Podcasts

Psalm 35

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me. In this Psalm David describes how he was mistreated, lied about, pursued by wicked people. Frequently through the Psalm David will affirm his innocence- vs. 7, 7, 11, 13-14, He calls on God to rescue him and to judge those who are mistreating him- vs. 3, 4-8, 26 He calls on God to bring the same kind of judgment upon the wicked that they are bringing upon him. We sometimes call this lex talionis. Lex talionis is literally law of the tooth. We used it to speak of how in God's justice the punishment often

Psalm 34

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm speaks of the fear- vs. 4- troubles- vs. 6, 17- afflictions - vs. 19- of the righteous. This psalm speaks of the LORD delivering and rescuing His people from afflictions- vs. 4, 6, 17, 19. Psalm 34 speaks of God protecting HIs people- vs. 7, 9, 10, 15, 20, 22. This psalm speaks of God judging the wicked- vs. 16, 21. Psalm 34:20 is applied to Christ's death on the cross- John 19:36 and context. John 19:36 also applies to Jesus fulfilling the picture of the Passover Lamb in Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12. But Jesus also fulfills the picture of the righteous sufferer in the Psalms. The abo

Psalm 33

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This Psalm praises God 33:1-5 Sing to Him a new song and praise Him you who are righteous 33:6-9 The LORD as Creator- Let all stand in awe of Him 33:10-12 The counsel and plans of the nations are thwarted but God's counsel and plans stand 33:13-15 The LORD sees all people and all their works 33:16-17 Victory belongs to the LORD Kings, warriors, and horses cannot bring victory by their own strength but the LORD is source of our strength 33:18-19 The eyes of the LORD are upon us and rescue us from disaster 33:20-22 All of these words are to encourage us to trust in the LORD and hope in Him How J

Psalm 32

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm describes David's struggle with unconfessed sin and then the joys of forgiveness when he humbled himself before God. 1. The burden of sin - 32:3-5 His bones have wasted away and he is groaning- 32:3 His pain is perpetual- 32:3 "all day long" and 32:4 "Day and night" The hand of the LORD is heavy against him- Ruth 1:13; I Sam. 5:6, 7, 9. The hand of the LORD that David looked to in 31:5, 15 is now pressing against him heavily. This is not God's fault but it is David. His strength is dried up- 32:4 Are you carrying this heavy burden? 2. The blessings of forgiveness- 32:1-2 Three diffe

Psalm 31

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

The Psalm is quoted by Christ on the cross. Psalm 31:5 is quoted by Jesus in Luke 23:46. This does not mean that the psalm speaks exclusively of Jesus since 31:10 makes a reference to the writer's "iniquity"- NASB. Some versions have words like "misery" instead of "iniquity." The word "iniquity" is based on the Hebrew text and the word "misery" is based on the Greek translation of the OT. Notice some of the things that David experienced that Christ also experienced. They laid a net to trap him- vs. 4. The slandered him and plotted to kill him- vs. 13. David was a "man of sorrows"- vs. 10 and w

Psalm 30

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm tells us God's anger is for a moment but His favor is for a lifetime- vs. 5. God will turn our mourning into danger and give us garments of joy instead of sackcloth- vs.11 Judgement is not the final word for God's people Exodus 34:6-7; Isaiah 54:7-10 Jesus fulfills the psalm in the greatest sense by HIs resurrection and He turns our grief to joy.

Psalm 29

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

The Power of God in the thunderstorm The psalm speaks of the LORD 18 times and the "voice of the LORD" 7 times. The Canaanites believed that Baal controlled the storm and the lightning. But the things that psalms attributes to Baal, the Bible attributes to YHWH. The showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is about who controls these the storm, the lightning, and the weath. 29:1-2 A Call to Praise God 29:3-9 The glory of God in the thunderstorm 29:10-11 The LORD as King forever Jesus fulfills Psalm 29 The "voice of the LORD" could be tied with Jesus as the Word- John 1:1 The heavenly b

Psalm 28

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm has been described as an individual lament or a psalm of thanksgiving or a royal psalm. 28:1-5 Petition 28:6-9 Praise Key words: Notice has "hear the voice of my supplication" in vs. 2 is picked up in vs. 6. The word "hands" is used to refer to David lifting his hands to God in vs. 2, the hands of the wicked in vs. 4, and the work of God's hands in vs. 5. The word "bless" is used in vs. 6 of David blessing God and in vs. 9 begging God to bless David. In vs. 2 David "lifted up" his hands to God and in vs. 9 the LORD is carrying or "lifting" HIs people.

