Women's Bible Study by Richard Moore

The women of this Bible Study have chosen to study several chapters of the Psalms this year. They are the following: 1&2; 15&16; 23&24; 27; 32&51; 42&43; 73; 77; 84; 90; 103; 116; 127&128; 139.

This study of these Psalms should be a very beneficial study for several reasons. The first we take note of by the following quote from the Preface by John Calvin in his commentary on the Psalms. "there is also here prescribed to us an infallible rule for directing us with respect to the right manner of offering to God the sacrifice of praise, which he declares to be most precious in His sight, and of the sweetest odour. There is no other book in which there is to be found more express and magnificent commendations, both of the unparalleled liberality of God towards His Church, and of all His works; there is no other book in which there is recorded so many deliverances nor one in which the evidences and experiences of the fatherly providence and solicitude which God exercises towards us are celebrated with such splendor of diction, and yet with the strictest adherence to truth, in short, there is no other book in which we are more perfectly taught the right manner of praising God, or in which we are more powerfully stirred up to the performance of this religious exercise. Moreover although The Psalms are replete with all the precepts which serve to frame our life to every part of holiness, piety, and righteousness, yet they will principally teach and train us to bear the cross; and the bearing of the cross is a genuine proof of our obedience, since by doing this, we renounce the guidance of our own affections and submit ourselves entirely to God, leaving him to govern us, and to dispose of our life according to his will, so that the afflictions which are the bitterest and most severe to our nature, become sweet to us, because they proceed from Him. In one word, not only will we here find general commendations of the goodness of God, which may teach men to repose themselves in Him alone, and to seek all their happiness solely in Him; and which are intended to teach true believers with their whole hearts confidently to look to Him for help in all their necessities; but we will also find that the free remission of sins, which alone reconciles God towards us and procures for us settled peace with Him, is so set forth and magnified, as that here there is nothing wanting which relates to the knowledge of eternal salvation."

Secondly, we note that the Psalms contain within them not only the literal meaning of the text itself, but also speak to our practical spiritual needs and life, they are often prophetical, especially concerning the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Testament Church.

Thirdly, we will find that there is so much that is taught in the Psalms that shall cause us to look to our future, especially the coming of Christ and that which we face in light of the signs of His coming being revealed.

During this study we shall strive to look to the application of the teaching of the particular Psalms to our personal lives as we would serve faithfully our God in this life unto His praise.

It is my intention to mostly follow the same format for this study as did Barb before, and it is my hope and prayer that it proves a blessing to you women. You will have to select a Psalm for each lesson which in this study is no problem. Richard Moore

1

Women's Bible Study by Richard Moore

Lesson 1

Day One

The Blessedness of Man Negatively Stated

Psalm 1: 1

"The meaning of the Psalmist, as I have stated above, is, that it shall be always well with God’s devout servants, whose constant endeavor it is to make progress in the study of his law. The greater part of mankind being accustomed to deride the conduct of the saints as mere simplicity, and to regard their labor as entirely thrown away, it was of importance that the righteous should be confirmed in the way of holiness, by the consideration of the miserable condition of all men without the blessing of God, and the conviction that God is favorable to none but those who zealously devote themselves to the study of divine truth. Moreover, as corruption has always prevailed in the world, to such a degree, that the general character of men’s lives is nothing else but a continual departure from the law of God, the Psalmist, before asserting the blessedness of the students of the divine law, admonishes them to beware of being carried away by the ungodliness of the multitude around them." Commentary by John Calvin

Readings for Lesson: Psalm 119:114-116 " Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope."

Read Also : Psalm 119:115; Luke 23:51; Psalm 36:4; Proverbs 4:14-15: Psalm 69:12: Hosea 7:5

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion

1. Why does the writer first use the negative, before going to the positive?

2. Do we in our argumentation do this also?

3. The Psalmist uses three terms for the wicked doer, what is the significance of the three different terms? 2 Chronicles 22:3; Psalms 26:12; Proverbs 4:19

4. The Psalmist also uses three terms for the action of the believer with respect to them in order to remain blessed, what is the significance of the three different terms? Proverbs 1:15; Ephesians 6:13; Psalms 26:4

5. What are some of the ways in which we are tempted to follow those things that would destroy our happiness?

6. How does the time in which we live stand against our desire of blessing and how may it help us to

2

oppose these sins?

A few thoughts concerning this passage : It is necessary for us as children of God to meditate upon the law of God in order to serve our

God faithfully and to enjoy His blessings. We of needs according to the Psalmist must keep ourselves from the various snares of the Devil in order to stay faithful. And therefore we are led by the Psalmist to be fully aware of the many dangers in the world about us, and constantly to be watchful for we are children of the light and not children of the darkness as the apostle instructs us in the new dispensation. We shall be blessed as we have no fellowship with the wicked or the unbeliever, and do seek out the ways of Jehovah and company with His children.

The closer we come to the return of our Lord the more pressing this becomes, and it is our prayer that God gives us the grace to keep ourselves pure in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Discuss together how we may practically take heed to this truth daily.

