Eternal City Church Sunday Sermons

The word of God is a treasure hidden in plain sight. Many who have taken up the Bible and made it their daily reading and meditation know what a treasure it really is. God speaks to us through his word most clearly and solidly. This word is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword that cuts and heals. Most importantly, this word of God leads us to the Word made flesh (John 1:1-5) that we might have good relations with the God of the word.

Psalm 119 (ESV)

Goal of the Psalm

To celebrate God as He has revealed Himself in the law and show the joy of devotion to Him.

Details in the Psalm

This psalm most closely aligns to a wisdom psalm with a proverbial style focused on the law. However, there are themes of lament, praise, thanksgiving, etc all blended together in poem form.

The psalm is 22 stanzas of 8 verses each and is an alphabet acrostic (think puzzle like) psalm. Each stanza corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet where the first letter of every verse in the stanza begins with the same letter.

This would be equivalent to you writing a poem where the first 8 lines all start with the letter A, and the second 8 lines start with B, and so on until the alphabet is completed.

The psalmist uses 8 words for God’s law:

Law (25x): This is the word Torah and broadly means any of God’s instructions. Narrowly this refers to the actual wall found in the first 5 books of the Bible. It is used both ways in this psalm.

Word (24x): This word, dabar, refers to any word from the mouth of God or any divine revelation.

Laws (23x): Mispatim is a Hebrew word that describes God’s revelation through His position as judge. This is like a verdict from a judge whose words have authority to condemn or liberate.

Statutes (23x): The Hebrew word, edut, is derived from two words that mean testimony. When the psalmist uses this word, he is signifying the covenant made between God and Israel.

Commands (22x): The original word is miswah and is a general term for law that is synonymous with Torah.

Decrees (22x): The Hebrew word is huqqim and literal means to engrave. This word is used to convey God’s sovereign, divine will as king.

Precepts (21x): This word, piqqudim, is only used in Psalms. It is a synonym of covenant and has this idea that the one giving the precept has authority to determine the relationship (covenant) with the people hearing it.

Promise (19x): The word imrah is a general term to describe anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised.

Verses from the psalm to consider for further reflection: 18, 36, 71, 75, 88

Do you know you should read the Bible but, at times, do not feel like it or lack the desire to do it? How can we grow to be able to say, “How sweet are your words” (119:103)?

Christ in the Psalm

There are a few indirect references we can make from Jesus’ life and the words of this psalm:

Jesus was perfect in obedience (Ps 119:30, 44, 60; Lk 22:42; Jn 8:29; 14:31)

Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Ps 119:147; Lk 19:41-44)

Jesus is the source of life (Ps 119:74, 79; Mt 11:28-30; Jn 14:6)

God has given two books of revelation to humanity: the book of creation or the created world and the Bible or special revelation. Both books are essential to knowing God; however, only one book, the Bible, gives us specifics on what God's character is, what he expects of his human creatures made in his image, what's wrong with the world, and what God has done and is doing to redeem and fix his broken creation. Psalm 19 is about both books of revelation.

Psalm 19 (ESV)

Goal of the Psalm

To expose us to the truth that God is glorified through the creation and the law and brings about joy as we delight in Him.

Details in the Psalm

In Hebrew, the first and last words of v 1 are heaven and skies, forming an inclusion. There is also a chiasm where the center of the verse is the glory of God. The psalmist is emphasizing the display of God’s glory in creation.

The verbs declare and proclaim have the idea of continuation and could be translated as “keep on declaring” and “keep on proclaiming.” So, “space” is not just a vast area to explore but is a continued assertion of God’s glory. The word proclaim literally means gush forth speech.

Notice the paradox in vs. 1-4. The heavens pour out speech, reveal knowledge, and words have no end. However, in v 3, there is no speech. Creation is the natural revelation of God not through physical, spoken words but from God's mind and heart to the mind and heart of people.

In vs. 5-6, the psalmist conveys that the glory of God is like the happiest, most joyful day of your life. He uses two examples: a groom going to meet his bride and a runner winning a race.

