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Exegesis

Hunger for Scripture

Two Questions

Context, Context, Context

Immediate Context

Canonical Context

Historical Context

Geographical Context

Cultural Context

Chronological Snobbery

Literal vs. Figurative

Review:

If you don’t understand something, just keep going. Figuring out the big picture can help immensely to understand the minutiae.

1. Sheridan, Mark and Thomas C. Oden, eds., Genesis 12–50 Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture 2. ICCS/Accordance electronic edition, version 2.8. InterVarsity Press: 2002, Downers Grove.

Notes Download

The Bible is not a single book, but a collection or library of sixty-six books.

The Old Testament includes 39 books, written in Hebrew and Aramaic.

The New Testament includes 27 books, written in Greek.

Genres

Subgenres

Additions to the Text

How References Work

Ways to Read the Bible

Review:

Notes Download

The Bible survives in more manuscripts than other ancient documents.

The Bible is available in more languages than other books.

The Bible sells more copies than other books.

Which two sayings are in the Bible?

God inspired the Bible, resulting in an authoritative book for belief and practice.

2 Timothy 3.14–17 (NRSVue4)14 continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

Review:

1. If we added in manuscripts of the Old Testament the number would jump up considerably, especially after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the documents recovered from the Cairo genizah.
2. If we limit ourselves to only the New Testament, the number of language jumps to 2,191.
3. See Guiness Book of World Records, “Best-Selling Book,” accessed Nov 10, 2023, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction.
4. New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, National Council of Churches, 2021.

Lesson 11 and 12 Notes Download

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Galatians 3:8-9, 14, 29

Psalm 25:3-5 The human tendency we all must fight is the desire to control our own lives without the help or interference from God and anyone else. Waiting for God’s assistance and direction is hard to learn but essential if we want a better life. Asking for His help and doing things His way are so much better than doing them our own “independent” way. Waiting, in the context of this psalm, may refer to seeking God’s involvement in our daily affairs and/or waiting until the end of the age when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Those who wait will not be disappointed.

Psalm 27:13-14 Amid challenges and difficulties, we keep keeping on because we have confidence and anticipation that the day is coming when we will experience Yahweh’s goodness in the land of the living. To wait on Yahweh involves patience, trust, and a sense of reliance on God’s timing and providence. Everything will work out, even if we must wait until the Lord comes back.

Psalm 31:23-24 O love Yahweh, all you His godly ones! Yahweh preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.

Yahweh preserves or protects those who love Him and are committed to Him. The proud will face consequences for their actions. Those who put their hope and trust in God for daily living and eternal destiny can find strength and courage even in difficult times. If God is for us, who can be against us? We are in good shape as live for our hope.

Psalm 39:4-7 David requests an awareness of his mortality, so he can understand the importance of the limits of human existence. A handbreadth is the width of the hand without stretched out fingers, which again emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. He points out the insignificance of chasing wealth. What good are riches in the scheme of eternity? Life for all is transient and insubstantial when compared with the spiritual verities. Each day is a precious gift that should be utilized for God’s glory as we wait for Him. For the believer, mortality will be swallowed up with immortality.

Psalm 119:165-167 Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O Yahweh, and do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

Christ’s disciples have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved when Jesus returns. On “the day of salvation” when Christ returns, we will experience our complete and eternal salvation. Then, we inherit new bodies and new minds just like his resurrected body. In view of that day – “I hope for Your salvation, O Yahweh, and do Your commandments.”

Psalm 130:5-6 In the ancient world, walls surrounded the cities providing protection from would-be enemies. Every night, citizens took turns as watchmen to oversee the city. Late into the night, staying alert became more and more difficult. The watchmen longed for the morning when they would be relieved from their duty. This is a brilliant comparison for our anticipation of Christ’s return. We long for that glorious day! Until dawn breaks, we are on watch for the approaching of our spiritual adversary, the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Psalm 145:3-6 Our ultimate trust does not belong in earthy rulers or powerful people for they cannot in the end save or provide true or everlasting deliverance. All human authority and achievements are temporary, while God’s power is limitless and enduring forever. God is our ultimate source of help and hope. Human beings are transitory compared to God’s eternal nature and reliability.

Psalm 132:11-18 The restoration of Zion is part of our hope.

Psalm 68:16 Why do you look with envy, O mountains with many peaks, At the mountain which God has desired for His abode? Surely the LORD will dwell there forever.

Psalm 78:68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved.

