Category Archives: Psalms

Happy or Blessed

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What I love about Bible studies is you start on one thing and find yourself somewhere else and it is a great study too. This one started out as a study on light and ended looking at the word Esher, that means happy. (It will explain itself when I do the blog about light.)  In my Strong’s Concordance for the King James Version that has definitions from W.E. Vine adapted into the entries I found this and thought it was to good to pass up. (Strong’s #835)

Esher and the name Asher (son of Jacob) both come from the same root word and it can be translated blessed or happy. Most of the occurrences of Esher in scripture are in poems such as Psalms or Proverbs. Vine observes that the “prosperity” or “happiness” comes when a superior, usually God, has bestowed His favor on you such as in Deuteronomy 33:29. But he notes that according to Eliphaz Job was blessed and should have been happy not because everything was going good but because God favored Job (Job 5: 17-18). OUCH that runs against the modern thought process.

Vine’s final thought is that it is appropriate to translate Esher as “happy” but for modern readers it “does not always convey its emphasis” to us. Many modern translations do use blessed more than happy.

For a good example of the usage of this word please see http://www.craigladams.com/blog/files/Psalm-1-1.html for Psalm 1.

A good reference- http://biblesuite.com/hebrew/835.htm

The Exodus Story in Other Places

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glory 1

People may argue parts of the Exodus story and how it could not have happened. But the fact that the story is retold throughout the rest of scripture should speak volumes about its validity and its credibility. (This may not be all of them but you get the idea.)

  • Gideon  – Judges 6:13 – Questioned about the miracles
  • Jephthah – Judges 11:15-27 – Retold conquest story
  • Micah 6: 1-5 – The Lord had a case against Israel and highlighted the Exodus to prove his point.
  • Ezekiel 20:4 – God giving a discourse to the elders of Israel about their love for idols of Egypt even though He brought them out of Egypt and gave them a good land.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:4 – Spiritual lesson about Israel being baptized into Moses and Israel sharing spiritual food and drink and still some died in the desert.
  • Moses’ Psalms 90 -100 – I still think they are a series of songs to teach the people about God and His requirements.

Psalms

  • 66: 5-12 A highlight telling of Israel’s time in Egypt and their leaving.
  • 77: 11-20 A call for Jeduthun to remember and meditate on the miracles of God; the parting of the Red Sea is the focus of what God did.

Just a thought, look at Psalm 78-83 as a block for teaching people after Jerusalem fell.

  • 78 A comparison of Israel’s testing God and His mercy and miracles.
  • 80: 7-11 A call to God to remember that He did bring Israel out of Egypt and to have mercy on them again.
  • 81:3-10 To remember that God brought Israel out of Egypt and established that He should be praised.
  • 95: 8-11 Not to harden your heart as people did at Meribah.
  • 105:16-45 A Sunday School lesson of Abraham, Joseph, the plagues, and the joseph-dreams of wheatExodus.
  • 106 A history of God’s faithfulness in not destroying Israel starting in Egypt and going through the Conquest into the unfaithfulness in the Promise Land.
  • 114 It reminds Judah who they belong to and that mountains, hills, and the “waters” obey the Lord.
  • 135:8-14 That man (Egypt, Pharaoh, Sihon, Og, and the kings of Canaan) will not stop God’s people.
  • 136:10-22 Resembles Ps. 135 

Picture of Sheaves from http://www.freebibleimages.org/photos/joseph-dreams/

Comparing Psalm 135 and 136

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Even though I do not think these were written by the same person or even in the same time period it is interesting that Psalm 135 and 136 have similar elements. Please image David in 1 Chronicles 15:11 instructing his Praise Team to sing Psalm 135 as they carry the Ark to Jerusalem. Then image Ezra in Chapter 3:11 separating the congregation into halves and having one group singing the first part of each verse while the other group responds with “His love endures forever.”