The glory of God in creation, for example, is the sun, is seen by everyone (“there is nothing hidden” v 6), indicating that all people experience, to some degree, the natural revelation of God. All people know in their hearts and minds that God is real, creator, etc., yet many reject Him (Rom 1:19-21).

Vs. 7-11 shift from natural revelation as seen in creation (the heavens) to a clearer, more direct revelation in God’s law (Scripture). The theological term for this is special revelation.

Through special revelation, specifically the gospel of Jesus, found in Scripture where people are given grace and faith to believe in Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

In the Ancient Near East, every nation desired to hear words from their gods. The fact that God spoke to Israel was a special thing, and the psalmist does an excellent job conveying that the spoken word of God is a greater revelation than creation.

The psalmist explains how God’s word is greater than natural revelation by providing 4 benefits of God’s word. It revives (restores, cleanses, gives healing), is the source of wisdom, gives the joy of heart (peace), and light to the eyes (outward expression of joy).

What benefits have you seen recently from reading God’s word?

Theologically, God’s word manifests a perfect harmony with God Himself. Just as God is pure, His word is pure. Just as God is perfect, His word is perfect. So, as we read His word, it causes those same attributes (purity, truth, righteousness, etc.) to grow in us.

Christ in the Psalm

Jesus is the full expression of the glory of God (see Jn 14:8-9; Phil 2:5-11; Heb 1:1-4)

Jesus is the true word become flesh: Jn 1:1; 14

God sometimes seems distant, sometimes we long for his presence, but it seems elusive. Psalm 42 is instructive; a psalm by the Sons of Korah teaches us how to face God in times of suffering and lament.

Psalm 42 (ESV)

Goal of the Psalm

To encourage us with hope in the presence of God when facing discouragement and depression.

Details in the Psalm

The Sons of Korah were a group of priests responsible for the ministry of singing. See 2 Chron 20:19

There are a number of reasons that suggests Ps 42 and Ps 43 are actually one literary unit

Lack of a superscription/title for Ps 43

Repetition of themes and phrases (42:5; 43:5)

Movement from remembrance to hope of restoration (42:4, 6; 43:3)

The psalmist repeatedly moves from lament to hope throughout the psalm. This should be a reminder that when we reflect on past hurts or present suffering, there is an anticipation of God’s vindication and presence with us. This should also be helpful for us in that even when we see hope; there are times when we can fall back into lament. Our suffering is a regular battle of life.

The imagery of a deer is to represent a passion for being in the presence of God. This is made even clearer when in v 2, the psalmist’s longing intensifies (God, living God, appear before God)

Appear before God literally means to see the face of God. So, the writer wants a personal presence with God.

The emotional language of the psalm suggests the writer struggles with some form of depression. He is “cast down,” “in turmoil,” and crying all day and night. Outsiders think God has abandoned him.

When facing times of discouragement or depression in life, how can others intentionally or unintentionally pile on and make things worse? How can others help someone if they are struggling and battling like the writer?

Why does God often feel the furthest away when we face discouraging times in life? How does v 5 help us when we are feeling this way?

The word for “love” in v 8 recalls the covenant relationship God has with His people. Even when feeling that God is not present, the truth of God’s covenant has authority over feelings.

The writer calls God his rock. In the Psalms, this description is given to God over 30 times. What do you think the psalmists are trying to convey by using this metaphor?

In v 9, the psalmist questions God by asking Him why. Have you ever been told that questioning God is wrong? If so, how do you react to this verse, and what impact does it have on you? Is this a legitimate question to ask of God? How does the context, specifically v 8, help us?

Christ in the Psalm

The Presence of God: The psalmist wants to see the face of God. Jn 14:9 says that whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father, and 2 Cor 4:4 says that when we trust in Christ, we see “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Access to God’s presence is only possible through Jesus (Rom 5:1-2; Eph 2:18).

