4

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

A 10-W eek B ible S tudy

The
Wisdom
of God
Seeing Jesus in the Psalms
& Wisdom Books

L E A D E R ’ S G U I D E

nancy guthrie
 The Wisdom
of God
Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books

Leader’s Guide
(for use with both the book only or
the book combined with video study)

nancy guthrie

W H E AT O N , I L L I N O I S
The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books Leader’s Guide
Copyright © 2012 by Nancy Guthrie
Published by Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided
for by USA copyright law.
Based on the book The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books (A 10-Week Bible Study), first printing 2012
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permis-
sion. All rights reserved.
All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.
ISBN 978-1-4335-3557-4
Contents

An Introduction to The Wisdom 4 Week 5: The Royal Psalms 34

of God for Leaders Personal Bible Study 34
Determining Your Schedule for Studying 4 Discussion Guide 37
The Wisdom of God
Making the Most of the Personal Bible Study 6 Week 6: Repentance in the Psalms 39
Incorporating the “Looking Forward” Section 7 Personal Bible Study 39
Using the Discussion Guide 8 Discussion Guide 40

Ideas and Resources for 10 Week 7: The Suffering and Glory 42

Discussion Group Facilitators of Messiah in the Psalms
Leading Your Discussion Group Well 10 Personal Bible Study 42
Using Your Time Effectively 11 Discussion Guide 44
Dealing with Common Challenges 12 Week 8: Proverbs 46
Personal Bible Study 46
Week 1: The Wisdom Hidden 15
in the Wisdom Books Discussion Guide 49
Discussion Guide 15 Week 9: Ecclesiastes 51
Week 2: Job 17 Personal Bible Study 51
Personal Bible Study 17 Discussion Guide 53
Discussion Guide 20 Week 10: Song of Solomon 54
Week 3: Psalms: The Songs of Jesus 22 Personal Bible Study 54
Personal Bible Study 22 Discussion Guide 58
Discussion Guide 27
Note-taking Pages for Duplication 60
Week 4: Blessing and 29
Perishing in the Psalms
Personal Bible Study 29
Discussion Guide 32
 An Introduction to
The Wisdom of God for Leaders

The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and more time to think through and talk through
Wisdom Books is an in-depth study of the Old the truths presented. Expanding the study may
Testament Wisdom Literature of the Bible, with also be beneficial when you have only one hour
the goal of understanding it in the way that Jesus or less to meet together each week and also
himself taught the disciples to read and under- want to incorporate time for worship, prayer,
stand the Old Testament: with him at the center. or personal sharing into your small group time.
As we see not only the wise principles for living Following are outlines for how the study would
in these biblical books, but also the wise person work for different schedules.
they point to, it will help us to understand the A 10-Week Book Study—Participants would
person and work of Christ more clearly which
need to have books in advance of the first week
will prepare us to worship him more fully. This
you meet, with instructions to read the chap-
guide will equip you to plan and lead a study of
ter in Week 1, “What We Need Most to Know,”
The Wisdom of God using either the book alone,
before they arrive the first week. There is no
or the book along with the video series. Teaching
Personal Bible Study portion of the lesson for
experience or gifting is not required to lead this
Week 1. When you get together that first week,
study—just a willingness to organize, oversee,
you can spend some time getting to know each
and facilitate a meaningful discussion time, as
well as personal enthusiasm for knowing Christ other, communicating the format you will use,
more deeply through the study of his Word. and discussing the chapter you’ve all read, using
the Discussion Guide for Week 1. From then on,
Determining Your Schedule for participants will be asked to come to the group
Studying The Wisdom of God time having completed the Personal Bible Study
This study has been put together in a way that section and having read the Teaching Chapter of
offers flexibility in how you use it and flexibil- that week’s lesson (unless your group’s style will
ity in how you schedule your time for working be to read the chapter aloud as a group, which
through it. Everything is provided in the book
some groups elect to do). You may want to sug-
that is needed by participants. Each week’s les-
gest to participants that they put a star beside
son includes:
questions in the Personal Bible Study that they
 Personal Bible Study want to be sure to bring up in the discussion,
 Teaching Chapter (with a “Looking Forward” and underline key passages in the chapter that
addendum at the end of each chapter)
are meaningful or that raise questions for them
 Discussion Guide
that they’d like to discuss. During your time
It is divided into ten weeks of study. But together each week you will discuss the big ideas
you may want to carefully consider dividing the of the lesson using the Discussion Guide, bring-
material in a way that would extend the study ing in content from the Personal Bible Study and
over twenty weeks, giving your participants Teaching Chapter as you see fit.
 5

