Psalm 133
A Song of degrees of David.
1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Psalm 134
A Song of degrees.
1Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
2Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
3The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
Chapter 133
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "We cannot say too much, it were well if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in peace. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel." In social situations, when I'm with brothers and sisters and Christ, there is unity (in Christ) among us, which I think we display to each other by showing His love to one another. If there is an opportunity where we can show His love to others who we've never come in contact with before, we will. I think since we have that unity in Christ, our love displayed, say, towards a homeless person, would end up making an impact on that person. I like the comparison in verse 2, which is carried out in verse 3. What "It is like the precious ointment upon the head" (v. 2) means to me is that I have been anointed by Christ when I came to Him and I have unity with Him as a result of that. What "for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore" means to me is that my blessings in that I have blessings in this life and I will eternity. In terms of the latter, I've kind of talked about that in terms of seeing my kids in eternity. What I don't receive the blessings for in this life in regards to what I have done for His kingdom, I will receive them in eternity. What I'm getting at is that in Scripture, it talks about receiving crowns for what God's people have done in regards to advancing His kingdom, which I believe will vary from person to person. I'm trying to do what I can to make a difference for His kingdom and stand for Him, but not so I can receive the blessing, but rather so I show others that I know Him and want them to know Him.
Chapter 134
I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 1, but I guess, in a way, I do minister by night (or stand in His house) by reflecting on His Word. If God's using His Word and His work through me to plant seeds and encourage other believers, that's great and I praise Him for that. I don't necessarily raise my hands in church (v. 2), but before I have talked about turning my hands towards chest as well opening up my fingers as a sign of humility and reverence towards Him. By doing things such as displaying humility and reverence towards Him, I figure He'll bless me from His dwelling place (v. 3). I don't have to worship Him only in that way in order for Him to bless me -- there's lots of ways, such as worship hosting, doing creative things for Him, and reading His Word. If He doesn't bless me for things in this time, I imagine He will in eternity.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 133". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=133>.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 132
Psalm 132
A Song of degrees.
1Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions:
2How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
3Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
4I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
5Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
6Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
7We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
8Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
10For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
11The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
12If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
13For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
14This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
15I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
17There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
Chapter 132
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "David bound himself to find a place for the Lord, for the ark, the token of God's presence. When work is to be done for the Lord, it is good to tie ourselves to a time. It is good in the morning to fix upon work for the day, with submission to Providence, for we know not what a day may bring forth." In regards to verses 3-5, what I see is a sense of reverence for the Lord when putting Him above else. I put Him and His people above else as a worship host, which I believe I talked about before. If the Lord remembers my afflictions and helps me out, I'm gonna use that as a motivation to (continue) to serve Him because it's my way of giving back to Him for helping me out. After my darkest moment -- which I am reminded of in verse 1 -- I had a renewed desire for the Lord and wanted to serve Him. I think when a person is renewed as a result of a dark in their life and/or spiritual walk, they want to outwardly express their love for Him by serving Him because they wanna display what the Lord has done in their life (in general). When I serve Him, I feel that I show others that I'm blessed in so many ways and wanna give back, such as the time I helped out at CityTeam. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 6, but it is a good thing to go into His tabernacles (v. 7). To me, that means, spending time in His Word and gaining wisdom from it and applying what I learn, which is a form of worship. In order for Him to arise (metaphorically), one must gone into His presence (v. 8). As I said before, one of the things I do to go into His presence is read His Word, which is usually an intimate time which I can't really describe. I'm not sure if "arise" in verse 8 is meant in literal sense as well, but in church when there has been times of the Holy Spirit working in the service and His saints did shout for joy (v. 9) in the midst of singing to Him, which was probably a result of the Holy Spirit at work. I am His servant David (v. 10), but I do still consider myself a servant of the Lord and whenever I'm facing hard times, He does turn away His face from me. In my darkest moment, He was close to me and He never turned from me, which was an awesome thing. I don't have anything to say about verse 11, but I do like Henry's insight on it, "The Lord never turns from us when we plead the covenant with his anointed Prophet, Priest, and King." In regards to verse 12, I believe I have talked about raising up children in the Lord before, which is something I look forward to. If I do that and they don't leave their faith, they will be on His throne eternally, which will have been a blessing to not only produce, but it will also be a blessing to see them in eternity. Verse 13 pretty much speaks for itself, but I am reminded that as Zion is His dwelling place , His spirit dwells in me because when I decided to follow Him, He desired to dwell in me. I don't see myself as deserving of His spirit dwelling in me, but it's by His grace that His spirit dwells in me. Perhaps His eternal desire (v. 14) outweighs the fact that I don't deserve it, but I dunno. I don't have any poor people in my family (v. 15), but if I see someone in need of food on the streets, I could bless them by buying food for them. As the Lord provided for Zion, He provides for His people, which is what I get out of the "I will abundantly bless her provision" part. I dunno what I'd do if He didn't provide for me and I'm glad He does. In regards to verse 16, what I get out of it is that God's people (like those in Zion) are blessed when they come to faith in Christ and express the fact that they are blessed by finding joy in salvation, in the fact that they were saved from what was or what could have been a lifestlye as a slave to sin. Before I became a Christian, I didn't live a sinful lifestlye where I did drugs and had promiscuous sex every day, but I still lived as a slave to sin in the since that I wasn't born as a slave to Christ. I find joy the fact that I was saved at an early age and didn't have to live a sinful lifestyle before. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 17, but verse 18 reminds me of my darkest moment because the enemy was clothed with shame when the Lord took care of him and my crown -- or my faith in God -- did flourish when my relationship with Him was renewed.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 132". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=132>.
