Old LHIM Classes

Notes Download

Exegesis

Hunger for Scripture

Two Questions

1. What did it mean to the original audience then?
2. What does it mean to you today?

Context, Context, Context

1. immediate context
2. canonical context
3. historical context
4. geographical context
5. cultural context

Immediate Context

• Philippians 4.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
• Putting this verse in context: Philippians 4.10-14 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Canonical Context

• Leviticus 11.4, 7 4 But among those that chew the cud or have divided hoofs, you shall not eat the following: the camel, for even though it chews the cud, it does not have divided hoofs; it is unclean for you. …7 The pig, for even though it has divided hoofs and is cleft-footed, it does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.
• To whom were these statements originally made?
• Leviticus 11.1-2 1 The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the Israelites: “From among all the land animals, these are the creatures that you may eat.

Historical Context

• Jeremiah 29.11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
• What were the historical circumstances in which this statement was originally made?
• Jeremiah 29.1 These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Geographical Context

• John 2.13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
• Does this mean Jesus was south of Jerusalem?
• Actually, here “up” refers to elevation, since Jerusalem is on a hill. People go up to Jerusalem regardless of the direction from which they approach.

Cultural Context

• Abraham and Sarah (nomadic)
• Solomon (palace life in the united kingdom of Israel)
• Daniel (palace life in Babylon)
• Jesus (Galilee and Judea under Roman occupation)
• Paul (major Greco-Roman cities)

Chronological Snobbery

• Originally coined by C. S. Lewis, this refers to the judgmental attitude that looks at people in ancient history as unsophisticated, primitive, and inferior.
• Ancient people were not dumb. They were no smarter or dumber than we are.
• Some of their technology was rather sophisticated.

Literal vs. Figurative

• Didymus the Blind (ad 313-398): “Abraham entered then into Egypt allegorically by adapting himself as one of the perfect to the imperfect in order to do good to them instead of holding on to virtue as a privilege, as has been said above, but in showing her to all as his sister, in humility, so that by contemplating her they might come to love her. But observe how it is said that the officials saw her. There are in fact in the ranks of the allegorically viewed Egyptians some men who are purer, who have a great capacity for perceiving virtue. And they not only perceived her, but they introduced her to their superior, that is, to the reason that governs them, and they praised her” (On Genesis 228).1
• Sadly, Didymus overlayed the historical narrative of scripture with lessons about treasuring wisdom that were obviously not present in the text
• Figurative sections of scripture like Isaiah 55.12 and Revelation 12.4 are fairly obvious.
• Generally it’s good to interpret the historical, legal, and epistolary portions as literal unless there’s a good reason not to

Review:

• Exegesis is the process by which one studies, understands, and explains what a texts means.
• The two questions you must ask when studying the bible are (1) “What did this mean to the original audience?” and (2) “What does this mean to me today?”
• Most errors in exegesis are the result of failing to read the immediate context.
• Getting a grip on the context of the original writing greatly improves exegesis, including immediate context, canonical context, historical context, geographical context, cultural context, and technological context.
• While reading historical narratives, law, biographies, and epistles you should privilege literal interpretation over figurative, recognizing that exceptions can happen.

If you don’t understand something, just keep going. Figuring out the big picture can help immensely to understand the minutiae.

1. Sheridan, Mark and Thomas C. Oden, eds., Genesis 12–50 Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture 2. ICCS/Accordance electronic edition, version 2.8. InterVarsity Press: 2002, Downers Grove.

The post 3: How to Read the Bible in Context first appeared on Living Hope.

Notes Download

The Bible is not a single book, but a collection or library of sixty-six books.

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther
18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Solomon
23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi
40. Matthew
41. Mark
42. Luke
43. John
44. Acts
45. Romans
46. 1 Corinthians
47. 2 Corinthians
48. Galatians
49. Ephesians
50. Philippians
51. Colossians
52. 1 Thessalonians
53. 2 Thessalonians
54. 1 Timothy
55. 2 Timothy
56. Titus
57. Philemon
58. Hebrews
59. James
60. 1 Peter
61. 2 Peter
62. 1 John
63. 2 John
64. 3 John
65. Jude
66. Revelation

The Old Testament includes 39 books, written in Hebrew and Aramaic.

1. History [Torah, Judges, Kings, Exilic]
2. Poetry [Philosophy, Songs, General Wisdom, Subversive Wisdom, Romance]
3. Prophecy [Pre-Exilic, Exilic, Post-Exilic]

The New Testament includes 27 books, written in Greek.