Sample Weekly Schedule for a 1-hour Study: discuss the big ideas of the lesson the following
7:00 Welcome, get settled, announce- week. If you meet once for Week 1 (since there
ments, maybe singing
7:10 Open discussion using the “Getting
is no Personal Bible Study section for the first
Started” question found in the week), and meet for a final week to share big-
Discussion Guide, working your picture truths taken away from the study, it will
way through the Discussion Guide add up to twenty weeks.
questions, bringing in comments
and questions from the Personal Sample Weekly Schedule for a 1-hour Study
Bible Study and Teaching Chapter as Week A (Personal Bible Study):
desired. 7:00 Welcome, get settled, announce-
7:50 Take prayer requests and pray ments, maybe singing
7:59 Close 7:10 Work your way through the ques-
tions in the Personal Bible Study,
A 11- or 12-Week Book Study—You may looking up the answers together and
prefer to meet the first week and distribute the allowing various members to share
books at that point, using that first week solely what they are putting down.
7:50 Take prayer requests and pray
to get to know each other and get organized. 7:59 Close
Assign the group to read the chapter in Week 1
for discussion the following week and then pro- Week B (Teaching Chapter):
ceed as outlined in the ten-week book study. If 7:00 Welcome, get settled, announce-
ments, maybe singing
you want to extend the study to twelve weeks, 7:10 Open discussion using the “Getting
you might set a week following the last lesson Started” question found in the
to come back together, asking each member to Discussion Guide, working your
plan to share the truths and take-aways from way through the Discussion Guide
questions, bringing in comments
the study that have been most meaningful, or and quotes from Teaching Chapter
perhaps to talk through any lingering questions and reading the “Looking Forward”
from the study. section together.
A 20-Week Book Study—There is a great 7:50 Take prayer requests and pray
7:59 Close
deal of material here and you may want to take
your time with it, giving more time to discuss
A 10-week Book Study Using the Video—
its foundational truths, and allowing it to sink
If you’re using the book in combination with
in. To expand the study over twenty weeks,
the video series, group members will be asked
you would break each week into two parts.
to complete the Personal Bible Study section of
You would spend one week on the Personal
each week’s lesson in the book before they come.
Bible Study section—either doing it on your
On the videos, Nancy presents virtually the
own and discussing your answers when you
same content as the Teaching Chapters minus
meet, or actually working through the ques-
the “Looking Forward” addendum found at the
tions together when you meet (which would
end of each chapter. So if you are using the video
lessen the amount of time required outside of
series, participants have the option to:
the group time and perhaps diminish barriers
to participation for those who struggle with 1. Read the chapter in advance as a preview of
working through the questions on their own). what will be presented on the video.
2. Just listen to Nancy teach the content of
Then, you would ask group members to read
the chapter on the video and read only the
the Teaching Chapter on their own before the “Looking Forward” as part of the group dis-
next meeting, and use the Discussion Guide to cussion time or on their own.
 6