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ECC Mission

Multiply passionate love for Jesus Christ and those made in his image

ECC Core Commitments

- Making disciple-making disciples

- Unifying peoples

- Training and challenging men to lead sacrificially

- Planting church-planting churches

- Equipping women for ministry

GCC Mission

To help make the gospel central to all of life

Probably the most famous Psalm in the whole psalter. Psalm 23 is so memorable because of its vibrant images of sheep, green fields, and calm, still water, along with a table filled with good things to eat. This Psalm is much more than memorable images; it's nourishing soul food for the believer in Christ, our good shepherd.

Psalm 23 (ESV)

Goal of the Psalm

To encourage us with the good news that on our journeys through life the Lord is with us.

Details in the Psalm

The placement of this psalm after Psalm 22 may have been deliberate by the editor as Ps 22 emphasizes David’s cry for help and is followed in Ps 23 with confident trust in the Lord.

Ps 23 is one literary unit marked by an inclusio. An inclusio is a bookend with the same word or theme at the front and back. In this case, Yahweh (“LORD”) is the first and last word of the psalm.

The shepherd imagery is common in the psalms (Ps 28:9; 80:1; 100:3), but those psalms use the shepherd as a metaphor for deity or in a community sense. Ps 23 is the only psalm to make this personal as Yahweh is “my shepherd.”

Do you believe this has any impact on the general popularity of Psalm 23, particularly in America? Could this psalm unintentionally be used to promote American individualism? How does the church avoid falling into this trap theologically and practically?

The psalm is structured with 3 different sections of climactic parallelism in vs 1-3, 4, and 5 describing the continued benefits of God being his shepherd, walking in the valley of darkness, and standing before his enemies.

Climactic parallelism is when each line of the psalm repeats themes to build on itself until it reaches a climax.

The imagery of the psalm is controlled by two metaphors: the shepherd (vs 1-4) and the host (vs 5-6) so it follows that the pictures and images from those verses align to that overarching metaphor. Lying down in pastures or leading to waters align to the shepherd and the table and cup to the host.

The movement from shepherd to host establishes unity in the metaphors as the shepherd and host are the same person. The shepherd protects the sheep wandering in the land just as the host protects the traveler.

In a traveling society such as the Ancient Near East, the custom was that when a traveler was received into a host’s tent, he is guaranteed immunity from any enemies.

Discuss how the metaphor of the host pictures Christ and His relationship to His people.

Despite containing many 1st person singular pronouns (I, me, my), Ps 23 is Theocentric as the reason for God’s care as both shepherd and host is “for God’s name sake.” At the center God’s grace, mercy, love, and compassion the glory of God shines the brightest. As we walk this journey in life, God at the center means we are walking on the right paths, and God is ensuring that is true, for His glory.

Christ in the Psalm

Shepherd Theme: The Lord is our shepherd just as Jesus claims that He is our shepherd (Jn 10:11, 14)

The Presence of God: “You are with me.” At birth, Jesus is identified as Emmanuel or God with us (Mt 1:23), and Jesus repeats this at Hi ascension (Mt 28:19-20)

Psalm 39 is a psalm of lament. It teaches us the shortness and temporariness of life. Its wisdom offers us a glimpse of how to interact with God while suffering. David, who wrote Psalm 39, is asking for relief from suffering and pain. He is silent before God and awaits God's deliverance of him. We have much to learn from this Psalm.

Psalm 39 (ESV)

The goal of the Psalm

To draw us into the realities of life with its problems and the ultimate quest to find meaning.

Details in the Psalm

This is considered a lament psalm where David is pouring out his emotions similar to what we see in Job when Job, due to his sufferings, wishes he were never born.

The psalm is broken into 2 parallel movements (vs 1-8 and vs 9-13) both beginning with silence before God and ending with prayers of deliverance.

It is unknown what is bothering David, perhaps physical or spiritual problems, but he intends to stay silent in the face of the wicked/ungodly because he fears sinning with his tongue. This fits with the ideas in Ps 38:12, 16, 19-20 that the ungodly are to the Godly like vultures to a dead body.

