Why were God’s people in a strange land?
(Psalms 69; 77; 79; 88:1-12; 102; 122; 137) Blog Jan. 28 – Feb. 3, 2024
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: The Psalms reveal God as Sovereign as well as not far from any one of us. He is strong enough to deliver us from any foe and tender enough to comfort us in any sorrow. The Psalmists demonstrate that God is approachable in any situation. His government is merciful and just and he makes promises to those who love him.
In a Strange Land
1. When did God’s people hang their harps on the willow trees and refuse to sing God’s Psalms? While carried away captive to Babylon God’s people felt they could no longer sing the songs of Zion (Psa. 137:1-4).
2. Why did the Jews held captive in Babylon feel that they couldn’t sing the songs of Zion? Because they were separated from God’s temple, God’s people felt like they could no longer sing God’s songs (Psa. 137:4).
3. What was the reason God’s people were separated from God’s sanctuary? God’s people were captives in Babylon because they had polluted God’s sanctuary, despised his prophets, & had selfishly not followed God’s instructions regarding the land (2 Chron. 36:11-21).
4. How important was God’s house to God’s people? God’s people considered God’s sanctuary more important than their right hand or than their ability to speak. That was Jesus’ attitude & should be a lesson to us also (Psa. 69:9; 122:1-9; 137:5-6; John 2:13-17).
5. When the heathen defiled God’s temple and laid Jerusalem in heaps with dead bodies everywhere, what did Asaph ask God to do and why? Asaph asked God to take vengeance against the heathen for God’s name was being ridiculed by God’s enemies (Psa. 79:1-13).
In Trouble
6. When sinking in extreme trouble in what characteristics of God does David hope? When sinking deep in trouble & abandoned by even his family, David’s hope is in God’s mercy (Psa. 69:1-18).
7. When Asaph was overwhelmed with deep trouble, of what did he remind himself? When in deep trouble Asaph reminded himself of God’s wonderous works & doings in former ages (Psa. 77:1-20).
When Facing Death
8. When faced with death what argument does the psalmist use in Psalm 88 to seek help from God? When faced with death the psalmist reminds God that in the grave, he cannot praise God nor declare his lovingkindness so God would do well to deliver him (Psa. 88:1-12).
9. In Psalm 102 what contrast does the psalmist make? The Psalmist contrasts Gods everlasting nature with the short lifespan of us humans & ends by concluding that our children will have to carry on when we go to the grave (Psa. 102:1-28).