Day Two

The Blessedness of Man Positively Stated

Psalm 1:2"Psalmist does not simply pronounce those happy who fear God, as in other places, but

designates godliness by the study of the law, teaching us that God is only rightly served when had law isobeyed. It is not left to every man to frame a system of religion according to his own judgment, but the standard of godliness is to be taken from the Word of God." Commentary by John Calvin

Readings for Lesson: Ps 119:11-16 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word."

Read Also : Jeremiah 15:16; I John 5; Joshua 1:8; I Timothy 4:15; Luke 2:37; Luke 18:7

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. To what does the law of the Lord refer? Job 23:12; Psalm 119:47-50

2. What is the significance of the LORD in caps?

3. What is the importance of this term of God used in our text?

4. Why is it important that our delight is in the law of the LORD? I John 5:3

5. What is meant by the Psalmist when he refers to meditating in that law day and night?

6. Does this require us to lay down our work in order to meditate day and night? Psalms 119:97-99

3

A few thoughts concerning this passage : As children of God we stand daily before the sovereign God, who is our covenant Father. It is

our desire to serve our Father and be pleasing to Him. That which gives our children the greatest joy is to do something that pleases their parents. You know this by experience, But we also know that it is not a joy to us when we do that which is displeasing to God. O! I understand that according to our flesh we think we will have happiness in doing those things contrary to God's Word, but the actuality is that we are miserable in the ways of disobedience. Thus the Psalmist directs us to God's Word which is the expression of His will for us. To meditate and to hold His Word in our hearts is to know His will for us, which is our true spiritual desire to do. And therein we are fulfilled as we hear His Word well done thou good and faithful servant. May God grant us grace to walk as His children rejoicing in His ways, meditating upon them in all aspects of our life. When we fail may our God lead us in repentance back into the paths of His Word wherein their is safety and life. It is not grievous to live within the law of our LORD, but is our blessing.

Conclusion: In the discussion consider the need for this in order to prepare for the return of the Lord and to remain faithful in the perilous times of our day.

Day Three

The Fruit of Obedience

Psalm 1:3

"The Psalmist here illustrates, and, at the same time, confirms by a metaphor the statement made in the preceding verse; for he shows in what respect those who fear God are to be accounted happy, namely, not because they enjoy an evanescent and empty gladness, but because they are in a desirable condition. There is in the words an implied contrast between the vigor of a tree planted in a situation well watered, and the decayed appearance of one which, although it may flourish beautifully for a time, yet soon withers on account of the barrenness of the soil in which it is placed. With respect to the ungodly, as we shall afterwards see."

Readings for Lesson: Jeremiah 17:7-8 " Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

Read Also : Ezekiel 47:12; Revelation 22:2; Psalm 92:14; Matt. 13:6;Joshua 1:7-8;Psalm 128:2; Isaiah 3:10

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. What is the meaning of the figure in general of this text?

4

2. The tree represents whom or what?

3. The well watered soil represents what?

4. Who provides us with that moist nourishment and by what power.?

5. To what do you attribute the fruit of the tree brought forth , or our fruit brought forth?

6. Why alone does the tree or we ourselves not wither?

7. To what do we attribute the prospering? And what is it for us to prosper in this sense? II Chronicles 31:21.

A few thoughts concerning this passage : First of all as the tree we are reliant upon our covenant God to plant us in Christ, our being

nourished by God is alone the fruit of His eternal love for us in Christ. We are dependent upon the eternal election of God and for the redeeming work of Christ and for the Spirits regenerating work in order for us to be nourished by the fruit of His grace from the living water that proceeds for from the mouth of our Covenant God. His Word nourishes us as Christ sends it forth and applies it by His Spirit to our hearts.

And like the tree even in the greatest of trials being so planted and nourished by our covenant Father in Christ we shall not wither. O by nature that is all we can do when the trials come upon us, but because we are united to Christ through faith which is the gift of God's grace we shall not so wither.

It is also in this way that we shall stand in the coming days of apostasy and tribulation. God be praised.

Conclusion:Do you walk with this confidence day to day? If not why? see James 1

Day Four

The Contrasting End of Unbelief

Psalm 1:4

"The Psalmist might, with propriety, have compared the ungodly to a tree that speedily withers, as Jeremiah likens them to the heath which grows in the wilderness, (Jeremiah 17:6) But not reckoning this figure sufficiently strong, he debases them by employing another, which represents them in a light still more contemptible:and the reason is, that he does not keep his eye on the prosperous condition of which they boast for a short time, but his mind is seriously pondering on the destruction which awaits them, and will at length overtake them." Commentary John Calvin

Isaiah 57:13-15 "When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them

5

all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

Read Also : Zephaniah 2:2; Psalm 104:35;Luke 3:17Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. Who are the ungodly? Are they just unbelievers or are they reprobate in our text?

2. Why are there ungodly?

3. What effect does this have on us as believers?

4. What is the end of the ungodly according to the figure employed? Job 21:17-18.

5. Who causes them to be swept away? Psalm 35:5; Matthew 3:12

A few thoughts concerning this passage :

There is an abrupt change in this passage from the previous one. The ungodly are not so. There is an absolute contrast between the righteous who are planted by God in the river of water, into the firm soil, into Christ by the power of His Word and Spirit, and the ungodly who are but chaff that is quickly blown away by the blast of God's wrath. O! The wicked are chaff, and they have a purpose in God's counsel. As the chaff serves the wheat to protect the kernel while it grows, in the end it is destroyed as the wheat is harvested.

