possesses all and would not ask our permission if He needed anything. Sacrifice itself is not rejected. Notice the mentions of sacrifice in 50:5, 8, 14-15, 23. We are dependent upon God, and He is not dependent upon us. 50:16-23 Warning to the violators of the covenant 50:18 They rejoice in thieves and adulterers- Rom. 1:32 50:21 God kept silent, and they interpreted this as the fact that He was indifferent to immorality- Rom. 2:1-4 What does Psalm 50 teach us about God? 50:1, 4, 10-12 God is sovereign over everything 50:4, 6 He is judge of all 50:9-12 We are dependent upon God and He is not dependent upon us- Acts 17:24-28 50:18-21 God is not indifferent to immorality 50:15 He will rescue those who call to Him and in 50:22 tear in pieces those who forget Him. How does Psalm 50 teach us about Jesus? 50:9-12 Man could not offer a sacrifice great enough to make atonement, and God offers the offering to bring  us into a right relationship with Him. 50:18 Men prefer thieves and adulterers. They even asked for a robber to be given to them instead of Jesus- John 18:40- but God provides the sacrifice to make us right with Him.

Psalm 50

This is a wisdom psalm. It focuses on teaching men more than it does on praising God. It uses the word "proverb" in vs. 4 that is found in the book of Proverbs. It has similarities to the book of Ecclesiastes. Compare Psalm 49:10 to Ecclesiastes 2:12-23 and Psalm 49:12 perishing like the beasts to Ecclesiastes 3:18-21. 49:1-4 A message for all to hear49:1 This is directed to all and not exclusively to Israel.  49:5-12 All will die and no man will redeem  his own life49:6 Some boasted and trusted in their riches. The proper object of our hope and trust is God but many put their trust in the wrong place. 49:5, 16 Apparently the rich and their prosperity was a threat to those who read this psalm. 49:7, 7, 8, 15 The word redeem or redemption plays a key  role in the psalm. There is not enough money to redeem out life from the grave. 49:9 Notice the contrast between living eternally and not undergoing decay.  49:10 All will die, wise and foolish alike.49:12, 20 form a refrain49:13-15 The contrast between the righteous and the wicked.The wicked have death as their shepherd but the righteous will be redeemed by God from the power of Sheol.49:16-20 The wicked die and carry nothingJesus and Psalm 491. Jesus is a profound wisdom teacher who speaks truth- Psalm 49:42. "But God" - Psalms 49:15; Ephesians 2:43. Jesus did not undergo decay- Psalm 49:9; 16:10- Acts 2:27-31; 13:33-37.4. Jesus can redeem our souls- Psalm 48:7-8, 15

This is a wisdom psalm. It focuses on teaching men more than it does on praising God. It uses the word "proverb" in vs. 4 that is found in the book of Proverbs. It has similarities to the book of Ecclesiastes. Compare Psalm 49:10 to Ecclesiastes 2:12-23 and Psalm 49:12 perishing like the beasts to Ecclesiastes 3:18-21. 49:1-4 A message for all to hear 49:1 This is directed to all and not exclusively to Israel.  49:5-12 All will die and no man will redeem  his own life 49:6 Some boasted and trusted in their riches. The proper object of our hope and trust is God but many put their trust in the wrong place. 49:5, 16 Apparently the rich and their prosperity was a threat to those who read this psalm. 49:7, 7, 8, 15 The word redeem or redemption plays a key  role in the psalm. There is not enough money to redeem out life from the grave. 49:9 Notice the contrast between living eternally and not undergoing decay.  49:10 All will die, wise and foolish alike. 49:12, 20 form a refrain 49:13-15 The contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked have death as their shepherd but the righteous will be redeemed by God from the power of Sheol. 49:16-20 The wicked die and carry nothing Jesus and Psalm 49 1. Jesus is a profound wisdom teacher who speaks truth- Psalm 49:4 2. "But God" - Psalms 49:15; Ephesians 2:4 3. Jesus did not undergo decay- Psalm 49:9; 16:10- Acts 2:27-31; 13:33-37. 4. Jesus can redeem our souls- Psalm 48:7-8, 15