Have you ever “opened up” to someone hoping for sympathy or advice, and they used this to take advantage or belittle you?

In what ways has this impacted you?

Silence in the face of suffering is an expression of submission and hope rather than anger (Ps 37:7).

The phrase “As I mused” in v 3 literally means “sighing” and expresses the idea of being exacerbated. As David has thought more about his situation, it has frustrated him and made him angry (heart became hot/fire burned).

David responds well to his anger by praying for illumination (vs 4-6) and deliverance (vs 7-8).

When suffering, do you find it easier to go find someone to talk to or to go to God directly? Why?

David’s prayer in v 4 is not to know the events of his end or to understand how short life is. He knows how fleeting our lives are; rather, David wants to be guided to know the purpose of life even if it is short.

The three-fold repetition in v 4 is to emphasize the brevity of life, and v 6 seems remarkably similar to Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes.

While v 4 asks about the purpose of life, v 7 answers that question. David’s conclusion is that nothing in life has purpose unless one’s hope is secure in God. This hope rests in the recognition of our sin (‘transgressions’) and the need for deliverance, forgiveness, and healing.

In his silence in vs 1-3, David wants to avoid saying something disrespectful or sinful to or about God. In v 9, his silence is based on a new understanding of his suffering being part of God’s personal plan for his life. David sees that God is providential over his suffering.

Think about how this concept has been a struggle for you to believe. How does this change the way you think about suffering?

Christ in the Psalm

Deliverance/Hope: The only way to find deliverance from sin and hope for life is through Christ.

“Look away from me”: On the cross, God turned/looked away from Jesus. Through God placing our sin on Jesus, God no longer judges us in our sin but in the righteous imputed/given to us.

Psalm 127 was written by King Solomon, the wisest man outside of Jesus Christ who ever lived. We see this progression from the LORD building a house, protecting the city that the house dwells in, and finally building and protecting the family inside that house. The theme we must hold onto from this Psalm is unless the LORD is working with and through your efforts, you labor in vain.

Psalm 127 (ESV)

The goal of the Psalm

To provide a God saturated view of life that leads to trust in Him and not be anxious.

Details in the Psalm

This psalm was written by Solomon as a psalm of ascent, possibly at the consecration of the temple.

This psalm is repeated in post-exilic, non-canonical writings to remind Judah not to be focused on building their own houses (See Haggai 1 for context).

Post-exilic refers to the time when the remnant of Judah returned after 70 years in Babylonian captivity. The book of Ezra and Nehemiah, as well as some prophets, provide details of that event.

Non-canonical means that the writings were not included in the Bible. These writings are usually found in the Midrash, an ancient Jewish commentary on the OT part.

The words “builds” and “watches” relate to the ideas of creating and preserving and point to life's overall activities. Life is generally about creating something or preserving something, and Solomon is placing God at the center of those activities.

The house and city metaphors are real-life examples of building a home and guarding against enemies attacking a city. These were real-life examples for the Israelites to consider.

Repeated use of the phrase “in vain” emphasizes the futility of pursuing a life without God at the center of our pursuits.

Where do we see evidence of this truth in our society today? Where do we see it in our own lives?

Vs. 2 provides how we are to and are not to live. So, we cannot create and preserve anxiously; instead, God grants us rest (peace) because He loves us. We can trust Him since He is at work and is the ultimate decisive effect on creating and preserving life activities.

“Anxious toil” is one word in Hebrew and means burdensome sorrow. So, to rise early and stay up late trying to live life (create and preserve) without God at the center is like consuming grief.

Solomon uses the family as an example of these life aspects of building or creating. Ultimately, the creation of children is rooted in God as the one who is at the center of life. It is not just the physical building that God is focused on but the home and the family being built with Him as the center.

The reward of children is ultimately blessing through watching/preserving. The example of vs. 4-5 is of a man being confronted by his enemies, but he has his children behind him as support.