But the wicked are not willing servers of God's counsel, but as our text says they are the ungodly. And all that they do is ungodly inspired. They stand in enmity before God and they hate Him and His people.

However, we must remember that in that same destructive way we would go if it were not for God's grace. Thus we must be humbled that God has chosen us and planted us in His Son, so that we are partakers of His redeeming work.

Conclusion: We need not to fear the coming judgment as we meditate upon God's law and serve Him, howbeit very imperfectly because our life is in Christ, but not so the ungodly who refuse to serve our God and who hate His law and people.

6

Day Five

The Inevitable Result of Unbelief

Psalm 1:5

"In the fifth verse, the prophet teaches that a happy life depends on a good conscience, and that, therefore, it is not wonderful, if the ungodly suddenly fall from the happiness of which they fancied themselves in possession. And there is implied in the words a kind of concession; the prophet tacitly acknowledges that the ungodly please and enjoy themselves, and triumph during the reign of moral disorder in the world; just as robbers revel in the woods and caves, when beyond the reach of justice. But he assures us, that things will not always remain in their present state of confusion, and that when they shall have been reduced to proper order, these ungodly persons shall be entirely deprived of theirpleasures, and feel that they were infatuated when they thought themselves happy. We now see how the Psalmist pronounces the ungodly to be miserable, because happiness is the inward blessing of a goodconscience." Commentary by Calvin

Readings for Lesson:Jude 14-16 " And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the

Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

Read Also : Psalm 5:4-6; Psalm 24:3-5; Psalm 36:11-12; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 13:49

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. Do the wicked seem to have happiness in this life?

2. Do you know a Psalm that expresses this specifically? What Psalm?

3. What does God say in our text about whether they have true happiness or blessedness?

4. What does our text teach us concerning the hope of the ungodly? Jude 15-19; Daniel 2:35

5. What judgment is the Psalmist speaking of in our text?

6. If it is so that there is no place for sinners in the congregation of God, then how shall we stand?I Peter 4:18-19

7. Do some of these ungodly expect to go to heaven?

8. Why can any not say that they have been misled with respect to their hope?

7

A few thoughts concerning this passage : The wonder of grace for us is that we will not face the end of the wicked. The wicked often believe

that all things are well for them. They have no fear of the future it seems, especially is this true when they have plenty and continue in their marrying and giving in marriage as though there is no care in this life. However, in reality it is not so even within their own thoughts, they have not peace, for the Spirit says, Isa 48:22 "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked." On the other hand the elect who are loved of God are able to pass through the deepest of trials and have the good conscience that says all things work together for good to them that love God, who are called according to His purpose. We are not like the chaff that has no root or firm place and which on the threshing floor is swept away by the wind, but are founded in the life giving Lord Who blesses us with His Spirit and Word.

The congregation of the righteous is the congregation of Jehovah the covenant God, ordained so from eternity and delivered through the blood of Christ on the cross. During time those who are the ungodly at times outwardly are found in the manifestation of that congregation in the local church, however it is our God's judgment that they have never had nor do they have nor shall they have any real place in the congregation of the righteous. They shall not have a place either in eternity as that congregation is revealed in its perfection. They shall be swept away unto destruction.

This humbling truth reminds us of the wonder of grace that we are delivered from this end.

Conclusion: All things are in the hand of the Providential God and when we see the increasing ungodliness of this age our comfort is not in our ability to stand in the truth, but in God Who has determined our salvation and provides for it.

Day Six

Even The Way Is Determined By God

Psalm 1:6

"We must maintain it as a general truth, that the ungodly are devoted to misery; for their own consciences condemn them for their wickedness; and, as often as they are summoned to give an account of their life, their sleep is broken, and they perceive that they were merely dreaming when theyimagined themselves to be happy, without looking inward to the true state of their hearts.

Moreover, as things appear to be here driven about at the mercy of chance, and as it is not easy for us, in the midst of the prevailing confusion, to acknowledge the truth of what the Psalmist had said, he therefore presents to our consideration the grand principle, that God is the Judge of the world. Granting this, it follows that it cannot but be well with the upright and the just, while, on the other hand, the most terrible destruction must impend over the ungodly. According to all outward appearance, the servants of God may derive no advantage from their uprightness; but as itis the peculiar office of God to defend them and take care of their safety, they must be happy under his protection." Commentary by John Calvin

Readings for Lesson: Psalm 37:21-24 "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy,

and giveth. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he

8

fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."

Read Also: John 10:14,27; Job 23:10; Psalm 146:9; Proverbs 15:9;

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. What is the significance that the Psalmist now speaks of the "way" of the righteous and the wicked?