Psalm 49

This is sometimes called a Zion psalm.This psalm focuses on the city- 48:1, 2, 8, 8- Mt. Zion- 48:2, 11- Zion- 48:12- temple- 48:9.But the ultimate focus of the city is on God- His greatness- 48:1- His protection- 48:3- HIs lovingkindness, righteousness, and justice- 48:9-11- His presence- 48:13-14. The praise of the city is the praise of the God who dwells there. The city of Jerusalem represents something bigger. Gal. 4:26 speaks of the Jerusalem which is above.  Hebrews 11:10; 13:14 talks of a quest for a city whose builder and maker is God.  Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10, 14 pictures the "new Jerusalem." This small capital represents God dwelling with man.All that was intended by the city and the temple is fulfilled in Jesus- John 1:14; 2:19-22; 4:19-26.

This is sometimes called a Zion psalm. This psalm focuses on the city- 48:1, 2, 8, 8- Mt. Zion- 48:2, 11- Zion- 48:12- temple- 48:9. But the ultimate focus of the city is on God- His greatness- 48:1- His protection- 48:3- HIs lovingkindness, righteousness, and justice- 48:9-11- His presence- 48:13-14. The praise of the city is the praise of the God who dwells there. The city of Jerusalem represents something bigger. Gal. 4:26 speaks of the Jerusalem which is above.  Hebrews 11:10; 13:14 talks of a quest for a city whose builder and maker is God.  Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10, 14 pictures the "new Jerusalem." This small capital represents God dwelling with man. All that was intended by the city and the temple is fulfilled in Jesus- John 1:14; 2:19-22; 4:19-26.

Psalm 48

To know God and to make Him known through the teaching of the Scriptures

This psalm pictures God as King- 47:2, 6, 7.His dominion is "all the earth"- 47:2, 7; "the nations"- 47:8. He subdues peoples and nations- 47:3- and therefore all nations celebrate HIs reign as king- 47:1, 5.The reception given to Him is the reception that kings received when coming to the throne- I Sam. 10:24; II Sam. 15:10; I Kings 1:39; II Kings 9:13; 11:12.In a sense each of the Psalms tell the gospel story and Psalm 47 is no different.47:1 mentions joy because God reigns and the word for joy used in the LXX of the OT is the same word used of response to Jesus in Luke 1:44.47:1, 2, 7 All the nations are subject to Jesus- Matthew 25:32; 28:18-2047:3 Christ will put all enemies beneath His feet- I Cor. 15:24-2647:4 Just as God chose Israel, He chose us- Eph. 1:447:4 He prepares Israel's inheritance as He prepares us- I Peter 1:447:5 Jesus ascended to God- John 20:17; Acts 2:34; Eph. 4:8, 9, 10.47:2, 6, 7 Jesus is King- Matt. 2:2; 27:11; John 19:19-2247:9 His people will include all nations- Romans 4; Gal. 3Our response to this is to Praise God!!!!!

This psalm pictures God as King- 47:2, 6, 7. His dominion is "all the earth"- 47:2, 7; "the nations"- 47:8. He subdues peoples and nations- 47:3- and therefore all nations celebrate HIs reign as king- 47:1, 5. The reception given to Him is the reception that kings received when coming to the throne- I Sam. 10:24; II Sam. 15:10; I Kings 1:39; II Kings 9:13; 11:12. In a sense each of the Psalms tell the gospel story and Psalm 47 is no different. 47:1 mentions joy because God reigns and the word for joy used in the LXX of the OT is the same word used of response to Jesus in Luke 1:44. 47:1, 2, 7 All the nations are subject to Jesus- Matthew 25:32; 28:18-20 47:3 Christ will put all enemies beneath His feet- I Cor. 15:24-26 47:4 Just as God chose Israel, He chose us- Eph. 1:4 47:4 He prepares Israel's inheritance as He prepares us- I Peter 1:4 47:5 Jesus ascended to God- John 20:17; Acts 2:34; Eph. 4:8, 9, 10. 47:2, 6, 7 Jesus is King- Matt. 2:2; 27:11; John 19:19-22 47:9 His people will include all nations- Romans 4; Gal. 3 Our response to this is to Praise God!!!!!