A Song of degrees.
1Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions:
2How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
3Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
4I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
5Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
6Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
7We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
8Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
10For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
11The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
12If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
13For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
14This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
15I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
17There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
Chapter 132
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "David bound himself to find a place for the Lord, for the ark, the token of God's presence. When work is to be done for the Lord, it is good to tie ourselves to a time. It is good in the morning to fix upon work for the day, with submission to Providence, for we know not what a day may bring forth." In regards to verses 3-5, what I see is a sense of reverence for the Lord when putting Him above else. I put Him and His people above else as a worship host, which I believe I talked about before. If the Lord remembers my afflictions and helps me out, I'm gonna use that as a motivation to (continue) to serve Him because it's my way of giving back to Him for helping me out. After my darkest moment -- which I am reminded of in verse 1 -- I had a renewed desire for the Lord and wanted to serve Him. I think when a person is renewed as a result of a dark in their life and/or spiritual walk, they want to outwardly express their love for Him by serving Him because they wanna display what the Lord has done in their life (in general). When I serve Him, I feel that I show others that I'm blessed in so many ways and wanna give back, such as the time I helped out at CityTeam. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 6, but it is a good thing to go into His tabernacles (v. 7). To me, that means, spending time in His Word and gaining wisdom from it and applying what I learn, which is a form of worship. In order for Him to arise (metaphorically), one must gone into His presence (v. 8). As I said before, one of the things I do to go into His presence is read His Word, which is usually an intimate time which I can't really describe. I'm not sure if "arise" in verse 8 is meant in literal sense as well, but in church when there has been times of the Holy Spirit working in the service and His saints did shout for joy (v. 9) in the midst of singing to Him, which was probably a result of the Holy Spirit at work. I am His servant David (v. 10), but I do still consider myself a servant of the Lord and whenever I'm facing hard times, He does turn away His face from me. In my darkest moment, He was close to me and He never turned from me, which was an awesome thing. I don't have anything to say about verse 11, but I do like Henry's insight on it, "The Lord never turns from us when we plead the covenant with his anointed Prophet, Priest, and King." In regards to verse 12, I believe I have talked about raising up children in the Lord before, which is something I look forward to. If I do that and they don't leave their faith, they will be on His throne eternally, which will have been a blessing to not only produce, but it will also be a blessing to see them in eternity. Verse 13 pretty much speaks for itself, but I am reminded that as Zion is His dwelling place , His spirit dwells in me because when I decided to follow Him, He desired to dwell in me. I don't see myself as deserving of His spirit dwelling in me, but it's by His grace that His spirit dwells in me. Perhaps His eternal desire (v. 14) outweighs the fact that I don't deserve it, but I dunno. I don't have any poor people in my family (v. 15), but if I see someone in need of food on the streets, I could bless them by buying food for them. As the Lord provided for Zion, He provides for His people, which is what I get out of the "I will abundantly bless her provision" part. I dunno what I'd do if He didn't provide for me and I'm glad He does. In regards to verse 16, what I get out of it is that God's people (like those in Zion) are blessed when they come to faith in Christ and express the fact that they are blessed by finding joy in salvation, in the fact that they were saved from what was or what could have been a lifestlye as a slave to sin. Before I became a Christian, I didn't live a sinful lifestlye where I did drugs and had promiscuous sex every day, but I still lived as a slave to sin in the since that I wasn't born as a slave to Christ. I find joy the fact that I was saved at an early age and didn't have to live a sinful lifestyle before. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 17, but verse 18 reminds me of my darkest moment because the enemy was clothed with shame when the Lord took care of him and my crown -- or my faith in God -- did flourish when my relationship with Him was renewed.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 132". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=132>.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 130-131
Psalm 130
A Song of degrees.
1Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 131
A Song of degrees of David.
1Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
2Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
3Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.