2. What kind of knowledge is the writer speaking of?

3. What is the importance of this for the righteous and for the wicked?

4. The Spirit through the Psalmist again uses the name Jehovah in our text, what is its importance in the present text?

5. How does this effect us as we face the many signs of the end of time being revealed?

6. Do you think it is a good idea to teach your children when they are very young to sing Psalter number One? Is this the same reason that the Psalms begin with Psalm One?

A few thoughts concerning this passage :

Throughout our lives as we ourselves pass through trials of this life, and as we witness often the seemingly carefree life of the wicked, and as we often must do with less, and have the extra expenses of the Christian education of our children, as we are often limited in the jobs that we can take as children of God, and as we see the wicked prosper it is comforting without measure to look to the providence of God, cf. Lord's Day Ten of the Heidelberg Catechism. Our Father, the Sovereign God knows the way of the righteous and the wicked.

The term "way" refers to all the activity of this life, the path into which we are led and as is obvious from some of the texts we were to read, even extends to our thoughts and words. The "way" is this life's course. God knows the way, this does not mean that He only knows about the way of man, but God's knowledge is causative. It brings to pass the way of man. We know that His providence does not make our God the author of our sins or that of the wicked, but even the sins of man are part of the way which God causes to come to pass through the means He sends. For instance the means of grace, He sends to the church and exercises in the church as a savor of life unto life, and a savor of death unto death.

Now the Psalmist concludes this Psalm by teaching us that it is our Sovereign Covenant Father in Christ that knows the way of the righteous and we are comforted. But the way of the wicked also providentially is a perishing way. We must never then be envious of the wicked. How foolish that would be as the Psalmist Asaph stated when God brought him into the sanctuary cf. Psalm 73.

Conclusion: Very simply all that we are we owe to God, He leads us to meditate upon His law day and night and establishes our way unto salvation. Shall we then ever fear what the future holds for us?

9

Day Seven

The Raging of the Wicked

Psalm 2: 1-3

"Psalm 2 gives a description of the history of the world, the wicked world in which we live. From the time of the Fall until the end of this age this world is engaged in tumultuous raging against God. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed. ... According to Psalm 2, all this raging and tumult in the world has a very definite purpose. It is all against the Lord and against His anointed! That is the shocking reality of it all. It is an attempt to break the bands of the Lord and cast away His cords. Wicked men do not want God to rule over them. Under the instigation of the devil, wicked men rebel against God. They refuse to submit themselves unto His holy commandments. ... The devil, the great enemy of God, is the prince over them all. The raging tumult is seen in the violence and wickedness of the world. It is seen in the social strife and conflict that characterizes the history of this world. It is seen in the crime and murder that fill the streets of our cities. It is seen in the thousands and thousands of wars that the world has engaged in throughout history. There is no peace in this wicked world. There never will be. There cannot be. All of this is the characteristic of a world that has rebelled against God. ...

Our modern civilized world is making a tumult against God. Wicked men violate every ordinance of God. They refuse to acknowledge Him as God. They do not glorify Him as God, neither are they thankful to Him. This is not because they are ignorant of God. God clearly reveals Himself in His creation, in the things which He has made. He declares His sovereign Word in the world. He has written the works of the law in the heart of every man. But the world hates God. It refuses to glorify Him" SB vol. 72 Rev. Den Hartog

Reading God's Word:Ps 83:2-4 " For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance."

Read Also: Luke 18:31-32; Acts 16:23; Revelation 17: 11-14;Psalm 48:4; Acts 2:1,2; Matthew 26: 59; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:8-9

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. Does this text refer to David in any sense?

2. Can you see that already at the very early stage of this Psalm that it is Messianic?

3. With respect to David was it only enemies within Israel that came against him as the anointed of God?

4. Were there representatives of other nations that were against Christ the Anointed at the time of

10

the cross?

5. Is it true that all the nations stand against the Anointed of God and against His people?

6. Do we see this in our day and how do we if we do?

7. How do the wicked set themselves against the Lord and His Church?

8. What is meant when the text says that they say, "Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us."?

9. How is this also seen in our day?

10. How do we understand that when the crucifixion of the Lord took place this was also being fulfilled?

A few thoughts concerning this passage : David writes this Psalm and it is evident as king over God's people he was anointed of God. And

it is true that the nations lifted themselves up against him repeatedly. This was true not only of the apostate people within Israel, but also true of the many nations that exalted themselves against Israel and David as king. So that we are given to see the hatred of the nations for the people of God in the days of David. And this was evident in the fact that they tried to break the bonds that were upon them or perceived to be upon them as David began to reign and reigned over Israel.

Not only did they hate David but all Israel, and even more they hated the God of Israel. For the wicked understand that it is the God of Israel that gave the victories to David over them. It is the same today as God's people are hated because of enmity the world of unbelief has against God and His ways.

But further this plainly is a Messianic Psalm and speaks of the hatred which all the world shows against the Anointed of God. This was especially revealed when our Lord Jesus Christ came into our flesh to dwell in our midst. Jesus did this in order that He save us, by His obedient sacrifice at the cross. The wicked world stood with one purpose, to break the bonds of God's rule through His Christ.