1. History [Jesus, Church]
2. Epistles [To Churches, Pastoral, General]
3. Prophecy [Apocalyptic]

Genres

• historical narrative: Genesis, Exodus (first half), Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Jonah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts
• biography: Ruth, Ezra (partial), Nehemiah (partial), Esther, Jonah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts (partial)
• law: Exodus (second half), Leviticus, Deuteronomy
• poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations
• prophecy: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Revelation
• wisdom: Job, Psalms (partial), Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
• epistles: Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, Revelation (partial)
• apocalyptic: Daniel (partial), Zechariah (partial), Revelation

Subgenres

• parables (2 Samuel 12.1-7)
• riddles (Judges 14.14)
• aphorisms (Proverbs 15.1)
• monologues (Job 3.3-26); Matthew 5-7)
• dialogues (Genesis 4.9-15)

Additions to the Text

• chapters
• verses
• paragraph headings
• book introductions
• cross-references
• textual notes
• translation notes
• study notes
• italicized words
• capitalized words
• red words

How References Work

• 1 Kings 3.4 = First book of Kings, chapter 3, verse 4
• separator between chapter and verse can be a colon, a period, or even a superscript font
• 1 Kings 3.1-4 = verses 1 through 4 of chapter 3 of 1 Kings
• 1 Kings 3-4 = chapters 3 through 4 of 1 Kings
• we use a semicolon to separate between chapters and a comma between verses (1 Kings 3.4, 7, 15; 16.1-20; 18)
• we use an “a” or “b” to mark the first half or second half of a verse (1 Kings 3.4b)
• we use an “f” to include the verse following the starting verse (1 Kings 3.4f = 1 Kings 3.4-5)
• we use an “ff” to include all the verses to the end of the chapter (1 Kings 3.4ff = 1 Kings 3.4-28)
• we often abbreviate book names to their first syllable.

Ways to Read the Bible

• paper bible: any “standard” version (NRSV, ESV, NASB, CSB, etc.)
• website: biblegateway.com, biblehub.com
• app on your phone: YouVersion, Bible.is
• app on your computer: Logos, Accordance

Review:

• The Bible is not a book, but a library of 66 books.
• The Bible breaks into two main divisions: Old Testament (39 books) and New Testament (27 books).
• The Bible contains different genres that affect how we read, including historical narrative, biography, law, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, epistles, and apocalyptic.
• Even within genres, we can find subgenres like parables, riddles, aphorisms, monologues, and dialogues.
• Although God inspired the text of scripture, other additions of publishers are subjective and devoid of divine authority.
• Reference styles vary but follow the format of book => chapter => verse.
• The Bible is available as a bound book, on websites, on phone apps, and on computer apps.

 

The post 2: What You Need to Know About Your Bible first appeared on Living Hope.

Notes Download

The Bible survives in more manuscripts than other ancient documents.

Author Title Surviving Manuscripts Tacitus Annals 33 Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War 96 Herodotus History 109 Livy History of Rome 150 Sophocles Tragedies 193 Pliny the Elder Natural History 200 Plato Tetralogies 210 Julius Caesar Gallic Wars 251 Demosthenes Speeches 340 Homer Iliad 1,757 Various New Testament1 5,795

The Bible is available in more languages than other books.

Author Title Languages J. R. R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings 57 Mark Twain The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 65 J. K. Rowling Harry Potter 85 Muhammed Qur’an (Arabic) 102 Joseph Smith Book of Mormon 115 Lewis Carroll Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 174 Laozi Dao De Jing (Chinese) 250 Carlo Collodi The Adventures of Pinocchio 260 Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The Little Prince (French) 505 Various The Bible 6982

The Bible sells more copies than other books.

Author Title Sales Leo Tolstoy War and Peace (Russian) 36 million Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code 80 million J. R. R. Tolkien The Hobbit 100 million Cao Xueqin Dream of the Red Chamber (Chinese) 100 million J. K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 120 million Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities 200 million Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The Little Prince (French) 200 million Various The Bible (Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek) 5-7 billion3

Which two sayings are in the Bible?

1. Cleanliness is next to godliness
2. Am I my brother’s keeper?
3. God helps those who help themselves
4. This too shall pass
5. A living dog is better than a dead lion
6. God works in mysterious ways
7. Moderation in all things

God inspired the Bible, resulting in an authoritative book for belief and practice.

