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The Prophecy of the Anointed One in Psalm 2

Psalm 2

  • Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
  • The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
  • Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
  • He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
  • Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
  • Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
  • I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
  • Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
  • Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
  • Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
  • Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
  • Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Notes:

  • The word translated here as “heathen” comes from the Hebrew word goyim and is often referred to as “nations,” especially the non-Jewish nations of the Gentiles that surrounded Israel. Later the word Gentile became synonymous with the word goyim for most Hebrews.
  • The word “image” is the Hebrew word hagah. It is the same word that in Psalm 1 that is translated as meditate. The nations around Israel were meditating on how to destroy God’s anointed.
  • The word “anointed” is the Hebrew word מָשִׁיחַ māšîaḥ.
    • מָשִׁיחַ māšîaḥ
      • anointed (one), usually refers to pouring or smearing sacred oil on a person in a ceremony of dedication, possibly symbolizing divine empowering to accomplish the task or office; the Anointed One, the Messiah, God’s ultimate chosen one, identified in the NT as Jesus:
  • Vs 2: Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
    • David captured the stronghold of Zion (see 2 Samuel 5:7)
    • David later constructed a tent on Mount Zion (see 1 Chron. 15:1). He then brought the Ark of the Covenant their and housed it in the tent (see 1 Chron. 16:1). By this God had set His King upon the “Holy Hill of Zion”.
  • 2:7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
    • This verse is quoted from twice:
      • Hebrews 1:5
        • For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
      • Hebrews 5:5
        • So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
    • Notice a few things
      • The word Son is used to identify the Messiah as Christ was called the “Son of God” (see Matt. 8:29; 14:33; 27:54; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35).
      • The term begotten is also used, from a Hebrew word meaning “to give birth to a child,”
        • It is used in the New Testament when Jesus is called the “only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14).
        • The phrase “only begotten” refers to an “only born.”
  • 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
    • When Messiah (Jesus) becomes King and sets His throne in Jerusalem, He will be King over all the earth and all nations will be under His dominion; thus, He will inherit the heathen (Gentile) nations.
  • 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
    • The promise of the Messiah ruling with a rod of iron is found in both Testaments.
      • Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
        • The “rod” is the words of the Messiah’s mouth that slay the wicked.
      • This same imagery is used in Revelation 19:15.
        • And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
      • In the above verse it is with His mouth that Christ will smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron.
    • Here, David says that the Messiah will break them in pieces like a clay vessel that is smashed with a rod. This refers to breaking:
      • the power
      • the influence
      • the will of the nations, causing them to submit to the Messiah.
  • 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
    • Wisdom and instruction should be the basis for all decisions made among leaders.
    • It should also be the basis for decisions made by all Christians.
  • 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
    • The “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”
      • Ps. 111:10
        • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
    • The Hebrew word translated as rejoice here is giyl and means, “to spin around with emotion” or “to spin in a circle.”
      • In Hebrew thought, to “rejoice” does not simply mean to be happy in the Lord. Rejoicing is accompanied by a response such as shouting, spinning, or even dancing.
  • 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
    • The “Son” here is the King Messiah (v. 6), the begotten son (v. 7), and the one who rules with a rod of iron (v. 9).
    • “Kiss”: It was customary in ancient times to kiss a close friend on the cheek, or to kiss the ring or hand of the king or leader as a sign of great honor.
      • Those who will not honor Christ in the Millennium will experience forms of judgments on their nations (see Zech. 14:17-18).

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The Righteous vs. The Ungodly: Insights from Psalm 1

Psalms 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The key word in the psalm is “blessed,” used here as a declaration about a certain kind of man. Essentially, the psalm teaches that the blessed, happy man is the righteous man. He avoids evil influences, deeds, and attitudes, and delights in God’s Word; as a result, God causes him to prosper. In contrast, the ungodly are like chaff, worthless and destined for judgment. The Lord’s evaluation is clear in verse 6: He knows the way of the righteous (and it will be blessed), but He also knows the way of the ungodly, and it will perish. This psalm serves as a fitting introduction to the Psalter, presenting the three main figures who appear throughout: the righteous, the ungodly, and God.

A Prayer to go with the Psalm:

Lord our God, source of blessing and justice, your Son, Jesus, lived the only true life. Through him, we can know, love, and rejoice in you. Keep us nourished by your grace and grounded in your Spirit, so our ears hear your voice, and our feet walk in your ways, giving all glory to you alone. Amen.

