PSALM Devotional 23, 32, 19, 59 Alderwood Student Ministries May 2014
Table of Contents Introduction: Step 1 Read... 2 Step 2 Interpret... 3 Step 3 Practice... 4 Hebrew Poetry Parallelism... 5 Study Days: Thursday, May 15... 6 Friday, May 16... 8 Saturday, May 17... 9 Tuesday, May 20... 10 Thursday, May 22... 13 Saturday, May 24... 14 Tuesday, May 27... 15 Thursday, May 29... 18 Saturday, May 31... 20 Tuesday, June 3... 22 Thursday, June 5... 25 Saturday, June 7... 26 1
Step 1 Read The first step in the RIP process is all about observation. Your goal in this step is to read the assigned passage several times with great attention to detail. The question you must first answer is, What does the text say? Every week for Step 1 you will be provided with a printout of the text in your devotional. The goal is to identify important grammatical relationships in the passage by circling, underlining, highlighting or making a note of them out to the side. With this month s devotional, we will be hanging out in the Psalms. Some of the items below may be specific to the Psalms. Here s what you should be looking for: Identify repeating words and words that are theologically significant. Label the different types of parallelism (See page 5 for definitions). Identify all figures of speech (e.g., similes, metaphors). Identify contrasts (e.g., but ). Identify the verbs, who is doing the action, and who the action is being done to. Identify the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of the passage. Identify purpose/result statements (e.g., that, in order that ). These are just a few examples of what to look for. Example: Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, v. 2 but - contrast and on his law he meditates day and night. v. 1 step/climatic parallelism Verbs: walks, stands, sits v. 2 synthetic parallelism; Verb: meditates 3 He is like a tree v. 3 like a tree simile (positive) planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. v. 3 emblematic parallelism 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. v. 4 like chaff simile (negative) 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, v. 5 Therefore conjunction (conclusion) nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; v. 5 synthetic parallelism 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. v. 6 antithetic parallelism Repeating words: righteous, wicked 2
Step 2 Interpret Having observed what is being said in the text, we turn in Step 2 to the question, What does the text mean? Slowly read through the passage again, noting the observations that you made previously in Step 1. Your goal will be to answer two questions: What did it mean then and there? What does it mean here and now? In order to know what a biblical text means for us today, we must know what it meant to the original audience that received the text. For example, let s take a look at Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through him who strengthens me. What did this mean then and there? In the context, we see that Paul is speaking to a Philippian church that is experiencing persecution. Paul is encouraging them that through Christ, they can endure any hardship. Paul recalls times that God has sustained him through plenty and hunger, abundance and need (Phil 4:12). What does it mean here and now? For us, Philippians 4:13 is also an encouragement that we can endure any hardship or persecution as we follow Christ. With Jesus strengthening us, there is nothing that can stop us from doing what he has called us to. Since we know what this verse originally meant, we also know it doesn t mean that we can accomplish anything we want because of Jesus. Don t ever forget that the Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the ability to interpret God s Word (1 Cor. 2:14). So as you consider what a passage means, continually pray and ask the Spirit to reveal the meaning to you! Some useful tools to understand the historical context of a passage: A study Bible A commentary Biblestudytools.com 3
Step 3 Practice The purpose of Bible study is never just to know more information it is always to be transformed and to grow in becoming closer to Christ (2 Cor. 3:18)! Therefore, the question we ask in Step 3 is How do we live out the text? It is crucial in this step to be specific. Knowing in general how a biblical principle could apply to a Christian is okay, but knowing how that biblical principle applies to the specific situations that are currently happening in your life is the goal. Some questions to ask: What were the details of the situation that this text addresses? How did the biblical writer want the original audience to apply his words? What situations in my life are similar to the situation described in the text? How should I apply that message to my situation? Let s take Philippians 4:13 as our example again: I can do all things through him who strengthens me. To apply this, we would reflect on a time in our lives when we faced persecution or other hardship as a result of trying to follow Christ. God s word to us is that we can endure anything as we do what God has called us to because Jesus Christ will give us strength. Since we know that this verse is addressing persecution and hardship as followers of Christ, we wouldn t want to try to apply it in situations that don t fit. So, the next time your friend doesn t study for a math test and then quotes Philippians 4:13 to prove to you that he can still ace it, remind him that he needs to apply that verse in a situation similar to the one that Paul was addressing. God s word is timeless, and the same text that applied to the original audience will be applicable in your life as well. Always approach the text with prayer, asking God that he would bring to mind the situations and relationships in your life that he intends to address through his word. God had called us to be doers of the word! James 1:21 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 4