2 Timothy 3.14–17 (NRSVue4)14 continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

Review:

• The Bible is a fascinating book because it has way more surviving manuscripts, it is available in way more languages, and it has sold way more copies than other books.
• The content of scripture alone should make you want to read it since it teaches about God, life, morals, and eternal life.
• This class will help you develop the ability to discern between the genuine and the counterfeit.
• God inspired scripture, making its contents useful for training and authoritative.
• Even recognizing the authority of scripture and studying it assiduously does not guarantee correct interpretation.

1. If we added in manuscripts of the Old Testament the number would jump up considerably, especially after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the documents recovered from the Cairo genizah.
2. If we limit ourselves to only the New Testament, the number of language jumps to 2,191.
3. See Guiness Book of World Records, “Best-Selling Book,” accessed Nov 10, 2023, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction.
4. New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, National Council of Churches, 2021.

The post 1: Why Should You Read the Bible for Yourself? first appeared on Living Hope.

Lesson 11 and 12 Notes Download

Worship Yahweh Music Playlist

Galatians 3:8-9, 14, 29

Psalm 25:3-5 The human tendency we all must fight is the desire to control our own lives without the help or interference from God and anyone else. Waiting for God’s assistance and direction is hard to learn but essential if we want a better life. Asking for His help and doing things His way are so much better than doing them our own “independent” way. Waiting, in the context of this psalm, may refer to seeking God’s involvement in our daily affairs and/or waiting until the end of the age when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Those who wait will not be disappointed.

Psalm 27:13-14 Amid challenges and difficulties, we keep keeping on because we have confidence and anticipation that the day is coming when we will experience Yahweh’s goodness in the land of the living. To wait on Yahweh involves patience, trust, and a sense of reliance on God’s timing and providence. Everything will work out, even if we must wait until the Lord comes back.

Psalm 31:23-24 O love Yahweh, all you His godly ones! Yahweh preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.

Yahweh preserves or protects those who love Him and are committed to Him. The proud will face consequences for their actions. Those who put their hope and trust in God for daily living and eternal destiny can find strength and courage even in difficult times. If God is for us, who can be against us? We are in good shape as live for our hope.

Psalm 39:4-7 David requests an awareness of his mortality, so he can understand the importance of the limits of human existence. A handbreadth is the width of the hand without stretched out fingers, which again emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. He points out the insignificance of chasing wealth. What good are riches in the scheme of eternity? Life for all is transient and insubstantial when compared with the spiritual verities. Each day is a precious gift that should be utilized for God’s glory as we wait for Him. For the believer, mortality will be swallowed up with immortality.

Psalm 119:165-167 Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O Yahweh, and do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

Christ’s disciples have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved when Jesus returns. On “the day of salvation” when Christ returns, we will experience our complete and eternal salvation. Then, we inherit new bodies and new minds just like his resurrected body. In view of that day – “I hope for Your salvation, O Yahweh, and do Your commandments.”

Psalm 130:5-6 In the ancient world, walls surrounded the cities providing protection from would-be enemies. Every night, citizens took turns as watchmen to oversee the city. Late into the night, staying alert became more and more difficult. The watchmen longed for the morning when they would be relieved from their duty. This is a brilliant comparison for our anticipation of Christ’s return. We long for that glorious day! Until dawn breaks, we are on watch for the approaching of our spiritual adversary, the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Psalm 145:3-6 Our ultimate trust does not belong in earthy rulers or powerful people for they cannot in the end save or provide true or everlasting deliverance. All human authority and achievements are temporary, while God’s power is limitless and enduring forever. God is our ultimate source of help and hope. Human beings are transitory compared to God’s eternal nature and reliability.

Zion, the City of God

Psalm 132:11-18 The restoration of Zion is part of our hope.

Psalm 68:16 Why do you look with envy, O mountains with many peaks, At the mountain which God has desired for His abode? Surely the LORD will dwell there forever.

Psalm 78:68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved.

Psalm 87:2-3 The LORD loves the gates of Zion More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah.

Psalms 132:13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation. “This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.”

Psalm 46:1-11; 48:1-14

Psalm 122:1-9 A Song of Ascents, of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of Yahweh.” Our feet are standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together; To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of Yahweh–An ordinance for Israel–To give thanks to the name of Yahweh. For there thrones were set for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.” For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God, I will seek your good.