Psalm 27

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? These bold words introduce this psalm. 27:1-6 sound more like a psalm of confidence or praise 27:7-14 sound more like an individual lament as David pours out his problems to God Some have suggested that these were originally two different psalms. However, a common vocabulary ties the portions of this psalm together: "God of my salvation" vs. 1, 9; "adversaries" or "foes" in vs. 2, 12; "heart" in vs. 3, 8, 14; "seek" in. 4, 8, 9. These are some of the common links in the psalm. Two verses that stand out to me are verses 4, 10. In vs. 4 h

Psalm 26

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

Psalm 25

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

What does Psalm 25 teach us about God? 1. God is a God of forgiveness 25:6-7, 11, 18 God is a God of mercy- 25:6 Lovingkindness- 25:6, 7, 10 Good- 25:7-8 faithfulness or truth- 25:10 He forgives based on His goodness- 25:7- and His name's sake- 25:11 2. God is a God who teaches, instructs us in the right way 25:4-5, 8-10, 12-14 God instructs sinners in the way- Sin means to miss the mark- Judges 20:16- and those who miss the mark are taught the right way or right path by God- 25:4, 4, 8, 9, 12. God is a God anxious to teach sinners and not just to judge them. 3. God is worthy of our trust 25:1

Psalm 24

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm could be divided into three distinct parts- vs. 1-2, 3-6, 7-10. 24:1-2 The LORD's dominion over all in heaven, earth, and sea 24:3-6 Who may ascend into God's holy place? One must have clean hands and a pure heart. He must not lift up his soul to falsehood nor swear deceitfully 24:7-10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts What does the Psalm teach us about God? How does the Psalm foreshadow Christ?

Psalm 23

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

The LORD is portrayed as the good shepherd in vs. 1-4 and a gracious host in vs. 5-6. Some passages that talk of the work of a shepherd are Genesis 31:39-40 The shepherd worked tirelessly I Samuel 17:34-36 He risked his life Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7 He went looking after every lost sheep Isaiah 40:11 He carried the sheep in his bosom The shepherd protected and provided for his sheep. The LORD is a gracious host unlike Simon in Luke 7:44-46 23:6 pursue- is a word that deals with a diligent chasing after another. Here it is goodness and mercy that pursue us. Jesus as the Good Shepherd John

Psalm 22 Part 2

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm is quoted or echoed repeatedly in the New Testament and applied to the suffering of Christ. There is no clear record of pre-New Testament sources applying this to the sufferings of the Messiah. Psalm 22:1 is quoted in Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34 Psalm 22:7-8 is alluded to in Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29; Luke 23:34-35 Psalm 22:18 is quoted and applied to Christ's suffering in John 19:23-24 Psalm 22:22 is quoted and applied to Jesus in Hebrews 2:12 Does this psalm speak exclusively of Jesus? David was a prophet and is he hear simply prophesying of the experiences of the Christ? Does Psalm

Psalm 22 Part 1

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This psalm is often quoted in the New Testament. In this podcast we are simply seeking to explain it in its OT setting. Lord willing, in the next podcast we will talk about its use in the NT. In this psalm there is a contrast between the "I/me" sections where David explains his crisis and the sections that emphasize "You" as he begs God's help. 22:1-2 Why have You forsaken me? 22:3-5 The LORD has delivered Israel in the past 22:6-8 David is despised and mocked The glorious past only increases his pain in the present 22:9-11 God has been with him constantly and He begs him not to be far away 22

Psalm 21

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This and the previous psalm are both usually called "royal psalms." These psalms are linked by the Hebrew word for "salvation" in 20:5, 6, 6, 9; 21:1, 5. The word "king" is used in 20:9; 21:1, 7. The "right hand" appears in 20:6; 21:8. Psalm 21 begins and ends with a mention of the LORD and His strength 21:1-7 The LORD is source of all the king's blessings and strength 21:8-12 The enemies are conquered Are the "you" and "your" words a reference to God or to the king? Whichever view we take may not be that important if we understand that God was the source of all the king's strength and HIs vic

Psalm 20

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This is called a royal psalm because of the emphasis on the role of the anointed- vs. 6- and the king- vs. 9. Key words in the Psalm: "answer" in vs. 1, 6, 6, 9 "victories" "saves" "saving" or "save" are all from the same root word in vs. 5, 6, 6, 9 The word "name" is used in 20:1, 5, 7. The people had great hopes for the king- II Sam. 21:17; Lamentations 4:20 The king's responsibility is to trust God and to remember Him- vs. 7 Some trusted in horses and chariots but battles were won by God's power Psalm 33:16-17, 20 Psalm 44:2-3 Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Joshua 24:11-12