Psalm 87:2-3 The LORD loves the gates of Zion More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob.

Psalms 132:13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation.

Psalm 46:1-11; 48:1-14

Psalm 122:1-9 A Song of Ascents, of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of Yahweh.” Our feet are standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together; To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of Yahweh–An ordinance for Israel–To give thanks to the name of Yahweh. For there thrones were set for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.”

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Lesson 11 and 12 Notes Download

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Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil….

2 Samuel 7:1-17, 27-29 The covenant God cut with David is a big part of our hope.

2 Samuel 7:27-29 “For You, O Yahweh of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You. “Now, O Lord Yahweh, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. “Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord Yahweh, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

Psalm 89:3-4, 19-37 The Davidic covenant makes certain King Jesus is coming back.

Psalm 132:11 Yahweh has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back: “Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.”

Jeremiah 33:19-21 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘If you can break My covenant for the day and My covenant for the night, so that day and night will not be at their appointed time, then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant so that he will not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levitical priests, My ministers.

Luke 1:32-33; Isaiah 11:1ff

Psalm 2:6-9 “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain. “I will surely tell of the decree of Yahweh: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as your possession. ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, you shall shatter them like earthenware.'”

“You are My Son, today I have begotten you” is quoted in Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; and 5:5. Jesus will sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem and govern the world on behalf of Yahweh. All the nations of the world will be broken and in subjection to his absolute sovereignty. Righteousness, justice, and equity will finally prevail worldwide. Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 declare the complete elimination of war and that the weapons of war will be transformed into tools of agriculture. “Rod of iron” symbolizes the Messiah’s unshakable rule over the nations. “Dash in pieces” like pottery suggests that His judgment will be swift and severe against those who defy His authority.

Psalm 37:1-11; 22, 29, 34 The covenant cut with Abraham is a big part of our hope. Genesis 12:1; 13:14-15, 17; 15:7, 18; 17:7-8; 22:17; 23:17-20; Romans 4:13; and Galatians 3:6-29

Psalm 37:7-11 Rest in Yahweh and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret [kindle to anger] because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret [kindle to anger]; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh, they will inherit the land.

A big part of the Abrahamic covenant is the promise to inherit the regenerated land that, according to Galatians 3, will include the whole earth. Christians are included in this great promise, again according to Galatians 3 among other Scriptures. In view of our future in the Kingdom of God, we should not allow ourselves to get caught up in this present evil age responding to the insanity around us with anger or wrath. In a little while, the wicked will be no more, and only the righteous will prevail. Be patient, God-centered, diligent to live godly under the tutelage and direction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our hope is not a wishy washy, maybe could happen kind of hope, nor is it a stagnant no influence kind of hope. Our hope is based upon the promises of Almighty God; therefore, they are as certain as certain can be.

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Lesson 9 and 10 Notes Download

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2 Samuel 14:28-15:6, 12-14 Absalom’s betrayal of David

2 Samuel 12:9-13 The consequences of David’s sin is foretold.

2 Samuel 16:5-13 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for Yahweh has told him.

Psalm 3:1 What state of mind would David have as a parent; as a sinner who was told the consequences to come; as the founder of Jerusalem, the city of God; as the king being dethroned and exiled again; as the leader of a nation at civil war?

Psalm 3:1-8 This is what faith looks like! “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for Yahweh sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me….

Psalm 9:9-11 Yahweh also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to Yahweh.

Psalm 27:1-5, 13-14 Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Psalm 31:1-5, 14-17, 19-21

Psalm 46:1-11 God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble, we will not fear, Yahweh of hosts is with us.

Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

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Lesson 7 and 8 Notes Download

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Psalm 51:5

Romans 4:1-9 Another reason this incident was written is so that we know “all men” means “all”, including the great men Abraham and David. Our understanding of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is greatly enhanced with this record about David.

Psalm 51:6-12 Did God answer David’s prayer?

Acts 13:21-23

7 Hyssop is a wild shrub the twigs of which were used for sprinkling in purification rites. Numbers 19:16-19 Apparently, hyssop had natural purification properties.

10 The reason acceptance of forgiveness is often difficult is we keep doing the same thing over and over. God must change our hearts and guide our steps, and we must fight to accept His workings. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. David is not only asking forgiveness and a clean heart, but additionally a STEADFAST state of mind in which he would be willing and ready to obey the commands of God and to serve Him faithfully.