If you have songs you would like to add to the Worship Yahweh playlist, send a YouTube link [email protected]@lhim.org.

The post 12: Standing on Hope (Part 2) first appeared on Living Hope.

Lesson 11 and 12 Notes Download

Worship Yahweh Music Playlist

Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil….

2 Samuel 7:1-17, 27-29 The covenant God cut with David is a big part of our hope.

2 Samuel 7:27-29 “For You, O Yahweh of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You. “Now, O Lord Yahweh, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. “Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord Yahweh, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

Psalm 89:3-4, 19-37 The Davidic covenant makes certain King Jesus is coming back.

Psalm 132:11 Yahweh has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back: “Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.”

Jeremiah 33:19-21 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘If you can break My covenant for the day and My covenant for the night, so that day and night will not be at their appointed time, then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant so that he will not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levitical priests, My ministers.

Luke 1:32-33; Isaiah 11:1ff

Psalm 2:6-9 “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain. “I will surely tell of the decree of Yahweh: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as your possession. ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, you shall shatter them like earthenware.'”

“You are My Son, today I have begotten you” is quoted in Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; and 5:5. Jesus will sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem and govern the world on behalf of Yahweh. All the nations of the world will be broken and in subjection to his absolute sovereignty. Righteousness, justice, and equity will finally prevail worldwide. Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 declare the complete elimination of war and that the weapons of war will be transformed into tools of agriculture. “Rod of iron” symbolizes the Messiah’s unshakable rule over the nations. “Dash in pieces” like pottery suggests that His judgment will be swift and severe against those who defy His authority.

Psalm 37:1-11; 22, 29, 34 The covenant cut with Abraham is a big part of our hope. Genesis 12:1; 13:14-15, 17; 15:7, 18; 17:7-8; 22:17; 23:17-20; Romans 4:13; and Galatians 3:6-29

Psalm 37:7-11 Rest in Yahweh and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret [kindle to anger] because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret [kindle to anger]; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh, they will inherit the land. Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

A big part of the Abrahamic covenant is the promise to inherit the regenerated land that, according to Galatians 3, will include the whole earth. Christians are included in this great promise, again according to Galatians 3 among other Scriptures. In view of our future in the Kingdom of God, we should not allow ourselves to get caught up in this present evil age responding to the insanity around us with anger or wrath. In a little while, the wicked will be no more, and only the righteous will prevail. Be patient, God-centered, diligent to live godly under the tutelage and direction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our hope is not a wishy washy, maybe could happen kind of hope, nor is it a stagnant no influence kind of hope. Our hope is based upon the promises of Almighty God; therefore, they are as certain as certain can be.

If you have songs you would like to add to the Worship Yahweh playlist, send a YouTube link [email protected]@lhim.org.

The post 11: Standing on Hope first appeared on Living Hope.

Lesson 9 and 10 Notes Download

Worship Yahweh Music Playlist

2 Samuel 14:28-15:6, 12-14 Absalom’s betrayal of David

2 Samuel 12:9-13 The consequences of David’s sin is foretold.

2 Samuel 16:5-13 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him.

Psalm 3:1 What state of mind would David have as a parent; as a sinner who was told the consequences to come; as the founder of Jerusalem, the city of God; as the king being dethroned and exiled again; as the leader of a nation at civil war?

Psalm 3:1-8 This is what faith looks like! “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for Yahweh sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me….

Psalm 9:9-11 Yahweh also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to Yahweh.

Psalm 27:1-5, 13-14 Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Psalm 31:1-5, 14-17, 19-21

Psalm 46:1-11 God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble, we will not fear, Yahweh of hosts is with us.

Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

If you have songs you would like to add to the Worship Yahweh playlist, send a YouTube link [email protected]@lhim.org.

The post 9: Faith and Trust in Your God first appeared on Living Hope.

Lesson 7 and 8 Notes Download

Worship Yahweh Music Playlist

Psalm 51:5

Romans 4:1-9 Another reason this incident was written is so that we know “all men” means “all”, including the great men Abraham and David. Our understanding of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is greatly enhanced with this record about David.

Psalm 51:6-12 Did God answer David’s prayer?

Acts 13:21-23

7 Hyssop is a wild shrub the twigs of which were used for sprinkling in purification rites. Numbers 19:16-19 Apparently, hyssop had natural purification properties.

