Bible in a Year April 30 - Psalm 119: 1-88

 Psalm 119 stands alone in the entire book by being both the longest and the only psalm that was probably written originally to be read instead of sung. We don’t know who the author is, but it’s possible he was a priest (verse 23 mentions speaking before kings, and his job may have been to teach God’s law. When verse 57 talks about ‘portion’, that is another indication that he might be a Levite. Based on his words, it appears that he was persecuted by men of authority who ridiculed his believes and encouraged him to give up his faith. But He strengthened himself, as we all should, by meditating on the Word of God.

The psalm is written in an acrostic arrangement using the Hebrew alphabet. Each paragraph has eight verses and each verse begins with the same letter of the alphabet if we were able to read it in the original language.

The author uses eight Hebrew terms repeatedly through the psalm, using at least six of them in each paragraph. The different Hebrew words are translated as: law, statutes, precepts, commands/commandments, laws/ordinances, decrees, word/law, and word/promise.

Tomorrow we read the second eleven paragraphs. While the text might feel repetitive, see if you can get a feel for the struggles the author dealt with.

TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 119; 89-176

Bible in a Year April 29 - Psalms 103-104; 113-114; 117

 

April 29 - Psalms 103-104; 113-114; 117

Did today’s reading make you want to praise the Lord? Wow – what a list of all the great things he has done.

Psalms 113-114 are part of a collection of songs called the Hallel, songs sung at the great festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. At Passover, Psalms 113-114 were sung before a meal, and 115-118 were sung afterwards.

It has been suggested that Psalm 113 is a connecting link between the song of Hannah (1 Sam 2:1-10) and the Magnificat of Mary (Luke 1:46-55). All three passages celebrate God’s goodness, the way he cares for the poor and oppressed, and his faithfulness. They also express gratitude and praise for God’s blessings and mercy. (The Book of Psalms, by J. J. Steward Perowne).

Not surprisingly, Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm and also the shortest chapter in the Bible. However it succinctly describes the greatness of God.

Praise the Lord!

TOMORROW’S READING - Psalm 119: 1-88

Bible in a Year April 28 - Psalms 75; 93-94; 97-100

 

April 28 - Psalms 75; 93-94; 97-100

Oh, “for the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps 100:5)

Today’s verses make me want to shout to the Lord a new song, a song of joy (however, if you’ve heard me sing you may not want to be close to me when I do that!). He is in charge and will judge evil at the appointed time. His works are amazing, and he sustains the earth. What wonderful psalms of praise! There are several verses that are included in worship songs or are common statements of joy.

Psalms 93 and 97-99 are considered ‘enthronement’ or ‘theocratic’ psalms, which celebrate the Lord’s reign on the earth. They were used to worship but also are prophetic pictures of the time when the Lord will establish his reign through the Messiah. Psalms 47, 95, and 96 are also enthronement psalms.

While music is the most common way of worshipping within our churches, there are so many other ways to demonstrate your love and worship of God. What is your preferred way to worship?

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Psalms 103-104; 113-114; 117

Bible in a Year April 27 - Psalms 33; 65-68

 

April 27 - Psalms 33; 65-68

As I wake up to reports of mass shootings, deaths caused by mistake, war, disaster, and political struggles over the value of life as God granted it, it is important to remember Ps 33:11, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Oh, some days it’s hard to see him at work, so we have to look extra hard.

Today’s reading includes a lot of praise and remembrance of the goodness of God. Even if we don’t see his love on a national basis, by looking around locally there are so many great things he has done, is doing, and will do. Let’s just close today’s devotion with Ps 33:22.

“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Psalms 75; 93-94; 97-100

Bible in a Year April 26 - Psalms 8-9; 16; 21; 24; 29

 

April 26 - Psalms 8-9; 16; 21; 24; 29

All of today’s psalms were written by David and reflect praise toward God and confidence in his protection. They also highlight his sovereignty over all of creation.

Ps 8:1 is important in its praise. David addresses God by his personal name Yahweh (Lord) and then identifies him as ‘Our Lord’ (Adonai), the sovereign master. Hebrews 2:6-8 applies verses Ps 8:5-6 to Jesus.

While we didn’t read Ps 10 today, apparently Ps 9 and 10 were originally one psalm in the Septuagint, one of the earliest versions of the OT that has been found. However it makes sense that they are separate, because Psalm 9 is a song of thanksgiving, and Psalm 10 is a complaint and prayer over godless  men.

Ps 21 is associated with Ps 20. It’s suggested that Psalm 21 is a thanksgiving psalm after success in the battle referred to in Psalm 20.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that Psalm 29 was written as David witnessed an awesome thunderstorm, which is kind of cool because as I write this there is an active thunderstorm taking place overhead. It again reminds me of the song, Our God is an Awesome God (“with thunder in his footsteps and lightning in his fists”).

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Psalms 33; 65-68

Bible in a Year April 25 - Psalms 76; 82; 84; 90; 92; 112; 115

 

April 25 - Psalms 76; 82; 84; 90; 92; 112; 115

Today’s psalms all share a theme of praise and worship of God.

The locations of Salem and Zion show up a couple of times – both of these refer to Jerusalem. Psalm 84 mentions the Valley of Baca. This was apparently a place people had to travel through on the way to Jerusalem. Baca means

‘tears, or ‘balsam tree’. This rare tree was known as the balm of Gilead, and grew near the Dead Sea. It is now extinct, but it had a really sweet smelling resin and was used to produce perfumes, incense, and medical ointments.  No one knows where the actual Valley of Baca was located, but it has been used as a metaphor describing when God is present and can provide strength and comfort (balm) for the struggles and hardships (tears) of life.

There are a few familiar verses in today’s text:

Ps 90:12 – “teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” and

Ps 92:4b – “I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Psalms 8-9; 16; 21; 24; 29

Bible in a Year April 24 - Psalms 40; 49-50; 73

 

April 24 - Psalms 40; 49-50; 73

Today’s readings touch on issues that we each face at different times in our lives. Pride, envy, depression, and sin.  But in each case, giving thanks for God’s blessings and continuing to trust in him brings deliverance.

There are passages that refer to the fact that God owns everything and isn’t necessarily delighted by sacrifice. Ps 50 mentions the Thank offering a couple of times. If you remember, that was also called the Fellowship Offering or Peace Offering. As an expression of thankfulness, a person would offer bread without yeast and a cake of bread made with yeast along with the animal sacrifice. This was not a required sacrifice – it was a voluntary expression of thanks to God for his provision.

Jesus, of course, became the embodiment of all types of sacrifices. Yet God is still so amazing in the provisions he has graced us with. How can you offer a tangible expression of thanks to him today?

 

TOMORROW’S TEXT: Psalms 76; 82; 84; 90; 92; 112; 115