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Unlocking the Wisdom of Psalms for Bible Study

The book of Psalms is a great resource for learning the Bible. We are commanded to read and use it for teaching.

Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The Hebrew name for the book of Psalms is Tehillim, meaning “songs of praise,” with individual psalms called Mizmorim, such as Mizmor Aleph (Psalm 1), Mizmor Bet (Psalm 2), and so forth. The Psalms have long served as the Bible’s prayer book. Traditionally, Tehillim is divided into five books, mirroring the five books of the Torah. Just as Moses gave Israel the Torah, David gave the Psalms—“Moses gave the path, but David gave directions.” In the Hebrew Bible, the Psalms are part of the wisdom literature within the Ketuvim (“Writings”). Each of the first four books concludes with a doxology (a usually liturgical expression of praise to God). Psalm 150 serves as a doxology for the fifth book and an appropriate conclusion to the entire Psalter.

Here is some Bible Studies from the book of Psalms.

  • The Significance of Psalms: Themes and Lessons: This outlines the major themes from the book of Psalms.
  • Unveiling the Armor of God in the Old Testament: The Armor of God, detailed in Ephesians 6:11-18, is also referenced in the Old Testament, emphasizing truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation as spiritual protections against evil.
  • The Lord’s Prayer from Psalms: The Lord’s Prayer concepts resonate throughout Psalms, emphasizing God’s glory, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, and salvation. Key verses reflect these themes, illustrating the spiritual connection between the texts.
  • Essential Elements for Meaningful Worship: Worship requires preparation and order, emphasizing sincerity and truth. Key elements include gathering, praise, confession, and prayer, with guidance from Psalms to facilitate a meaningful experience.

The 5 Books of Psalms

  • The Genesis Book concerning man: Psalms 1-41
    • All 41 of these psalms are ascribed to King David.
    • Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, and 37 have acrostic elements.
    • The Righteous vs. The Ungodly: Insights from Psalm 1 (coming soon)
    • The Prophecy of the Anointed One in Psalm 2 (coming soon)
  • The Exodus Book Concerning Israel as a Nation: Psalms 42-72
    • Of the 31 psalms in this section,
      • David wrote 18
      • Solomon wrote 1 (Psalm 72)
      • The rest were written by Korach (or anonymously):
  • The Leviticus Book Concerning the Sanctuary: Psalms 73-89
    • Of the 17 psalms in this section
      • Asaph appears to have written most of them
      • David wrote Psalm 86
      • Heman the Ezraite wrote Psalm 88
      • Ethan the Ezraite wrote the 89th:
  • The Numbers Book concerning Israel and the Nation: Psalms 90-106
    • Of the 17 psalms in this section
      • Psalm 90 is ascribed to Moses
      • Psalms 101 and 103 are ascribed to David:
  • The Deutronomy Book concerning God and His Word: Psalms 107-150
    • Of the 44 psalms in this section
      • 15 are ascribed to David
      • one (Psalm 127) to Solomon
      • the rest are anonymous.
    • The Hallel: (Hebrew: הַלֵּל, ‘Praise’) is a Jewish prayer, a verbatim recitation from Psalms 113–118 which is recited by observant Jews on Jewish holidays as an act of praise and thanksgiving.
      • It is recited during the three festivals of Pesach (Passover), Shavu’ot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles).
      • The Hallel is also recited at Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) and during the eight days of Hanukkah.
      • Psalm 136 is generally called “the great Hallel.”
  • Psalms 120-134 are referred to as “Songs of Degrees” or the Psalms of Ascent.
    • Exploring the Four Meanings of the Psalms of Ascent: The Psalms of Ascent (120-134), also called Pilgrim Psalms, reflect different themes such as distress, security, and unity, sung during journeys to Jerusalem, highlighting both physical and spiritual ascent.
  • Acrostic Psalms:
    • Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, with each set of 8 pesukim (verses) beginning with one of the 22 Hebrew letters.
      • Other psalms that have alphabetical arrangements are Psalm 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, and 145.

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Exploring the Four Meanings of the Psalms of Ascent

The Psalms of Ascent is also called the Psalms of degrees in the King James Bible. The Psalms of Ascent are Psalms 120-134. There are four different thoughts as to the original meanings and applications. It is possible that at various times all four applications were used. Here are the four thoughts for you to ponder.