10 The reason acceptance of forgiveness is often difficult is we keep doing the same thing over and over. God must change our hearts and guide our steps, and we must fight to accept His workings. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. David is not only asking forgiveness and a clean heart, but additionally a STEADFAST state of mind in which he would be willing and ready to obey the commands of God and to serve Him faithfully.

Psalm 119:9-12 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Yahweh; teach me Your statutes.

16-17 Sacrifices, Hebrews 13:14-15

4:5 Sacrifice of righteousness

50:14 and 23; 54:6; 107:22; 116:17 Sacrifice of thanksgiving

I06:28, 37, and 38 Sacrifice cost them a lot. How about us?

Psalm 32:1 This psalm is believed to be written after the situation with Uriah in keeping with David’s promise in Psalm 51:12-15.

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom Yahweh does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!

“Transgression”, “sin”, and “iniquity” are used to convey the same idea. They highlight the act of straying from the path of righteousness by disobeying God’s will and thereby breaking fellowship with Him.

“Forgiven”, “covered”, and “impute” basically communicate the same thing. God’s forgiveness is a blessing.

Sin is the general act of missing the mark and falling short of God’s standard. This is the opposite of what is right. Genesis 4:7 – Cain, sin is crouching at….

Transgression is the willful act of crossing boundaries and violating God’s law, whether with or without evil intent. Genesis 50:17 – Joseph and his brothers

Iniquity carries a deeper meaning, in that it is a premeditated choice in sin without repentance, with evil intent. It can also imply continuous commitment to sin.

While these terms have distinct meanings, it’s important to note that they are often used interchangeably and can overlap in certain contexts. They convey the idea of wrongdoing, rebellion against God, and need for repentance and forgiveness.

2 “in whose spirit there is not deceit” – a person who is sincere, honest, and transparent in his/her relationship with God. This person has a pure heart, no hidden motives or deception.

4 David metaphorically expresses the burden of unconfessed sin as a heavy weight and a drain on his strength, like the oppressive heat of summer. The depiction emphasizes the distress and discomfort experienced while trying to hide the sin.

Psalm 38:4-10, 17-22

7 Now is the time to repent; do not wait; time may run out on your life or the day of God’s judgment. It implies a sense of urgency and the recognition that there is a window of opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness and mercy.

“You are my hiding place.” David relished fellowship with God. He used these concepts in his writings – stronghold 14 times, refuge 41 times; shelter 4 times; shadow of the Almighty, shadow of your wings, my fortress, the secret place of Your tent, and the secret place of Your presence.

8 These verses seem to switch from David speaking to God, to God speaking to him.

9 This is caution against stubbornness and resistance to God’s leading. These animals require external control mechanisms like bits and bridles.

11 Be glad in Yahweh and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

Psalm 6:1-10 David, suffering physically, near death, at wits end, turns to Yahweh and cries out for help. Asking God to return implies a sense of distance from Him, so he prays, “Yahweh, rescue my soul; save me”. Spiritually minded people understand God’s intervention is not because it is earned or deserved; rather, it is because of His lovingkindness, His steadfast, unchanging love.

All of us experience times of suffering and have feelings of separation from God. David did what we should do – pray and focus on God’s lovingkindness and not our problem or feelings. David ends the psalm confident God heard his prayer. Verse 9 states: Yahweh has heard my supplication, Yahweh receives my prayer.

Psalm 19:11 In view of the preceding verses in this Psalm that magnify the significance of God’s word, David acknowledges the Scriptures will help him by warning him to avoid sins.

12 We can be deceived and not acknowledge our own errors, so we pray and ask for help and forgiveness, similar to the Lord’s prayer.

13 “Presumptuous” is failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate, to be arrogant, audacious. We need God’s help to avoid deliberate or willful sins and hidden sins we are unaware of.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Yahweh, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 25:5-8 The prayer is uttered by a humble, fragile, contrite believer to his compassionate, loving, and kind God. The information recorded in

Psalm 25 is needful to all those who want to walk in a loving relationship with Yahweh. Asking God to remember His own virtues (compassion and lovingkindnesses) and not remember our sins and transgressions is indeed unusual, but very necessary.

1 John 1:8-10 Our faith for forgiveness has much more substance since we live after Jesus’ death and resurrection. God’s plan of redemption and salvation are now complete in Christ. When we read the following, we should have the same (nay, more) faith to accept forgiveness – 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 25:9-11 “For Your name’s sake, O Yahweh”, not for my sake or my merits’ sake, but to glorify Your mercy and to show forth the glory of Your divine attributes. To pardon a great sinner will bring You great glory; therefore, for Your name’s sake pardon me.