Psalm 47

What do we do when all our world is falling apart?Where can we look? To whom can we go for help?Psalm 46 can be divided easily into three parts based on the Selah's at the end of vs. 3, 7, 11. 46:1-3 Describes a natural calamityIt does not seem to be a literal description but a statement that even in the worst case scenario that we can trust God.46:4-7 Describes armies gathering for war outside Jersualem.Isaiah 36-37 and II Kings 18-19 describe a situation like this. But the nations gathered against God and His city will fall while God will not be moved.46:3 The word "roar" is the same word translated "uproar" in 46:6. The natural calamity of vs. 1-3 has a parallel in the the military crisis in vs. 4-7.46:8-11 God is our stronghold in all the earth10 To whom are these words addressed? It seems as it they are addressed to the nations which are told to stop fighting and acknowledge God as God. Jesus and Psalm 4646:5 Jesus is God's presence with man- John 1:14; 2:19-22; 4:19-24. The presence of God today is not tied to one city or one building like the Jerusalem temple, but to Christ.46:5 when morning dawns- The women came to tomb only to find Jesus was raised from the dead early in the morning- Matt. 28:1-2; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1-246:9 He causes war to cease- Zechariah 9:9-10 is quoted in Matt. 21:4-5 and John 12:14-15 and said to be fulfilled in Jesus.46:10 I am- In the Greek OT are the same words used by Jesus in John 6:35; 11:25; 14:6.46:10 I will be exalted- exalted is the same word in the Greek translation in John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32-33; Acts 2:33; 5:31Christ is exalted in His death, His resurrection, and His ascension. 

What do we do when all our world is falling apart? Where can we look? To whom can we go for help? Psalm 46 can be divided easily into three parts based on the Selah's at the end of vs. 3, 7, 11. 46:1-3 Describes a natural calamity It does not seem to be a literal description but a statement that even in the worst case scenario that we can trust God. 46:4-7 Describes armies gathering for war outside Jersualem. Isaiah 36-37 and II Kings 18-19 describe a situation like this. But the nations gathered against God and His city will fall while God will not be moved. 46:3 The word "roar" is the same word translated "uproar" in 46:6. The natural calamity of vs. 1-3 has a parallel in the the military crisis in vs. 4-7. 46:8-11 God is our stronghold in all the earth 10 To whom are these words addressed? It seems as it they are addressed to the nations which are told to stop fighting and acknowledge God as God. Jesus and Psalm 46 46:5 Jesus is God's presence with man- John 1:14; 2:19-22; 4:19-24. The presence of God today is not tied to one city or one building like the Jerusalem temple, but to Christ. 46:5 when morning dawns- The women came to tomb only to find Jesus was raised from the dead early in the morning- Matt. 28:1-2; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1-2 46:9 He causes war to cease- Zechariah 9:9-10 is quoted in Matt. 21:4-5 and John 12:14-15 and said to be fulfilled in Jesus. 46:10 I am- In the Greek OT are the same words used by Jesus in John 6:35; 11:25; 14:6. 46:10 I will be exalted- exalted is the same word in the Greek translation in John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32-33; Acts 2:33; 5:31 Christ is exalted in His death, His resurrection, and His ascension.

