Since we celebrate the 500th birthday of John Calvin this week: Before proceeding to recite God’s works, the Psalmist declares his supreme Deity, and dominion: not that such comparative language implies that there is anything approaching Deity besides him, but there is a disposition in men, whenever they see any part of his glory displayed, … More Calvin on Psalm 136
John Piper on Psalm 135: The psalm begins by calling us to praise the Lord: “Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord.” Then, starting in verse 3 the psalmist gives us reasons for why we should feel praise rising in our hearts toward God. It says, for example, “Praise the Lord, for the … More Does God Really Take Pleasure in All He Does?
ESV Study Bible explains: 1 Chron. 25:1–8 David and the leaders of the Levites divided the musicians into the three family groups of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman (see 6:31–47), who prophesied with musical instruments, i.e., wrote songs. In some cases, their songs seem to have become part of OT Scripture, for Asaph is named in the titles of Psalms 50 and 73–83, … More Worship Leaders
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! In John 17, Jesus prays for us as believers to have this unity, that we should be one. And in Acts 4:32, we read that, “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul.” As in music, … More Sweet harmony!
Psalm 132:16. Her saints shall shout aloud for joy. It would astonish and amuse a European stranger to hear these natives sing. They have not the least idea either of harmony or melody; noise is what they best understand, and he that sings the loudest is considered to sing the best. I have occasionally remonstrated with … More Whisper the praises of Jesus?!
“If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared” (Ps. 130:3-4). Sam Storms comments at EnjoyingGodMinistries.com: On first reading, something seems terribly askew. Would it not have made more sense for the psalmist to have said: “But with you there is justice, … More Forgiveness: the Foundation for Fear
In Psalm 129, we come to yet another instance of an “imprecatory” Psalm. Theopedia.com explains: Imprecatory psalms are those those psalms that contain curses or prayers for the punishment of the psalmist’s enemies. To imprecate means to invoke evil upon, or curse. Psalms 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137 and 139 all contain … More Spurgeon on Imprecatory Psalms
July 4 Independence Day….words from Benjamin Franklin on Providence and Prayer… In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle … More July 4 Independence Day….words from Benjamin Franklin on Providence and Prayer…
Psalm 126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. They that were laughed at, now laugh, and a new song is put into their mouths. It was a … More “…a laughter of joy in God”
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 125:2 It is not enough that we are compassed about with fiery walls, that is, with the sure custody, the continual watch and ward of the angels; but the Lord himself is our wall: so that every way we … More Martin Luther on Psalm 125
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 