These Psalms are included in the section of the “songs of ascents” which were traditionally sung as people went up to the Temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 115 and 118 share the idea of verse 19 and 20 of Psalm 135; the house of Israel, Aaron, Levi and those who fear Him. Psalm 135:4 talks about Jacob and Israel giving each a different emphasis. They also have a historical component remembering God’s great deliverance from Egypt and the defeat of Og and Sihon which marked the beginning of the conquest of the Promised Land. The blue sections highlight His control over nature and thus being in charge of their daily lives.

See the studies on Psalm 14 and 53  and Psalm 60 and 108.

Thanks to BibleGateway.com they are a great resource.

Hezekiah part 2

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In part one I said to study Hezekiah start with Ahaz his father.  So I followed my own advice and did it again. Ahaz was a “bad” king and the nagging thought of “why” has been with me for several days. In 2 Chronicles it says he starts his reign at the age of twenty and ruled for sixteen years; that makes him 36 when he died. (see my timeline) Hezekiah started ruling when he was 25 so a little math tells us that Ahaz started his family at 11 years old. Maybe now we can start seeing why Ahaz was a mess. His great-grandsons at the end of 2 Chronicles were active very early also. This sort of answered my next question, why was Hezekiah so different? Probably he was not raised around his father instead he may have been raised by his mother’s parents.  Ahab, the king associated with Elijah, did this with his children; it was good business and at least kept part of the family safe in case of attack.

To add a few thoughts about Hezekiah and some things he did and may have done. In Proverbs 25 the heading in my NIV Bible says that these proverbs were copied by Hezekiah’s men but had been written by Solomon. So that adds to his “good” of cleaning and reopening the Temple and helping revival by holding Passover for the first time in over 250 years.

These, as always, are almost impossible to prove but because of the content I think he may have written Psalm 102 and 116 during or after his illness. I give him Psalm 119 just for the scholarly work that went into its writing and the phrase of verse 67, “before I was afflicted.” Psalm 119 is acrostic, which means that a verse or section was written using each letter in their alphabet. Each one of the sections also has eight verses in it, the number of “new beginning.” Something that I noticed several years ago was that if you lined them up and read all of the similar verses they made sense that way also. Example read verse 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104, 112, 120, 128, 136, 144, 152, 160, 168 and 176 together they make a continuous thought. So you can read the 22 sections or you can read it as 8 sections with 22 verses each. (see Psalm 119 rewritten) See the other Psalms I try to connect with people.

The picture is from http://christianimagesource.com/king_hezekiah_g337-king_hezekiah__image_4_p2265.html 

Psalm 119 Rewritten

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I reordered Psalm 119 (NIV) to make it eight sets of twenty-two verses, instead of twenty-two sets of eight verses.  For me, it reads better.

To get my new sections I took all of the first verses and put them together, then all of the second verse, and so on.  Each section now contains all of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 17 Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word.  25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 33 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. 41 May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; 49 remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.  57 You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. 65 Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD. 73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. 81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. 89 Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 113 I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. 121 I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. 129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. 137 You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right. 145 I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your decrees. 153 Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. 161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. 169 May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word.

2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. 58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. 74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. 82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. 122 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 154 Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. 162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. 170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.

3 They (those who seek Him) do no wrong but follow his ways.11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. 51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. 59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 75 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. 115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! 123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. 131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. 139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. 163 I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. 171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.

4 You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.12 Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. 52 I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. 60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. 76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. 84 How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 108 Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. 116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. 124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. 132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night that I may meditate on your promises. 156 Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws. 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. 172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. 45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. 53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. 61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. 69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. 85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. 133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. 141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws. 157 Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. 165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, 54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. 62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. 70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. 78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. 86 All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. 94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. 118 You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. 126 It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. 134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. 150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 158 I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. 166 I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. 174 I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 47 for I delight in your commands because I love them. 55 In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. 63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 79 May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. 87 They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth! 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. 127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, 135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. 151 Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true. 159 See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love. 167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.

8 I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. 16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.  24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. 40 How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. 48 I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. 56 This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. 64 The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees. 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. 80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. 88 In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth. 96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. 120 My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. 128 and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. 136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. 144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. 152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever. 160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. 168 I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you. 176 I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

New International Version (NIV)

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