  • Ascending from Babylon to Jerusalem
    • They could have been the songs sung as the people returned to Jerusalem. The wording in Ezra 7:9 gives us this idea because it talks about going up or ascending.
      • Ezra 7:9 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
  • 15 Steps of the temple on which worshippers sang these hymns. It would be one Psalm per step going up into the temple.
  • Literary Reference: the Psalms are written in a well denoted ascending order of thoughts and moods.
    • Here is a list of the Psalms with the main ideas.
      • 120: A Cry of Distress
      • 121: God’s Keeping Power
      • 122: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
      • 123: Plea for the Mercy of God
      • 124: God is on our Side
      • 125: A Hymn of Security
      • 126: Sow in tears…. Reap in Joy
      • 127: Children are God’s Heritage
      • 128: Blessing on the House of the God Fearing
      • 129: Plea of the Persecuted
      • 130: “My Soul waited for the Lord”
      • 131: A Psalm of Humility
      • 132: Trust in the God of David
      • 133: The Preciousness of Unity
      • 134: Bless the Lord, All you Servants
  • Trice Yearly trip to Jerusalem
    • It does not matter where you start from, you have to go up geographically to get from any of the surrounding areas to Jerusalem. Therefore, the ascent is a physical ascent to Jerusalem.
    • This view has the most to commend it. These Psalms have become known as the “Pilgrim Psalms” sung by those making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
    • I wonder if the idea didn’t start with Ezra and then became the songs that everyone sung when going to Jerusalem.

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The Significance of Psalms: Themes and Lessons


Psalms 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

  • Authors
    • David
      • wrote 73 Psalms
      • He was a King of Israel
    • Asaph
      • wrote 73 Psalms
      • Asaph was the choir director
    • Sons of Korah
      • wrote 10 or 11 Psalms
      • Sons of Korah were music leaders in the temple
    • Solomon
      • wrote 2 Psalms
      • He was a King of Israel.
      • David’s son.
    • Ethan
      • wrote 1 Psalm
      • Ethan was a musician and singer
    • Moses
      • wrote 1 (possibly 2) Psalms
    • Heman
      • 1 Psalm
      • Heman was a chief musician and singer
    • Unknown or Anonymous
      • Many are unknown or the person chose to remain anonymous
  • Date
    • Approximately 1000-300 B.C.
  • Theme
    • Praises and Prayers
    • This book was used as a song and prayer book.
  • Purpose
    • The Hebrew meaning of the book of Psalms is praises. The English word for Psalms is derived from a Greek word meaning music of stringed instruments.
    • The book of Psalms provides poetry for the expression of praise, worship, prayer and confession to God.
    • Psalms is the longest book in the Bible and contains the longest chapter (Psalms 119), shortest chapter (Psalm 117:1,2), and the middle verse of the Bible (Psalms 118:8).
      • Psalms 118:8(NKJV)
        It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.
  • Content
    • Psalm was originally five separate books.
      • Book I: Psalms 1:1-41:13
        • This section is mainly written by David and expresses humans as blessed, thefallen nature and redeemed by God.
        • Psalms 41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.
          • Amen: sure, faithful and true
      • Book II: Psalms 42:1-72:20
        • The major theme of this section is one of recovery and restoration. God is our help in the midst of obstacles and opposition.
        • Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
        • Psalms 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel Who only does wondrous things!
        • Psalms 72:19 And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory amen amen.
      • Book IV: Psalms 90:1-106:48
        • The major theme is of this section focuses on the relationship of God’s kingdom over powering all other nations and kingdoms.
        • Psalms 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
        • Psalms 106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD!
      • Book V: Psalms 107:1-150:6
        • The major theme of this section is God and His Word.
        • Psalms 119:89 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.
        • Psalms 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
  • Christ in the Book of Psalms
PsalmsReference to ChristNew Testament Fulfilment
Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.The Son of GodHebrews 1:5  For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Psalms 16:8-10 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. The ResurrectionLuke 24:5-7 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Psalms 22:1-21 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded…… The CrossMatthew 26  And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him….
Psalms 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.Casting Lots for His ClothingMatthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.No Broken BonesJohn 19:36,37 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.  And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
Psalms 40:6-8  Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Doing God’s WillHebrews 10:5-7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.Betrayal John 13: Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Psalms 45:6,7 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Everlasting KingdomHebrews 1:8-9 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.AscensionEphesians 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Psalm 69:9  Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.Zeal for GodJohn 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Psalm 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.Vinegar on the CrossMatthew 27:48
Psalm 89:3,4  I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.Descendant of DavidLuke 1:31-33 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
Psalm 96:13 Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.Righteous Judge1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Psalm 110:4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.Eternal Priest/KingHebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Old Testament Overview: Key Themes Explained

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The Children’s Six Minutes: A Unique Psalm

A UNIQUE PSALM

I want to tell you about a unique Psalm. Which Psalm is it? It is the 119th.

