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The Psalms 24
Introduction: 1. The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poems, songs, and prayers that were composed by a number of people over a long period of time and under a variety of circumstances. 2. Because of their beginning and concluding exhortations ["Praise ye the Lord"], the last 5 psalms (146-150) are designated as "Hallelujah Psalms." 3. This lesson is a study of the information presented in Psalm 147. 4. This psalm may be divided into 3 main sections, each beginning with an exhortation to offer praise to God. 5. After calling upon God's people to "Praise ye the Lord," (vs.1a) . . . Discussion: I. (vs.1b-6) THE WRITER GAVE 9 REASONS WHY GOD DESERVES TO BE PRAISED A. (vs.1b) Singing praises to God is "good," "pleasant," and "comely" (Psalm 33:1). B. (vs.2a) The Lord is the builder of Jerusalem. 1. This statement suggests that Psalm 147 may have been written after the Jews returned to Palestine from the Babylonian captivity. 2. (2 Chronicles 36:19) The Babylonians had completely destroyed Jerusalem. 3. (2 Chronicles 36:20-21) The captivity lasted 70 years, as Jeremiah had prophesied. 4. (2 Chronicles 36:22-23) Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to build the temple. 5. Work on the temple began (Ezra 3:8-13); however, it was soon stopped (Ezra 4). 6. (Ezra 5:1-2) Under the influence of Haggai and Zechariah, work resumed. 7. (Ezra 6:15-18, 21-22) When the temple was dedicated, God was praised. C. (vs.2b) The Lord gathered together "the outcasts of Israel" (Psalm 126:1-3). D. (vs.3) The Lord heals the brokenhearted. E. (vs.4) The Lord possesses great wisdom. F. (vs.5a) The Lord's power is great. G. (vs.5b) The Lord's "understanding is infinite." H. (vs.6a) The Lord lifts up "the meek" (Psalm 146:5-9a). I. (vs.6b) The Lord "casteth the wicked down to the ground" (Psalm 146:9b). II. (vs.7-11) THE WRITER SHOWED WHY GOD DESERVES TO BE PRAISED WITH THANKSGIVING A. (vs.8) The Lord provides nourishment for plant life. B. (vs.9) The Lord provides nourishment for wildlife. C. (vs.10-11) The Lord is not pleased with those who trust in their own strength; however, He cares and provides for those who trust Him. III. (vs.12-20) THE WRITER SHOWED WHY GOD DESERVES TO BE PRAISED BY JERUSALEM A. (vs.13a) The Lord had strengthened the city. B. (vs.13b) The Lord had blessed His people in the city. C. (vs.14a) The Lord had blessed the city with peace. D. (vs.14b) The Lord had blessed the city with plenty of food. E. (vs.15-20) The Lord had favored the people of Israel by giving them His powerful Word. 1. The Lord had demonstrated His great power to everyone on earth. 2. The Lord had also provided blessings to be enjoyed by everyone on earth. 3. However, the Lord revealed His Word to Israel. 4. The Lord did not provide this blessing to any other nation. | ||