Epic Bible Study: Psalms

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Dec 18, 2013
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#1
Well its been a while since I've made one of these topics. Typically in the other Epic Bible Studies we have done we have focused on specific characters. We're going to switch this one up a bit, and read through the Psalms. Now granted the book of the Psalms is very long! So I cannot do this alone. I am only asking we try to keep this in linear order (from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4, etc.), but anyone can post the next psalm whenever they please. I am also asking we keep this in the King James Version for consistency (plus the poetic nature of the language of KJV fits well with the theme of Psalms). You may also discuss any of the Psalms that have been posted all ready. Here is the website resource for copy and pasting if you need it: https://www.biblegateway.com/

Psalms is very interesting, they are both advice for the time of David and advice for our time now. Some are very simple, some a little more complicated. They are prophecies and they are histories. The Psalms examine the past and they examine the future. So let us therefore examine the Psalms!




Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
 
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Dec 18, 2013
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#2
Well just going to post the next one since the first is pretty self-explanatory and we have a lot of Psalms to study!

Psalm 2

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[SUP]2 [/SUP]The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
 
Sep 30, 2014
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#3
I like this psalm, verse 4
to know God and His angels laugh at how He has them in derision,
The false spirits and mans power are nothing compared to the power of God.
 
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elf3

Guest
#4
I like this psalm, verse 4
to know God and His angels laugh at how He has them in derision,
The false spirits and mans power are nothing compared to the power of God.
It's hard for us to imagine the power of God. So far beyond our understanding. Just....WOW!!!
 
Oct 31, 2011
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#5
Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
I would have loved to be there when the decision was made by the first translators of scripture to use the word law to translate Torah. I wonder if it was a man decision or the Lord really guided them to impress on us how seriously the Lord takes His instructions to us. They had so many choices of words to use like guidance, instruction, teaching. It comes from an archery term to hit the mark.

The psalms also often talks of meditation. This is to center the mind on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. In the medical field of today, we hear a lot about it. There is a lot written about it today, including to simply clear the mind of thought and say aah. Psalms advises us to spend some time centering our mind on the Lord.
 
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psychomom

Guest
#6
Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Jesus lived Psalm 1 for us.
He is the only One Who, as RedTent said, has 'hit the mark' every moment of every day.


and Jesus is graciously creating Psalm 1 in us. :)

 
1

1still_waters

Guest
#7
Jesus lived Psalm 1 for us.
He is the only One Who, as RedTent said, has 'hit the mark' every moment of every day.


and Jesus is graciously creating Psalm 1 in us. :)

I fully agree. Learning to see Jesus in these scriptures instead of myself has been a real eye opener.
 
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psychomom

Guest
#8
I fully agree. Learning to see Jesus in these scriptures instead of myself has been a real eye opener.
what? the Bible isn't all about me?? lol
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
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#9
The psalms also often talks of meditation. This is to center the mind on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. In the medical field of today, we hear a lot about it. There is a lot written about it today, including to simply clear the mind of thought and say aah. Psalms advises us to spend some time centering our mind on the Lord.
What you are describing is New Age meditative prayer or Centering Prayer, where they zero in on one object, clear the mind in an attempt to reach godhood. It's all part of Eastern Mysticism.
I know we have had our tufts on doctrine but please take heed that what you described on Meditation is not biblical.

Here is more of a biblical definition of meditate from the word found in Psalm 1:2...

H1897. הגה hagah:A verb meaning to growl, to groan, to sigh, to mutter, to speak; used figuratively:to meditate, to ponder. The Lord told Joshua to meditate on the Law day and night (Josh. 1:8), and the Psalms proclaimed people blessed if they meditate on the Law (Ps. 1:2). Job promised not to speak wickedness (Job 27:4). The Hebrew verb can also refer to the mutterings of mediums and wizards (Isa. 8:19); the moans of grief (Isa. 16:7); the growl of a lion (Isa. 31:4); the coos of a dove (Isa. 38:14 (CWSDict)
 
Oct 31, 2011
8,200
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#10
What you are describing is New Age meditative prayer or Centering Prayer, where they zero in on one object, clear the mind in an attempt to reach godhood. It's all part of Eastern Mysticism.
I know we have had our tufts on doctrine but please take heed that what you described on Meditation is not biblical.