Psalm 46

This psalm describes a royal wedding. The king is mentioned in 45:1, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15.45:1 The writer speaks of his skill and his good theme45:2-9 Give a description of the queenThese verses present an ideal picture of who the king is.The king is the best looking of men- vs. 2;  I Sam. 9:2; 16:12; II Sam. 14:25; I Kings 1:6The king is the mightiest of warriors- vs. 3-5; I Sam. 8:20The king fights for the most noble of causes- vs. 4The king loves what is right and hates what is wrong- vs. 6-745:10-15 are an address and a description of the kingvs. 10-12 are more of an address to the queen vs. 13-15 a description of the queen45:16-17 A Statement about their offspring, the descendentsIs the king called God? Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9 refers to judges who base their decisions on God's as Elohim. Could a king who bases his authority on God's gift be spoken of in the same way?These ideals were never fulfilled in Israel's kings and led to an expectation of One who would fulfill these in a way beyond all comprehension.Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes Psalm 45:6-7 and applies the words to Jesus.Other things apply to Jesus as well. 

This psalm describes a royal wedding.  The king is mentioned in 45:1, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15. 45:1 The writer speaks of his skill and his good theme 45:2-9 Give a description of the queen These verses present an ideal picture of who the king is. The king is the best looking of men- vs. 2;  I Sam. 9:2; 16:12; II Sam. 14:25; I Kings 1:6 The king is the mightiest of warriors- vs. 3-5; I Sam. 8:20 The king fights for the most noble of causes- vs. 4 The king loves what is right and hates what is wrong- vs. 6-7 45:10-15 are an address and a description of the king vs. 10-12 are more of an address to the queen  vs. 13-15 a description of the queen 45:16-17 A Statement about their offspring, the descendents Is the king called God? Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9 refers to judges who base their decisions on God's as Elohim. Could a king who bases his authority on God's gift be spoken of in the same way? These ideals were never fulfilled in Israel's kings and led to an expectation of One who would fulfill these in a way beyond all comprehension. Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes Psalm 45:6-7 and applies the words to Jesus. Other things apply to Jesus as well.

Psalm 45

This is the first of eleven national laments in the book of Psalms. 44:1-8 Israel's Glorious PastThe word save is used in vs. 3, 6, 7. They did not win the land of Canaan nor their great victories in the past by their own power but by God's. The phrase "all day long" is going to be used in vs.  8, 15, 22.44:9-16 Israel's Miserable PresentNothing in vs. 1-8 prepared us for the dramatic shift in vs. 9-16.44:17-22 Their Protest of InnocenceNo other psalm make such claims of national fidelity like this one.vs. 17-18 The people state their loyalty to Godvs. 19 They talk of the pain they experienced44:23-26 Israel begs God to take actionThis is a call for God to awake from His "Sleep" and act. Jesus and Psalm 44He saved us by His power- vs. 1-8; Eph. 2:1-10; II Tim. 1:9He is our King- John 19:19-22Any horrible experience of suffering Israel described in vs. 9-16 has some comparison to His experiences on the cross. If any could ever protest their innocence like we see in vs. 17-22, it was Jesus. Verses 23-26 remind us of Jesus sleeping on the boat in Mark 4:35-41.Because Jesus was led as a "Sheep to the slaughter" Isaiah 53:7, through His death and resurrection we become conquerers- Romans 8:35-37.

This is the first of eleven national laments in the book of Psalms. 44:1-8 Israel's Glorious Past The word save is used in vs. 3, 6, 7. They did not win the land of Canaan nor their great victories in the past by their own power but by God's. The phrase "all day long" is going to be used in vs.  8, 15, 22. 44:9-16 Israel's Miserable Present Nothing in vs. 1-8 prepared us for the dramatic shift in vs. 9-16. 44:17-22 Their Protest of Innocence No other psalm make such claims of national fidelity like this one. vs. 17-18 The people state their loyalty to God vs. 19 They talk of the pain they experienced 44:23-26 Israel begs God to take action This is a call for God to awake from His "Sleep" and act. Jesus and Psalm 44 He saved us by His power- vs. 1-8; Eph. 2:1-10; II Tim. 1:9 He is our King- John 19:19-22 Any horrible experience of suffering Israel described in vs. 9-16 has some comparison to His experiences on the cross. If any could ever protest their innocence like we see in vs. 17-22, it was Jesus. Verses 23-26 remind us of Jesus sleeping on the boat in Mark 4:35-41. Because Jesus was led as a "Sheep to the slaughter" Isaiah 53:7, through His death and resurrection we become conquerers- Romans 8:35-37.