3. Go back and read the chapter after watching 10:50 Take prayer requests and pray (be
the video, if needed or desired, to seal in or sure that the prayer time is not only
clarify what was presented in the video. about personal needs but also pray-
ing through the truths presented in
When group members miss a particular the passage you’re studying. This
will likely need to be modeled by the
week, you may want to encourage them to go
leader and/or assigned to one of the
to the website, www.seeingJesusintheOldTesta- people praying).
ment.com, where they can download the video 10:59 Close
they missed, or they can simply read the chapter
in the book. Making the Most of the
It is a good idea to encourage participants Personal Bible Study
to take notes during the video even though the The question is often asked, “How long should it
content of the video is in the book. For each take to complete the Personal Bible Study ques-
video presentation, reproducible note-taking tions?” The answer is, there is no set time frame.
pages that you may copy for your group mem- We all approach this differently. Some partici-
bers are included at the end of this Leader’s pants love to luxuriate, think through, look up,
Guide. Note-taking during the video is a good and write out. Others have the approach of sim-
idea because something transpires when we ply looking for the answers and making short
process words and ideas through a pen or pen- notations rather than writing long answers to
cil onto paper, which aids us in processing and questions. So how should you answer the ques-
retaining the words and ideas. But those taking tion, “How much time should it take?” I suggest
notes may also rest easy if they miss something you say that it takes as much time as they choose
significant, because the complete content is to invest in it. Certainly some weeks they may
also in the book. have more time than others, and we all know
that we get more out of a study the more we put
Sample Schedule for 2-hour Study into it. The depth of thinking through the les-
Incorporating the Video
9:00 Welcome, get settled, announce- son is not necessarily reflected in the length of
ments, maybe singing answers written on the page or the time spent
9:10 Watch video teaching session according to the clock. What is most important
9:50 Respond to video with various is not how much time it takes, but planning a
women praying as they feel led in
response to what they’ve heard (not time to work through the Personal Bible Study
general prayers, but responding to and keeping that appointment. In fact, in the
what was presented). Because the first week, you might ask each group member to
lessons end each week in some
share with the group when she intends to work
poignant ways, it will be helpful to
be able to be quiet and also respond on the Personal Bible Study in the coming week.
to what was presented before rush- This will help everyone to think about their
ing off to hallway conversation and schedule and set a time. One person’s strategy
small group discussion.
may serve to be helpful to someone else who
10:00 Break to go to small groups
10:05 Welcome, connecting and checking has not been successful in the past in carving
in with each other time out time for personal study. You might ask those
10:10 Start discussion using the who have done similar studies if they prefer to
Discussion Guide and bringing
do it in one sitting or to break it up over several
in Personal Bible Study questions
group members want to discuss as days. Also suggest they consider using Sunday, a
well as points made in the video. day set aside for God, to study God’s Word.
 7

Included in the following pages of this the body (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4)
Leader’s Guide is a copy of each week’s Personal comes about at the return of Christ.
Bible Study that includes possible answers to Additionally, I always thought of God’s pur-
the questions. This is provided for you as the poses of redemption being really only about
leader to assist you in dealing with difficult people. I did not have an understanding of God’s
questions, but it should not be provided to intentions to redeem all of creation, including
group members. I also encourage you to avoid this earth, making it the place where we will live
having this Leader’s Guide open as you work on forever in our resurrected bodies with Christ.
the Personal Bible Study yourself just as your But this is clearly the future hope that all of the
group members are doing. We all know that it is Bible is directed toward. The purposes of God
a challenge to resist looking for the answers to a are not merely about Christians going to heaven
crossword puzzle in the back of the book while when we die, but about his intentions to restore
we’re working on it. And likewise, as the leader, all things, about heaven coming down to earth,
it may be a challenge for you to resist working and living forever with God in its perfection
through the questions with this resource at and beauty like Adam and Eve once did in the
your fingertips. After completing the Personal Garden—except even better.
Bible Study yourself, you may want to look over I assume there are a lot of people who have
the suggested answers in this Leader’s Guide had a similar experience and limited under-
and add notes to your own answers as desired standing, and that is why I have made the con-
in preparation for the group discussion rather summation a part of every chapter in this study.
than having this guide in hand during your To truly understand what God is doing in the
group time, which cannot help but imply that smaller bits of Scripture we study, we have to
these are the “right” answers. You will find have a sense of the big picture of the purposes
what I hope will be some helpful suggestions of God. We must see every aspect of Scripture
for encouraging your group members in regard in context of the Bible’s larger story of creation,
to completing the Personal Bible Study in the fall, redemption, and consummation. To re-
“Dealing with Common Challenges” section of orient how we’ve understood heaven and eter-
this Leader’s Guide. nity, we’ve got to see it not just in a handful of
passages that we think of as telling us about
Incorporating the “Looking the return of Christ and “end times,” but rather
Forward” Section throughout the whole of Scripture and in fact
I grew up in church and have spent most of my every part of Scripture. When we see it from
life in the evangelical culture with lots of sound all of the various angles as we work our way
Bible teaching for which I am so grateful. But through Scripture, it completes the picture and
for most of my life I have had a very limited, solidifies our grasp on what is revealed about
and less than fully biblical, understanding of what is yet to come. That is one reason I’ve
heaven and eternity. I thought of heaven pri- included it in the “Looking Forward” section of
marily being a place away from here where our each chapter. But another reason I have done so
spirits go after we die to be with God forever. is because this is the essence of our Christian
Honestly, I think I never really thought through hope. Growing in our grasp of future realities in
what the difference would be in that existence Christ helps us to face present difficulties with
when what we repeatedly read about in the confidence in Christ.
New Testament in terms of the resurrection of If this understanding of what is ahead for us
 8