The 119th Psalm is unique because of its length. It is the longest of the Psalms. It has one hundred and seventy-six verses.

It is unique because of its arrangement. It is divided into twenty-two equal parts. Each part contains eight verses.

Again, the 119th Psalm is an acrostic, or an alphabetical Psalm. It is built around the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the twenty-two portions begins with one of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

The Psalm is unique because of its content. It is given over entirely to a consideration of the law and commandments of God. Indeed, if you will read the Psalm, you will find that every verse says something about the precepts, or the statutes, or the commandments, or the word of God.

The 119th Psalm contains some of the verses with which we are most familiar. “Wherewithal [61]shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

The Psalm reaches its highest point, and finds its fullest expression in the 94th verse, three words, “I am thine.”

Young people, I want you to read this 119th Psalm, and when you come to the 94th verse I want you to stop and say over very earnestly, very prayerfully, “I am thine.” And may you be His for all time is my prayer.

MEMORY VERSE, Psalm 119: 94

“I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.”

MEMORY HYMN

“Lord, I am thine, entirely thine.”

1 Lord, I am Thine, entirely Thine,
Purchased and saved by blood divine;
With full consent Thine I would be,
And own Thy sovereign right in me.

2 Grant one poor sinner more a place
Among the children of Thy grace;
A wretched sinner, lost to God,
But ransomed by Immanuel’s blood.

3 Thine would I live, Thine would I die,
Be Thine through all eternity:
The vow is past beyond repeal,
And now I set the solemn seal.

4 Here, at that cross where flows the blood
That bought my guilty soul for God,
Thee my new Master now I call,
And consecrate to Thee my all.

Amen.

Source: The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal: official hymnal of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church #469

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Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd

Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep” (John 10:11).

I was in a school reading a book to some children and I asked them if they knew what a shepherd was. Sadly, I got many answers, but none of them was right. This got me to thinking about if I really knew what Jesus was saying when he said he was the good shepherd. I knew that a shepherd is someone who takes care of sheep. What does a shepherd do to take care of sheep? Today, like the children at school, many people do not know what a good shepherd is or does.

The people that Jesus was talking to knew about shepherds and their jobs. They knew that shepherds took care of their sheep like a father or mother takes care of a small child.

We can also look at Psalm 23 for some insight. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1). A shepherd provides all of the needs of his sheep. He makes sure that they get plenty of green grass and fresh water. He makes sure that they get the rest that they need. That is why Psalms 23 continues by saying; “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalms 23:2).The Lord is not just any shepherd; he is a good shepherd. A good shepherd loves the sheep. He cares enough about the sheep that he will risk losing his own life to save the sheep. That is exactly what Jesus did. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins so that we could have everlasting life.Jesus also protects us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4). The shepherd also knows and understands when the sheep are scared. During those times, he knows how to comfort the sheep and how to keep them moving. Notice that in Psalms 23:4, death is only a shadow. Shadows cannot hurt you. Therefore, when we stay close to the good shepherd, Jesus, we can rest assured knowing that even when things look their worst it is only a shadow. Remember we have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd. 

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Understanding God’s Word: Its Power and Promises

The Holy Scriptures
God’s oath – God’s Word – God’s law – God’s statutes – God’s testimony – God’s commandments – God’s judgments – The Book of the Law – God’s everlasting covenant