This verse illustrates the logic of faith; it looks not for merit in oneself but to the goodness and mercy of God. Instead of being flabbergasted by the demerits of sin, it looks to the steadfast love of our merciful God and Father. “Yahweh’s loving kindnesses never cease; they are new every morning.”

Psalm 40:11-13 David’s confidence in Yahweh, even when his iniquities overtake him, is a great example of taking God at His word. Yahweh declared that He is compassionate, gracious, and forgiving. David believed Yahweh would forgive him because He said so.

Psalm 103:1-22 He pardons all your iniquities….

Psalm 130:1-7 In the ancient world, walls surrounding the cities provided protection from those who would be enemies. Every night, citizens took turns as watchmen to oversee the city. Late into the night, staying alert became more and more difficult. The watchmen longed for the morning when they would be relieved from their duty. This is a brilliant comparison for our anticipation of Christ’s return. We long for that glorious day! Until dawn breaks, we are on watch for the approaching of our spiritual adversary, the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

1. David’s sin is recorded, so can remain vigilant, understand God’s forgiveness, and appreciate salvation by ________________.

a) merit, b) love, c) grace, d) works

2. Psalm 32:1 How blessed is he whose transgression is _________, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom Yahweh does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!

a) Remember, b) forgotten, c) counted, d) forgiven

3. Psalm 103 states that our transgressions are removed from us using what comparison?

a) As high as the heavens are above the earth, b) as deep as the ocean, c) as far as the east is from the west, d) as high as the highest mountain

If you have songs you would like to add to the Worship Yahweh playlist, send a YouTube link [email protected]@lhim.org.

The post 8: Forgiveness (Part 2) first appeared on Living Hope.

Psalm 2:11-12 Worship Yahweh with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son…. Psalm 29:1-2 Ascribe to Yahweh, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength. Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to His name; worship Yahweh in holy array. Psalm-95:6-7 Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before Yahweh our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Psalm 99:5 and 9 Exalt Yahweh our God and worship at His footstool; Holy is He. Exalt Yahweh our God and worship at His holy hill, for holy is Yahweh our God. Exalt Yahweh our God and worship at His holy hill, for holy is Yahweh our God. Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to Yahweh, and all the families of the nations will worship before You. Psalm 66:4 All the earth will worship You and will sing praises to You; they will sing praises to Your name." Selah. Psalm 86:9-10 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. Many of David’s psalms lack background information regarding their context, but thirteen do share details of their setting: 1.Psalm 3: When he fled from Absalom his son 2.Psalm 7: Which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite 3.Psalm 30: A song at the dedication of the temple 4.Psalm 34: When he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. 5.Psalm 51: When Nathan the prophet went to him after he had gone into Bathsheba 6.Psalm 52: WhenDoeg the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.” 7.Psalm 54: When the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?” 8.Psalm 56: When the Philistines seized him in Gath 9.Psalm 57: When he fled from Saul in the cave 10.Psalm 59: When Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him 11.Psalm 60: When he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt 12.Psalm 63: When he was in the wilderness of Judah 13.Psalm 142: When he was in the cave; a prayer Reading the history of David in Samuel and Chronicles is most helpful when studying his psalms. The psalms reveal his thinking and heart behind his actions.    

QUESTIONS:

1. How many Psalms are written by David? (a. 150, b. 73, c. none, d. 75) 2. Psalms broaden our ability to effectively communicate with God and to _________Him. (a. acknowledge, b. worship, c. believe, d. honor) 3. Asaph headed the service of music in the reigns of David and Solomon. He is referred to as a _______________ and poet. (a. teacher, b. good guy, c. prophet, d. drummer)