Psalm 44

Why would we combine these Psalms?1. The same refrain appears in 42:5, 11; 43:52. There are other similar lines- compare 42:9; 43:23. There is no heading to Psalm 43 in the Hebrew textThese are the first Psalms we have studied ascribed to someone other than David. The "sons of Korah" are mentioned in the heading of Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88. They are apparently descendants of Korah the Levite of Num. 16 who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron and perished. His sons did not perish- Num. 26:10-11. They became temple musicians and gatekeepers- I Chron. 26.Psalms 42 and 43 speak of despair42:5, 11; 43:5 "Why are you in despair, O my soul?"42:3 Tears were his food continually 42:7 He feels as if he is drowning.42:9; 43:2 he is continually mourningThese Psalms speak of hope42:5, 11; 43:5 Hope in God42:8 God gives His lovingkindness and songs in the night43:3-5 He longs to be at God's holy hillThese passages describe an intense desire for God42:1-2 His desire for God is compared to a thirsting and panting after water42:4, 6 He remembers God and going with the group in worship of God42:9 God is his rock43:2 God is his refuge43:4 God is his exceeding joyThis foreshadows Jesus42:3 Tears are his food- Isaiah 53:3 He is a "man of sorrow"43:3 In Jesus, God sent forth His light- John 8:12; 9:5- and His truth- John 14:6They especially point to the cross42:5, 11; 43:5 The word used in  the LXX for "despair" is used of Jesus  in Matt. 26:38; Mark 14:3442:6 despair- A different Greek word is used in the LXX and the word is used of Jesus in John 12:27; 13:2142:3, 10 They taunted Jesus saying, "Let God rescue Him" in Matt. 27:4342:1-2 Thirst- Jesus was thirsty upon the cross- John 19:28- to give us the water of life- John 4:13-15; 6:35; 7:37-39.

Why would we combine these Psalms? 1. The same refrain appears in 42:5, 11; 43:5 2. There are other similar lines- compare 42:9; 43:2 3. There is no heading to Psalm 43 in the Hebrew text These are the first Psalms we have studied ascribed to someone other than David. The "sons of Korah" are mentioned in the heading of Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88. They are apparently descendants of Korah the Levite of Num. 16 who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron and perished. His sons did not perish- Num. 26:10-11. They became temple musicians and gatekeepers- I Chron. 26. Psalms 42 and 43 speak of despair 42:5, 11; 43:5 "Why are you in despair, O my soul?" 42:3 Tears were his food continually  42:7 He feels as if he is drowning. 42:9; 43:2 he is continually mourning These Psalms speak of hope 42:5, 11; 43:5 Hope in God 42:8 God gives His lovingkindness and songs in the night 43:3-5 He longs to be at God's holy hill These passages describe an intense desire for God 42:1-2 His desire for God is compared to a thirsting and panting after water 42:4, 6 He remembers God and going with the group in worship of God 42:9 God is his rock 43:2 God is his refuge 43:4 God is his exceeding joy This foreshadows Jesus 42:3 Tears are his food- Isaiah 53:3 He is a "man of sorrow" 43:3 In Jesus, God sent forth His light- John 8:12; 9:5- and His truth- John 14:6 They especially point to the cross 42:5, 11; 43:5 The word used in  the LXX for "despair" is used of Jesus  in Matt. 26:38; Mark 14:34 42:6 despair- A different Greek word is used in the LXX and the word is used of Jesus in John 12:27; 13:21 42:3, 10 They taunted Jesus saying, "Let God rescue Him" in Matt. 27:43 42:1-2 Thirst- Jesus was thirsty upon the cross- John 19:28- to give us the water of life- John 4:13-15; 6:35; 7:37-39.