Psalm 19

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

C. S. Lewis called it the greatest poem in the book of Psalms. 19:1-6 The heavens are declaring the glory of God If creation overwhelms us and leads us to stand in awe, how much more should we stand in awe of the Creator HImself. 19:2-4 They bear constant testimony to who God is. They speak a language with no words but they speak a language that has no limits or boudaries. 19:4-6 The glory is shown in the sun bursting forth from its chamber. 19:7-11 God's glory in HIs special revelation of Scripture The law of the LORD... is perfect.. restoring the soul This structure is found 6 times in vs. 7

Psalm 18- Part 2

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

In this royal psalm, David acknowledges that all he is and has is from God. 18:3 He hears David's call and rescues him 18:16 He drew him out of many waters 18:17 He delivered him from the strong enemy 18:18 The LORD is his stay in time of calamity 18:28 The LORD is his lamp 18:29 By God's strength he performs heroic acts 18:30 He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him 18:31 The LORD is his rock 18:32 The LORD girds him with strength and makes him blameless 18:33 He makes his feet strong 18:34 He trains his arms for battle 18:35 God's right hand upholds David 18:36 The LORD enlarges his st

Psalm 18: Part 1

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

This is viewed as a royal psalm, a psalm about the king. David composed it after deliverance from his foes according to the heading. Look at how he describes his relationship with God in vs. 1-2. 18:1-3 He loves the LORD 18:4-6 The crisis from which the LORD delivered him 18:7-15 The LORD's dramatic intervention to rescue His servant and judge His foes 18:16-19 The LORD drew David out of the waters

Psalm 17

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

Psalm 17 17:1-2 David begs God to hear his prayer 17:3-5 The LORD has examined him and tried him 17:6-8 He begs God to protect and shield him 17:9-12 David describes the wicked and their violence to him 17:13-15. The LORD is to bring down the wicked and he longs to see their face Connections with Psalm 16 16:1 taking refuge in the LORD. 17:7 16:8 The mention of the LORD's right hand 17:7 16:1 Keep me. 17:8 16:8 "I will not be moved" 17:5 16:5 Portion- where is our portion

Psalm 16

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

Psalm 16 Heading: A Mikhtam of David- Psalms 56-60 16:1-4 David trusts in the LORD vs. those around him who trust in other gods 16:5-6 The LORD is his portion, inheritance, cup, lot, and heritage 16:7-11 The LORD is at His right hand and He will not be shaken 16:8-11 is quoted in Acts 2:25-28, 31 by Peter and Acts 13:35-37 by Paul. Both of these speakers emphasize that these words did not have their ultimate fulfillment in David. David died and was buried and his tomb underwent decay. These words have their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus and His resurrection.

Psalm 15

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

15:1 The Question: O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? 15:2-5a The Answer: The character of the one who continues to be in God's presence vs. 2 Three participles describe him positively: He walks with integrity, works righteousness, speaks truth vs. 3 negatively he does not slander with his tongue, do evil to a neighbor, or take up a reproach against a friend vs. 4 He demonstrates who he is by the company he keeps and he keeps his word even when it is painful. vs. 5 He does not put out his money at interest and he does not take a bribe to strike down the innoce

Psalm 14

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

Psalm 14:1-3 The foolishness of living without God 14:4-6 The LORD is with the righteous 14:7 O that salvation would come out of Zion. The Hebrew word translated "there is no" as in "there is no God" is used 4 times in verses 1-3. The first time man in saying in his heart that there is no God to call him to account. The other 3 times this Hebrew word is used in vs. 1-3 is God's assessment of man: there is none good. The word is used twice in vs. 1 and twice in vs. 3. Psalm 14 is virtually repeated in Psalm 53. The small differences highlight a slightly different emphasis in these two psalms. P

Psalm 13

Tommy Peeler · Carefully Examining the Text

Psalm 13:1-2 How long, O LORD?? This psalm is a classic example of a psalm of lament. "How long" is asked 4 times with the questions surrounding it intensifying. 13:3-4 Rescue me now 13:5-6 I will praise the LORD The psalms of individual lament usually end in praise and the praise at the end of the psalm answers the plea expressed earlier in the Psalm.