as believers is new to you like it was to me only section, or aspects about it they would like to
a few years ago or if you feel you need a firmer talk about, the Discussion Guide for The Wisdom
grasp on it, here are some resources that you of God is designed to facilitate a discussion
might find helpful: about the broader themes from the passages
being studied. In this way we will be seeking
The Restoration of All Things (A Gospel Coalition Booklet)
by Sam Storms (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011)
not just more information but to develop deeper
understanding.
Heaven by Randy Alcorn (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House,
As the leader, you should make it your goal
2004)
to draw out the members of your group, creat-
How should you incorporate the “Looking ing an environment that is safe for personal
Forward” section in your group time? The “best” struggle, difficult questions, discovery, and
way is going to be whatever works best for your even ambiguity. Because the discussion ques-
group. You may do it differently on different tions don’t always lend themselves to simple
weeks. It may be more of a time issue than any- answers, but provide for more interaction with
thing else. And it may depend on if your group is the themes and challenges of the passages being
reading the chapters in the book or watching the studied, you may want to spend some time
video presentation of the Teaching Chapter. The working your way through the questions in the
video presentation is the content of the Teaching Discussion Guide prior to the group time to
Chapter minus the “Looking Forward.” So if you anticipate where the discussion will be headed.
are using the video, you may be more inclined You will find each week’s Discussion Guide in
to want to include reading and/or discussing the the pages that follow along with a few notes
“Looking Forward” section in your discussion from me. Since these questions are designed
time, perhaps working it in with the final ques- to bring out various perspectives, there are not
tion in the Discussion Guide each week which is “suggested answers” as I provide in the Personal
always about how the particular passage being Bible Study. However, where appropriate, I’ve
studied fits in with the larger story of the Bible. made notes about issues that might come up in
Or, since every person attending the video study the discussion or goals for particular questions
will have a copy of the book, you might simply where clarity might be helpful.
suggest that participants read that section of the You can use the Discussion Guide as a script
chapter on their own sometime after watching to lead you through the discussion time. Or you
the video before they go on to the next lesson. can use it simply as a resource, picking and
In this way they can really think it through and choosing the questions you think will be most
take it in, bringing together all that they learned effective with your group. You may also want to
in that week’s lesson. plan each week to invite participants to share
something that was significant or meaningful to
Using the Discussion Guide them from the Personal Bible Study, determin-
Oftentimes in Bible studies in which we’re given ing ahead of time at what point in the discus-
a series of questions to work through on our sion you will invite those comments. On some
own, our group discussions consist primarily of weeks, you will find that a question is already
sharing the answers we found to the questions. included in the Discussion Guide, connecting
But this study is different. While each week you back to the Personal Bible Study that week.
will want to ask participants if they have any lin- Each week the discussion begins with a
gering questions from the Personal Bible Study question called “Getting the Discussion Going”
 9