Psalms 42 and 43 

The writer may state his conclusion at the beginning of the Psalm- 41:1-3.How blessed is the one who considers the helpless- 41:1Then the text gives six (6) lines to show how he will be blessed- 41:1b-3.David's speaks- 41:4His enemies take center stage- 41:5-9. The psalm mentions "enemies" 41:5, "enemy"- 41:11, and those "who hate me" 41:7. The plot and plan against David. They gossip about him. They anxiously await his death. Be gracious to me, David says- 41:10.  The plea for God to be gracious in 41:4, 10 surrounds the treachery of his enemies in 41:5-9.He prays God will raise him up- 41:10.The psalm ends book 1 of the Psalms. Each of the books ends on strong notes of praise to God- 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48; 146-150.How does Jesus fulfill the Psalm?41:9 is quoted and applied to Judas by Jesus in John 13:1841:1-3 Jesus did not seem to experience the deliverances promised to one who helps the helpless.41:5-9 Jesus did however experience all the hatred and opposition this psalm speaks of David receiving. 41:10 However, God did raise Jesus up and fulfilled all these promises through the resurrection. 

The writer may state his conclusion at the beginning of the Psalm- 41:1-3. How blessed is the one who considers the helpless- 41:1 Then the text gives six (6) lines to show how he will be blessed- 41:1b-3. David's speaks- 41:4 His enemies take center stage- 41:5-9. The psalm mentions "enemies" 41:5, "enemy"- 41:11, and those "who hate me" 41:7. The plot and plan against David. They gossip about him. They anxiously await his death.  Be gracious to me, David says- 41:10.  The plea for God to be gracious in 41:4, 10 surrounds the treachery of his enemies in 41:5-9. He prays God will raise him up- 41:10. The psalm ends book 1 of the Psalms. Each of the books ends on strong notes of praise to God- 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48; 146-150. How does Jesus fulfill the Psalm? 41:9 is quoted and applied to Judas by Jesus in John 13:18 41:1-3 Jesus did not seem to experience the deliverances promised to one who helps the helpless. 41:5-9 Jesus did however experience all the hatred and opposition this psalm speaks of David receiving.  41:10 However, God did raise Jesus up and fulfilled all these promises through the resurrection.

Psalm 41

A Psalm of David40:1-2 He has waited for the LORD and he has lifted his feet up out of the clay40:3-5 The LORD put a new song in his mouth40:6-8 God desires a complete submission to Him and a desire to do His will40:9-10 He has not been quiet about God's deliverance40:11-12 He begs God not to withhold compassion from Him40:13-17 He asks God to hurry to his rescue

A Psalm of David 40:1-2 He has waited for the LORD and he has lifted his feet up out of the clay 40:3-5 The LORD put a new song in his mouth 40:6-8 God desires a complete submission to Him and a desire to do His will 40:9-10 He has not been quiet about God's deliverance 40:11-12 He begs God not to withhold compassion from Him 40:13-17 He asks God to hurry to his rescue

Psalm 40

Key Themes in Psalm 39Silence- 39:1-3, 9, 12Brevity of Life- 39:4-6, 11, 12Sin and suffering- 39:8-11Jesus fulfills Psalm 39This ending is answered in the resurrection of Jesus. This psalm reveals “the bewilderment about man that was only finally dispelled when the Word became flesh, and when the gospel brought life and immortality to light” Kidner, 156. 39:1-2, 9 Jesus’ silence when on trial- Matt. 26:62-64; 27:11-14.39:2 His silence did not eliminate Jesus’ grief- Matt. 26:37-38.39:8 Jesus brings forgiveness for our transgression. He solves the problem of our sin- Acts 13:39; Rom. 4:2539:4-6, 13 The brevity of life and the certainty of death is answered by the resurrection and life- John 11:25; 14:6.39:11 He provides us riches that neither moth eats nor rust destroys and riches that thieves cannot break through and steal. 