Hebrew Poetry Parallelism The most notable feature of Hebrew poetry, especially as seen in the Psalms, is parallelism. This refers to the repetition of ideas found in related lines of poetry. This feature of Hebrew poetry aided people in memorizing God s word. Here we will look at 5 different types of parallelism that will appear consistently throughout the Psalter. Synonymous Parallelism The second line repeats the idea of the previous line in a similar way. Psalm 113.7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. Antithetic Parallelism This refers to an opposing idea. We have one idea stated in the first line followed by an opposing or contrasting idea in the second. This serves to highlight the idea of the first line. Psalm 1.6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Synthetic Parallelism This refers to the development of an idea. The second line develops or extends the idea stated in the first line. It is more than just repetition. Psalm 97.3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. Emblematic Parallelism This refers to the literal explanation of an idea that was stated in the first line using a figure of speech (e.g., simile, metaphor). Psalm 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Step/Climatic Parallelism This refers to the progression of an idea through several lines of poetry towards a climax. Each line adds something new to the previous line. Psalm 65.4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! 5
Step 1 Read Thursday, May 15 The Psalms Text: Psalm 23 Read the passage several times and follow the instructions for the Read Step found on page 2. Summary Psalm 23, one of the most beloved of all the psalms, is a trust psalm attributed to King David. Similarly to the lament, the trust psalm brings to light the psalmist s great trust in the Lord in the midst of difficult situations. With this type of psalm, the psalmist is often seen calling God s people to join him in his declaration of trust in the Lord. In Psalm 23 the Lord is likened to a shepherd, a metaphor for God that appears throughout the Old Testament and is applied to Jesus in the New Testament. Text 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 6
Questions & Observations 1. What makes Psalm 23 a trust psalm? Write out the trust elements that appear in the psalm. 2. Identify the different figures of speech (e.g., similes, metaphors) used in Psalm 23 and explain how they are being used. : 3. Map out and describe the flow of this Psalm. (Pay attention to changes in the tone, attitude, and language in order to observe the author s thought process.) Write it out below in the space provided. 4. Underline words that are repeated and theologically significant (e.g., save, righteousness, forgive, etc.). 5. Is this passage referenced or alluded to in the New Testament? Where? Discuss. Digging Deeper: 1. Identify the different types of parallelism and what they express. 7
Step 2 Interpret Friday, May 16 The Psalms Text: Psalm 23 Read the passage again, review your observations from Step 1, and follow the instructions for the Interpret Step found on page 3. Questions 1. What does this particular psalm teach us about the character of God? Write out your observations. 2. What can we specifically deduce from the shepherd metaphor applied to God? What would this have meant in its original context? What does it mean for us today? 3. The word for in the second half of vs. 4 describes what type of relationship? Read the following verse out loud: I will fear no evil, for you are with me. 4. How does this psalm point to Jesus, His character and saving work? 5. We ve established the image of shepherd applied to God in vv. 1-4. How is God described in vv. 5-6? Describe the image used. 8
Step 3 Practice Saturday, May 17 The Psalms Text: Psalm 23 Read the passage again, review your work from Steps 1 and 2, and follow the instructions for the Practice Step found on page 4. Questions 1. What actions does Psalm 23 call for in the life of the believer? Be specific. List at least three takeaways. 2. How does this psalm help you to better trust Jesus in the midst of difficult situations? This question is related to the particular aspects of God s character revealed in Psalm 23. 3. Use this psalm to minister to a fellow Christian brother or sister this week who is struggling spiritually, emotionally or physically. 4. How is God present with his people today? What has God done and who has he given his church to be present with us? Look up and write out three Scriptures in the New Testament that talk about the promise of God s presence with his people. 5. Write out a personal prayer to be prayed in the midst of future difficult times based on what you ve learned about God in Psalm 23. 9
