This study comes from Reading Plan week 78, Psalms 101-106 & 2 Chronicles 33-36. Master: [ pdf | doc ] Group: [ pdf | doc ] Other studies from this week's reading: |
Introduction The Hebrew word “hesed”—translated in the NASB as “lovingkindness”—is an Old Testament concept that is often equated to “grace” in the New Testament. However, that falls short of its actual meaning. “The New Bible Dictionary” (Inter-varsity Press) succinctly provides that “the passages where it is found reveals its close connection with the two ideas of covenant and faithfulness. Its meaning may be summed up as ‘steadfast love on the basis of a covenant.’ It is employed both of God’s attitude towards his people and of theirs to him...” David elaborates on this more fully in this Psalm, providing the benefits and activities of God’s grace—“lovingkindness”—based on our attitude towards Him, and how it’s a complete work of God from and to Him. |
| 1Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. |
[Read v.1-5] Q: What are God’s “benefits”?
Q: How would you describe the scope of His benefits? Are they mainly earthly or temporary? On what do they seem to be fixed? A: They’re the sum of the work of salvation for this life and the life to come. They’re the work of God for all eternity that begins in this life and completed in the next. Application: If you were to list all of the great things you have, are, and will receive from God, how many of these would’ve been on your list prior to reading this Psalm? Is there something you think is missing from, or you wish was on, this list? What might that say about your spiritual walk? |
| 6The Lord performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to ou iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. 14For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. |
[Read v.6-14] Q: List the attributes of God’s grace provided in v.6-10.
Q: How might we interpret these things together to mean that they are the working of His righteousness in our life? A: All of these things have to do with building spiritual character and walking according to His ways, not ours. The emphasis is completely on our soul, not our body; on our spiritual walk, not our fleshly existence. Q: What are the 3 examples/images used in v.11-13 and what do they teach?
Q: How does v.14 summarize why God requires so little from us for grace without measure? A: He is acutely aware that He is God and we are not. Therefore His nature is to magnify beyond measure His love towards those who make the minimal effort that a human being is capable of. He does not require anything that is extraordinary or beyond our ability. |
15As for man, his days are like grass; |
[Read v.15-18] Q: What is the contrast between man and God stated here? A: Man’s existence is so fleeting and fragile that it can be completely erased and forgotten; God’s grace is the only thing that can cause him to be remembered and sustained. Q: What is the critical condition stated here? Who will experience His grace?
It’s being faithful in the relationship we’ve entered into with Him and following through with obedience to the responsibilities He’s assigned as a result of same. |
| 19The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. 20Bless the Lord, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! 21Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. 22Bless the Lord, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the Lord, O my soul! |
[Read v.19-22] Q: What is the response of His angels to the knowledge and experience of God’s sovereignty? A: “...who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word!” (v.20) They are obedient. Q: What is the response of His heavenly hosts to the knowledge and experience of God’s sovereignty? A: “...serve Him, doing His will.” (v.21) They are obedient. Q: What, therefore, is the example throughout all levels of God’s entire creation of the correct response to Him, whether in heaven or on earth? A: Obedience. Q: In the context of this Psalm, in what does obedience result? A: God’s grace—lovingkindness—without measure. |
Overall Application
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