Welcome to Psalm 1 and the “beginning of knowledge.” This is the first Soup & Scripture session.
The following are highlights for our work today.
PRAYFERUL: “IOUS”
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. (Psalm 119:36, ESV)
“Every day I need to be peeled away from my pathetic preoccupation with self. Thankfully, God loves to
de-magnetize our hearts from what is worthless and re-magnetize them toward what is priceless” (Smethhurst, 2019).
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalms 119:18, ESV)
“What has captured your imagination? … When you open your Bible, don’t expect to be put under some
mystical spell. Speak directly with the Author. Ask God to unblind you to the beauty staring you in the face” (Smethhurst, 2019).
“Texts will often refuse to reveal their treasures until you open them with the keys of prayer.” Charles Spurgeon
Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11, ESV)
Our hearts and minds are often terribly fragmented.
“We must pray for a united heart, lest it drift
toward being divided, distracted, and distant from the words of the living God” (Smethhurst, 2019).
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love. (Psalm 90:14, ESV)
“We’re not only distracted…We’re dissatisfied in God” (Smethhurst, 2019).
ANALYSIS -- 5Ws & the H
Who: Unknown
-- Last of all, perhaps, the collection was prefaced by Psalm 1, which has no title or author’s name, unlike most of the psalms in the first division (Book I) of the Psalms.
What: Poetry/Wisdom book. Introduction to entire book (actually three in the original). Written mostly in Hebrew.
“Psalms are poetic compositions, usually presented in
a tightly woven, balanced structure (e.g., where the petitions echo the respective laments, the dovetailing of imagery, and poetic devices such as refrains and word plays). Psalms are different from the spontaneous prose prayers that are often contained in OT narrative, where they respond to particular circumstances” (Deffinbaugh, 2019).
When: Predates
3rd century BC, because Jews then could no longer understand music instructions.
Where: Most
or all were likely written in Israel.
Why: The Psalms provide many things, but they are primarily worship music for the temple. Like good hymns, they tell us of God’s nature, God’s promises, key tenets of theology, historical highlights,
and human nature.
One thing the Psalms are especially known for is
providing comfort in times of despair and adversity. They speak “out of the depths” (Psalm 130) of human experience and God’s love to offer comfort and consolation as we praise God in the worst of times.
FOLLOWUP
Ask yourself some questions…
How does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?
How does this truth affect my relationship with others?
How does this truth affect me?
How does this truth affect my response to the enemy, Satan?
Is there a memory verse or verses for you here?
Is there something to share with others?
REFERENCES
Broyles, Craig. 1999. Psalms in the Understanding the Bible Commentary series. Baker Books.
Deffinbaugh, Bob. 2019.” The significance of the Psalms.” Bible.org. Retrieved Jan. 21, 2019 from https://bible.org/seriespage/1-significance-psalms
Oneplace.org. 2015, Mar. 5. “How to study the
Bible – 3 simple steps.” Retrieved Jan
19, 2019 from https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/3-simple-steps-for-studying-the-bible.html.
Smethhurst, Matt. 2019. Before you open
your Bible: Nine heart postures for approaching God’s word. 10 Publishing
PSALM 1 (DAY 1)
Welcome to Psalm 1 and the “beginning of knowledge.” This is the first Soup & Scripture session.
The following are highlights for our work today.
PRAYFERUL: “IOUS”
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. (Psalm 119:36, ESV)
“Every day I need to be peeled away from my pathetic preoccupation with self. Thankfully, God loves to
de-magnetize our hearts from what is worthless and re-magnetize them toward what is priceless” (Smethhurst, 2019).
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalms 119:18, ESV)
“What has captured your imagination? … When you open your Bible, don’t expect to be put under some
mystical spell. Speak directly with the Author. Ask God to unblind you to the beauty staring you in the face” (Smethhurst, 2019).
“Texts will often refuse to reveal their treasures until you open them with the keys of prayer.” Charles Spurgeon
Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11, ESV)
Our hearts and minds are often terribly fragmented.
“We must pray for a united heart, lest it drift
toward being divided, distracted, and distant from the words of the living God” (Smethhurst, 2019).
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love. (Psalm 90:14, ESV)
“We’re not only distracted…We’re dissatisfied in God” (Smethhurst, 2019).
ANALYSIS -- 5Ws & the H
Who: Unknown
-- Last of all, perhaps, the collection was prefaced by Psalm 1, which has no title or author’s name, unlike most of the psalms in the first division (Book I) of the Psalms.
What: Poetry/Wisdom book. Introduction to entire book (actually three in the original). Written mostly in Hebrew.
“Psalms are poetic compositions, usually presented in
a tightly woven, balanced structure (e.g., where the petitions echo the respective laments, the dovetailing of imagery, and poetic devices such as refrains and word plays). Psalms are different from the spontaneous prose prayers that are often contained in OT narrative, where they respond to particular circumstances” (Deffinbaugh, 2019).
When: Predates
3rd century BC, because Jews then could no longer understand music instructions.
Where: Most
or all were likely written in Israel.
Why: The Psalms provide many things, but they are primarily worship music for the temple. Like good hymns, they tell us of God’s nature, God’s promises, key tenets of theology, historical highlights,
and human nature.
One thing the Psalms are especially known for is
providing comfort in times of despair and adversity. They speak “out of the depths” (Psalm 130) of human experience and God’s love to offer comfort and consolation as we praise God in the worst of times.
FOLLOWUP
Ask yourself some questions…
REFERENCES
Broyles, Craig. 1999. Psalms in the Understanding the Bible Commentary series. Baker Books.
Deffinbaugh, Bob. 2019.” The significance of the Psalms.” Bible.org. Retrieved Jan. 21, 2019 from https://bible.org/seriespage/1-significance-psalms
Oneplace.org. 2015, Mar. 5. “How to study the
Bible – 3 simple steps.” Retrieved Jan
19, 2019 from https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/3-simple-steps-for-studying-the-bible.html.
Smethhurst, Matt. 2019. Before you open
your Bible: Nine heart postures for approaching God’s word. 10 Publishing