This is wisdom literature not to be confused with commands. Solomon is not saying that every family needs to have many children to be blessed.

How can parents obtain and maintain an attitude of soulful rest when parenting their children, even when their bodies may not be restful? How can ECC help parents grow in this?

Christ in the Psalm

Work and Rest: Jesus says in Mt 11:28-30 that all those who labor will find in Him rest for their souls. Pursuing a life in vain is just full of burden and sorrows, but Jesus’ burden is light.

Passing down our faith, or, as Jude says, "the faith...once for all delivered to the saints," is not optional for Christians; it is essential! In Psalm 78, Asaph, King David's chief choirmaster, offers us wisdom by arranging Israel's history in a certain fashion to show their folly that we, after them, might not repeat the same mistake.

GCC Discussion Guide

ECC Mission

Multiply passionate love for Jesus Christ and those made in his image

ECC Core Commitments

Making disciple-making disciples

Unifying peoples

Training and challenging men to lead sacrificially

Planting church-planting churches

Equipping women for ministry

GCC Mission

To help make the gospel central to all of life.

Psalm 78

The goal of the Psalm

To show how the northern tribes (Israel) lost their special status in favor of the southern tribes (Judah)

Structure of the Psalm

Call to Wisdom (1-4)

Lessons from Israel’s History (5-64)

God’s Choice for a King (65-72)

Details in the Psalm (Focus will be vs. 1-8)

This psalm was written by Asaph, who was a Levite and music leader under David (1 Chron 16:4-5)

The introduction in v 1 is used to gain attention from the readers. The phrases “Give ear to my teaching” and “Words of my mouth” convey wisdom present with the speaker and worth listening to.

Parables and dark sayings in v 2 are what we would call riddles. These don’t appear to be riddles about the works of God since they were known from generation to generation (v 3)

It could be that the psalm is a riddle because it asks two questions that are a mystery:

Q1: Seeing and knowing as much about God as they did, why did Israel rebel? Vs. 40-41

Q2: Seeing their rebellion, why was God so patient and merciful? V 38

The content of the wisdom is in v 4, “The glorious deeds of the Lord.”

God’s desire or will is revealed in v 5, for parents to teach their children God’s commandments. The foundation of this command rests in God’s character and acts in v 4 and the testimony of what He did for His people in v 5 in giving them the law (Exodus 19-20)

What are the challenges of teaching your children who God is (His character, works, and commandments)? How can ECC help parents in this important work?

God’s goal in parents teaching their children the truth is made clear in v 6-8:

“That the next generation might know”: This focuses on giving knowledge about God.

“They should set their hope in God”: Ultimately, true knowledge of God should lead to hope.

“Keep His commandments”: Asaph contrasts a generation that believes the truth of God and lives it out with those who ultimately broke God’s covenant (v 10)

Christ in the Psalm

After detailing all of the ways Israel failed, vs. 65-72 shows God’s good news. In the middle of rebellion and sin, God is present and chooses Judah and David to lead and care for His people.

This is a foreshadowing of Jesus as the true presence of God, rather than the temple (Jn 2:19-21), who is not worshipped on a mountain like Zion (Jn 4:21-24), the ultimate Shepherd who cares for His sheep (Jn 10:11-18), and the one who gives eternal life (Jn 11:25-26).

God is the God of order as Satan is an angel of disorder and chaos. Unity is a neutral state of being; people can be united for evil against God or be unified for God's purposes. Psalm 133 is Psalm about how beautiful it is when God's people dwell in unity.

Psalm 133

The goal of the Psalm

o To highlight the good and pleasant nature of unity among the people of God

Details in the Psalm

o This is a psalm of ascent or pilgrimage which would have been sung by Jewish worshippers as they

returned to Jerusalem either while approaching the city or climbing the steps of the temple for the

three pilgrim festivals (Deut 16:16-17).