Step 1 Read Tuesday, May 20 The Psalms Text: Psalm 32 Read the passage several times and follow the instructions for the Read Step found on page 2. Summary Starting with the opening line, it is clear that Psalm 32 is a forgiveness psalm. This Psalm deals with the sin of people who are following God. For Christians, we are given an example of how to approach God when we realize that we have sinned against him. Because of the forgiveness that is found in Christ, we can come to God confidently and with praise even when we have sinned. Text 1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah 10
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. 10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. 11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Questions & Observations 1. What makes Psalm 32 a forgiveness psalm? Write out the forgiveness elements that appear in the psalm. 2. Identify the different figures of speech (e.g., similes, metaphors) used in Psalm 32 and explain how they are being used. 11
3. Map out and describe the flow of this Psalm. (Pay attention to changes in the tone, attitude, and language in order to observe the author s thought process.) Write it out below in the space provided. 4. Underline words that are repeated and theologically significant (e.g., save, righteousness, forgive, etc.). 5. Is this passage referenced or alluded to in the New Testament? Where? Discuss. Digging Deeper: 1. Identify the different types of parallelism and what they express. 12
Step 2 - Interpret Thursday, May 22 The Psalms Text: Psalm 32 Read the passage again, review your observations from Step 1, and follow the instructions for the Interpret Step found on page 3. Questions 1. What does this particular psalm teach us about the character of God? Write out your observations. 2. What are some of the reasons this psalm gives for why we should confess our sin to God? 3. According to this psalm, what does it mean to be godly? 4. How does this psalm point to Jesus, his character and saving work? 5. What should God s forgiveness lead us to do? (look at vs. 11) 13
Step 3 - Practice Saturday, May 24 The Psalms Text: Psalm 32 Read the passage again, review your work from Steps 1 and 2, and follow the instructions for the Practice Step found on page 4. Questions 1. What actions does Psalm 32 call for in the life of the believer? Be specific. List at least three takeaways. 2. What is one sin that you have not yet specifically confessed to God? Take time in prayer right now to confess and ask God for forgiveness. 3. God says that he will instruct and teach you. Write down three things that God has taught you as you have grown through confessing and repenting of sin. 4. In what ways is God a hiding place to you? Go to God in prayer with anything that has been a burden to you recently. 14
Step 1 - Read Tuesday, May 27 The Psalms Text: Psalm 19 Read the passage several times and follow the instructions for the Read Step found on page 2. Summary Psalm 19, C.S. Lewis most cherished psalm, is a praise psalm attributed to the hand of David. This type of psalm expresses great affection for the Lord on the basis of his mighty works, his gracious provision and his loving care for his people. What grounds these psalms of praise and exaltation is the unmatched character of God showcased in his grand actions of creation and rescue. This particular psalm is unique in that its two divisions recognize God as the one who has created the whole universe, thus revealing himself in his creative work (vs. 1) and who has further revealed himself through his law the Scriptures. We serve a God who has made himself wonderfully known and for that reason he is worthy to be praised! Text 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; 15
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Questions & Observations 1. What makes Psalm 19 a praise psalm? Write out the praise elements that appear in the psalm. 2. Identify the different figures of speech (e.g., similes, metaphors) used in Psalm 19 and explain how they are being used. 16
3. Map out and describe the flow of this Psalm. (Pay attention to changes in the tone, attitude, and language in order to observe the author s thought process.) Write it out below in the space provided. 4. Underline words that are repeated and theologically significant (e.g., save, righteousness, forgive, etc.). 5. Highlight or underline the different words used to describe God s special revelation, His word (e.g., law). How is God s special revelation (=law) described? Circle the descriptive words (adjectives) and the verbs used in relation to God s word in vv. 7-11. 6. Is this passage referenced or alluded to in the New Testament? Where? Discuss. Digging Deeper: 1. Identify the different types of parallelism and what they express. 17
Step 2 - Interpret Thursday, May 29 The Psalms Text: Psalm 19 Read the passage again, review your observations from Step 1, and follow the instructions for the Interpret Step found on page 3. Questions 1. What does this particular psalm teach us about the character of God? Write out your observations. 2. Carefully read vv. 1-6. What is the primary purpose of God s creation? 3. Carefully read vv. 7-11. What is the primary purpose of God s word? 18
4. Verses 12-14 conclude Psalm 19 with a beautiful prayer. What is the relationship between vv. 12-14 and vv. 1-11? Note the emphasis on speech/words when comparing vv. 1-4 and v. 14. What is meant here? 5. How does this psalm point to Jesus, his character and saving work? This psalm is all about God s revelation (how he s made himself known). Describe below how God has uniquely revealed himself through Jesus Christ. Provide Bible passages that support your answer. 19