Psalm 119:9-12 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Yahweh; teach me Your statutes.

16-17 Sacrifices, Hebrews 13:14-15

4:5 Sacrifice of righteousness

50:14 and 23; 54:6; 107:22; 116:17 Sacrifice of thanksgiving

I06:28, 37, and 38 Sacrifice cost them a lot. How about us?

Psalm 32:1 This psalm is believed to be written after the situation with Uriah in keeping with David’s promise in Psalm 51:12-15.

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom Yahweh does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!

“Transgression”, “sin”, and “iniquity” are used to convey the same idea. They highlight the act of straying from the path of righteousness by disobeying God’s will and thereby breaking fellowship with Him.

“Forgiven”, “covered”, and “impute” basically communicate the same thing. God’s forgiveness is a blessing.

Sin is the general act of missing the mark and falling short of God’s standard. This is the opposite of what is right. Genesis 4:7 – Cain, sin is crouching at….

Transgression is the willful act of crossing boundaries and violating God’s law, whether with or without evil intent. Genesis 50:17 – Joseph and his brothers

Iniquity carries a deeper meaning, in that it is a premeditated choice in sin without repentance, with evil intent. It can also imply continuous commitment to sin.

While these terms have distinct meanings, it’s important to note that they are often used interchangeably and can overlap in certain contexts. They convey the idea of wrongdoing, rebellion against God, and need for repentance and forgiveness.

2 “in whose spirit there is not deceit” – a person who is sincere, honest, and transparent in his/her relationship with God. This person has a pure heart, no hidden motives or deception.

4 David metaphorically expresses the burden of unconfessed sin as a heavy weight and a drain on his strength, like the oppressive heat of summer. The depiction emphasizes the distress and discomfort experienced while trying to hide the sin.

Psalm 38:4-10, 17-22

7 Now is the time to repent; do not wait; time may run out on your life or the day of God’s judgment. It implies a sense of urgency and the recognition that there is a window of opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness and mercy.

“You are my hiding place.” David relished fellowship with God. He used these concepts in his writings – stronghold 14 times, refuge 41 times; shelter 4 times; shadow of the Almighty, shadow of your wings, my fortress, the secret place of Your tent, and the secret place of Your presence.

8 These verses seem to switch from David speaking to God, to God speaking to him.

9 This is caution against stubbornness and resistance to God’s leading. These animals require external control mechanisms like bits and bridles.

11 Be glad in Yahweh and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

Psalm 6:1-10 David, suffering physically, near death, at wits end, turns to Yahweh and cries out for help. Asking God to return implies a sense of distance from Him, so he prays, “Yahweh, rescue my soul; save me”. Spiritually minded people understand God’s intervention is not because it is earned or deserved; rather, it is because of His lovingkindness, His steadfast, unchanging love.

All of us experience times of suffering and have feelings of separation from God. David did what we should do – pray and focus on God’s lovingkindness and not our problem or feelings. David ends the psalm confident God heard his prayer. Verse 9 states: Yahweh has heard my supplication, Yahweh receives my prayer.

Psalm 19:11 In view of the preceding verses in this Psalm that magnify the significance of God’s word, David acknowledges the Scriptures will help him by warning him to avoid sins.

12 We can be deceived and not acknowledge our own errors, so we pray and ask for help and forgiveness, similar to the Lord’s prayer.

13 “Presumptuous” is failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate, to be arrogant, audacious. We need God’s help to avoid deliberate or willful sins and hidden sins we are unaware of.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Yahweh, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 25:5-8 The prayer is uttered by a humble, fragile, contrite believer to his compassionate, loving, and kind God. The information recorded in

Psalm 25 is needful to all those who want to walk in a loving relationship with Yahweh. Asking God to remember His own virtues (compassion and lovingkindnesses) and not remember our sins and transgressions is indeed unusual, but very necessary.

1 John 1:8-10 Our faith for forgiveness has much more substance since we live after Jesus’ death and resurrection. God’s plan of redemption and salvation are now complete in Christ. When we read the following, we should have the same (nay, more) faith to accept forgiveness – 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 25:9-11 “For Your name’s sake, O Yahweh”, not for my sake or my merits’ sake, but to glorify Your mercy and to show forth the glory of Your divine attributes. To pardon a great sinner will bring You great glory; therefore, for Your name’s sake pardon me.

