Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — 2 Samuel 1

Study 1 From the Book of 2 Samuel is: 2 Samuel 1

The introduction of the book of Samuel was already given to you few weeks back when we started with 1 Samuel. - If you are interested in reading the introduction of the books of Samuel 1 and 2, please clickhere.

1. The Amalekite thought he was bringing David good news (cf. 2 Sa. 4:10), but he had mistaken his man. Why did David have him killed?
2. What light does this episode, and the lament for Saul and Jonathan (verses 19-27), throw on David's character? Bearing in mind the faults of the king to whom David was loyal, are there any lessons here for me?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 42 — Psalm 51

Study 42 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 51

This was meant to be a short stop in the book of Psalms. So, we will stop here today and delve into the book of 2 Samuel tomorrow, then we will again make a short stop in the book of Psalms, starting with Psalm 52.

Note the occasion of the psalm, as given in the title,

1. What may we learn about confession and the grounds of forgiveness from verses 1-5? Note (a) the terms which David uses to describe himself and his wrongdoing, and (b) where his hope lies.
2. David realizes that his whole nature is sinful, and that God requires sincerity and integrity in the innermost part of his being (verse 6; cf. 1 Sa. 16:7). What, therefore, (in verses 7-12) does he ask for in addition to forgiveness? Also what does he promise shall be the outcome of God's answer to his prayer? See verses 13-17

Note. Verse 4. This does not mean that David had not also done wrong against man (note in verse 14 his confession of 'bloodguiltiness'), but that he now saw his wrongdoing in this one outstanding aspect of it, as being sin against God. Cf. Gn. 39: 9; 2 Sa. 12:13.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 41 — Psalm 50

Study 41 From the Book of Psalm is: Psalm 50

A picture of God's judgment of His people. There are four sections: (a) Introduction (verses 1-6); (b) God speaks to His people (verses 7-15); (c) God speaks to the wicked (verses 16-21); (d) Epilogue (verses 22, 23).

1. What can you discover of God's character in His capacity as Judge in verses 1-6? What further truth about Him is emphasized in verses 7-13?

2. What does God require of His people if they are to please Him, and what benefits does He promise to them? See verses 14, 15, 23. In what ways do the wicked displease God, and what is their end compared to those who fulfill His requirements?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 40 — Psalm 49

Study 40 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 49

An inspired meditation, addressed to all men, on the vanity of riches. It anticipates our Lord's teaching in Lk. 12:13 – 21.

1. How do men in general regard wealth? See verses 6, 13, 18. But what are the facts? What can wealth not do (verses 7-9)? And what is the end of the rich man (verses 10-14, 17-20)?
2. Why is it better to trust in God than in riches? See verses 14, 15. And what is the psalmist's counsel to himself and to us? See verses 5 and 16.

Note. Verses 7 and 9 should be read together, verse 8 being parenthetical. With verse 7 cf. Ex. 21:30. There were cases where, in human relationships, life could be redeemed with money; but it is not so when God summons, the soul.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 39—Psalms 46-48

Study 39 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalms 46-48

These psalms are a trilogy of praise in memory of a great deliverance, most probably that of Jerusalem from the king of Assyria. They should be read in the light of 2 Ki. 18 and 19.

1. Gather out what is said about God in these psalms: His power, His character, His relation to the world, and His relation to His own people.
2. What is the leading thought of each of the three psalms? What should be the response of God's people to such a manifestation of His power and love?

Notes

1. 46:5. 'Right early':better, 'When the morning dawns', i.e., the morning of deliverance. Cf. Mk. 6:48, 51.
2. 47:2 and 48:2. 'The great King': i.e., the true great king in contrast to the Assyrian monarch, who bore this title. Cf. Is. 36:4.
3. 47:9. 'Shields': meaning 'rulers'. Cf. Ps. 89; 18. The verse is prophetic of Christ's final victory. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:24, 25; Rev. 15:3,4.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 38 — Psalm 45

Study 38 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 45

A marriage song of a king. If the king be a type of Christ (see Heb. 1:8, 9), the bribe may symbolize the church.

1. What features in Christ's character are here portrayed?
2. How can we apply to ourselves the counsel given to the bride concerning the winning of the King's favour?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 37 — Psalm 44

Study 37 From the Book of Psalms : Psalm 44

A national appeal to God in a time of great suffering.

1. What does the psalmist say about (a) God's dealings in the past on behalf of His people, and (b) His relationship with them? See verses 1-8. In spite of past happenings, what seems to be the situation at the present time? See verses 9:22.
2. What can we learn form this psalm as to what we should do when it seems as if God has deserted us? Cf. Is. 50:10;Lk. 18:1.

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