Tag Archives: Psalms

Lessons from Hebrews

Posted on by under God, Scripture

Journal 2018

It’s a little disturbing to me to see how the author of Hebrews glibly quotes the Old Testament out of context.

  • If 1:5 refers to II Samuel 7:14, the author is misquoting, I will be his father, and he will be my son. (NIV)

In the Samuel context, the next statement says, “when he commits iniquity, I will correct him.” This obviously refers to Solomon, not to the Messiah. So how can the author of Hebrews apply it to Christ?

  • The statement He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire (1:7) seems to be quoting Psalm 104:4. But in that context, there is no reference to angels. In fact, in that Psalm every reference is to things in nature, and Hebrews seems to do violence to the text to make it refer to angels.
Armored female warrior with flaming wings flying over mountains at sunset
AI-generated

Now, I admit I’m no Hebrew scholar, but this is how it appears to me. Is there an overlay of truth, a phrase with hidden meaning in the text? I’m confused. Either the scriptures are inspired or they are not. Either the author of Hebrews stretches and misquotes scripture, or he doesn’t.

After reading numerous commentaries, I see I’m not the only one who has questioned these passages. But if we believe the Scriptures are accurate and inspired, there must be a logical explanation. Since the author uses these quotes without further argument or commentary, it is assumed that the readers understood and agreed with his application of the phrases referring to the Messiah and to the angels. The overall conclusion of Hebrews is that Christ is superior to men and angels no matter what arguments or quotations the author uses, and that is the important matter here.

On September 20, I listened to Michael Rydelnik on “Chris Fabry Live,” Rydelnik believes the entire Psalter is a messianic book arranged deliberately in a certain order. For example, Psalms 22 and 24 are clearly Messianic. My God, My God . . . they pierced my hands and feet . . . Who can stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands … the King of glory.

Sandwiched in between the two is the oft-quoted Psalm 23, which Rydelnik says is another messianic Psalm regarding the death and resurrection of Christ. We can certainly gain comfort from this Psalm while “in the valley of the shadow of death” and can certainly find application to our personal lives, but it primarily gives us a glimpse into the Messiah’s experience. Rydelnik says the ancients understood the messianic nature and subject of the Psalms. So perhaps the author of Hebrews draws from that matrix and viewpoint.

Lessons in Psalms

Posted on by under Scripture

Journal 2018

Psalm 88

In deep despair, the Psalmist Heman cries out to God, who seems to be silent. He blames God for his predicament and pain, claiming He has taken his companions and loved ones from him, and he feels God’s wrath.

Blame is a shifting of pain. I find when I quit blaming others (especially God) for my pain and turn around and face it, then pain can pour out and release, and God’s sweet and gentle voice will answer.

When a person blames me for her pain, it’s okay to examine my heart to see what actions of mine might have hurt her, but as long as she is deflecting her pain by blaming me, she will not heal inside.

Psalm 90

Because of his life experiences, Moses is keenly aware of the power of God’s wrath. I can’t identify with Moses, for my life experiences don’t include tragedy, earthquakes, rebellious neighbors, war, desert hardships, or enemies chasing me and threatening me. I am grateful that I get to live in America, in a strong brick house, with enough food that I never go to bed hungry, on a safe street, with freedom to worship. I don’t take my life for granted.

But I echo Moses’ prayer:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands. (v. 17 NIV)

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (v. 1))

I need rest—not just physical, but emotional and spiritual. The key, according to this verse, is to dwell. Dwelling somewhere is not work. It just is. I don’t have to work at dwelling in my house. It’s where I live, work, sleep, eat, enjoy relationship. I don’t live at your house; I live in mine, where I’m most comfortable. Things are familiar.

My body is God’s temple, and He dwells in me. He never leaves, He’s always there, and I want Him to feel at home here in my house. Sometimes I go to a different room and shut the door on Him, but He’s still there waiting outside the door for me to unlock it so we can have sweet fellowship once more.

Psalm 92

The righteous… Will still bear fruit in old age. They will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright. He is my rock and there is no wickedness in him.” (vv. 12-15)

I don’t consider myself “old age,” but this brings comfort to my soul. Still bearing fruit, staying fresh and green, still proclaiming. Some days I don’t feel fresh and green, but I like the thought of still bearing fruit.

I watch some friends who never seem to age, and others who are withering. I suspect this has to do more with the physical and perhaps even the mental, but the spirit can stay strong.

Psalm 136

God used the same water (the Red Sea) to rescue Israel and to annihilate the Egyptian army. Same water, different results. This started me thinking of other scenarios where something has a dual purpose or outcome.

  • The tongue: bless or curse
  • Wind: provide cool in the heat or destroy as a tornado
  • Fire: warm and cook or decimate forests and homes
  • Trauma: keep us stuck in hurt or result in a healing ministry
  • Roots: grow a tree or demolish a house foundation
  • Internet: spread the gospel or spread gossip

Psalm 41

Posted on by under Scripture

Journal 2005

How blessed is he who considers the helpless.

The Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble (Psalm 41:1 NASB).

The Psalms are a mystery to me sometimes. I believe David’s words are inspired Scripture, but I don’t read them as universal truths or commands. For example, Psalm 41:2 says, “The Lord will protect him and keep him alive.” If this statement were a truism, a promise from God, and God didn’t protect him just ONE TIME, then this statement is false. So what does this mean? That David meant it figuratively (that he’d be kept alive in heaven?) or was it true for him and he said this applying to all men? Was this simply his perception?

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests: “Either this is about David, or this is about how his friends have treated him.” This is not a universal promise to all mankind, but more of a comfort to David in his present circumstances.

David writes about himself, his wishes, prayers, and struggles and how he views his world. I think we’re looking into the heart of a man who expresses himself poetically. Perhaps a better understanding of Hebrew poetry is the key.

Anyone care to jump in and wrestle along with me on how to interpret the Psalms?