Chapter 130
Verse 1, to me, illustrates desperation in relation to crying out to God. An example of a desperate would be my darkest moment, when I was crying out to Him with utter need and hopelessness. I needed Him to free me, which He did as a result of my acknowledging that I reached a low point (v.2). I am also reminded of the fact that almost every day, I ask for God to help me to sin less and tame my tongue because I have no desire to sin and want to resist temptation as best I can, which isn't always easy. If I resist temptation and then decide to do something good, my time will have been spent doing something good, which the Lord will bless. I am thankful that He doesn't keep record of the sins of His people (v. 3). If He did, He wouldn't be omnibenevolent, which would result in His people falling ("who shall stand?") and spending eternity without Him. I feel that in terms of His forgiveness, His omnibenevolence is what keeps people living as slaves to sin once they accept His Son. What I mean by that is once a person expereinces God's love in the process of coming to Christ, he or she wants to live a lifestyle of loving Christ and not sin. I know people that lived sinful lifestyles before coming to Christ and they suffered as a result of things such as drug use. They changed and realized that loves covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), including their drug use. And since one's sins are covered once he or she comes to Christ, that illustrates that he or she lives as a slave to sin, but rather a slave to Christ. If any more explanation is needed, let me know. I didn't see that theological implication in that verse when I first came across it, but I'm glad I did. I hope what I said makes sense and seems logical. What I get out of verse 4 is that one of the reasons I find myself in awe of God (in church and my quiet time) is because no one forgives like He does and as much as He does. He allows non-believers to live another (undeserved) day even though they constantly resist Him. If that's not grace, then I don't what is. I praise Him for that, as odd as it may seem, because the non-believers that God allows to live another day would end up being (some of) the same people that He could use me to touch, which He would be glorified in. He knows I'm more than willing to make a difference for His kingdom -- I just need to ask Him for opportunities. It could be something small such as buying lunch for a homeless person, which I've talked about before. Another point I wanna establish in regards to that verse is that His people should not abuse His forgiveness (Romans 6:1), which is something I should take time to examine in my walk. If He convicts me of that, I'm gonna ask Him help me to change in that area. I think before I talked about a time when my thoughts were profanity-laced, which I asked God to help me out with. I did feel bad, having those thoughts, so I asked Him for forgiveness (v. 4) and I waited for the moment in which He would no longer help me to have those thoughts (vv. 5-6). Another thing I've felt comvicted of, which I think I talked about already, was if I get a job, I'd (constantly) think about spending money on material things and not give some of it back to the Lord. I asked Him to change me and now I wanna give back to Him if I do get a job and still have money for myself and/or for dates if I ever get involved with a girl. I do still think buying the latest August Burns Red CD or the few Demon Hunter CDs I want or what have you, but it's not something that consumes my thoughts anymore and I'm glad that He freed me from that. I did find hope in Him as a result of feeling convicted (v. 7) and He love (or mercy) was illustrated in that when He helped me out so I could repent of my selfish thoughts. God did redeem from my thoughts (V. 8) and if there's more convictions that come up in the future that He can redeem me of, that means He's not done with me.
Chapter 131
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "The psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdue self-love. Where there is a proud heart, there is commonly a proud look." I do see humility being implied in verse 1 and I try to put what God thinks of me above what of others think since I don't seek approval form others. If they praise me for something, that's great, but I don't go out of my way to get praise from others, which is what I get out of the "neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me" part. In verse 2, I am reminded that I am a child of God and it is by behaving like one that I illustrate humility to Him. I think if I wasn't a child of God, I'd be arrogant and proud all the time and always go about seeking praise for my accomplishments. Being a child of God allows me to humble myself before Him when doing so is necessary (such as my darkest moment) and letting Him know that since I belong to Him, being prideful will not help me deal with my problems. I am reminded of Matthew 18:3, which says, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." And it is by becoming a child of God -- or as a little child in this case -- that I inherited the hope of eternal life (v. 3). I believe eternal life begins the moment a person becomes a Christian. I know that in order for something to be eternal, it doesn't have a beginning, but the concept of eternal life works because God is eternal and it is something that is inherited once a person becomes a Christian. That is something I'd like to explore further for another time.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 131". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=131>.
A Song of degrees.
1Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 131
A Song of degrees of David.
1Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
2Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
3Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.