Key Themes in Psalm 39 Silence- 39:1-3, 9, 12 Brevity of Life- 39:4-6, 11, 12 Sin and suffering- 39:8-11 Jesus fulfills Psalm 39This ending is answered in the resurrection of Jesus. This psalm reveals “the bewilderment about man that was only finally dispelled when the Word became flesh, and when the gospel brought life and immortality to light” Kidner, 156. 39:1-2, 9 Jesus’ silence when on trial- Matt. 26:62-64; 27:11-14.39:2 His silence did not eliminate Jesus’ grief- Matt. 26:37-38.39:8 Jesus brings forgiveness for our transgression. He solves the problem of our sin- Acts 13:39; Rom. 4:2539:4-6, 13 The brevity of life and the certainty of death is answered by the resurrection and life- John 11:25; 14:6.39:11 He provides us riches that neither moth eats nor rust destroys and riches that thieves cannot break through and steal.

Psalm 39

This Psalm repeatedly references David's sickness- 38:3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17. He is suffering intensely. He is suffering because of his sin- 38:3, 4, 5, 18. This is not to say all suffering is directly connected to our personal sin. The book of Job shows that is not true. However, we cannot say that there is no connection between personal sin and suffering either. David experiences it right here.His enemies add to his pain- 38:12, 16, 19, 20- while his friends stand far off- 38:11.Jesus experienced the suffering the author of Psalm 38 experienced:His friends forsook Him- Matt. 26:55-56, 58; Luke 23:49He was beaten so badly there was no healthy part of His flesh- Isaiah 52:14; 53:5; Matt. 27:26-31.He enemies laid traps for Him- Mark 3:6; Luke 11:54; 20:20Jesus was like a deaf man- Matt. 27:13 and a mute man- Matt. 27:13-14Jesus was not like the Psalmist in the sense that He never sinned- Hebrews 4:14-16; I Peter 2:22.Jesus is able to carry away the burden of our sins described in Psalm 38:4- Matt. 11:28-30. Jesus can save and forgive. 

This Psalm repeatedly references David's sickness- 38:3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17. He is suffering intensely. He is suffering because of his sin- 38:3, 4, 5, 18. This is not to say all suffering is directly connected to our personal sin. The book of Job shows that is not true. However, we cannot say that there is no connection between personal sin and suffering either. David experiences it right here. His enemies add to his pain- 38:12, 16, 19, 20- while his friends stand far off- 38:11. Jesus experienced the suffering the author of Psalm 38 experienced: His friends forsook Him- Matt. 26:55-56, 58; Luke 23:49 He was beaten so badly there was no healthy part of His flesh- Isaiah 52:14; 53:5; Matt. 27:26-31. He enemies laid traps for Him- Mark 3:6; Luke 11:54; 20:20 Jesus was like a deaf man- Matt. 27:13 and a mute man- Matt. 27:13-14 Jesus was not like the Psalmist in the sense that He never sinned- Hebrews 4:14-16; I Peter 2:22. Jesus is able to carry away the burden of our sins described in Psalm 38:4- Matt. 11:28-30. Jesus can save and forgive.