The Word of God
is living; is powerful – stands forever – is pure; is perfect – is sharper than any two-edged sword – converts the soul – pierces/divides soul and spirit; joints and marrow – is sure; is right – makes me wise – rejoices my heart – is one who discerns the thoughts and intents of my heart – enlightens my eyes – is true; is righteous – is to be desired more than fine gold – is the gospel/salvation – milk for growth – is sweeter than honey – heals and delivers me – warns His servants – is great reward to those who keep it – is a lamp to my feet – is a light to my path – does not return void – keeps my steps – accomplishes what God pleases – speaks to me – instructs me – prospers God’s purpose – guards me from sin – will not be altered – is proven – is settled in heaven
Scripture References: Is 40:8b; Prov 30:5; Ps 19:7-11; Is 55:11; Ps 18:30; Heb 4:12; Eph 1:13; Jn 17:17; 1 Peter 2:2 Ps 107:20, 119:105; Lk 4:4; Rom 10:17; Ps 119:9- 11; Prov 6:20-23; Ps 37:31,33:4, 89:34, 119:89

The Shema: (the watchword of Israel’s faith)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you
today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You
shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night,
that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

But be “doers” of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a “doer” of the work, this one
will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22, 25)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Timothy 3:16-17)

Doctrine is what the Word of God says (teaches) on any particular subject.

Reproof exposes error in your thoughts, behavior and deeds that do not line-up with the Word of God.

Correction is often the most difficult step in the “doing” process. You may have acknowledged the error and understand the truth but are reluctant to take the necessary steps to correct you thinking or behavior. The Holy Spirit will empower you to change and walk out the truth that the Word of God
has revealed to you.

Instruction in righteousness will be gained as you spend time studying God’s word.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)

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Scriptural Articles

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Praying with Confidence: God’s Promises

The Integrity of God’s Word
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. He said, “And won’t he?” He spoke, and he won’t execute it?
1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, who has given peace to his people Israel, according to all that he has said; not a word of all his promises that he expressed through Moses his servant has failed.
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God are in him Yes, and in him Amen, through us, to the glory of God.
Why pray the Word?

  • Jeremiah 1:12 And the LORD said unto me, Thou hast seen well; for I hasten my word to do it.
    2 Chronicles 19:9 And he commanded them, saying, Ye shall also do in the fear of the Lord, with truth, and with an upright heart.
    Loyal Heart, Perfect Ear, Full Heart, Committed Heart, (Peaceful Without Strife)
  • Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord, and do good; And you shall dwell in the earth, and feed on the truth. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will grant you the desires of your heart.
    John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
  • Words (Rhema): Speak A word spoken by a living voice
  • 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have made to him.
  • Pray the Answer: Don’t Focus on the Problem, but on God’s Solution
    • Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.10 For as rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return thither, but water the earth, and cause it to sprout and bring forth, and give seed to the one who sows, and bread to him that eateth, 11 so shall my word be that proceedeth out of my mouth; it will not return to me void, but will do what I will, and if will prosper in that for which I sent it.
    • Identify God’s Will
      • Matthew 8:1-4 When Jesus came down from the mountain, many people followed him. 2 And behold, a leper came and fell down before him, saying, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. 3 Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; Be clean. And instantly his leprosy disappeared. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Look, don’t tell anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.
  • Examples of How to Pray the Answer
    • Finance
      • Philippians 4:19 “Supplying all my needs”
      • Luke 6:38 “As I give, it will be given to me”
      • Matthew 6:33″Putting God first, all things were added to me”
      • Psalm 37:25 “I Will Not Have to Beg for Bread”
      • Psalm 34:10 “No good shall be wanting”
    • Healing
      • Isaiah 53:5 “By His Stripes We Are Healed”
      • 1 Peter 2:24″By whose stripes we are healed”
      • Psalm 107:20 “He sent his word and healed”
      • Exodus 15:26″For I am the Lord who heals you”
      • James 5:14-15 “The Prayer of Faith Will Save the Sick”
    • Guidance
      • Psalm 32:8 “I will guide with my eye”
      • Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will guide you continually”
      • John 16:13 “The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You”
      • Psalm 37:23 “My steps are commanded by the Lord”
      • Psalm 119:105 “A Lamp to My Feet and Light to My Path”
    • Fear
      • Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear”
      • Joshua 1:9 “I will not be afflicted or faint, for the Lord my God is with me”
      • Romans 8:31 “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
      • 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.”
    • Peace
      • Isaiah 26:3 “Keep Me in Perfect Peace”
      • Philippians 4:7 “The peace of God will guard my heart and mind”
      • Psalm 119:165 “Those who love your word have much peace”
      • John 14:27 “Jesus left his peace with me, so my heart will not be troubled”

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Bible Study, Principles of Prayer, Scriptural Articles

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