Chapter 130
Verse 1, to me, illustrates desperation in relation to crying out to God. An example of a desperate would be my darkest moment, when I was crying out to Him with utter need and hopelessness. I needed Him to free me, which He did as a result of my acknowledging that I reached a low point (v.2). I am also reminded of the fact that almost every day, I ask for God to help me to sin less and tame my tongue because I have no desire to sin and want to resist temptation as best I can, which isn't always easy. If I resist temptation and then decide to do something good, my time will have been spent doing something good, which the Lord will bless. I am thankful that He doesn't keep record of the sins of His people (v. 3). If He did, He wouldn't be omnibenevolent, which would result in His people falling ("who shall stand?") and spending eternity without Him. I feel that in terms of His forgiveness, His omnibenevolence is what keeps people living as slaves to sin once they accept His Son. What I mean by that is once a person expereinces God's love in the process of coming to Christ, he or she wants to live a lifestyle of loving Christ and not sin. I know people that lived sinful lifestyles before coming to Christ and they suffered as a result of things such as drug use. They changed and realized that loves covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), including their drug use. And since one's sins are covered once he or she comes to Christ, that illustrates that he or she lives as a slave to sin, but rather a slave to Christ. If any more explanation is needed, let me know. I didn't see that theological implication in that verse when I first came across it, but I'm glad I did. I hope what I said makes sense and seems logical. What I get out of verse 4 is that one of the reasons I find myself in awe of God (in church and my quiet time) is because no one forgives like He does and as much as He does. He allows non-believers to live another (undeserved) day even though they constantly resist Him. If that's not grace, then I don't what is. I praise Him for that, as odd as it may seem, because the non-believers that God allows to live another day would end up being (some of) the same people that He could use me to touch, which He would be glorified in. He knows I'm more than willing to make a difference for His kingdom -- I just need to ask Him for opportunities. It could be something small such as buying lunch for a homeless person, which I've talked about before. Another point I wanna establish in regards to that verse is that His people should not abuse His forgiveness (Romans 6:1), which is something I should take time to examine in my walk. If He convicts me of that, I'm gonna ask Him help me to change in that area. I think before I talked about a time when my thoughts were profanity-laced, which I asked God to help me out with. I did feel bad, having those thoughts, so I asked Him for forgiveness (v. 4) and I waited for the moment in which He would no longer help me to have those thoughts (vv. 5-6). Another thing I've felt comvicted of, which I think I talked about already, was if I get a job, I'd (constantly) think about spending money on material things and not give some of it back to the Lord. I asked Him to change me and now I wanna give back to Him if I do get a job and still have money for myself and/or for dates if I ever get involved with a girl. I do still think buying the latest August Burns Red CD or the few Demon Hunter CDs I want or what have you, but it's not something that consumes my thoughts anymore and I'm glad that He freed me from that. I did find hope in Him as a result of feeling convicted (v. 7) and He love (or mercy) was illustrated in that when He helped me out so I could repent of my selfish thoughts. God did redeem from my thoughts (V. 8) and if there's more convictions that come up in the future that He can redeem me of, that means He's not done with me.
Chapter 131
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "The psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdue self-love. Where there is a proud heart, there is commonly a proud look." I do see humility being implied in verse 1 and I try to put what God thinks of me above what of others think since I don't seek approval form others. If they praise me for something, that's great, but I don't go out of my way to get praise from others, which is what I get out of the "neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me" part. In verse 2, I am reminded that I am a child of God and it is by behaving like one that I illustrate humility to Him. I think if I wasn't a child of God, I'd be arrogant and proud all the time and always go about seeking praise for my accomplishments. Being a child of God allows me to humble myself before Him when doing so is necessary (such as my darkest moment) and letting Him know that since I belong to Him, being prideful will not help me deal with my problems. I am reminded of Matthew 18:3, which says, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." And it is by becoming a child of God -- or as a little child in this case -- that I inherited the hope of eternal life (v. 3). I believe eternal life begins the moment a person becomes a Christian. I know that in order for something to be eternal, it doesn't have a beginning, but the concept of eternal life works because God is eternal and it is something that is inherited once a person becomes a Christian. That is something I'd like to explore further for another time.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 131". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=131>.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 129
Psalm 129
A Song of degrees.
1Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Chapter 129
The whole passage pretty much relates to my darkest moment, so I'll talk about that.
I remember being afflicted more than once, particularly when the enemy tried to tell me I wasn't good enough for God (vv. 1-2), which was represented by the time he used my trials against me and brought them up more than once. By doing that, he did (metaphorically) plow upon my back (v. 3) by trying me to get me to believe his lies. However, reliance upon God was what caused the enemy to sever his ties from me (v. 4). And once the enemy is cut off, his influence no longer has an effect on the person of God who he was trying to influence. I imagine that God was done dealing with the enemy, he did turn back in shame (v. 5) and he hasn't seemed to bother me with his lies since. I am thankful that God is protecting me and making sure my walk is not hindered by another dark moment. For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verses 6-7: "While God's people shall flourish as the loaded palm-tree, or the green and fruitful olive, their enemies shall wither as the grass upon the house-tops, which in eastern countries are flat, and what grows there never ripens; so it is with the designs of God's enemies." I don't have a lot to say about that, but after my darkest moment had passed, I do remember flourshing in my walk with Him as soon as there were no longer any hinderances between me and Him. My relationship with Him was renewed, yes, but my walk with Him did flourish, which resulted in being at peace with Him and focusing on being obedient to Him. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 8 since it doesn't seem to appeal to me, but here's Henry's insight on it, "No wise man will pray the Lord to bless these mowers or reapers."
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 129". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=129>.
A Song of degrees.
1Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.
Chapter 129
The whole passage pretty much relates to my darkest moment, so I'll talk about that.
