Psalms
A study of the Psalms based upon the Liturgy of the Hours including canticles from outside the Book of Psalms
Introduction to The Psalms
May 17, 2018
In this study, we begin our introduction to the book of Psalms including structure, origin, editing, challenges in translation, and, very importantly, what does it mean when we say the Bible is the Word of God.
Psalm 95: Entering God's Rest - Part 1
June 7, 2018
We finish our exploration of Psalm 95 tonight focusing on verse 11 and what it means to enter God“s rest. Tangential topics examined include different degrees of sin, the Sabbath, the Millennium rest, and evaluating truth.
Psalm 95: Entering God's Rest - Part 2
June 7, 2018
We finish our exploration of Psalm 95 focusing on verse 11 and what it means to enter God's rest. Tangential topics examined include different degrees of sin, the Sabbath, the Millennium rest, and evaluating truth.
Jer 31:10-14: God Gathers Scattered Israel
July 12, 2018
In this study, we examine the historical and cultural setting of God's promise to gather and prosper Israel in Jer 31:10-14. We chose this particular section of scripture because it is the second psalm in the Morning Office of the first Thursday of the four week Psalter. The first half concludes with a discussion of sections of scripture that can make us uncomfortable about God such as killing 185,000 Assyrians as they are getting ready to attack Jerusalem.
Psalm 147:12-20: Praise God Who is Doing Something Special
September 6, 2018
This study is of another explosion of praise — Psalm 147:12-20. We explain why the Divine Office starts in the middle of the psalm and its context around the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem with several references to the Book of Nehemiah. We end in appreciation of how what God is doing in Christianity is different than any other religion and how that is a source of our praise.
Psalm 142: Sharing Our Worries With God
August 22, 2019
In our study of Psalm 142, we begin by noting how the Hebrew of the psalm is much later than David even though it claims to be a psalm of David and how the psalmist sees his present distress in the life of David. We then do the same and discuss honestly sharing our complaints, difficulties, and pain with God. We see how the psalmist, Jeremiah, and even Jesus Himself does this all the while completely trusting in God. We also note some of the messianic overtones of the psalm, explore how our suffering and deliverance can be important to others, and conclude by considering the bounty of God toward us and our great hope in Him.