This verse illustrates the logic of faith; it looks not for merit in oneself but to the goodness and mercy of God. Instead of being flabbergasted by the demerits of sin, it looks to the steadfast love of our merciful God and Father. “Yahweh’s loving kindnesses never cease; they are new every morning.”

Psalm 40:11-13 David’s confidence in Yahweh, even when his iniquities overtake him, is a great example of taking God at His word. Yahweh declared that He is compassionate, gracious, and forgiving. David believed Yahweh would forgive him because He said so.

Psalm 103:1-22 He pardons all your iniquities….

Psalm 130:1-7 In the ancient world, walls surrounding the cities provided protection from those who would be enemies. Every night, citizens took turns as watchmen to oversee the city. Late into the night, staying alert became more and more difficult. The watchmen longed for the morning when they would be relieved from their duty. This is a brilliant comparison for our anticipation of Christ’s return. We long for that glorious day! Until dawn breaks, we are on watch for the approaching of our spiritual adversary, the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1. David’s sin is recorded, so can remain vigilant, understand God’s forgiveness, and appreciate salvation by ________________.

a) merit, b) love, c) grace, d) works

2. Psalm 32:1 How blessed is he whose transgression is _________, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom Yahweh does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!

a) Remember, b) forgotten, c) counted, d) forgiven

3. Psalm 103 states that our transgressions are removed from us using what comparison?

a) As high as the heavens are above the earth, b) as deep as the ocean, c) as far as the east is from the west, d) as high as the highest mountain

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Lesson 7 and 8 Notes Download

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We have seen in previous sessions how extraordinary David was as a man after God’s own heart. His love and devotion to Yahweh were beyond compare.

2 Samuel 23:14-17 David was in the battlefield with his men for years. The significance of David’s refusal to drink the water is an example of David’s leadership and the deep bonds he shared with his warriors. It highlights themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and honor that committed and seasoned soldiers share.

2 Samuel 23:18 Joab is the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister; this was his nephew. Abishai was Joab’s brother and another nephew; 24 Asahel was another brother to Joab and another nephew to David; 34 Eliam the son of Ahithophel; 39 Uriah the Hittite.

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The Hittites were a neighboring nation known for their fierce warriors. Uriah was one of David’s 30 elite warriors.

Bathsheba’s father was Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3; 1 Chronicles 3: 5) who was also among the elite. Eliam was the son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34). Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba. He was one of David’s counselors who sided with Absalom. (See 1 Chronicles 27:33; 2 Samuel 15:31.)

2 Samuel 11:14-27 David took advantage of the no questions asked loyalty of Joab and involved him in the murder of this noble man. Later, Joab would kill David’s son, Absalom.

2 Samuel 12:1-9

Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Psalm 51:1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

David is again leaning on his understanding of Exodus 34. He had no grounds to ask forgiveness other than the words of Yahweh he knew from the Torah. He asked forgiveness knowing he deserved death. Yahweh’s grace, compassion, and lovingkindness were why David received forgiveness and not because of his good works. We are blessed to live after Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. If we have a penitent heart like David, we too can receive forgiveness and cleansing. If God forgave David, He can forgive you too!

2-4 His contriteness is evident as he is accepting full responsibility for his sin without blaming anyone else or God.

Romans 3:1-25

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Psalm 5:6-8 David often writes about the many foes that he faced as is the case with this psalm. Yet, he knew no matter the immensity of his adversaries, he could find safety and solace in God’s presence. He also understood that entrance therein was available only because of God’s abundant lovingkindness. To bow down in reverence signifies an attitude of humility and awe before the Almighty. By asking Yahweh to make His way straight, David is seeking a clear and direct path so he can follow God’s will and stay on the right path even in the face of opposition. This is a great example to follow!

Psalm 17: 7-9 As our eyes are guarded by the autonomic reflexes and as the mother bird protects her chicks under her wing, God watches over and protects His people. David’s faith and assurance in His God were strong because he was living the right way. He did not doubt God’s steadfast love and concern for him. The way he spoke to God is inspirational and a good example of how to pray.

With the many godly inspired psalms that David wrote, we see a man with a wide range of thoughts, feelings, faith, and doubts. He had a life full of many diverse experiences at different stages in life that cultivated a variety of responses. His ability to honestly articulate his thoughts to God is masterfully communicated in his many psalms. Through it all, he always ends up worshipping the God he loves, even if he is sick, depressed, lost, or overwhelmed. In David, we have a great example to follow as we go through life’s battles.

