Lesson 13: Psalms 84 89

Transcription

1 Lesson 13: Psalms Psalm 84 Longing for God s House (See Moore s Bible Study Lesson 9) 1. In the superscription what is the term Gittith? What do you know about the sons of Korah and why would this psalm be written for them? 2. What does the term amiable mean? How great is the author s longing (vv1-2)? 3. What may be the significance of the fact that the birds have a place to lay their young (v 3)? How do the altars of God fit into this verse? Why does this verse refer to God by three different names? 4. In verse 4, what is the relationship between the first and second phrase? 5. In what ways is a man blessed whose strength is in God (v 5)? 6. What is the valley of Baca, or what is the idea behind it (v6)? How does the field become a well? What is the purpose of the second phrase in this verse? 7. Do you have valleys of Baca to pass through? Do you trust that they shall become like pools filled with rain? Discuss.

2 8. What is meant when we read in verse 7 that they go from strength to strength? 9. How is it true that those in Zion appeared before God? Was this desired? Is this a promise that pertains to us, in what way? 10. Why, as the writer now seeks God to hear his prayer (v8), does he address God by the name Jehovah, then God of hosts, and finally, God of Jacob? 11. How is God our shield (v9)? To whom does David refer in the term anointed? Is there any sense in which we can be referred to as God s anointed? 12. What are the contrasts given in verse 10? Explain. See meditation by Rev. Gerrit Vos on page 202 in his book O Taste and See. (Also found in Standard Bearer, Vol. 35, p 169). 13. How does verse 11 connect with the preceding? How is the figure of the sun a blessed one for David and us? May we have the assurance that no good thing is withheld from us? 14. A joyful conclusion is given in verse 12. In whom is David s trust? What does that trust do for David?

3 Psalm 85 A Prayer for God s Mercy on Israel 15. What is the historical context of Psalm 85? 16. What goodness of God is recalled in verses 1-3? 17. What do they beseech the Lord for in verses 4-7? 18. What was the message of God to the country of Israel in verses 8-13? Psalm 86 A Prayer for God s Continued Mercy 19. What is remarkable about the phrases used in this psalm? 20. This psalm depicts David as inadequate before his enemies. Is a sense of inadequacy helpful or harmful when we face life s battles? Explain. 21. What characteristics of God, cited in this psalm, strengthen your faith?

4 22. Why is it good to know there is none like thee, O Lord (v 8)? 23. What theme is brought out in the concluding verses of 14-17? Psalm 87 The Privileges of Dwelling in Zion 24. John Calvin says in his introduction to this psalm: An attention to the time when this psalm was composed will contribute, in no small degree, to a clear understanding of its contents. What is the historical context of the psalm? Do Wiersbe and John Calvin (or other commentators) agree? 25. What is the idea that runs through this psalm, of being born in Zion? 26. What are the privileges and obligations of being born in Zion? Psalm 88 A Prayer for Deliverance From Death 27. What does the superscription note about this Psalm?

5 28. The author endured pain and suffering, yet he kept on praying. How do you explain the fact that some believers experience ongoing pain and suffering despite their prayers? Did the Lord promise us an easy road? What did He promise (See Matt. 28:20b)? 29. What can we learn from the content of the psalmist s prayer? What is striking to you? Psalm 89 God s Covenant with David 30. What is the setting for this psalm? Who wrote it? 31. The theme of the psalm is God s covenant. If you have sermon notes from , Rev. Lanning gave some headings to sections of this psalm to help in understanding. Verses 1-4: Introduction to the covenant Verses 5-14: The one who hast all power over creation is the one who establishes the covenant Verses 15-18: The blessedness of covenant friendship Verses 19-29: Covenant established first in a Head, then in its members Verses 30-37: Intro to problem of sin in the covenant; God s faithfulness Verses 38-45: Solution to sin death and sacrifice of the Head Verses 46-51: Response of the Head words of Jesus under the type of David How would you answer the question of verse 49? Where was the loving-kindness of God? 32. Discuss verse 52 and the wonderful truth presented.