Part 3: Sons of Korah (42-49, 84-85, 87)
Psalm 42-43
Hope amidst Darkness: Both Psalm 42 & 43 speak of hope amidst a dark situation. In particular, Psalm 42 is about the hope of quenching an extreme thirst. It is introduced with the familiar line, "As the deer pants for the water so my soul pants for you, O God." In the midst of the dry times, skeptics may mock the believer asking "Where is your God?" The Psalmist remembers the times of plenty, longing for the source of his former joy. Ultimately, he keeps faith that the water of life will be restored to him. Psalm 43 is specifically hope for vindication.
Psalm 44
Psalm 44 speaks of God as almost a 'sleeping Giant'
1. God has a record of action in the past (1-8)
2. God may seem asleep in the present (9-16)
3. Seeming inactivity isn’t always deserved (17-22)
Why has this happened? Multiple explanations emerge. First, God's seeming activity could be designed for a greater purpose. Certainly the NT teaches us much about the value of pain and suffering. Second, God's inactivity could be the result, not so much of bad behavior, but of a lack of good behavior. For example, perhaps Israel's 'watchmen' (Isaiah 62:6-7) hadn't been lifting up special prayers to God. Third, perhaps the Psalm shows a 'sleeping giant' that is raised up in Jesus Christ. In this case, the Psalm shows the void filled by Jesus.
Psalm 45
A Wedding Psalm: This Psalm was probably written for the wedding of Solomon (at least one of them!), but it has obvious Messianic references. For instance, this "King" is spoken of as "God" in verse 6 (which also seems to allude to Genesis 49:10) ...and yet He still has a God in verse 7. This section is also quoted in Hebrews 1:8.
1 Introduction
2-9 Praise for the King/Groom (Solomon --> Christ)
10-15 Words for the Bride (Solomon's wife --> Church)
* 16-17 (reverts back to masculine in hebrew)
Psalm 46
Peace amidst Storm: Psalm 46 was Martin Luther's basis for the great hymn "A Mighty Fortress." The word translated as fortress in verses 7 & 11 is the Hebrew word for a high tower. The Psalm speaks of the 'high tower' we can find safety in amidst the storms of earth below. This Psalm is a precursor to Ephesians 1:20-21 & 2:6 which speak of believers as spiritually ascended with Christ, able to overcome the obstacles of this world. Verse 10 is the location of the famous line "Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 47
Praise the Lord of All: This Psalm is all positive praise of the King of the earth. Various forms of physical worship are mentioned (clapping, shouting, singing, etc).
Psalm 48
Praise the God of Victory: Another song of all positive praise to the Lord.
Psalm 49
The Poverty of Wealth: In this Psalm, the Sons of Korah share some wisdom about human wealth. The following principles are given...
1. Money can’t buy eternal life
2. You can’t take it with you
3. It’s important to have understanding
Psalm 84
Abiding in God, A Song Sung on the Way to the Temple: This Psalm celebrates the presence of God. The author envies even the birds who are able to reside at the temple each day. This Psalm is the basis for the popular worship song "Better is one day"
Psalm 85
Plea for Revival: This Psalm deals with the past, present & future.
1-3 (God's past victories)
4-8 (Their present plea)
9-13 (God's future rescue of His people)
Verse 10 can be said to foreshadow the cross, for it is in the cross that love and faithfulness meet together. It is in the cross that righteousness and peace find their true home.
Psalm 87
Inclusion of the Gentiles: Psalm 87 must have been difficult Psalm for some Jews to sing, for, if they were anything like Jonah, it was much to inclusive for their tastes. The Psalm speaks, once again, of the 'City of God.' But what makes this Psalm so bold is the predicted inclusion of Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush, etc within the City of God! They will be treated as if they had been born in Zion. This Psalm surely speaks of the inclusion of the gentiles into family of God.
Hope amidst Darkness: Both Psalm 42 & 43 speak of hope amidst a dark situation. In particular, Psalm 42 is about the hope of quenching an extreme thirst. It is introduced with the familiar line, "As the deer pants for the water so my soul pants for you, O God." In the midst of the dry times, skeptics may mock the believer asking "Where is your God?" The Psalmist remembers the times of plenty, longing for the source of his former joy. Ultimately, he keeps faith that the water of life will be restored to him. Psalm 43 is specifically hope for vindication.
Psalm 44
Psalm 44 speaks of God as almost a 'sleeping Giant'
1. God has a record of action in the past (1-8)
2. God may seem asleep in the present (9-16)
3. Seeming inactivity isn’t always deserved (17-22)
Why has this happened? Multiple explanations emerge. First, God's seeming activity could be designed for a greater purpose. Certainly the NT teaches us much about the value of pain and suffering. Second, God's inactivity could be the result, not so much of bad behavior, but of a lack of good behavior. For example, perhaps Israel's 'watchmen' (Isaiah 62:6-7) hadn't been lifting up special prayers to God. Third, perhaps the Psalm shows a 'sleeping giant' that is raised up in Jesus Christ. In this case, the Psalm shows the void filled by Jesus.
Psalm 45
A Wedding Psalm: This Psalm was probably written for the wedding of Solomon (at least one of them!), but it has obvious Messianic references. For instance, this "King" is spoken of as "God" in verse 6 (which also seems to allude to Genesis 49:10) ...and yet He still has a God in verse 7. This section is also quoted in Hebrews 1:8.
1 Introduction
2-9 Praise for the King/Groom (Solomon --> Christ)
10-15 Words for the Bride (Solomon's wife --> Church)
* 16-17 (reverts back to masculine in hebrew)
Psalm 46
Peace amidst Storm: Psalm 46 was Martin Luther's basis for the great hymn "A Mighty Fortress." The word translated as fortress in verses 7 & 11 is the Hebrew word for a high tower. The Psalm speaks of the 'high tower' we can find safety in amidst the storms of earth below. This Psalm is a precursor to Ephesians 1:20-21 & 2:6 which speak of believers as spiritually ascended with Christ, able to overcome the obstacles of this world. Verse 10 is the location of the famous line "Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 47
Praise the Lord of All: This Psalm is all positive praise of the King of the earth. Various forms of physical worship are mentioned (clapping, shouting, singing, etc).
Psalm 48
Praise the God of Victory: Another song of all positive praise to the Lord.
Psalm 49
The Poverty of Wealth: In this Psalm, the Sons of Korah share some wisdom about human wealth. The following principles are given...
1. Money can’t buy eternal life
2. You can’t take it with you
3. It’s important to have understanding
Psalm 84
Abiding in God, A Song Sung on the Way to the Temple: This Psalm celebrates the presence of God. The author envies even the birds who are able to reside at the temple each day. This Psalm is the basis for the popular worship song "Better is one day"
Psalm 85
Plea for Revival: This Psalm deals with the past, present & future.
1-3 (God's past victories)
4-8 (Their present plea)
9-13 (God's future rescue of His people)
Verse 10 can be said to foreshadow the cross, for it is in the cross that love and faithfulness meet together. It is in the cross that righteousness and peace find their true home.
Psalm 87
Inclusion of the Gentiles: Psalm 87 must have been difficult Psalm for some Jews to sing, for, if they were anything like Jonah, it was much to inclusive for their tastes. The Psalm speaks, once again, of the 'City of God.' But what makes this Psalm so bold is the predicted inclusion of Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush, etc within the City of God! They will be treated as if they had been born in Zion. This Psalm surely speaks of the inclusion of the gentiles into family of God.
posted by matthew at 3:47 PM
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