Psalm 25:14; 27:4-5; 31:19-21

Psalm 6:4 David, suffering physically, near death, at wits end, turns to Yahweh and cries out for help. Asking God to return implies a sense of distance from Him, so he prays “Yahweh rescue my soul; save me”. David believed God would help because of His steadfast love. Spiritually minded people understand God’s intervention is not because it is earned or deserved; rather, it is because of His lovingkindness, His steadfast, unchanging love.

All of us experience times of suffering and have feelings of separation from God. David did what we should do – pray and focus on God’s lovingkindness and not our problem or feelings. David ends the psalm confident that God heard his prayer: verse 9 states, Yahweh has heard my supplication, Yahweh receives my prayer.

Psalm 26:1-3 The human history revealed in the Bible and the many warnings to be aware of deception provide ample reason for us to follow David’s lead to invite Yahweh to examine, try, and test the mind and heart. We certainly need His and our Lord Jesus’ help to see things that may be hidden to us. At the time of David’s request, he was in pretty good standing with God and confident that he was walking the walk. Other psalms indicate that he also prayed this way when things were not so good, and he doubted his relationship with God. Good or bad, every day we can benefit from such a request. God does not forcefully intervene into our lives violating our free will. We are responsible to ask for help with faith.

Psalm 31:7-10 In the midst of grave turmoil, David determined to rejoice and be glad in Yahweh’s lovingkindness. He did not stick his head in the sand and act like there were no problems; rather, he expressed his plight and feelings seeking for God’s help. This is a great psalm to focus on when we are suffering.

Psalm 33:4-5 If our eyes are open and seeking, we can see that the earth is full of His lovingkindness. If our eyes are focused on the evil that is in the world, we will be filled with darkness that simulates unhealthy emotions and a distressful life.

Psalm 36:5-10 David’s inspired picturesque words give us some appreciation of Yahweh’s vast and distinctive holy qualities. With His limitless lovingkindness, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments, He preserves man and beast. How blessed are God’s children for we get to drink from the river of His delights and His fountain of life. In Yahweh’s light, we see light.

1) The psalmists’ understanding about Yahweh’s lovingkindness was based upon____________________

2) What inspires God’s lovingkindness __________________

3) If our eyes are open and seeking, we can see that the _______________ is full of His lovingkindness. (a. heaven, b. church, c. earth, d. Torah)

Lesson 5 and 6 Download

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Many psalms speak of God’s lovingkindness based upon the psalmists’ understanding of the Torah, just like Jesus and the New Testament writers referenced the Old Testament. For David, the foundational verses most frequently used are the description Yahweh gave Moses about Himself.

Exodus 34:6-7 Then Yahweh passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Numbers 14:17-20 God led Israel to the Promised Land, but they refused to enter based upon the evil report of the ten elders. They wanted to kill Moses and Aaron, appoint a new leader, and march back to Egypt. God told Moses He was going to wipe them out and start over with Moses. Moses fought for them and held God to His own words recorded in Exodus 34:6-7

Psalm 40:5-17 In the context of this psalm, David acknowledges his iniquities, and he is still convinced that Yahweh will have compassion and lovingkindness.

Psalm 51:1-2 Other psalms elaborate on his contriteness, and here we see pure faith in his God based upon his understanding of the Scriptures and God’s past dealings with him.

Psalm 69:13-18 As the king, according to Deuteronomy 17:18-19, he was required to write for himself a Torah scroll (first five books of the Bible) and use it as his guide for life and reigning as king. From Torah, he understood that Yahweh was loving and compassionate. He really believed in the depth of his heart that God’s steadfast love and compassion would motivate Him to help David no matter the circumstances. Likewise, we too should have undaunted faith when seeking God’s help because of His unchanging love and not because of our own merit or deservedness. Psalm 13:5; 52:8

The importance of understanding God’s steadfast love cannot be overstated. We are commanded to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In this context, we are told to be “perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We are to love like Him, so understanding His loving ways is essential. God’s lovingkindness is not motivated or determined in any way by what people do or do not do. He does not love us because we deserve to be loved; quite contrary, we do not deserve or earn His love. He loves humanity because He is love. John 3:16 reveals the inclusiveness of His love and the extent of it. God’s love is self-motivated and self-directed. (Romans 5:5-10). We should not confuse His love with His righteous and just judgments, nor should we mix it up with His discipline or punishments.

If you have songs you would like to add to the Worship Yahweh playlist, send a YouTube link to [email protected] or [email protected].