 It should be noted that these were Jews from all different geographic areas, tribes, and ways of

life finding unity in the worship of God for their redemption from Egypt and God’s presence.

o Good and pleasant in v 1 implies both what God expects based on His nature (goodness) and what

we delight in or find pleasant. So, unity among the people of God is both what is expected (duty) and

what is most enjoyable for His people.

 If unity were just a responsibility or expectation, how could unity become more of a burden than

a delight? How can this distort true unity in the church?

 Good and pleasant are used together 2 other times in the OT in Ps 135:3 and Ps 147:1. How do

these verses highlight that true unity is rooted and founded in God as good and praising Him as

what brings delight?

o The oil of v 2 refers to Exodus 30:23-25, 31-32 where the details of the priestly oil as holy and sacred

are laid out in the law.

 This analogy highlights the excessiveness of the oil (on the head, in the beard, on the clothes) as a

blessing. It was more than what was needed and more than what was deserved.

 This analog is not saying that more unity is needed, and unity is not deserved. Rather, when right

and pleasant unity is present, it is like over-abundant and merciful blessings in the same way the

oil was over-abundant and merciful to the Jewish priests.

 What is an appropriate response when we find unity in the church?

o Hermon in v 3 is a mountain approximately 10,000 feet high between current-day Syria and Lebanon

but would have been part of the kingdom that David had built.

o Zion is the highest mountain in Jerusalem (2,500 feet) and was the place where the tabernacle and

the temple were placed. Zion is significant as the place where the priests would mediate between

God and His people.

 Hermon was a place of constant precipitation (snow, rain, dew) while Zion would routinely have

periods of no rain.

o For in v 3 provides us with the reason for the analogy. There refers to Zion and the blessing is life.

 So, God command that life would occur at Zion where God and humans are reconciled.

o This points us to Jesus who came from the heights of heaven to die in Jerusalem and bring with Him

unity and peace (Eph 2:13-18). Life forevermore is marked by union with God and with His people.

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ECC Mission

Multiply passionate love for Jesus Christ and those made in his image

ECC Core Commitments

- Making disciple-making disciples

- Unifying peoples

- Training and challenging men to lead sacrificially

- Planting church-planting churches

- Equipping women for ministry

GCC Mission

To help make the gospel central to all of life

Psalm 90 was written by Moses. It is a Psalm of wisdom; at the heart of the Psalm, Moses prays, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." In this Psalm, we learn that only by living for God's purposes can we have a life that outlasts us. May God help us to live for him and be about his purposes. May God empower us and "establish the work of our hands!"

Psalm 90

The goal of the Psalm

o To contemplate that life is short and should be lived not under God’s wrath but in a satisfying

relationship with Him

Structure of the Psalm

A The Lord is God (1-2)

B God’s Authority over Man (3-6)

C God’s Wrath (7-10)

C’ Response to God’s Wrath (11-12)

B’ Prayer for Mercy (13-16)

A’ The Lord is our God (17)

Details in the Psalm

o The psalm begins and ends with calling God “Lord” or Adonai. This name for God highlights Him as

creator and ruler of the universe. Moses is most likely seeking to contrast the true God against the

The Canaanite god El had supremacy among the other gods of the people of Canaan.

o The idea of “dwelling place” may refer back to Deut 33:27, where Moses calls God a refuge for Israel.

o Vs. 3-6 highlight the eternality of God compared to the brief life of man. The example of grass

probably refers to the typical summer patterns of weather in Israel. Because of the hot weather,

grass that shoots up may turn brown within just a few days. The temporary nature of man is

highlighted by Moses’ example of 1,000 years being like a day to God. Humans are a drop in the

giant river of time.

o Vs. 7-10 use parallelism to stress that God is angry (7-8) and human life is brief (9-10). This further

develops the distance between God and people as God’s anger is ever-present at people’s sin.