I remember being afflicted more than once, particularly when the enemy tried to tell me I wasn't good enough for God (vv. 1-2), which was represented by the time he used my trials against me and brought them up more than once. By doing that, he did (metaphorically) plow upon my back (v. 3) by trying me to get me to believe his lies. However, reliance upon God was what caused the enemy to sever his ties from me (v. 4). And once the enemy is cut off, his influence no longer has an effect on the person of God who he was trying to influence. I imagine that God was done dealing with the enemy, he did turn back in shame (v. 5) and he hasn't seemed to bother me with his lies since. I am thankful that God is protecting me and making sure my walk is not hindered by another dark moment. For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verses 6-7: "While God's people shall flourish as the loaded palm-tree, or the green and fruitful olive, their enemies shall wither as the grass upon the house-tops, which in eastern countries are flat, and what grows there never ripens; so it is with the designs of God's enemies." I don't have a lot to say about that, but after my darkest moment had passed, I do remember flourshing in my walk with Him as soon as there were no longer any hinderances between me and Him. My relationship with Him was renewed, yes, but my walk with Him did flourish, which resulted in being at peace with Him and focusing on being obedient to Him. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 8 since it doesn't seem to appeal to me, but here's Henry's insight on it, "No wise man will pray the Lord to bless these mowers or reapers."
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 129". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=129>.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 127-128
Psalm 127
A Song of degrees for Solomon.
1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128
A Song of degrees.
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Chapter 127
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verse 1: "Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing." I don't have a family, but that is a verse to keep in mind in case I ever do have a family. Me and my house, I could imagine us serving Him (Joshua 24:15) and having Him as our foundation. I believe the building the house of the aspect of the verse is not physical, but rather it's saying that a house or family doesn't work out if God's not at the center of it. I figure the reason there's so many divorces is because God isn't at the center of a marriage, which is how the vainty ("they larour in vain that build it") aspect ties in because if one does something that is considered vain to God, he or she will typically get less than satisfactory results and probably a failed marriage or what have you. That's not to say that Christians can't divorce, but that's a topic for another time. It's funny that Solomon wrote that Psalm and used the word "vain" because it reminds me of the Book of Ecclesiastes when he wrote about vain or meaningless things. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 2 because I can't say I've had any (vain) experiences regarding what it describes, but it a promise to keep in mind in case I ever do. In regards to verse 3, I don't have any children (or sons), but I do like Henry's thought on the verse, "Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him." If I ever do have children some day, I will be reminded that they are a gift from God and that it will a good thing to raise them up in a godly way. It kind of goes back to verse 1 where I talked about having God as the foundation for a family. I look forward to raising up my children in a godly way, which I know I will be blessed for in probably for more ways than I can imagine, but I'm not gonna do just to receive the blessings. Rather, I'm gonna do it to make an impact for His kingdom. I don't have a lot to say about verse 4, but what it means to me is that if I have children and they get out into the world and are called by God to do missions in say, India, they are gonna remember the (godly) influence I had on them and use that to stand for God. And if God wants to use my future children to stand up for Him and bring people to Him, I'll be OK with that because I'll trust that God will be with them and protect them. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 5 since it seems to relate to the previous verse and since I don't have children.
Chapter 128
I do fear the Lord (v. 1) and one the ways I am blessed as a result of that is by when His spirit touches me an others in church. I do display fear or reverence for Him outside of church, but for the sake of coming up with an example, I'll just talk about what I experience in church. In church, when serving communion time, I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the silence that takes place during communion. I'm doing my part by serving the communion trays, which I see as an act of revering because it says to God that He and His people are more important and are to be served first. By doing that and having that attitude, I am blessed by feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. Afterwards, the other worship hosts and I have a communion and prayer time. For clarity, here's Henry's thoughts on verse 2: "They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get." I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to get out of that verse, but I think "For thou shalt eat the larour of thine hands" has to do with God's blessing being, I guess, taken as a result of one's labor. I do tend to grasp onto the blessings He provies and I usually thank Him for His blessings in prayer. What "happy shalt thou be" means to me is that one is satisfied when God blesses him or her, which is a good thing. I don't have a wife a kids (v. 3), but I do like the comparisons in the verse and I do look forward to having a wife that is fruitful in terms of spirit, personality, and intelligence. I don't have much to say about the children aspect, but I do look forward to raising up children in a godly way. And I imagine when I have the ideal wife and kids, as I pointed out, that will be the result of fearing Him (v. 4) or putting Him first in my life. To put it biblically, Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." In regards to verse 5, I do believe that His blessings come from Zion (or His dwelling place) and that His blessings, such as having a roof over my head, food to eat, being able to live another (undeserved) day, and being able to draw (another) breath are some of the good things that He provides for me every day, which I am thankful for. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but if it's His will for me to live to see my children's children (or grandchildren), I will. What I mean my "His will" is that I could die before ever seeing my children's children since He knows when I'm gonna die and I'd be OK with going before ever meeting my grandchildren since I know that nothing compares to eternity with Him.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 127". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=127>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 128". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=128>.