We see this from the testimony of the Spirit in Acts 4: 24-26 and other passages of the New Testament. The whole world was represented at the cross, the worldly governors, the apostate church, the common people of Israel and of the world. Even the true church by nature would not have the Christ the Anointed over them. Nor would we today. The natural man hates God and His Son. And the wicked man hates Christ's people, even as Jesus literally told them.

Our comfort is that God has determined it to be thus, and also this served our salvation, in the death of Christ on the accursed tree that we may be spared bearing that curse. And still today the world's contempt for God, His Christ and His people serves our salvation.

Conclusion:Even the nations of unbelief and all their power cannot prevent the salvation of the church nor the

will of God from coming to pass. There is nothing even at the end of time in the day of great apostasy and tribulation that shall prevent His elect church form being gathered unto Himself.. Praise God.

11

Day Eight

The LORD shall have them in Derision

Psalm 2: 4-5

"After David has told us of the tumult and commotions, the counsels and pride, the preparation and resources the strength and efforts of his enemies, in opposition to all these he places the power of God alone, which he concludes would be brought to bear against them, from their attempting to frustrate his decree. And, as a little before, by terming them kings of the earth, he expressed their feeble and perishable condition; so now, by the lofty title of He that dwelleth in heaven, he extols the powerof God, as if he had said, that power remains intact and unimpaired, whatever men may attempt against it.

Let them exalt themselves as they may, they shall never be able to reach to heaven; yea, while they think to confound heaven and earth together, they resemble so many grasshoppers, and the Lord, meanwhile, undisturbed beholds from on high their infatuated evolutions. And David ascribes laughter to God on two accounts; first, to teach us that he does not stand in need of great armies to repress the rebellion of wicked men, as if this were an arduous and difficult matter, but, on the contrary, could do this as often as he pleases with the most perfect ease. In the second place, he would have us to understand that when God permits the reign of his Son to be troubled, he does not cease from interfering because he is employed elsewhere, or unable to afford assistance, or because he is neglectful of the honor of his Son; but he purposely delays the inflictions of his wrath to the proper time, namely,until he has exposed their infatuated rage to general derision." Commentary of John Calvin

Reading God's Word:Psalm 11:4-5 "The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes

behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. "

Read Also: Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 66:1-2; Psalm 37:12-13; Proverbs 1:25-26; Isaiah 11:4;Psalm 110:5-6.

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. What is the significance of the contrast between the kings of the earth, and the Lord Who sits in the heavens?

2. What is the idea of God laughing at the action of the wicked who think they can stand against Him?

3. They that would mock are held in derision: Is this explained in the verse five?

4. If God speaks, what is the result?

5. As we live in the end of time and the wickedness increases mightily what instruction and or comfort does this truth bring to us?

12

A few thoughts concerning this passage :The contrast that Calvin pointed out in our introduction, is worth remembering in all of our daily

lives, namely even though the powers of wickedness seem to have the upper hand in the day in which we live, our God and covenant Father is in the heavens. He indeed does as He wills, and the wicked can but serve His purposes. They may scorn the God of gods, but it is God Who will have them in derision.

Secondly, Our God is Sovereign in the way He governs also the wicked, and in His time He brings the judgment of the wicked. He does so now temporally when He brings down in time those wicked who for a time seemed to have the rule or were in their own minds great. But also when the cup of iniquity is filled according to His wisdom He will bring the final judgment when the wicked shall be cast into the eternal desolation of that judgment, and His Name will be glorified by all.

This means for us that we have the confidence that no matter what appears to be the case, we have the Covenant Father looking over us and all things for His glory and our salvation. And we do not fear that judgment, not because we are better, but because that God loves us in His Only Begotten Son.

Conclusion: May we remain humble by all of this, for except for the grace of God there go we, that is exalting ourselves over against God.

Day Nine

Set As King Upon Zion

Psalm 2: 6

“'Yet am I set by Him as King upon Sion, His holy hill, preaching His decree' (ver. 6). This is clearly spoken in the Person of the very Lord our Savior Christ. But if Sion signify, as some interpret, beholding, we must not understand it of anything rather than of the Church, where daily is the desire raised of beholding the bright glory of God, according to that of the Apostle, 'but we with open face beholding the glory of the Lord.'

Therefore the meaning of this is, Yet I am set by Him as King over His holy Church; which for its eminence and stability He calleth a mountain. 'Yet I am set by Him as King.' I, that is, whose 'bands' they were meditating 'to break asunder,' and whose 'yoke' to 'cast away.' 'Preaching His decree.' Who doth not see the meaning of this, seeing it is daily practiced?" Commentary by Augustin

Reading God's Word:Psalm 89:27-28 " Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My

mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him."

Read Also: Psalm 89: 36-37; Psalm 110:1-2; Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 2:34-36; Psalm 132:13-14; Hebrews 12:22-23.

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. Who is the "I" of verse 6?

13

2. What is the significance of the term "set"?

3. When did this take place?

4. Does the king refer to David? To Christ?

5. To what does Zion refer?

6. What is the importance of the fact that the king is set in the holy hill of Zion? For David? For Christ? For Us?

A Few Thoughts Concerning this Passage:This passage speaks in the first place of David, but has its fulfillment in Christ. There were many

kings and powers that had come against David and the people of God under David, as well as stood against the God of David and the people of Israel. And there were times that it seemed as though the cause of God and the holy hill of Zion were threatened to be destroyed. But God set David as king in Zion and would defend His king and keep safe the city of God and thus the Church of God.