The Hebrew word translated “Psalms” is Tehillim which means praise or song of praise. The Greek word for “Psalms” is Psalmoi derived from the verb psallo which means to play a stringed instrument or to sing to accompaniment of a harp and is associated with the singing of songs or hymns. The Psalms are a collection of songs, prayers, and poems that express a wide range of human emotions and experiences. They provide an example for individuals to express their feelings, whether they are joy, sorrow, praise, thanksgiving, or lament, in the context of their relationship with God. Psalms broaden our ability to effectively communicate with God and to worship Him. They provide insight into God’s character, His promises, plus the proper attitudes and behaviors for those seeking to live a life of faith. Many of the Psalms reflect David’s personal experiences, struggles, and relationship with God and thereby provide a relatable example for spiritually minded individuals to follow. David[[David’s name relates to 73 Psalms – 3-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145. In the New Testament, he is connected with Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25-26 and with Psalm 95 in Hebrews 4:7. ]]wrote at least 75 psalms and had great influence upon all the psalms except for Psalm 90 that Moses wrote and the few written during the Babylonian captivity. All the other writers were under the supervision and authority of David. David was a man of extraordinary love and commitment to God. Acts 13:22 states it well – “…'I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.” David’s first recorded words were – "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26). David’s final words 1 Chronicles 29:1-23 Psalm 78:70-72 In the time of Moses, God appointed the Levites to care for and carry the tabernacle of covenant. The priests and Levites were also responsible for the many sacrifices that were offered at the tabernacle. When the tabernacle was permanently placed in Jerusalem, David switched their responsibilities and radically changed how the people related to and worshipped Yahweh. 1 Chronicles 16:1-32; 23:1-6, 24-32 Asaph is attached to 12 psalms: 50, 73-83. He was the son of Berachiah, of the family of Gershom, who headed the service of music in the reigns of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 6:39; 15:17; 16:5; 2 Chronicles 5:12). There was another man with the same name during the Babylonian exile who wrote 74, 79, and 83. Asaph was a prophet and poet (2 Chronicles 29:30; Nehemiah 12:46). He was one of David’s main musicians along with Heman and Ethan or Jeduthun. Asaph is first mentioned when the Ark of the covenant was moved to Jerusalem from the home of Obed-Edom (1 Chronicles 15:16-19). He led the service of music in the tent where the Ark was kept (1 Chronicles 16:4-37). Four of Asaph’s sons conducted under him and participated in the dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 5:12). The “sons of Asaph” are mentioned as choristers in the Temple (1 Chron 25:1; 2 Chron 20:14). He also headed a school of music with 148 students (Nehemiah 7:44). Some 128 of his family returned from Babylon (Ezra 2:41) and served in Zerubbabel’s temple (Ezra 3:10). The sons of Korah wrote 11 psalms: 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87, 88. In Numbers 3, God set aside the Levites for full time service to Him. The three sons of Levi−Gershon, Merari, and Kohath plus their descendants−were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and all the implements, as well as the Ark of the Covenant. Only Aaron’s descendants were allowed to serve as priests. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary under the direct supervision of Eleazar, son of Aaron. Korah was the grandson of Kohath, and he began to run with another group of Reubenite malcontents, namely, Dathan and Abiram. In pride, they roused a group of 250 men together to challenge the right of Moses and Aaron to the priesthood. Because of the rebellion, the ground under them split apart, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households and all those associated with Korah together with their possessions. Then the earth closed over them. Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the 250 men who were aligned with them. Although this clearly marked the end of Korah, some sons, perhaps too young to understand their father’s uprising, were spared (Numbers 26:9-11). After seven successive generations, the prophet Samuel arose from the line of Korah (1 Chronicles 6:31–38 and 1 Samuel 1:1, 20). The Korahites became doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19–21). One group of Korahites (1 Chronicles 12:6) joined King David in various military exploits and won the reputation of being expert warriors. During the time of King David, they became the great leaders in choral and orchestral music in the tabernacle. Heman the Kohathite had a place of great importance as a singer, along with Asaph and Ethan or Jeduthun. These individuals played an important role in the thanksgiving services and pageantry when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David formed an elaborate organization for song, instrumental music, and prophesying through these men. Heman the Ezrahite wrote Psalm 88. He was from the sons of Korah. Heman was likely both a songwriter and musician. Heman worked closely with King David and is also named a seer in 1 Chronicles 25:5. He was a Levite mentioned with his family line in 1 Chronicles 6:33; “From the Kohathites: Heman, the musician, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel.” He was the grandson of Samuel, the final judge of Israel who anointed King Saul and King David. Heman is listed as one of three main musicians appointed by King David “for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals” (1 Chronicles 25:1). Solomon wrote psalm 72 and 127; Moses psalm 90; Ethan the Ezrahite 89. We have the following instruction in the New Testament: Ephesians 5:19-20 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. We have few examples of how to do the above in the New Testament; nonetheless, in Psalms we have 150 great examples.