A Song of degrees for Solomon.
1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128
A Song of degrees.
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Chapter 127
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on verse 1: "Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and business of a family we must depend upon his blessing." I don't have a family, but that is a verse to keep in mind in case I ever do have a family. Me and my house, I could imagine us serving Him (Joshua 24:15) and having Him as our foundation. I believe the building the house of the aspect of the verse is not physical, but rather it's saying that a house or family doesn't work out if God's not at the center of it. I figure the reason there's so many divorces is because God isn't at the center of a marriage, which is how the vainty ("they larour in vain that build it") aspect ties in because if one does something that is considered vain to God, he or she will typically get less than satisfactory results and probably a failed marriage or what have you. That's not to say that Christians can't divorce, but that's a topic for another time. It's funny that Solomon wrote that Psalm and used the word "vain" because it reminds me of the Book of Ecclesiastes when he wrote about vain or meaningless things. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 2 because I can't say I've had any (vain) experiences regarding what it describes, but it a promise to keep in mind in case I ever do. In regards to verse 3, I don't have any children (or sons), but I do like Henry's thought on the verse, "Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward; and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him." If I ever do have children some day, I will be reminded that they are a gift from God and that it will a good thing to raise them up in a godly way. It kind of goes back to verse 1 where I talked about having God as the foundation for a family. I look forward to raising up my children in a godly way, which I know I will be blessed for in probably for more ways than I can imagine, but I'm not gonna do just to receive the blessings. Rather, I'm gonna do it to make an impact for His kingdom. I don't have a lot to say about verse 4, but what it means to me is that if I have children and they get out into the world and are called by God to do missions in say, India, they are gonna remember the (godly) influence I had on them and use that to stand for God. And if God wants to use my future children to stand up for Him and bring people to Him, I'll be OK with that because I'll trust that God will be with them and protect them. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 5 since it seems to relate to the previous verse and since I don't have children.
Chapter 128
I do fear the Lord (v. 1) and one the ways I am blessed as a result of that is by when His spirit touches me an others in church. I do display fear or reverence for Him outside of church, but for the sake of coming up with an example, I'll just talk about what I experience in church. In church, when serving communion time, I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the silence that takes place during communion. I'm doing my part by serving the communion trays, which I see as an act of revering because it says to God that He and His people are more important and are to be served first. By doing that and having that attitude, I am blessed by feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. Afterwards, the other worship hosts and I have a communion and prayer time. For clarity, here's Henry's thoughts on verse 2: "They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get." I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to get out of that verse, but I think "For thou shalt eat the larour of thine hands" has to do with God's blessing being, I guess, taken as a result of one's labor. I do tend to grasp onto the blessings He provies and I usually thank Him for His blessings in prayer. What "happy shalt thou be" means to me is that one is satisfied when God blesses him or her, which is a good thing. I don't have a wife a kids (v. 3), but I do like the comparisons in the verse and I do look forward to having a wife that is fruitful in terms of spirit, personality, and intelligence. I don't have much to say about the children aspect, but I do look forward to raising up children in a godly way. And I imagine when I have the ideal wife and kids, as I pointed out, that will be the result of fearing Him (v. 4) or putting Him first in my life. To put it biblically, Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." In regards to verse 5, I do believe that His blessings come from Zion (or His dwelling place) and that His blessings, such as having a roof over my head, food to eat, being able to live another (undeserved) day, and being able to draw (another) breath are some of the good things that He provides for me every day, which I am thankful for. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but if it's His will for me to live to see my children's children (or grandchildren), I will. What I mean my "His will" is that I could die before ever seeing my children's children since He knows when I'm gonna die and I'd be OK with going before ever meeting my grandchildren since I know that nothing compares to eternity with Him.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 127". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=127>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 128". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=128>.
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 126
Psalm 126
A Song of degrees.
1When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
4Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Chapter 126
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "It is good to observe how God's deliverances of the church are for us, that we may rejoice in them. And how ought redemption from the wrath to come, from the power of sin and of Satan, to be valued!" Verses 1-3 remind me the the hard financial times my church went through a few years ago. I've touched on that before, but I thought I'd elaborate on it (again) for the sake of emphasis. One thing to note in verse 1 is Bullinger's thoughts on "turned...the capativity" or "turned the fortunes," which he elaborates on:" This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing." With that in mind, my church's financial state was restored when enough money was put in to keep up with costs. I think when I talked about this before, I mentioned something about the elders not trusting in God, which I am including to put things in context. And to not get off of too much of a tangent, the blessing of the restoration was God continuing to work in the lives of others and God keeping the church together so that it would rely on Him during the trial. Another blessing was that those who love my church and enjoy going to Crossroads (my church) didn't have to worry about going to another church where they may have not felt welcomed. I think my church (the building aspect) is owned by the county or something and not being able to come up with the funds would've meant there wouldn't have been a place for people to go to church for the reason I've stated. When things got better, I think -- but I'm not quite sure -- everyone in my chruch praise Him for restoration that was done (v. 2). I'm not sure if anyone said that the LORD did great things, but we displayed or expressed that that by praising Him for His work. That thought is continued in verse 3 for emphasis and we did express we were glad for what He had done by praising Him. I see verse 4, so I don't have much to say about it. For clarity, here's Henry's comments on verses 5-6, "Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And they that sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed." In regards to my darkest moment, I remember feeling down or despressed. I don't recall sowing in tears (v. 5), but I think the fact that I was depressed was what helped me to find joy in the Lord and come out of it with a renewed sense of joy. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but I think it's interesting how weeping can result in joy, which is something I'll have to look into some more.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 126". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=126>.