Step 3 - Practice Saturday, May 31 The Psalms Text: Psalm 19 Read the passage again, review your work from Steps 1 and 2, and follow the instructions for the Practice Step found on page 4. Questions 1. What actions does Psalm 19 call for in the life of the believer? Be specific. List at least three takeaways. 2. List the reasons for praising God found in Psalm 19. What are 5 additional reasons you have for praising the Lord? List them below. 3. How might this psalm be helpful in providing a defense for the Christian worldview to a friend or family member? Discuss the different ways in which God has revealed himself to humanity to be known relationally. 20
4. Memorize vs. 14 this week. Incorporate this portion of the Psalm into your daily prayer life. 5. Write out a personal prayer of praise based on what you ve learned about God in Psalm 19. 21
Step 1 - Read Tuesday, June 3 The Psalms Text: Psalm 59 Read the passage several times and follow the instructions for the Read Step found on page 2. Summary Psalm 59 is an example of one of the more difficult groupings of scripture: the imprecatory psalms. The what?! The word imprecatory means that these psalms are calling for God to destroy his enemies, and for those who are doing evil to receive the judgment that they deserve. One of the tough questions we must wrestle with is how this fits in with Jesus teaching that we must love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5.44). It is important to recognize that these Psalms call for justice not for personal revenge, but to make God s name great and to glorify him. This is still something that we seek, and there is no greater way for God to be glorified than for a sinner to repent and come to faith in Jesus Christ. Text 1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; 2 deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. 3 For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD, 4 for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! 5 You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah 6 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 7 There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips for Who, they think, will hear us? 22
8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. 9 O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. 10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 11 Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield! 12 For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter, 13 consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah 14 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 15 They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill. 16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. 23
Questions & Observations 1. What makes Psalm 59 an imprecatory psalm? Write out the imprecatory elements that appear in the psalm (look to the summary above for the definition of imprecatory). 2. Identify the different figures of speech (e.g., similes, metaphors) used in Psalm 59 and explain how they are being used. 3. Map out and describe the flow of this Psalm. (Pay attention to changes in the tone, attitude, and language in order to observe the author s thought process.) Write it out below in the space provided. 4. Underline words that are repeated and theologically significant (e.g., save, righteousness, forgive, etc.). 5. Is this passage referenced or alluded to in the New Testament? Where? Discuss. Digging Deeper: 1. Identify the different types of parallelism and what they express. 24
Step 2 - Interpret Thursday, June 5 The Psalms Text: Psalm 59 Read the passage again, review your observations from Step 1, and follow the instructions for the Interpret Step found on page 3. Questions 1. What does this particular psalm teach us about the character of God? How does this fit in with what is revealed to us about God s character through Jesus? Write out your observations. 2. Carefully read vv. 3-4. Why can David be so confident in calling for God to act in these situations? 3. Carefully read vv. 11-13. What are the reasons that the author is calling for God to defeat his enemies? List them out below: 4. Look at the last two verses of Psalm 59. After calling for God to act, how does David conclude this psalm? 25
Step 3 - Practice Saturday, June 7 The Psalms Text: Psalm 59 Read the passage again, review your work from Steps 1 and 2, and follow the instructions for the Practice Step found on page 4. Questions 1. What actions does Psalm 59 call for in the life of the believer? Be specific. List at least three takeaways. 2. How should you think, pray, and act towards evil people in this world? 3. What conflict or tension have you had in your relationships recently? Is there anything that you need to confess, or can you honestly tell God that it has happened for no transgression or sin of mine (v. 3). 4. When you have had conflicts with non-believers, have you been more motivated by a selfish desire for justice or a desire to see God s name be glorified? What does this Psalm teach you in those moments? 5. In the midst of trials and conflicts that you seemingly haven t deserved, do you still praise God? What can you learn about worship from David s example in vv. 16-17? 26
Contributors Chris Taylor High School Pastor Wyatt Martin Middle School Pastor Robert Blosser Cover design 27
Notes 28
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alderwoodchurchfamily.org 30