Psalms for Shepherds

This is week 7 of our extended time in Psalm 119 of this lengthy psalm, verse 49 through 56, covering the seventh letter in this Hebrew acrostic, known as Zayin.   I know that if we look at this passage in most of our Bibles, we’ll see that Hebrew letter over it as a header, but as I read these eight verses, I want to write the word “HOPE” – in all capital letters, like a neon flashing sign – abov...

This is week 6 of our time in Psalm 119 and we are covering the sixth letter in this Hebrew acrostic, known as Waw (Vaav).    When I read Psalm 119: 41-48 in preparation for today’s podcast, the song writer’s desire was to honor the Father in how he responded to others in every situation. It was so clear when he was mocked, in public and in private, with those with much influence and with those of...

Today we continue our deep-dive into Psalm 119 where we are on the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, He (Hay).   When I read verses 33-40 of the longest psalms, it seemed the song writer was seeking divine understanding and a deeper desire for obedience.          As I researched the passage, my suspicion was affirmed, because in Hebrew, the English word for “understanding” is expanded beyond ou...

Today we are in the fourth acrostic of Psalm 119, entitled Daleth, the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.   As I read through Psalm 119: 25-32, they made me think the author was deeply grieving, full of sorrow and maybe even despair, but wanted the strength of the Father. Although they were struggling, they truly wanted to understand the ways of Yahweh and to choose His path.   Whatever it is y...

Today, we’re in the third acrostic of Psalm 119, entitled Gimel, third letter of the Hebrew alphabet. While the theme of this psalm, as a whole, is the practical use of the Word of God in the life of the believer. These eight verses remind me of what we need to do to obtain true discernment or knowing God’s Word, His ways, and His instructions so well that we have the ability to judge well and to...

Today, we’re in the second acrostic of Psalm 119, entitled Bet – the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet.    Verses 9 through 16 of Psalm 119 talk of the need to pursue purity and cultivate wisdom through God’s principles and instructions.    Just as a true Jewish teacher would do, the psalmist begins this portion of the song by asking his students a question.     Let’s worship together by readin...

Today we’re in Psalm 119, the longest song in the Psalter we call the book of Psalms, with 176 verses.                              To be honest, knowing that Psalm 119 was coming up in this series nearly gave me a sense of foreboding. Not just because of its length but because of its depth.       Then, as I took a deep breath and prayed for wisdom, I realized I was NOT going to cover 176 verses i...

Today we’re in Psalm 118, the song that sits between the shortest and the longest psalm. I haven’t mentioned it yet as we’ve worked our way through the Hallel, but I think it’s important that we remember our Savior hosted the most special of Passover meals the night He was betrayed.          Just picture this psalm being sung by our Lord, with His disciples present, as they completed the Passover...

Today, we are in Psalm 117, which continues in the Hallel, the collection of psalms traditionally sung by the Jewish people at the close of the Passover meal. We often hear that less is more, and I think today’s psalm is an example of just that since Psalm 117 consists of just two verses. It is the shortest psalm, but in this short psalm, there is a magnificent message. Let’s praise God together b...

Today, we’re in Psalm 116, a psalm that has significant meaning to me. As  I prepare this podcast, my husband, Doug, and I are amid a medical saga that began 23 days ago with an expected 5-to-7-day hospital stay.                 Truly, we made plans, but the Lord directed our steps. After open heart surgery, Doug spent 17 days in the hospital with complications and, as the doctors put it, “too man...

We return today to Psalm 115, one of the six psalms traditionally sung at Passover. It is part of the “Hallel,” or group of praise psalms, meant to remind the Jewish people of Yahweh’s faithfulness to them when He led them out of their bondage in Egypt. Also, in addition to being part of the Hallel, Psalm 115 is considered by many theologians to be one of three ‘psalms of communal confidence’, sim...

We turn to Psalm 115 today to discuss one of the psalms traditionally sung by the Jewish people at the close of the Passover meal. It’s part of a collection of psalms (Psalms 113-118) known as “The Hallel,” meaning “praise,” and as we’ll see, it is certainly a song intended to encourage its singers and hearers to praise Yahweh, the one true God. Let’s read Psalm 115, entitled, “To Your Name Give G...

Today, we’re in Psalm 114, a song that is often paired with Psalm 113 because together the two psalms are referred to as the “The Egyptian Hallel.” As a reminder, they were traditionally sung at the beginning of the Passover meal, with Psalms 115 through 118 sung at the close of the meal.   Please join me in reading the eight verses of Psalm 114....   1 When Israel went out from Egypt,     the hou...

Today, we’re in Psalm 113, a song that is often paired with psalm 114 because together the two psalms are referred to as the “The Egyptian Hallel.” They are traditionally sung at the beginning of Passover, with Psalms 115 through 118 sung at the close of the Passover meal. As “Hallel” means “praise,” the title used for these two psalms references the praise offered to God by the Jewish people for...

Today, we are finishing our time in Psalm 112, so please join me in reading the last four verses of this psalm entitled, “The Righteous Will Never Be Moved.” 7 He is not afraid of bad news;     his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,     until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. 9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;     his righte...

Today, we are in Psalm 112, a psalm that is a perfect follow-up to Psalm 111, because this psalm moves beyond praising and obeying God to the blessings that come with that praise and obedience. Please join me in reading the first six verses of Psalm 112 entitled, “The Righteous Will Never Be Moved.” 1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!...

Today, we are in Psalm 111, a psalm that sings praise to our God! Please join me in reading Psalm 111 entitled, “Great are the Lord’s Works.” 1 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,     in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord,     studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,     and his righteousness end...

Today, we are in Psalm 110, a psalm quoted more often than any other by the New Testament writers. So, let’s begin by reading together Psalm 110. 1 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” 2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power,  i...

Today, we are in Psalm 109, and if you’ve ever been falsely accused or had someone determined to ruin you or your name, you will relate to this psalm. Let's read together: To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 Be not silent, O God of my praise! 2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,  speaking against me with lying tongues. 3 They encircle me with words of hate,  and attack me w...

Today, we are in Psalm 108, a psalm of David that reminds us that we only do valiantly when we are with God. Let's read together: 1 My heart is steadfast, O God!     I will sing and make melody with all my being! 2 Awake, O harp and lyre!     I will awake the dawn! 3 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;     I will sing praises to you among the nations. 4 For your steadfast love is...

Today, we are in Psalm 107, the first psalm in the fifth and final book of the Psalms, a psalm that recounts concrete examples of the steadfast love of our Lord. Let's read together: 1. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,  whom he has redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from...

Today, we are in Psalm 106, another long song of 48 verses that almost contrasts with Psalm 105. Let's jump right in and read together ... 1. Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2. Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise? 3. Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! 4. Reme...

Today, we are finishing our time in Psalm 105, a psalm that recalls the demonstration of God’s magnificence! Let’s read together beginning in verse 26... 26 He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.   27 They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham.   28 He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words.   29 He turned their wate...

Today, we're continuing in Psalm 105 with verses 16 to 25. Let's jump right in... 16 He called for a famine on the land of Canaan,  cutting off its food supply.   17 Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them —  Joseph, who was sold as a slave.   18 They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.   19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s ch...

Today, we’re in Psalm 105, a long psalm of 45 verses — only 15 of which we’ll cover today — that magnifies the God of the covenant. As you may remember, Psalm 104 magnifies the God of creation and nearly demands the awe with which we should view our Maker, and then Psalm 106 magnifies the God Who disciplines His people and forgives them, as we will see in the coming weeks. How perfectly, then, Psa...