Bullinger, E.W. The Companion Bible.
A Song of degrees.
1When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
4Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Chapter 126
For clarity, here's Matthew Henry's insight on the first few verses: "It is good to observe how God's deliverances of the church are for us, that we may rejoice in them. And how ought redemption from the wrath to come, from the power of sin and of Satan, to be valued!" Verses 1-3 remind me the the hard financial times my church went through a few years ago. I've touched on that before, but I thought I'd elaborate on it (again) for the sake of emphasis. One thing to note in verse 1 is Bullinger's thoughts on "turned...the capativity" or "turned the fortunes," which he elaborates on:" This does not refer to a captivity or captives, but to a restoration to blessing." With that in mind, my church's financial state was restored when enough money was put in to keep up with costs. I think when I talked about this before, I mentioned something about the elders not trusting in God, which I am including to put things in context. And to not get off of too much of a tangent, the blessing of the restoration was God continuing to work in the lives of others and God keeping the church together so that it would rely on Him during the trial. Another blessing was that those who love my church and enjoy going to Crossroads (my church) didn't have to worry about going to another church where they may have not felt welcomed. I think my church (the building aspect) is owned by the county or something and not being able to come up with the funds would've meant there wouldn't have been a place for people to go to church for the reason I've stated. When things got better, I think -- but I'm not quite sure -- everyone in my chruch praise Him for restoration that was done (v. 2). I'm not sure if anyone said that the LORD did great things, but we displayed or expressed that that by praising Him for His work. That thought is continued in verse 3 for emphasis and we did express we were glad for what He had done by praising Him. I see verse 4, so I don't have much to say about it. For clarity, here's Henry's comments on verses 5-6, "Suffering saints are often in tears; they share the calamities of human life, and commonly have a greater share than others. But they sow in tears; they do the duty of an afflicted state. Weeping must not hinder sowing; we must get good from times of affliction. And they that sow, in the tears of godly sorrow, to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; and that will be a joyful harvest indeed." In regards to my darkest moment, I remember feeling down or despressed. I don't recall sowing in tears (v. 5), but I think the fact that I was depressed was what helped me to find joy in the Lord and come out of it with a renewed sense of joy. I don't have much to say about verse 6, but I think it's interesting how weeping can result in joy, which is something I'll have to look into some more.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 126". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=126>.
Bullinger, E.W. The Companion Bible.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 124-125
Before I get started, I thought I'd say I haven't been posting the last two nights because on Monday night I was filling out job applications and last night I was having internet issues. But everything's back to normal, so no worries.
Psalm 124
A Song of degrees of David.
1If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125
A Song of degrees.
1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
3For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
4Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Chapter 124
What I get out of this chapter as a whole is that if God didn't help out His people in their trials, they wouldn't be able to get through their trials. I kind of mentioned something like that before in regards to my darkest moment and it's neat to see a chapter that relates to the point I've established. It's kinda like it's being emphasized since it's repeated. Throughout His Word, a message is repeated for emphasis. If God wasn't with me, I'd still be stuck in my darkest moment and knowing that makes me realize that I probably didn't deserve for Him to free me since I had rebelled against Him, but it was by His grace that He helped me out. I praise Him for not leaving me in the enemy's grip (v. 6) and for providing me a way to escape from his snares (v. 7) by delivering me. I thought I'd include Matthew Henry's comment on the last verse since I like it, "The believer will ascribe all the honour of his salvation, to the power, mercy, and truth of God, and look back with wonder and thanksgiving on the way in which the Lord has led him. Let us rejoice that our help for the time to come is in him who made heaven and earth." What I have to say about the verse is that since I found help in Him during my darkest moment, I can look back on that and remember that He helped me out for dealing with future trials. I like the idea that He'll never stop helping His people because with His help, they can get through anything.