However, although this was in a certain sense speaking of David and of God's care of Israel, the fulfillment is indeed in Christ. Even as Augustin many centuries ago saw the holy hill of Zion spoke of God's dwelling place with His covenant people whom He loved from eternity. And when it seems as though Satan and his co-workers would have victory over His people, God set the King upon His holy hill of Zion. He sent Jesus to come in our flesh, to suffer for our sin, to die on the cross, to be raised and exalted to His right hand, to reign forever in His Church, the dwelling place of God. Zion will be and is preserved in His covenant mercy as He gives His Son to reign over all things.

Conclusion: Rev 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." The comfort of the eternal promise of salvation realized in God's setting His king on the holy hill of Zion.

Day Ten

Begotten of the Lord

Psalm 2: 7

“ 'The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art My Son, today have I begotten Thee' (ver. 7)., Although that day may also seem to be prophetically spoken of, on which Jesus Christ was born according to the flesh ;. and in eternity there is nothing past as if it had ceased to be, nor future as if it were not yet, but present only, since whatever is eternal, always is; yet as 'today' intimates presentiality, a divine interpretation is given to that expression, “Today have I begotten Thee,” whereby the uncorrupt and Catholic faith proclaims the eternal generation of the power and Wisdom of God, who is the Only-begotten Son." Commentary of Agustin

Reading God's Word:

14

Hebrews 1:1-5 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son. And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him."

Read Also: Psalm 148:6; Isaiah 46:10; Matthew 17:5; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 5:4-5; Malachi 3:2.

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. What is the significance of this text in the context and especially that God declares this decree?

2. To what does the "decree" of Jehovah refer?

3. Is there any sense that this text refers also to David, can he be called the son of God?

4. Is there any sense in which our text refers to the eternal generation of the Son by the Father?

5. Is there a sense where this refers to Jesus' birth? resurrection?

A Few Thoughts Concerning this Passage:

I quoted from Augustin at the beginning, because I believe it is important to see that already at the time of Augustine there was an understanding of the eternal generation of the Second Person of the Trinity. Agustin says, "whereby the uncorrupt and Catholic faith proclaims the eternal generation of the power and Wisdom of God, who is the Only-begotten Son." The truth of the Son's eternal generation speaks loudly of the Covenant Life of the Triune God, and the covenant love God has within His Holy Being. This covenant love is by His will revealed in His love for His people, and it is in that eternal love for His people in Christ, that He also sent His only Begotten into our flesh to deliver us from the wicked and lead us out of sin into His everlasting fellowship.

This Only Begotten Son God gives all power to judge the powers of darkness, and to bring His judgment to pass. This is comfort for those who are called by God to be sons and daughters. It was a comfort to David who as a son of God was also given the special office of king, for he comes not in his own authority speaking the Word of God, but in Christ speaks with the authority of God's begotten Son.

The Scriptures we have read give no doubt that Jesus' coming in our flesh was a time when the eternal begetting became evident in time through the begetting of the Son come in the flesh, and also this same is the case of Jesus resurrection. But these give evidence of the eternal decree of God rooted in His eternal covenant life and love.

Conclusion: The eternal Son of God has come in our flesh to bring to pass the judgment of His and our enemies, and to lead us in the paths of salvation. All is well.

15

Day Eleven

Given the Heathen for Thine Inheritance

Psalm 2: 8-9

"Ask of me. Christ, it is true, besought his Father (John 17:5) to 'glorify him with the glory which he had with him before the world was;' yet the more obvious meaning is, that the Father will deny nothing to his Son which relates to the extension of his kingdom to the uttermost ends of the earth. But, in this wonderful matter, Christ is introduced as presenting himself before the Father with prayers, in order to illustrate the free liberality of God in conferring upon men the honor of constituting his own Son governor over the whole world. As the eternal Word of God, Christ, it is true, has always had in his hands by right sovereign authority and majesty, and as such can receive no accessions thereto; but still he is exalted in human nature, in which he took upon him the form of a servant. This title, therefore, is not applied to him only as God, but is extended to the whole person of the Mediator; for after Christ had emptied himself there was given to him a name which is above every name, that before him every knee should bow, (Philippians 2:9)" Commentary of Calvin

Reading God's Word: Dan 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the

clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

Read Also: John 17:4-5; Psalm 72:7-9; Psalm 111:6; Isaiah 49:8-10; Revelation 12:5; Isaiah 40:10-11.

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. This passage refers especially to Christ, but was it true that David also could ask God and be given the heathen for an inheritance in any sense? What about us as the children of God?

2. What in particular do you believe is meant that the heathen shall be the inheritance of Christ?

3. Is it really true that the uttermost parts of the earth are Christ's inheritance?

4. How do we see this today? Or do we?

5. When shall this be fulfilled in the fullest sense?

6. Who shall be broken like a potters vessel by the rod of iron?

7. Are we also so broken?

8. Does this have a different meaning with respect to the wicked (Psalm 88:23)? Why are we not

16

so plagued?

