Day 264, September 21 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalms 107, 111–112, 117, 146–147
Praise and God’s Unfailing Love
A favorite portion of the Bible is the book of Psalms. Most people identify with the Psalms because the composers write about themes common to everyday life like pain and suffering, disillusionment, betrayal, deep remorse, trust, obedience, joy, and blessings.
The Psalms are Hebrew songs. Some rehearse the LORD’s blessings on the righteous, and his curses on the wicked. Others are highly emotional and touch us deeply. Often the Psalms begin with a struggle and resolve themselves with faith and hope for a better day.
Theological scholars are not sure when the Psalms in today’s Bible reading were written. Still, they certainly fit in the context of the times of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezra recorded many altercations with neighboring nations after the Jews returned to their land and rebuilt Solomon’s temple. When it was completed, there must have been songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Nearly 150 years later, King Artaxerxes allowed Nehemiah to travel to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Again, there was a lot of trouble with the neighbors. It had been a tough time for Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem, but finally, the walls were complete. Again, it was a time of celebration and memories.
Consider God’s great love
The Jewish returnees remembered when times were not so good. Psalm 107 suggests that some exiles wandered in a wasteland, and others were in prison, sitting in darkness and gloom. Some exiles nearly died because of their foolishness, and others served as slaves on ships and almost perished. Now, the repentant exiles gather from various places to Jerusalem.
Through all the troubles God saved them from, the refrain of the song is, “Let them [the redeemed, the people of Israel] give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men” (vs.8, 15, 21, 31, NIV). The Psalmist ends with the exhortation: “Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD” (Psalm 107 :43 , NIV).
Most of us are not Israelites, but we, too, have been redeemed. What has God saved us from? Jail or prison? An abusive relationship? A life of atheism or agnosticism? Alcohol or drug abuse? Sexual perversion or violence? Let us consider the great love of the LORD and give him praise!
God’s goodness
In Psalm 111, the composer praises God for providing food for the Israelites in exile. He also praises him for remembering his covenant to them and returning their land once occupied by foreigners.
Do we thank God for our food? If we were ever financially challenged, we might be more thankful for it. Do we thank him for the new covenant of salvation purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ? Has God enabled us to reclaim some good part of our life that was lost? Let’s praise him!
God’s blessings
Psalm 112 recounts the blessings of those who fear God’s name—one of them being his triumph over his foes (vs.8). The enemies of Israel “were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work [of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls] had been done with the help of [their] God” (Nehemiah 6:16, NIV).
Has God helped us triumph over our foes? Did he help us not to be intimidated but to complete the tasks God gave us to do? Let’s give him praise!
God is forever faithful
Psalm 146 and 147 are praise songs , which are similar to the theme of Psalm 107, God’s unfailing love. The songwriter says,
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—the LORD, who remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:5-6, NIV).
Because Israel put their hope in the LORD, he delivered them from bondage and exile.
No matter what challenges the followers of God face, the LORD is forever faithful. Because he is the creator of heaven and earth, we can rely upon him. Do we count on the help of man, or do we trust in the LORD? “The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:11, NIV).
Discussion
What are some of the major themes of the Psalms in today’s Bible reading? How have they played out in your life or someone you know?
Do you have a favorite Psalm? Why is it special to you?
Focus Verse
Psalm 147:1 (NIV) “Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Our next Bible study continues the rejoicing of the Israelites. They sang these songs going up to the temple to worship. Please join us for Songs to Sing on the Way to Church.
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