Why is this Psalm quoted or alluded to over two dozen times in the New Testament? What special meaning about the Messiah is here? Let’s look at Psalm 110.
A Psalm by David. (WEB)
If Yahweh spoke to my Lord, who is He? Who sits at God the Father’s right hand and will rule over His enemies?
The Lord [Yahweh] said to my Lord [Adonai], “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! (Ps 110:1-2 NKJV Mat 22:44)
Who is a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek?
When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” (Ps 110:3-4 NLT)
Who will crush kings on that day and judge nations and the ruler of the earth?
The Lord is at your right hand. He will crush kings in the day of his wrath. He will judge among the nations. He will heap up dead bodies. He will crush the ruler of the whole earth. He will drink of the brook on the way; therefore he will lift up his head. (Ps 110:5-7 WEB)
How did Jesus explain that this Psalm was about the Christ, the Messiah?
Now as the Pharisees were gathering, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” “David’s son,” they replied. He said, “Then how is it that David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called him Lord when he said, The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right side until I turn your enemies into your footstool’? If David calls him Lord, how can he be David’s son?” Nobody was able to answer him. And from that day forward nobody dared to ask him anything. (Mat 22:41-46 CEB)
Why is this Psalm quoted or alluded to over two dozen times in the New Testament? What special meaning about the Messiah is here? You decide!
Rescue (Ps 109)
Will God punish the enemies of His people and rescue the faithful? Let’s begin in Psalm 109.
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Do people ever gossip about us, tell lies, words of hate and attack us without cause?
Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love. (Ps 109:1-5 ESV)
Do we ever wish that God would punish our enemies? Is that God’s justice to a lifestyle of hatred, unless people repent?
Set a wicked person over him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer be counted as sin. Let his days be few; let another take over his position. Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. Let his children wander as beggars, searching for food far from their demolished homes. Let a creditor seize all he has; let strangers plunder what he has worked for. Let no one show him kindness, and let no one be gracious to his fatherless children. Let the line of his descendants be cut off; let their name be blotted out in the next generation. Let his ancestors’ guilt be remembered before the Lord, and do not let his mother’s sin be blotted out. Let their sins always remain before the Lord, and let Him erase all memory of them from the earth. (Ps 109:6-15 HCSB)
Do wicked people act in love? What do they think about the poor and needy? Is a telltale sign their use of bad language?
For he didn’t think to extend gracious love; he harassed to death the poor, the needy, and the broken hearted. He loved to curse—may his curses return upon him! He took no delight in blessing others—so may blessings be far from him. He wore curses like a garment—may they enter his inner being like water and his bones like oil. May those curses wrap around him like a garment, or like a belt that one always wears. May this be the way the Lord repays my accuser, those who speak evil against me. (Ps 109:16-20 ISV)
Will God deliver the poor and needy, the wounded of heart?
But do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust. My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness. I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads. (Ps 109:21-25 KJV)
Do we want God to save us in such a public way that He gets the glory for it?
Help me, O Yahweh my God; Save me according to Your lovingkindness. And let them know that this is Your hand; You, O Yahweh, have done it. Let them curse, but You bless; They arise and will be put to shame, But Your slave shall be glad. Let my accusers be clothed with dishonor, And let them wrap themselves with their own shame as with a robe. (Ps 109:26-29 LSB)
Do we publicly praise God when He saves us from those who would condemn us to death?
With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord; And I will praise Him in the midst of many. For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge [condemn] his soul. (Ps 109:30-31 NASB)
Does salvation include a rescue from those who hate us?
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear (Luke 1:71-74 NIV)
Will God punish the enemies of His people and rescue the faithful? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Do people ever gossip about us, tell lies, words of hate and attack us without cause?
Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love. (Ps 109:1-5 ESV)
Do we ever wish that God would punish our enemies? Is that God’s justice to a lifestyle of hatred, unless people repent?
