Salmos 121

Salmos 121

Piper asks as he preached this text! Now begin to incorporate this valuable discipline into your Bible reading. Beware of the danger of a "through the Bible in a year" reading program -- it is tempting to "just get through" the daily reading, but come to the end of the day and not even remember what you have read. That's "passive" reading. Interrogation of the text is "active" reading--your Teacher God's Spirit will richly reward you for your "labor of love!") d) Read Psalm 121 a third time, marking and interrogating other key words. e) Re-read once again observing for additional key words. (Click example of key words in Psalm 121 marked with color and shading) f) For each key word consider making a list of truths in the margin of your "Observation Worksheet". g) Re-read (Yes, again!) pausing, marking and interrogating any time phrases (And again query each phrase - for example, you can always ask "When?"). h) Re-read once more noting any terms of comparison (eg metaphor). + Ask what is being compared and how does this help your understanding of the "picture"? + Although you could have read Psalm 121 four-five times, in this simple inductive study you have read each time with a specific purpose which serves to actively engage your mind. In other words, instead of being a tourist (simply reading and re-reading without a definite purpose), you have become an explorer seeking priceless, inexhaustible hidden treasures that ultimately will enrich your soul. The tourist may remember he visited in Psalm 121 but weeks and even months later, the explorer will remember the truths discovered from diligent study. i) If you have time, perform a Word Study to help mine the treasures of this favorite Psalm. Now don't check out on me but consider a simple study on the meaning of the following two words in Hebrew and then in the Greek (the Greek word the Septuagint uses to translate the Hebrew word). The word picture is profound and worth the effort. WORD STUDY #1 - "HELP" is a key word even though found only twice but if we removed it, the Psalm would lose much of its meaning and purpose. Click here for the definition of the Hebrew word for help = 'ezer Click here for the definition of the Greek word that translates 'ezer = boetheia WORD STUDY #2 - "KEEP" (keeper, protect, guard = all same Hebrew & Greek words). Click here for the definition of the Hebrew word shamar and here for the Greek word phulasso which translates shamar + Now take the definitions you learned and insert them into the verse to see it this expands the meaning of the passage. Keep in mind that many Greek and Hebrew words may have more than one meaning. Therefore one has to be careful not to take a meaning that is totally unrelated to the context of the passage being studied. Greek and Hebrew word studies do take some practice but can be extremely helpful in expanding or amplifying the meaning in a passage. j) Now give Psalm 121 a title based on what you have gleaned in your study. In your title try to use the actual words from the Psalm as much as is possible. What is the theme (unifying idea repeated or developed throughout a work) of this Psalm? Remember that the key words point to the main subject(s) which in turn give you the theme. k) APPLICATION: How could you apply the truth in Psalm 121? Is there a promise to believe? Is there a change of attitude you need to make? Is there a verse to memorize? Are there some truths about God that should meditate upon? Is their an example to follow? Is there something for which you can thank or praise God?, etc. Now you are prepared to read the following comments. Psalm 121:1 (A Song of Ascents.) I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. From where shall my help come? (NASB: Lockman) Septuagint (LXX) ode ton anabathmon era tous ophthalmous mou eis ta ore pothen echei (3SFAI) e boetheia (noun: help, aid, used in Hebrews 4:16+ Acts 27:17) mou English Translation of the Septuagint - <A Song of Degrees.> I lifted up mine eyes to the mountains, whence my help shall come. I will: Jer 3:23; lift up: Ps 2:6, 68:15,16, 78:68, 87:1, 123:1, Isa 2:3 PSALM 121 THE TRAVELER'S PSALM Author - This Psalm is anonymous humanly speaking but we can be certain that the author "moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:21+ , the Holy Spirit is a Person Who speaks - see Lk 1:70+, Acts 1:16+, Acts 3:18+, Acts 28:25+, 2Sa 23:2+, Heb 3:7, 8+, Heb 9:8+, He 10:15+). The circumstances that led to this psalm and specifically which cause the psalmist to look to the mountains are not clearly stated. The implication of his looking for help is that he may have been in a state of anxiety or distress. On a more personal level, aren't we all in need of the LORD's help to one degree or another every day? As Paul reminds us in Acts, God "is not far from each one of us for in Him we live and move and exist." (Acts 17:27, 28 - see God's Omnipresence) We need His help every moment of every day! Ascents (Some versions use the phrase "Degrees") = The Songs (Psalms) of Ascent comprised Psalm 120-134 which together appears to have formed a "hymn book" used by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem (which is elevated). Most interpreters feel that these 15 psalms were sung in the context of the great pilgrimage feasts in which the nation of Israel was called to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate: (1) the Feast of Unleavened Bread (commemorating the Exodus) in the Spring (Passover), (2) the Feast of the Harvest or Weeks (