Here is more of a biblical definition of meditate from the word found in Psalm 1:2...

H1897. הגה hagah:A verb meaning to growl, to groan, to sigh, to mutter, to speak; used figuratively:to meditate, to ponder. The Lord told Joshua to meditate on the Law day and night (Josh. 1:8), and the Psalms proclaimed people blessed if they meditate on the Law (Ps. 1:2). Job promised not to speak wickedness (Job 27:4). The Hebrew verb can also refer to the mutterings of mediums and wizards (Isa. 8:19); the moans of grief (Isa. 16:7); the growl of a lion (Isa. 31:4); the coos of a dove (Isa. 38:14 (CWSDict)
We know you are against scripture, but to make Psalms say that to meditate is New Age is really making quite a stretch. Or to say we must not center our thoughts on the Lord, ever.
 
Sep 30, 2014
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#11
That just needs to be read carefully, You don't want to do the New Age, yoga,yogi,hindi thing with this meditation stuff, crossnote is right there. When all your thinking about is God is different, so be a little careful is all.
 
Jul 22, 2014
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#12
I believe Psalm 1 is about both the Lord and us (and our yielding to Him). Verse 6 lets us know that it is always God who has the righteousness and NOT us. God has always worked His righteousness thru a person when they repented of their sins and accepted Him as their Savior (And became regenerated by God spiritually).

Side Note:

Oh, and I was thinking of creating a Psalm study thread after another study thread idea I have been working over the past few days.
 
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Jul 22, 2014
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#13


Psalm 2


Holy Spirit speaks:

1 -5
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. [SUP] [/SUP]He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
[SUP] [/SUP]Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.​

God the Father answers:
[SUP]

6​
[/SUP]
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.​

Son of God decrees:
[SUP]

7​
[/SUP]
I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.​

God the Father replies:
[SUP]

8-9​
[/SUP]
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.​

Holy Spirit speaks:
[SUP]

10-12​
[/SUP]
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
[SUP] [/SUP]Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
[SUP] [/SUP]Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.​



Verses 1-5 - Holy Spirit talking about mankind and his rebellious attitude towards God.

Verse 6 - God the Father replies.


Verse 7 - Son of God says how the Lord (God the Father) has said unto him how He has been begotten).


Verses 8-9 - God the Father says He has delivered the heathen into his hand and He (the Son) shall destroy them.


Verses 10-12 - Advice to man from the Holy Spirit.
 
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elf3

Guest
#14
I would have loved to be there when the decision was made by the first translators of scripture to use the word law to translate Torah. I wonder if it was a man decision or the Lord really guided them to impress on us how seriously the Lord takes His instructions to us. They had so many choices of words to use like guidance, instruction, teaching. It comes from an archery term to hit the mark.

The psalms also often talks of meditation. This is to center the mind on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. In the medical field of today, we hear a lot about it. There is a lot written about it today, including to simply clear the mind of thought and say aah. Psalms advises us to spend some time centering our mind on the Lord.
RT I was thinking about your question of why man used law instead of maybe another word. I think you might be right that God impressed on man to use the word law. If you look at the other words possible that you mentioned: guidance, instruction or teaching they are not quite as powerful as the word law.

The other tree words you can say in a way could kind have been ignored IE: you can take them or leave them. Law on the other hand is more of a command word IE: Must be obeyed.

In the OT Israel had to obey all of the laws of God both moral and cerimonial. Now for us in the NT Jesus did away with the cerimonial laws on the cross but we still have all of God's moral laws that we must obey.

I think it's kind of neat the way God had Psalms written in a way that it spreads to all time.

On the meditation God is not saying some Hindu new age thing. What God is saying is that we are to think upon His laws thru the day keeping them close to our heart. When we are thinking upon God's laws always there is less chance that we will stable and fall.

And can we please not go to psalms 2 so quickly. There is more in Psalms 1 to discuss. GIS this is your forum you made could you take us to the next when you feel it's ready. Psalms is not a book (or any other book of the Bible) to go thru quickly. Shoot we could study Psalms 1 for a year and not be done. Just my opinion.
 
