Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people

INTRODUCTION – Psalms 1 and 2

If a Bible with study notes, such as the NIV Study Bible or The Lutheran Study Bible is available, it will prove an invaluable tool during these studies.

This month we will look at the Introductory Psalms, namely Psalms 1 and 2.

Read Psalm 1

Note this Psalm has no heading and no author is given. It has also not been dated. Bible scholars think that the author was some learned man and was probably written in a later period and added to the Book of Psalms, since one of the early manuscripts of Acts 13:33 (in which Psalm 2:7 is quoted) refers to Psalm 2 as the first Psalm.

Read verses 1–3

The psalm begins by celebrating the person who is “blessed” because they meditate on the Torah. Torah means “law” but also refers to the first five books of the Bible that contain the foundational laws of Judaism. These five books are also known as the Pentateuch (“five books”) and the Septuagint.

The word “blessed” can also be translated as “congratulations” or “happiness to”.

What are the qualities of the person so praised?

What does he not do?

What does he do?

How often does the person meditate?

What is the person compared to?

The happy and wise person knows the boundaries of life and stays inside them. In his commentary on the Psalms, the late Dr JTE (Erich) Renner notes that the imagery of the person described as a tree was appealing to the people of Israel in those times. Like Australia the land was dry and water was precious, so trees planted near, and nourished by, water flourished and fruited abundantly.

Any thoughts on this?

Read verses 4,5

These verses are in stark contrast to the earlier verses.

What are the wicked compared to?

They have no anchor or substance. The wicked person disobeys God’s will and heeds the advice and follows the example of those opposed to God’s will. They have no place either in the court of justice or the fellowship of God’s people.

To sum up: this psalm tells us about two groups of people: people who love and want to please God and people who do not respect God at all. These two groups of people walk along different paths. Each path leads to a different result.

Now read verse 6

The two sections of the psalm are tied together in this verse.

This psalm teaches God’s people to practise a life of prayer as they strive to obey God’s Word.

Any further thoughts on this?

 

Read Psalm 2

It is generally thought that this psalm was written for the coronation of the king and is known as a royal psalm. Some Bible scholars think that David may have written it.

Read verses 1–3

This is a surprise beginning! The unbelievers want to have things their own way.

Why do you think that the unbelievers’ rebellion is foolish?

How does God respond to this at first in v4? What is his further reaction?

Even in his anger what does the Lord remember (v6)?

The psalmist then goes on to remember the “decree” of the Lord. In ancient days the same word was used for “royal sacred law” (Renner). When a king was crowned, they were given a type of certificate or document of guarantee, which declared to them to be the rightful ruler. The Lord issues the decree and acknowledges the king as his son. Not begotten as his own Son, but his adopted, or declared, son.

Read 2 Kings 11:12

This is a parallel example of the ancient coronation rite.

Do you think that this could/should still be used today when national leaders are sworn in?

Read verses 8,9

One of the privileges of being a child is being able to ask a favour of their father. The Lord is mindful of this and promises his son, and king, a wonderful inheritance. He will grant the king dominion and power and give him victory over his enemies.

Read 1 Kings 3:5–9

How does Solomon respond when God asks him what he can give him? Does Solomon take advantage of this offer? Does he please his heavenly Father with his request?

Read verses 10–12

The final verses contain a warning.

How are those in power to serve God? How does God want them to rule?

In his paraphrased book of psalms Psalms Now, author Leslie Brandt writes:

So wise up, you who sit in high places.

Begin serving the God you are trying to silence.

Bow your hearts in submission before He crowns your heads with divine wrath.

Only those who rest in God’s will are really secure.

What does this psalm teach us about those who hold positions of power?

The final word: Blessed are all who take refuge in him (the Lord).

Concluding Prayer: Lord, we thank you that you have adopted us as your children and that we can come to you asking you for your favour and blessing. Strengthen our faith as we grow in your love. We pray for those you have placed over us to govern and direct our nations and their people. Give them humility, wisdom and hearts to serve you as we wait for the return of our heavenly King who will reign in perfection forever. Amen.

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