A Few Thoughts Concerning this Passage: Jesus when he came in our flesh as very man could go to the Triune Father and ask all He needed

as the Son of God to carry forth the purpose for which God had sent him. God would hear all the prayers of His Son, Whose prayers always were Thy will be done. Our Lord received all that was necessary to bear the iniquity of His people given Him of the Father, and to bring them into the perfection of heavenly glory. This is true today of the Risen Lord, Who opens the book and releases the seals, trumpets and vials that through an iron rod rule of justice over comes the three-fold enemy of His elect body.

This includes judgment of the wicked reprobate man, but also includes the destruction of the old man of sin within us. We are even now having the old man mortified by His word and Spirit and are putting on by His grace the new man of life with God. So it is also true that Word of Christ as it goes forth throughout the nations by the power of the Spirit of God conquers and is conquering. Finally, that rule is complete and all of the wicked perish with Satan and his angels, and our old man is finally cast utterly away and we shall be gathered in the new heavens and new earth. There to dwell with God in Christ forever.

Conclusion: The final fulfillment draws nigh may we be prepared by faith given of God to enter the final inheritance with the nations.

Day Twelve

Be Wise and Instructed

Psalm 2: 10

"David having, as a preacher of the judgments of God, set forth the vengeance which God would take upon his enemies proceeds now, in the character of a prophet and teacher, to exhort the unbelieving to repentance, that they may not, when it is too late, be compelled to acknowledge, from dire experience, that the divine threatenings are neither idle nor ineffectual. And he addresses by name kings and rulers, who are not very easily brought to a submissive state of mind, and who are, besides, prevented from learning what is right by the foolish conceit of their own wisdom with which they are puffed up. And if David spare not even kings themselves, who seem unrestrained by laws, and exempted from ordinary rules, much more does his exhortation apply to the common class of men, in order that all, from the highest to the lowest, may humble themselves before God. By the adverb now, he signifies the necessity of their speedy repentance, since they will not always be favored with the likeopportunity. Meanwhile, he tacitly gives them to understand, that it was for their advantage that he warned them, as there was yet room for repentance provided they made haste. When he enjoins them to be wise, he indirectly condemns their false confidence in their own wisdom as if he had said, The beginning of true wisdom is when a man lays aside his pride, and submits himself to the authority of Christ. Accordingly, however good an opinion the princes of the world may have of their own shrewdness, we may be sure they are arrant fools till they become humble scholars at the feet of Christ. Moreover, he declares the manner in which they were to be wise, by commanding them to serve the Lord with fear." Commentary of Calvin

17

Reading God's Word:

Isaiah 49:7-8 "Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; "

Read Also: Jeremiah 6:8; Hosea 14:9; Isaiah 60:3; Revelation 6:15

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1 Why do you believe that the Spirit now addresses the kings and judges?

2. Is this admonition only for them

3. What is this admonition, that is, what does it call us unto?

4. Does this admonition still hold true for the kings and judges?

5. Are there some of those so admonished that will hear and obey?

6. Does this speak to the office bearers in the church and to God's people?

7. Is there a sense that we are kings?

A Few Thoughts Concerning this Passage: It appears from the context especially verse 11, that the text contains the exhortation to take fast

hold of the truth and to be instructed by it. To fail to do this would be to face sure destruction. The reference to kings and judges points out that this must be true of all who hear this word. They must not think that their position of authority or of class will exempt them from taking heed to the calling to take heed the instruction of the Lord. If it is so with kings and judges it is so with all who hear this word. We also whether mothers in the home, or fathers at work, or children at school or at play must hear and obey.

Augustine writes the following here: This is the same as, “understand,” and, “be instructed.” For to understand and be instructed, this is to lay hold of discipline. Still in that it is said, “lay hold of,” it isplainly enough intimated that there is some protection and defense against all things which might do hurt unless with so great carefulness it be laid hold of. “Lest at any time the Lord be angry,” is expressed with a doubt, not as regards the vision of the prophet to whom it is certain, but as regards those who are warned; for they, to whom it is not openly revealed, are wont to think with doubt of the anger of God. This then they ought to say to themselves, let us “lay hold of discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and we perish from the righteous way."

Not all shall hear and obey, they will receive this word unto their condemnation. It is a sure savor of death unto death to them. But those chosen in Christ no matter their rank in this life will humble themselves before this word and repent and shall know the true blessedness of the covenant of

18

God with us.

Conclusion: May God grant us ears to hear and hearts of understanding that we take heed of Christ's admonitions and be humbled to walk in obedience, now and until the day Christ comes in judgment.