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oldthennew

Guest
#15
Psycohomom,

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

what amazing blessing are bestowed upon each of us when we become convicted after conversion and
begin to obey these rules, they surely aren't easy when we first begin our new walk, as most of us
fit the descriptions of the ones mentioned
to a tee.



 
O

oldthennew

Guest
#16
Red,

how right you are when you say that meditating on the scriptures that have been so
lovingly given to us for our sanity and peace of mind, among so many other things,
brings us into such an intimate, loving relationship with our Holy Father.

we love the way Paul puts it,
describing the Word of God',

PHILPPIANS 4:8.

'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.'

we continually try and think upon the scriptures and that which is holy
and that which is Spiritual, always praying that we may develop
the Mind of Christ.
 
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elf3

Guest
#17
Red,

how right you are when you say that meditating on the scriptures that have been so
lovingly given to us for our sanity and peace of mind, among so many other things,
brings us into such an intimate, loving relationship with our Holy Father.

we love the way Paul puts it,
describing the Word of God',

PHILPPIANS 4:8.

'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.'

we continually try and think upon the scriptures and that which is holy
and that which is Spiritual, always praying that we may develop
the Mind of Christ.
This is the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. How wonderfully He works in us as we think upon Him throughout or day!
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,704
3,649
113
#18
I would have loved to be there when the decision was made by the first translators of scripture to use the word law to translate Torah. I wonder if it was a man decision or the Lord really guided them to impress on us how seriously the Lord takes His instructions to us. They had so many choices of words to use like guidance, instruction, teaching. It comes from an archery term to hit the mark.

The psalms also often talks of meditation. This is to center the mind on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. In the medical field of today, we hear a lot about it. There is a lot written about it today, including to simply clear the mind of thought and say aah. Psalms advises us to spend some time centering our mind on the Lord.
What you are describing is New Age meditative prayer or Centering Prayer, where they zero in on one object, clear the mind in an attempt to reach godhood. It's all part of Eastern Mysticism.
I know we have had our tufts on doctrine but please take heed that what you described on Meditation is not biblical.

Here is more of a biblical definition of meditate from the word found in Psalm 1:2...

H1897. הגה hagah:A verb meaning to growl, to groan, to sigh, to mutter, to speak; used figuratively:to meditate, to ponder. The Lord told Joshua to meditate on the Law day and night (Josh. 1:8), and the Psalms proclaimed people blessed if they meditate on the Law (Ps. 1:2). Job promised not to speak wickedness (Job 27:4). The Hebrew verb can also refer to the mutterings of mediums and wizards (Isa. 8:19); the moans of grief (Isa. 16:7); the growl of a lion (Isa. 31:4); the coos of a dove (Isa. 38:14 (CWSDict)
We know you are against scripture, but to make Psalms say that to meditate is New Age is really making quite a stretch. Or to say we must not center our thoughts on the Lord, ever.
Look up Contemplative Prayer or Centering Prayer it is as you first described. It's Eastern Mysticism and is infecting the Church.
But hey, you are you, ignore the warning if you must.

Here is just one link among many...

Contemplative Prayer—A mystical prayer practice that leads one into the "silence" but in actuality leads away from God
 
E

elf3

Guest
#19
This is from C. H. Spurgeon in his "Treasury of David".

"His delight is in the law of the Lord. He is not under the law as a curse. He is IN THE LAW. He delights to be in it, he delights to MEDITATE in it, to read it by day and meditate in it at night. He takes a text and carries it all day. In the night, when asleep forsakes his eyes, he ponders the Word of God. In prosperous days, he sings Psalms from God's word, and in afflictions night, he finds comfort with promises from the same book."
 
Dec 18, 2013
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#20
A little commentary on Psalm 2: I find this to be an amazing prophecy especially from verse 6 onward. This is a prophecy that has all ready been fulfilled too through Jesus Christ.

Anyhow, let us continue on!

Psalm 3

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. [SUP]2 [/SUP]Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.