1. In Luke 24:44 Jesus indicated that the Psalms are part of the Old Testament. 2. According to Romans 15:4, the Old Testament Scriptures "were written for our learning" [this includes the Psalms]. 3. This brings us to the theme of our lesson -- "Psalm 124 teaches a valuable lesson."
Discussion:
I. THE LESSON WE NEED TO LEARN AND REMEMBER IS REVEALED AT THE END OF THIS PSALM IN VS.8
A. David concluded by saying, "Our help is in the name of the Lord." B. He continued by identifying our helper as the Creator "who made heaven and earth." C. How comforting it is to know that the Lord who demonstrated such power at the Creation continues to help His people.
II. DAVID BEGAN THIS PSALM BY EXPLAINING WHY HE REACHED HIS CONCLUSION
A. (vs.1-5) David reflected upon an occasion when the enemies of the Israelites were harassing them. 1. The enemies of the Israelites: a. had risen up against them (vs.2b) b. had kindled their wrath against them (vs.3b). 2. If God had not been on the side of His people,: a. their enemies would have swallowed them up quickly [as a wild animal devours its prey] (vs.3a) b. the waters would have overwhelmed the Israelites (vs.4-5). 3. It is difficult to determine which occasion is being considered because God delivered the Israelites from their enemies so many times. 4. It could be that David was referring to the time when God delivered His people from the Egyptians. a. Years after Joseph moved his family to Egypt, the Egyptians mistreated the Israelites (Exodus 1:13-14). b. The Israelites asked God for a deliverer (Exodus 2:23-25), and He sent Moses (Exodus 3:9-10). c. Pharaoh refused to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt, so God brought the ten plagues upon the Egyptians. d. Pharaoh finally sent the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 12:31-33). e. Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued God's people (Exodus 14:8-9). f. This caused the Israelites to be alarmed (Exodus 14:10), but Moses assured his people that God would fight for them (Exodus 14:13-14). g. God delivered His people from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:26-31). h. If God had not been on the side of His people, their enemies would have swallowed them up, and the waters would have overwhelmed them. i. This is one occasion when God delivered His people from their enemies. B. (vs.6-7) David praised God for delivering His people. 1. (vs.6) God did not allow His people to be a prey to their enemies. 2. (vs.7) The Israelites escaped from their enemies much like a bird might escape from a snare.
Conclusion:
1. In Psalm 124 the Lord is shown to be the great helper of Israel. 2. The lesson for us: the Lord still helps His people (Hebrews 13:5-6; 4:16). 3. Let us: a. reflect upon occasions when the Lord has helped His people and praise Him for doing so b. praise Him for helping us today.