Set a wicked person over him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer be counted as sin. Let his days be few; let another take over his position. Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. Let his children wander as beggars, searching for food far from their demolished homes. Let a creditor seize all he has; let strangers plunder what he has worked for. Let no one show him kindness, and let no one be gracious to his fatherless children. Let the line of his descendants be cut off; let their name be blotted out in the next generation. Let his ancestors’ guilt be remembered before the Lord, and do not let his mother’s sin be blotted out. Let their sins always remain before the Lord, and let Him erase all memory of them from the earth. (Ps 109:6-15 HCSB)
Do wicked people act in love? What do they think about the poor and needy? Is a telltale sign their use of bad language?
For he didn’t think to extend gracious love; he harassed to death the poor, the needy, and the broken hearted. He loved to curse—may his curses return upon him! He took no delight in blessing others—so may blessings be far from him. He wore curses like a garment—may they enter his inner being like water and his bones like oil. May those curses wrap around him like a garment, or like a belt that one always wears. May this be the way the Lord repays my accuser, those who speak evil against me. (Ps 109:16-20 ISV)
Will God deliver the poor and needy, the wounded of heart?
But do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust. My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness. I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads. (Ps 109:21-25 KJV)
Do we want God to save us in such a public way that He gets the glory for it?
Help me, O Yahweh my God; Save me according to Your lovingkindness. And let them know that this is Your hand; You, O Yahweh, have done it. Let them curse, but You bless; They arise and will be put to shame, But Your slave shall be glad. Let my accusers be clothed with dishonor, And let them wrap themselves with their own shame as with a robe. (Ps 109:26-29 LSB)
Do we publicly praise God when He saves us from those who would condemn us to death?
With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord; And I will praise Him in the midst of many. For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge [condemn] his soul. (Ps 109:30-31 NASB)
Does salvation include a rescue from those who hate us?
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear (Luke 1:71-74 NIV)
Will God punish the enemies of His people and rescue the faithful? You decide!
Battle Ready (Psalm 108)
If we are about to face a great battle, should singing praises to God be our first step? Let’s look at Psalm 108.
A Song. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Are we steadfast in singing praises to God among the nations?
O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds. (Ps 108:1-4 NKJV)
Is God exalted above the highest heavens? Will He rescue His beloved people?
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power. (Ps 108:5-6 NLT)
What does God say about Israel and the surrounding nations?
God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph, I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine. Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is my helmet. Judah is my scepter. Moab is my wash pot. I will toss my sandal on Edom. I will shout over Philistia.” (Ps 108:7-9 WEB)
Who alone is our true help in battle, guaranteeing victory?
I wish someone would bring me to a fortified city! I wish someone would lead me to Edom!” But you have rejected us, God, haven’t you? You, God, no longer accompany our armies. Give us help against the enemy—human help is worthless. With God we will triumph: God is the one who will trample our adversaries. (Ps 108:10-13 CEB)
Is thankfulness an important way to begin any prayer asking for God to protect us in battle?
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil 4:6-7 CEV)
If we are about to face a great battle, should singing praises to God be our first step? You decide!
A Song. A Psalm by David. (WEB)
Are we steadfast in singing praises to God among the nations?
O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds. (Ps 108:1-4 NKJV)
Is God exalted above the highest heavens? Will He rescue His beloved people?
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power. (Ps 108:5-6 NLT)
What does God say about Israel and the surrounding nations?
God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph, I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine. Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is my helmet. Judah is my scepter. Moab is my wash pot. I will toss my sandal on Edom. I will shout over Philistia.” (Ps 108:7-9 WEB)
Who alone is our true help in battle, guaranteeing victory?
I wish someone would bring me to a fortified city! I wish someone would lead me to Edom!” But you have rejected us, God, haven’t you? You, God, no longer accompany our armies. Give us help against the enemy—human help is worthless. With God we will triumph: God is the one who will trample our adversaries. (Ps 108:10-13 CEB)
Is thankfulness an important way to begin any prayer asking for God to protect us in battle?
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil 4:6-7 CEV)
If we are about to face a great battle, should singing praises to God be our first step? You decide!
Give Thanks (Psalm 107)
How often do we give thanks to God? Let’s begin in Psalm 107.