Chapter 125
I like the comparison in verse 1 to Mount Zion in the sense that one's trust and confidence cannot be moved no matter what trials he or she goes through. What I also get out of it is that the trials a Christan faces help strengthen his or her faith in the Lord since he or she has to trust in Him to get through trials. The more trials a Christian faces, the more he or she is less likely to drift away from Him. My trials, such as my darkest moment and algebra, were what caused me to draw closer to Him. For clarity, here's Henry's insight on verse 2, "Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease." In my darkest moment, I made the decision to commit myself to Him by letting Him know that I needed His help. I think by doing that, I recognized that my covenant with Him would not be broken since if I didn't ask Him to help me, I would've lost faith in Him. I dunno that verse is kinda hard for me to comment on, but I will say that when I became a Christian, I made a covenant with Him and since He's all-knowing, He knows whether or not I will keep my covenant with Him -- I don't. He used my darkest moment as a trial to test me to see if I would keep my covenant with Him and to see if I would acknowledge that by trusting Him. Had I not put my trust in Him, I probably would've given up on my relationship with Him. And since God knows stuff that I don't, I can trust Him in my trials and come out of them with more strength faith-wise. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 3 since I haven't utilized the rod of the wicked. I think it's a verse I'd look into in to future because I'm not if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically, but I will say that God's people and evil spirits or what have you don't get along well. I like Henry's thoughts on verse 4: "God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it. But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but disappointment and misery shall befal them." In regards to the verse, God has blessed me by doing things such as freeing me from my darkest moment and helping me pass algebra. I figure since I follow after Him and seek His ways in prayer, He'll bless that, which is what I get out of "them that are upright in their hearts." I can't relate to verse 5 since I don't turn to crooked ways, but I will say that once the Lord deals with all the evil in this world, His Son will return to take care of the evil and bring peace.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 124". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=124>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 125". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=125>.
Psalm 124
A Song of degrees of David.
1If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125
A Song of degrees.
1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
3For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
4Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Chapter 124
What I get out of this chapter as a whole is that if God didn't help out His people in their trials, they wouldn't be able to get through their trials. I kind of mentioned something like that before in regards to my darkest moment and it's neat to see a chapter that relates to the point I've established. It's kinda like it's being emphasized since it's repeated. Throughout His Word, a message is repeated for emphasis. If God wasn't with me, I'd still be stuck in my darkest moment and knowing that makes me realize that I probably didn't deserve for Him to free me since I had rebelled against Him, but it was by His grace that He helped me out. I praise Him for not leaving me in the enemy's grip (v. 6) and for providing me a way to escape from his snares (v. 7) by delivering me. I thought I'd include Matthew Henry's comment on the last verse since I like it, "The believer will ascribe all the honour of his salvation, to the power, mercy, and truth of God, and look back with wonder and thanksgiving on the way in which the Lord has led him. Let us rejoice that our help for the time to come is in him who made heaven and earth." What I have to say about the verse is that since I found help in Him during my darkest moment, I can look back on that and remember that He helped me out for dealing with future trials. I like the idea that He'll never stop helping His people because with His help, they can get through anything.
Chapter 125
I like the comparison in verse 1 to Mount Zion in the sense that one's trust and confidence cannot be moved no matter what trials he or she goes through. What I also get out of it is that the trials a Christan faces help strengthen his or her faith in the Lord since he or she has to trust in Him to get through trials. The more trials a Christian faces, the more he or she is less likely to drift away from Him. My trials, such as my darkest moment and algebra, were what caused me to draw closer to Him. For clarity, here's Henry's insight on verse 2, "Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may moulder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease." In my darkest moment, I made the decision to commit myself to Him by letting Him know that I needed His help. I think by doing that, I recognized that my covenant with Him would not be broken since if I didn't ask Him to help me, I would've lost faith in Him. I dunno that verse is kinda hard for me to comment on, but I will say that when I became a Christian, I made a covenant with Him and since He's all-knowing, He knows whether or not I will keep my covenant with Him -- I don't. He used my darkest moment as a trial to test me to see if I would keep my covenant with Him and to see if I would acknowledge that by trusting Him. Had I not put my trust in Him, I probably would've given up on my relationship with Him. And since God knows stuff that I don't, I can trust Him in my trials and come out of them with more strength faith-wise. I'm not sure how I'd relate to verse 3 since I haven't utilized the rod of the wicked. I think it's a verse I'd look into in to future because I'm not if it's supposed to be taken literally or metaphorically, but I will say that God's people and evil spirits or what have you don't get along well. I like Henry's thoughts on verse 4: "God's promises should quicken our prayers. The way of holiness is straight; there are no windings or shiftings in it. But the ways of sinners are crooked. They shift from one purpose to another, and turn hither and thither to deceive; but disappointment and misery shall befal them." In regards to the verse, God has blessed me by doing things such as freeing me from my darkest moment and helping me pass algebra. I figure since I follow after Him and seek His ways in prayer, He'll bless that, which is what I get out of "them that are upright in their hearts." I can't relate to verse 5 since I don't turn to crooked ways, but I will say that once the Lord deals with all the evil in this world, His Son will return to take care of the evil and bring peace.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 124". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=124>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 125". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=125>.
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