PSALMS 42-51
OVERVIEW
DATE:
The Psalms were written over a period of about 900 years, from the time of Moses (90, written about 1405 b.c.) to the time of Israel’s return from Babylonian exile (126, 147–150, written c. 500 b.c.).[1]
MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS OF PSALMS:
* Praise psalms. These focus on the person of God and praise Him by describing His nature or His qualities. This type of psalm is illustrated by Psalms 33, 103, and 139.
* Historical psalms. These review God’s dealings with His people. Illustrations are Psalms 68, 78, 105, and 106.
* Relational psalms. These psalms explore the personal relationship which exists between God and the believer. They are illustrated by Psalms 8, 16, 20, 23, and 55.
* Imprecatory psalms. These are psalms in which the worshiper calls on God to overthrow the wicked. Among them are Psalms 35, 69, 109, and 137.
* Penitential psalms. In these the psalmist expresses sorrow over his failures and confesses his sins to God. Examples are Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, and 143.
* Messianic psalms. These psalms refer in some way to Christ, who is to come from David’s family line. Many such psalms are indicated by references in the New Testament. Psalms which the New Testament indicates refer to Christ are Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 40, 45, 69, 72, 89, 102, 109–110, and 132.
* Liturgical psalms. These are psalms which were used in Israel’s worship at specific times of the year or on special occasions. Liturgical psalms may be illustrated by Psalms 30, 92, and Psalms 120–134.[2]
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Psalm 42 - 43: Desire for God
Ø David “pants” for God! Have you ever experienced that deep, deep desire to know God more intimately?
Ø Why are our emotions so governed by the events that occur around us? In whom should our hope be focused?
Ø Do life’s situations ever alter God’s love and His grace toward us? Application?
Ø Have you ever felt rejected by God as David did? Does God ever reject His people? How should we respond to those feeling of rejection?
Psalms 44: Israel’s Past Glory
Ø What can we learn about God from history?
Ø Who is our ultimate warrior?
Ø Why does God use the heathens to punish Israel? Application for us?
Psalm 45: Praise to the King!
Ø Who is THE King?
Ø Have you ever thought of Jesus in the way David describes him in this Psalm?
Ø Who does the princess represent? Thought?
Psalm 46: Praise for God’s Protection
Ø From whom does our protection come? Do we act like that?
Ø Is there any catastrophe over which he is not our protection?
Ø Note verse 10; is this your heart’s desire?
Psalm 47- 48: Praise The Lord!
Ø When is the last time you shouted and clapped your hands to the awesomeness of our God?
Ø Why is it important to sing praises to our Lord and King? Is that something reserved for Sunday corporate worship only?
Ø Why is the Lord worthy of praise? Do you really believe that?
Psalm 49 - 50: The Wicked Will Be Judged
Ø Is it possible to “purchase” God? Why and how do we try?
Ø Of what eternal benefit are all the riches of this world? Why do we strive for what perishes?
Ø Is the end of life on this planet any different whether one is rich or poor? What is the most important factor before facing physical death?
Ø Does God need any of our “sacrifices”? Why, then, do we try to appease Him with them?
Ø Is there a different final outcome for those who reject God?
Psalm 51: God’s Mercy
Ø Define mercy.
Ø When we sin, against whom are we sinning? Why?
Ø Have you ever prayed David’s prayer in verse 10 and 12?
Ø If God does not delight in sacrifices, what is it that He wants from us?
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