From what adversary has He ultimately redeemed us, an act returning a lost inheritance, such as Boaz did for Ruth through marriage?
Give thanks to Yahweh [the Lord], for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. Let the redeemed by Yahweh say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the adversary, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Ps 107:1-3 WEB)
Are we wandering in a spiritual desert wasteland looking for a home?
Some of the redeemed had wandered into the desert, into the wasteland. They couldn’t find their way to a city or town. They were hungry and thirsty; their lives were slipping away. So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God delivered them from their desperate circumstances. God led them straight to human habitation. Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people, because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things! (Ps 107:4-9 CEB)
Do we suffer in this world because of our own past sins? Can God rescue us?
Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice. You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. (Ps 107:10-14 CEV)
Do we thank the Lord for setting us free from the bondage to sin?
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. (Ps 107:15-16 ESV)
Do our own sins cause much of our suffering? Who alone can rescue us?
Fools suffered affliction because of their rebellious ways and their sins. They loathed all food and came near the gates of death. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them from their distress. He sent His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for all humanity. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and announce His works with shouts of joy. (Ps 107:17-22 HCSB)
Do those who go to sea witness the great power of God in the oceans and realize that prayer to God is their only resource?
Those who go down to the sea in ships, who work in the great waters, witnessed the works of the Lord—his awesome deeds in the ocean’s depth. He spoke and stirred up a windstorm that made its waves surge. The people ascended skyward and descended to the depths, their courage melting away in their peril. They reeled and staggered like a drunkard, as all their wisdom became useless. Yet when they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, the Lord brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm and its waves quieted down. So they rejoiced that the waves became quiet, and he led them to their desired haven. (Ps 107:23-30 ISV)
How soon does it take us to praise the Lord, exalting Him over everything else?
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. (Ps 107:31-32 KJV)
Who turns deserts, which were once a curse for sin, into fruitful land, a blessing?
He makes rivers into a wilderness And springs of water into a thirsty ground; A fruitful land into a salt waste, Because of the evil of those who inhabited it. He makes a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water; And there He causes the hungry to inhabit, So that they may establish an inhabited city, And sow fields and plant vineyards, And produce a fruitful harvest. Also He blesses them and they multiply greatly, And He does not let their cattle decrease. (Ps 107:33-38 LSB)
When God’s people are oppressed, does He have plans to rescue the poor from the contemptuous and greedy?
When they become few and lowly Because of oppression, misery, and sorrow, He pours contempt upon noblemen And makes them wander in a pathless wasteland. But He sets the needy securely on high, away from affliction, And makes his families like a flock. The upright see it and are glad; But all injustice shuts its mouth. Who is wise? He is to pay attention to these things, And consider the mercy of the Lord. (Ps 107:39-43 NASB)
How can we be saved from the troubles of this world for all eternity?
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Rom 10:9-10 NIV)
How often do we give thanks to God? You decide!
From what adversary has He ultimately redeemed us, an act returning a lost inheritance, such as Boaz did for Ruth through marriage?
Give thanks to Yahweh [the Lord], for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. Let the redeemed by Yahweh say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the adversary, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Ps 107:1-3 WEB)
Are we wandering in a spiritual desert wasteland looking for a home?
Some of the redeemed had wandered into the desert, into the wasteland. They couldn’t find their way to a city or town. They were hungry and thirsty; their lives were slipping away. So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God delivered them from their desperate circumstances. God led them straight to human habitation. Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people, because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things! (Ps 107:4-9 CEB)
Do we suffer in this world because of our own past sins? Can God rescue us?
Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice. You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. (Ps 107:10-14 CEV)
Do we thank the Lord for setting us free from the bondage to sin?
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. (Ps 107:15-16 ESV)
Do our own sins cause much of our suffering? Who alone can rescue us?
Fools suffered affliction because of their rebellious ways and their sins. They loathed all food and came near the gates of death. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them from their distress. He sent His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for all humanity. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and announce His works with shouts of joy. (Ps 107:17-22 HCSB)
Do those who go to sea witness the great power of God in the oceans and realize that prayer to God is their only resource?