 We do not know the specific context of Moses’ writings, but Moses’ portrayal of sin and God’s

anger is a reminder of how Israel behaved in the wilderness. Their constant lack of faith and

disobedience is provided over and over throughout Exodus-Deuteronomy.

o Vs. 11-12 showcase the humility needed by someone who is coming to God. To be taught is to place

oneself beneath someone else. In this way, Moses is calling for a humble and wise response to God’s

wrath.

o Vs. 13-16 Moses’ prayer focuses on 3 elements: restoration to God’s favor, restoration of joy, and

divine blessings. How are all of these fulfilled in Jesus? What scriptures are you reminded of?

o Vs. 17 is a testament to the transformation God can make from a sinful human being to someone

favored by God and established for good works – Ephesians 2:8-10

Questions

o Have you ever prayed in the morning to be satisfied with God’s love? How might this prayer change

your outlook on any given day?

SUBSCRIBE.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxtN8eHbVmlvtNn8We6TVYQ/featured

Website. http://eternalcity.org

Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/EternalCityChurch

Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/eternalcity.church/

Twitter. https://twitter.com/eternalcchurch

ECC Mission

Multiply passionate love for Jesus Christ and those made in his image

ECC Core Commitments

- Making disciple-making disciples

- Unifying peoples

- Training and challenging men to lead sacrificially

- Planting church-planting churches

- Equipping women for ministry

GCC Mission

To help make the gospel central to all of life.

Psalm 2 is primarily about God anointing and installing his chosen king over his people; this psalm finds its immediate fulfillment in David; however, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 2

o This psalm is one of the 2 introductory psalms and includes themes found in the rest of the psalter:

 Nations attack the king (1-3), God’s dwelling place (6), God’s anointed (7), nations defeated (8-9),

invitation to serve God (11-12)

o The central question or theme of the psalm is, “Who rules the world?” Is the universe ruled by the

kings of vs1-3 or the Lord in vs 10-12?

o The structure of the psalm highlights this theme as the language in vs1-3 (kings, rulers, earth) mirrors

the language from vs 10-12

Symbolism in the Psalm

o The bonds and cords of v3 refer to leather straps that were used to keep 2 oxen tied together in

a yoke in order to pull a cart or plow a field. While the kings of the earth are not in literal shackles,

they feel constrained by God and wants to throw off His rule

o The phrase “today I have begotten you” in v7 is a metaphor for the king’s coronation and points to

the close relationship God had with the anointed Davidic king

 This psalm was considered a coronation psalm that would have been sung when a new king was

anointed. This historical context places the writing of this psalm to when Solomon was made king

although this cannot be known for certain

o “Pieces like a potter’s vessel” in v9 refers back to the practice of ancient kings who would destroy

any pottery that had their now conquered enemies’ name on it

o “Kiss the Son” in v12 is a symbol for submission and refers to the custom of kisses the feet of kings in

Egypt and Babylon as an act of tribute

The goal of the Psalm

o To highlight the sovereign rule of God through His anointed king which should encourage God’s

people in a world of uncertainty, political and social turmoil, and general unrest

Christ in the Psalm

o Typology: The temporary Davidic kingdom is a type of the eternal Messianic kingdom and in the

same sense, the Davidic king is a type of Christ as both are anointed, Jews, and “begotten” by God.

 Typology is when an OT reference (usually but not always a person) is the precursor to Jesus and

ultimately points to (is a type of) Christ.

o Redemptive-Historical Progression: When Israel/Judah went into exile and there were no more kings

to coronate, the Jews began to view this psalm as pointing to a future king who would come. There

was an anticipation of a future Messiah who would rule the earth. This victorious king was promised

in Gen 3:15 and will find final, ultimate victory at the end when all beings are subject to His rule

Questions

o Where do you see the tension today between earthly rulers and the rule of God through Christ?

o In the middle of deep, political divides, how do we find happiness in the “refuge” of God?

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ECC Mission

Multiply passionate love for Jesus Christ and those made in his image

ECC Core Commitments

- Making disciple-making disciples

- Unifying peoples

- Training and challenging men to lead sacrificially

- Planting church-planting churches

- Equipping women for ministry

GCC Mission

To help make the gospel central to all of life