SCRIPTURE: Psalm 7:1-17 OBSERVATION: David has been cruelly treated by Cush, a Benjamite, perhaps a supporter of the previous king Saul (also a Benjamite). Maybe at the same time as previous Psalm when David was fleeing Absalom’s coup, and he was cursed by Shimei, also a Benjamite (2 Samuel 16:5-12). Here David claims innocence, and we know that…
Author: Norm
Aug 25 — Psalm 6:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 6:1-10 OBSERVATION: David is in physical and emotional/spiritual crisis, possible nearing death. His enemies are attacking him, perhaps like Job’s friends, blaming him for his own suffering. David is in agony, and pleads for mercy. He concludes his prayer with an expression of confidence, “the Lord has heard”. APPLICATION: This is a very graphic…
Aug 24 — Psalm 5:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 5:1-12 OBSERVATION: David is going through a tough time. He is pleading for the Lord to help him. In this time of waiting, he reminds himself Who the Lord is, what He is like, and that He can be trusted. The Lord will not tolerate wickedness forever, and those who cling to Him and…
Aug 23 — Psalm 4:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 4:1-8 OBSERVATION: David seems to be in the midst of a crisis, and the people who are troubling him are also mocking him, “turning his glory into shame”. Those with David are despairing, “who can show us any good?” David refuses to give up. He appeals to God for help (mercy) and declares his…
Bible Readings (September)
September 1. Daniel 5:1-16 2. Daniel 5:17-30 3. Daniel 6:1-16 4. Daniel 6:17-28 5. Daniel 7:1-14 6. Daniel 7:15-28 7. Daniel 8:1-14 8. Daniel 8:15-27 9. Daniel 9:1-19 10. Daniel 9:20-27 11. Acts 16:6-15 12. Acts 16:16-40 13. Acts 17:1-15 14. Acts 17:16-34 15. Acts 18:1-17 16. Acts 18:18-28 17. Acts 19:1-22 18. Acts 19:23-41 …
Aug 22 — Psalm 3:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 3:1-8 OBSERVATION: There is a bigger story behind this psalm, the sad relationship between David and his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 13-19). David shows amazing confidence in God’s help, even though it hasn’t come yet. David speaks with violent passion against his own son (v.7, “strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of…
Aug 21 — Psalm 2:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 2:1-12 OBSERVATION: This Psalm is written from King David’s perspective as he deals with neighbouring kingdoms under his rule, agitating for rebellion. David claims God’s backing, therefore the plots and schemes are in vain; their best bet is to surrender to and support God’s appointed ruler… or else. David’s rule is a prophetic anticipation…
Aug 20 — Psalm 1:1-6
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1:1-6 OBSERVATION: The best (most blessed) way to live (ie the way to happiness, success, well-being, etc.) is by living according to the will of the Lord. They will live rooted, fruitful lives, like a tree growing close to water. Those who go against the Lord, the way that the wicked (sinners, mockers) do,…
Aug 19 — Acts 15:36-16:5
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:36-16:5 OBSERVATION: John had abandoned them earlier (Acts 13:13), but now wants to join them again. Barnabas wants to show him grace for his failure, but Paul is not yet ready to welcome him back. This results in a major disagreement and separation, and raises the question of why Paul was being so hard-headed? Or…
Aug 18 — Acts 15:22-35
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:22-35 OBSERVATION: The official decision is made, the non-Jews will not be expected to keep the Law of Moses, with the exceptions noted – not as laws binding on all Christians but as helpful advise for believers at that time, under those circumstances. Their decision is communicated as “it seemed good to the Holy…