Those who go down to the sea in ships, who work in the great waters, witnessed the works of the Lord—his awesome deeds in the ocean’s depth. He spoke and stirred up a windstorm that made its waves surge. The people ascended skyward and descended to the depths, their courage melting away in their peril. They reeled and staggered like a drunkard, as all their wisdom became useless. Yet when they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, the Lord brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm and its waves quieted down. So they rejoiced that the waves became quiet, and he led them to their desired haven. (Ps 107:23-30 ISV)
How soon does it take us to praise the Lord, exalting Him over everything else?
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. (Ps 107:31-32 KJV)
Who turns deserts, which were once a curse for sin, into fruitful land, a blessing?
He makes rivers into a wilderness And springs of water into a thirsty ground; A fruitful land into a salt waste, Because of the evil of those who inhabited it. He makes a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water; And there He causes the hungry to inhabit, So that they may establish an inhabited city, And sow fields and plant vineyards, And produce a fruitful harvest. Also He blesses them and they multiply greatly, And He does not let their cattle decrease. (Ps 107:33-38 LSB)
When God’s people are oppressed, does He have plans to rescue the poor from the contemptuous and greedy?
When they become few and lowly Because of oppression, misery, and sorrow, He pours contempt upon noblemen And makes them wander in a pathless wasteland. But He sets the needy securely on high, away from affliction, And makes his families like a flock. The upright see it and are glad; But all injustice shuts its mouth. Who is wise? He is to pay attention to these things, And consider the mercy of the Lord. (Ps 107:39-43 NASB)
How can we be saved from the troubles of this world for all eternity?
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Rom 10:9-10 NIV)
How often do we give thanks to God? You decide!
God's Mercy (Psalm 106)
Though we may stumble into sin, will God mercifully forgive us upon repentance? Let’s look at Psalm 106.
Can we get past empty words and truly praise the Lord? Is He good, merciful, and mighty?
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise? Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times! (Ps 106:1-3 NKJV)
Are we satisfied to be alone, or do we really want to share fellowship with other believers?
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. (Ps 106:4-5 NLT)
Do we freely admit that we have all sinned, or do we live in a delusion of self-righteousness?
We have sinned with our fathers. We have committed iniquity. We have done wickedly. Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths, as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their adversaries. There was not one of them left. Then they believed his words. They sang his praise. (Ps 106:6-12 WEB)
Do we quickly forget our past sins and rush into making decisions without seeking the Lord’s guidance?
But how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his advice. They were overcome with craving in the desert; they tested God in the wastelands. God gave them what they asked for; he sent food to satisfy their appetites. (Ps 106:13-15 CEB)
Are we jealous of someone else’s position in the church enough to rebel against God or are we humble and supportive?
Everyone in camp was jealous of Moses and of Aaron, your chosen priest. Dathan and Abiram rebelled, and the earth opened up and swallowed them. Then fire broke out and destroyed all of their followers. (Ps 106:16-18 CEV)
What in our churches could be an idol that we perhaps worship more than God?
They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image. They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. Therefore he said he would destroy them—had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them. (Ps 106:19-23 ESV)
How dangerous is it to want to go our own ways and despise what God is giving us as our inheritance?
They despised the pleasant land and did not believe His promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the Lord’s voice. So He raised His hand against them with an oath that He would make them fall in the desert and would disperse their descendants among the nations, scattering them throughout the lands. (Ps 106:24-27 HCSB)
How easy is it to worship something of this world rather than God? What are some examples in today’s world?
For they adopted the worship of Baal Peor and ate sacrifices offered to the dead. They had provoked anger by their deeds, so that a plague broke out against them. But Phinehas intervened and prayed so that the plague was restrained. And it was credited to him as a righteous act, from generation to generation—to eternity. (Ps 106:28-31 ISV)
What foolish actions could possibly make God angry at us today? What words have we possibly spoken unadvisedly?
They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips. (Ps 106:32-33 KJV)
Instead of eradicating cultural practices like sacrificing children and shedding innocent blood, what had Israel done? Have we also allowed perverse cultural practices to continue?