Psalm 38

Righteous- vs. 12, 16, 17, 21, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39Other brief descriptions of the righteous: 11 “humble” same word used in vs. 1414 “The afflicted and needy,” “who are upright in conduct”18 “the blameless”22 “blessed by Him”37 “the blameless man,” “upright,” and “man of peace” Characteristics of righteous- 21 “the righteous is gracious and gives” 26 “All day long, he is gracious and lends. And his descendants are a blessing” 30 “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom and his tongue speaks justice”31 “The law of his God is in his heart”37 “man of peace”40 “they take refuge in Him” Righteous will “inherit the land”- 9, 11, 22, 29 “and dwell in it forever,” 34 “And He will exalt you to…”Other statements of blessings upon the righteous- 4 “He will give you the desires of your heart” 5 “He will do it”6 “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment like the noonday” 11 “abundant prosperity” 17 “the LORD sustains the righteous” 18 “The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever” 19 “they will not be ashamed in the days of evil, and in the days of famine they will have abundance” 23-24 “steps…are established by the LORD” “He delights in his way,” “he shall not be hurled headlong,” “the LORD is the One who holds his hand” 25 “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread”27 “you will abide forever”28 “the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His godly ones. They are preserved forever.”33 “the LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged”34 “and He will exalt you…” “when the wicked are cut off, you will see it”39 “The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD, He is their strength in time of trouble”40 “The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them” Wicked- vs. 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 28, 32, 34, 35, 38, 40Other brief descriptions of the wicked- 1 “evildoers” 1 “Wrongdoers” 9 “evildoers” 20 “the enemies of the LORD” 22 “those cursed by Him”38 “transgressors”Characteristics of wicked- 7 “carries out wicked schemes” 12 “the wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth” 14 “drawn their sword and bent their bow, to cast down the afflicted and needy, to slay those upright in conduct” 21 “the wicked borrows and does not pay back” 32 “The wicked spies upon the righteous and seeks to kill him”35 “violent man” Wicked will be cut off- 9, 22, 28, 34, 38Statements of judgment upon wicked- 2 “will wither like grass…” “fade like green herb” 10 “Will be no more” 13 “his day is coming” 15 “Their sword will enter their own heart, and their bows will be broken” 17 “arms of the wicked will be broken” 20 “the wicked will perish, like the glory of pastures, they vanish-like smoke they vanish” 35-36 The wicked spreads out like a luxuriant tree but was passed away and was no more and even upon seeking he could not be found 38 “altogether destroyed” The wicked will ultimately experience a complete demise.  Imperat

Righteous- vs. 12, 16, 17, 21, 25, 29, 30, 32, 39Other brief descriptions of the righteous: 11 “humble” same word used in vs. 1414 “The afflicted and needy,” “who are upright in conduct”18 “the blameless”22 “blessed by Him”37 “the blameless man,” “upright,” and “man of peace” Characteristics of righteous- 21 “the righteous is gracious and gives” 26 “All day long, he is gracious and lends. And his descendants are a blessing” 30 “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom and his tongue speaks justice”31 “The law of his God is in his heart”37 “man of peace”40 “they take refuge in Him” Righteous will “inherit the land”- 9, 11, 22, 29 “and dwell in it forever,” 34 “And He will exalt you to…”Other statements of blessings upon the righteous- 4 “He will give you the desires of your heart” 5 “He will do it”6 “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment like the noonday” 11 “abundant prosperity” 17 “the LORD sustains the righteous” 18 “The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever” 19 “they will not be ashamed in the days of evil, and in the days of famine they will have abundance” 23-24 “steps…are established by the LORD” “He delights in his way,” “he shall not be hurled headlong,” “the LORD is the One who holds his hand” 25 “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread”27 “you will abide forever”28 “the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His godly ones. They are preserved forever.”33 “the LORD will not leave him in his hand or let him be condemned when he is judged”34 “and He will exalt you…” “when the wicked are cut off, you will see it”39 “The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD, He is their strength in time of trouble”40 “The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them” Wicked- vs. 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 28, 32, 34, 35, 38, 40Other brief descriptions of the wicked- 1 “evildoers” 1 “Wrongdoers” 9 “evildoers” 20 “the enemies of the LORD” 22 “those cursed by Him”38 “transgressors”Characteristics of wicked- 7 “carries out wicked schemes” 12 “the wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth” 14 “drawn their sword and bent their bow, to cast down the afflicted and needy, to slay those upright in conduct” 21 “the wicked borrows and does not pay back” 32 “The wicked spies upon the righteous and seeks to kill him”35 “violent man” Wicked will be cut off- 9, 22, 28, 34, 38Statements of judgment upon wicked- 2 “will wither like grass…” “fade like green herb” 10 “Will be no more” 13 “his day is coming” 15 “Their sword will enter their own heart, and their bows will be broken” 17 “arms of the wicked will be broken” 20 “the wicked will perish, like the glory of pastures, they vanish-like smoke they vanish” 35-36 The wicked spreads out like a luxuriant tree but was passed away and was no more and even upon seeking he could not be found 38 “altogether destroyed” The wicked will ultimately experience a complete demise.  Imperat

Psalm 37

Carefully Examining the Text

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!