Jo Reads The Bible

Psalm 119 Tav, 120-121

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joraebee

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Thoughts

Psalm 119: ΧͺΒ Tav

Tav (Χͺ) 

Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.
Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.

  • The psalmist asks first for understanding, not escape
  • Requests β€œaccording to your word,”

My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.

  • Praise flows from being taught…God’s Word produces songΒ 

Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.

  • God’s help is requested as he has followed His precepts
  • Longing for salvation is paired with delight in the lawΒ 

I will live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.

  • The psalm closes with a confession
  • God is asked to seek the servant, instead of the other way around
Psalm 120

We now begin the 15 Song of Ascents. 

These could coordinate with the 15 steps between courtyards. 

We are unsure of the author 

β€œDeliver Me, O LORD” A Song of Ascents.

In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
Deliver me, O LORD,
from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

  • The psalm opens with distress already answeredΒ 
  • The primary threat is lying speech

What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!

  • Imagery of arrows and coals compared to the tongue
  • The tongue will soon be judged

Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.

I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!

β€’ Even peaceful words provoke conflictΒ 

Psalm 121

 β€œMy Help Comes from the LORD”. A song of Ascents

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

  • The psalm opens with a question of where he can find help
  • Confidence that the Maker of heaven and earth is able to help.
  • AND I’LL PRAISE YOU IN THIS STOOOOOORMΒ 

He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

  • Human help may tire but God does not.

The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

  • Shade suggests closeness and protection, (from the dangerous hot sun)
  • Day and night cover the full span of any possible vulnerability.

The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

  • God keeps our soul safe
  • β€œGoing out and coming in” everyday movement

Questions

Application

Tav shows us to ask for understanding before resolution. Sometimes clarity from God often sustains us longer than immediate relief. Psalm 120 shows us that living among those who β€œhate peace” can be draining. Faithfulness can be costly. Lastly Psalm 121 asks us to examine where we find our help – do we run to God? Even in the chaos and exhaustion?Β 

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