They did not destroy the peoples, As Yahweh commanded them, But they mingled with the nations And learned their works, And served their idols, Which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, And they shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood. Thus they became unclean in their works, And played the harlot in their actions. (Ps 106:34-39 LSB)
Was God angry with Israel for their idolatry and punished them for it?
Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against His people, And He loathed His inheritance. So He handed them over to the nations, And those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, And they were subdued under their power. Many times He would rescue them; They, however, were rebellious in their plan, And they sank down into their guilt. (Ps 106:40-43 NASB)
Even in punishment was God merciful? When we repent of sins, can we expect the same mercy from God?
Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord. (Ps 106:44-48 NIV)
What are we to learn from this history of Israel’s battles with sin?
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Cor 10:6-11 NKJV)
Will God be just as merciful to us if we confess our sins?
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT)
Though we may stumble into sin, will God mercifully forgive us upon repentance? You decide!
Can we get past empty words and truly praise the Lord? Is He good, merciful, and mighty?
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise? Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times! (Ps 106:1-3 NKJV)
Are we satisfied to be alone, or do we really want to share fellowship with other believers?
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. (Ps 106:4-5 NLT)
Do we freely admit that we have all sinned, or do we live in a delusion of self-righteousness?
We have sinned with our fathers. We have committed iniquity. We have done wickedly. Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths, as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their adversaries. There was not one of them left. Then they believed his words. They sang his praise. (Ps 106:6-12 WEB)
Do we quickly forget our past sins and rush into making decisions without seeking the Lord’s guidance?
But how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his advice. They were overcome with craving in the desert; they tested God in the wastelands. God gave them what they asked for; he sent food to satisfy their appetites. (Ps 106:13-15 CEB)
Are we jealous of someone else’s position in the church enough to rebel against God or are we humble and supportive?
Everyone in camp was jealous of Moses and of Aaron, your chosen priest. Dathan and Abiram rebelled, and the earth opened up and swallowed them. Then fire broke out and destroyed all of their followers. (Ps 106:16-18 CEV)
What in our churches could be an idol that we perhaps worship more than God?
They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image. They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. Therefore he said he would destroy them—had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them. (Ps 106:19-23 ESV)
How dangerous is it to want to go our own ways and despise what God is giving us as our inheritance?
They despised the pleasant land and did not believe His promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the Lord’s voice. So He raised His hand against them with an oath that He would make them fall in the desert and would disperse their descendants among the nations, scattering them throughout the lands. (Ps 106:24-27 HCSB)
How easy is it to worship something of this world rather than God? What are some examples in today’s world?
For they adopted the worship of Baal Peor and ate sacrifices offered to the dead. They had provoked anger by their deeds, so that a plague broke out against them. But Phinehas intervened and prayed so that the plague was restrained. And it was credited to him as a righteous act, from generation to generation—to eternity. (Ps 106:28-31 ISV)
What foolish actions could possibly make God angry at us today? What words have we possibly spoken unadvisedly?
They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips. (Ps 106:32-33 KJV)
Instead of eradicating cultural practices like sacrificing children and shedding innocent blood, what had Israel done? Have we also allowed perverse cultural practices to continue?
They did not destroy the peoples, As Yahweh commanded them, But they mingled with the nations And learned their works, And served their idols, Which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, And they shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood. Thus they became unclean in their works, And played the harlot in their actions. (Ps 106:34-39 LSB)
Was God angry with Israel for their idolatry and punished them for it?
Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against His people, And He loathed His inheritance. So He handed them over to the nations, And those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, And they were subdued under their power. Many times He would rescue them; They, however, were rebellious in their plan, And they sank down into their guilt. (Ps 106:40-43 NASB)
Even in punishment was God merciful? When we repent of sins, can we expect the same mercy from God?
Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord. (Ps 106:44-48 NIV)
What are we to learn from this history of Israel’s battles with sin?
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Cor 10:6-11 NKJV)
Will God be just as merciful to us if we confess our sins?
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9 NLT)
Though we may stumble into sin, will God mercifully forgive us upon repentance? You decide!
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