Day Thirteen

Serving the Lord with Fear and Rejoicing

Psalm 2: 11

"When His anger shall be shortly kindled, blessed are all they who put their trust in Him;” that is, when the vengeance shall come which is prepared for the ungodly and for sinners, not only will it not light on those 'who put their trust in' the Lord, but it will even avail for the foundation and exaltation of a kingdom for them. For he said not, 'When His anger shall be shortly kindled,' safe 'are all they who put their trust in Him,' as though they should have this only thereby, to be exempt from punishment; but he said, 'blessed ;' in which there is the sum and accumulation of all good things. Now the meaning of 'shortly' I suppose to be this, that it will be something sudden, whilst sinners will deem it far off and long to come." Agustin - Commentary on Psalms

Reading God's Word:

Hebrews 4:1-3 "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world."

Read Also: Psalm 89:7-8; Hebrews 12:28-29; Psalm 89:6-7; Psalm 99:1-3; Philippians 2:12-13.

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. What is the manner the kings and judges, and the people under them are to be wise?

2. Why do we read the name Jehovah again in this particular verse?

3. What is the fear that is spoken of in our text?

4. This fear is the opposite of our_____________.

5. What is the significance of the fact that we are to serve Jehovah in fear with rejoicing?

6. Why is it added with trembling?

7. Are we faithful in doing this?

19

8. Will we be faithful in doing this when the great tribulation comes?

A Few Thoughts Concerning this Passage: This word is addressed to all to which the Word comes, and especially we are to understand this in

the light of the coming judgment. This whether it be in time through the revelation of signs of Christ's coming, or whether it be at the time of our death, or whether it be when Christ with His angels comes in final judgment. And we are called both kings and judges, and those who are under them, to be wise and serve our covenant God with fear. It is necessary that we reverence our God, and that we flee all personal pride. For those who stand proud in the face of such judgment of the Holy God shall surely perish.

And what a precious admonition for us to hear, as it instructs us to hold precious our God, and to flee anything that would displease Him. It is not the earthly pleasures that shall last forever, all things in this life are burned and perish. But our covenant relationship with Jehovah is everlasting.

Nor is this a grievous thing, the life of obedience and fear before God, but it is our pleasure and joy, so that we may so walk with rejoicing in our calling before God. This no matter the burdens that come upon us in the flesh. Oh! We will do this with trembling when we see the complete unworthiness we have in ourselves, and when we come to know our weakness in this life. But we shall rely not upon our strength, but upon God's grace as we continue our walk down this life's pathway.

Conclusion: Is it not wonderful that God so admonishes his people, He gives us the grace to hear and to obey. He does not require that which is not possible. His children great and small shall serve Him with fear, and rejoice in humble trembling.

Day 14

Blessed In Trusting in Christ

Psalm 2: 12

"David expresses yet more distinctly what kind of fear and service God requires. Since it is the will of God to reign by the hand of his Son, and since he has engraved on his person the marks and insignia of his own glory, the proper proof of our obedience and piety towards him is reverently to embrace his Son, whom he has appointed king over us, according to the declaration,“He that honoureth not the Son,honoureth not the Father who hath sent him,” (John 5:23) The term kiss refers to the solemn token or sign of honor which subjects were wont to yield to their sovereigns. The sum is, that God is defraudedof his honor if he is not served in Christ. The Hebrew word rb Bar, signifies both a son and an elect person; but in whatever way you take it, the meaning will remain the same. Christ was truly chosen of the Father, who has given him all power, that he alone should stand preeminent above both men and angels. ...What follows immediately after is a warning to those who despise Christ, that their pride shall not go unpunished, as if he had said, As Christ is not despised without indignity being done to the Father, who hath adorned him with his own glory, so the Father himself will not allow such an invasion of his sacred rights to pass unpunished. And to teach them to beware of vainly deceiving themselves with the hope of a lengthened delay, and from their present ease indulging themselves in vain pleasures,

20

they are plainly told that his wrath will be kindled in a moment." Commentary by John Calvin

Reading God's Word:

Isaiah 30:18-19 "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee."

Read Also: I Samuel 10:1; John 14:6; II Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 6:16-17; Psalm 146:3-5; Jeremiah 17:7-8.

Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:

1. What does in mean that we are to fear and serve God by kissing His Son?

2. Do we walk in this life in this way? How do we do this?

3. What does our text say about those that do not so kiss the Son?

4. Is there any significance to the idea of His wrath being kindled but a little?

5. The opposite is to be blessed, what is it to trust in the Lord?

6. Are there some who think that they are trusting in the Lord, but do not? Explain.

A Few Thoughts Concerning this Passage:

There is no question that Jehovah's anger or wrath shall soon be kindled. The signs speak loudly that the final judgment is soon upon this world. Even when Jehovah's anger is kindled but a little in consumes them upon whom it is directed. But those putting their trust in God and His Son, by His grace and according to His eternal will shall be spared not only, but shall find in it the blessedness of eternal life. This is true because Christ took all of God's anger toward us, and satisfied His judgment against us. Therefore, we are safe as we kiss the Son, as all our life is rooted in Him, as we find it our joy to be His servants..

When we turn from our sin, when we repent in all humility, when we wait upon our Lord and serve Him with gladness we have peace and blessing that cannot be measured. This blessedness is alone that which is good and pleasant in all of life.

Conclusion: Rest in the Lord and Rejoice in each day the Lord gives you to serve Him, flee sin and know your salvation is sure for Christ's sake.

21