Book 3 (Psalms 73–89)
We continue our journey through the psalms of “Book 3”. Following last month, we will pick two psalms that are not by David. These are from the sons of Korah. Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (see Numbers 16). His sons, however, did not die (see Numbers 26:9–11). The descendants of Korah served the Lord God faithfully.
Do the sins of our parents (or grandparents) stop us from serving the Lord?
Psalm 87
In your group, read this psalm out loud. If possible, hear it read from several versions. I enjoy hearing The Message (by Eugene Peterson) version of the Psalms, as it often gives useful insight.
How would you classify this psalm?
Summary: This short psalm is quite an interesting one. God has established Jerusalem (Zion) and will keep a register of all those who belong there. This will cause joyful praise.
Is this talking about the literal place of Jerusalem? How does this relate to Revelation 21:1–4?
What is strange about verse 4?
We have Gentiles being included as being “born in Zion”. This was written centuries before the birth of our Lord! Rahab is most likely Egypt (see Isaiah 30:7 and Job 9:13). Cush is the land south of Egypt. This list likely represents all nations. So, God records individuals from across the nations as being citizens of Jerusalem.
How does this relate to Matthew 28:18–20?
What prayer thoughts arise from this psalm?
Psalm 88
Read this psalm aloud in a few different versions.
What is this psalm about?
Some psalms are corporate (that we would sing together), others are solos (that we cry out by ourselves). A lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow that is presented to God. In Scripture, we encounter both corporate laments and solo laments. This psalm is best categorised as the latter.
List the psalmist’s grievances.
Some laments start off with complaint and end with praise. Sharing your distress with your Heavenly Father brings comfort, which is followed by praise.
Is that the case with this psalm (see verse 1 and verse 18)? Why do you think this is?
The knowledge that some psalms end in waiting is important. When we are in a period of darkness, and our prayers seem unanswered, these psalms show us we are not alone. Jesus’ quote from Psalm 22 when he was on the cross foreshadowed further suffering. He held onto the hope that the psalm ends with, but he still had to go through the darkness.
Can knowledge of Jesus’ struggles offer solace in times of darkness?
We also notice the psalmist’s persistence in crying out to God (verses 9 and 13). Jesus likewise taught us to be persistent in prayer—including in our laments. Consider, for instance, the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8). While we may find it easier to persevere in prayer for others, we can sometimes feel guilty—or even wrong—for doing the same on our own behalf. Yet this psalm is part of Scripture, and it reminds us that the psalmist approaches God repeatedly, confident in the Lord’s faithfulness and unafraid to bring his complaint again and again.
What should we do after we have presented our Heavenly Father with our complaint?
How does this persistence fit in with Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)? Can this apply to us as well?
Through all that our Lord Jesus has done for us, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1), and God has adopted us into his family (Romans 8:12–17). Think about that. God did all this for us so we could have a wonderful relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Honest communication is a part of such a relationship.
In what ways are we less than honest when we pray? Does it make sense to be anything less than completely honest when praying to our Heavenly Father?
How would you use this psalm to pray if you weren’t suffering?
Concluding Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are slow to anger and abundant in mercy, and we thank you for all that you have done for us through your Son, our Lord Jesus. Help us be honest when we talk with you. Encourage us to open our hearts before you with our joys and our sorrows. Thank you for hearing us and help us hear you. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.
Conclusion
Over these two months, we have had a taste of Book 3 of the Psalms. We have heard the voices of psalmists other than David. Please continue using psalms to enhance your prayers.
About the Author