which is designed to make people comfortable grow in their grasp of the larger story of the
with talking and sharing personally from their Bible and how the passage at hand fits into that
lives. If someone does not have enough confi- larger story. If your experience is like mine, this
dence in their understanding of the Bible to want is the part of Bible study that has been lacking
to talk much on the more biblical questions, this for most of my life. Often in studies we have
is a question you may want to use to invite that jumped quickly to personal application to the
person’s participation. If discussion comes to life of faith, and we haven’t stepped back to
your group quite easily, or if you’ve just watched develop our understanding of the implications
the video presentation of the teaching and sense of the particular passage we are studying in
the group is ready to dive directly into the heart light of the larger story of God’s redemption of
of the lesson, you may want to skip this ques- all things through Christ. But as we develop our
tion. Admittedly, many of them are very light- understanding of how God has worked and is
weight, but are offered for the purpose of giving working to bring about his plans, we find that it
those who may be hesitant to talk about the bib- actually helps us to understand and apply parts
lical material an opportunity to talk in the group of Scripture that otherwise would be difficult to
setting. Feel free to skip it, if you’d like, and grasp. If you want to develop more of your own
instead head directly to the heart of the matter. understanding of the larger story of the Bible,
Depending on the amount of time you you may want to supplement your study with
have, you may want to work through each of the one of the following books that I have found
“Getting to the Heart of It” questions, or you may helpful:
want to select only a few of these questions to
According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the
save time for the final two key questions. Bible by Graeme Goldsworthy (Downers Grove, IL:
While the bulk of the discussion questions InterVarsity, 1991)
center around the biblical storyline and the the- Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church: A Guide for
ology presented in the passage at hand, each Ministry by Michael Lawrence (Wheaton, IL:
week there is also a “Getting Personal” ques- Crossway, 2010)

tion. This is where you will want to be especially Far as the Curse Is Found: The Covenant Story of
sensitive to encourage a number of people to Redemption by Michael Williams (Philipsburg, NJ:
P&R, 2005)
answer and not allow the discussion to sim-
ply follow the flow of the initial comments. Be God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible by
Vaughan Roberts (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity,
sure to go back to the original question at some
2002)
point, asking other participants to share their
thoughts and experiences that may be different The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God’s Story
by D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2010)
from those shared first.
The Discussion Guide presents a final ques- The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative
by Christopher J. H. Wright (Downers Grove, IL:
tion each week that will help participants to InterVarsity, 2006)
 Ideas and Resources for
Discussion Group Facilitators

Thank you for your willingness to lead a group involved in the series of questions. Keep asking
through this study of the Wisdom Books in the for the input of other participants. Also, there’s
Old Testament. I always find that when I lead, I nothing wrong with admitting, as the leader,
learn far more than I do when I’m just a member that you don’t know something or don’t fully
of the group because I know I must invest more understand something and need to do some
effort to truly “own” the material. I hope that the more study on it or want to invite someone on
extra investment in this study of the Wisdom the pastoral staff to help answer the question.
Books will be a blessing to you as you seek to Determine to lead your group as a fellow-learner
effectively lead your group. and not as an expert who knows all. Expect God
to use his Word not only in the lives of your
Leading Your Discussion Group Well group members but in your life as well!
What is your goal or role as a discussion leader? Also be careful, as the leader, that you are
I suggest you make it your goal to guide your a facilitator and not a dominator. Our goal as a
group through a time of open and authentic facilitator is to encourage other people to talk
discussion of the biblical truths presented in and discuss, and sometimes, because we are so
the Personal Bible Study and Teaching Chapter enthusiastic, we, as leaders, can tend to domi-
or video, seeking to clarify challenging con- nate the discussion. For some of us, it requires
cepts, solidify the group’s grasp of the truths significant effort to limit our own input in the
presented, and apply those truths to real life. discussion so that others will be encouraged
Sometimes we have anxiety about leading or are to talk.
reluctant to lead because we know we don’t have While you do not want to dominate the
all the answers, and we’re afraid someone will group, you do want to lead effectively and effi-
come up with a question we can’t answer or will ciently. I assure you that you will have group
take the discussion in a direction we can’t han- members who will want you to lead with
dle. Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by the strength to create an environment that fosters
false expectation that if you step up to facilitate meaningful discussion. As the leader, you set
the discussion you must have all of the “right” the tone for authenticity and openness. You set
answers. Too many times in our discussions an example of giving short answers so that oth-
of the Bible, someone in the group (and often- ers can talk, and of being a good, responsive lis-
times it is the leader) feels he or she must sum tener. Being an effective leader also means that
up every part of the discussion with the “right” it is up to you to bring reluctant talkers into the
answer. But as you lead your group, I encourage conversation and to redirect the conversation
you to avoid the compulsion to come quickly when it has gone off-track. Few people want to
to the “right” answer to every question. Don’t be part of a group that is inflexible, restrictive,
be afraid to let some questions hang for a while or rules-oriented, but they do want to be part
or to allow members to struggle with the issues of a group that is organized and purposeful, in
 11

which expectations are unapologetically com- manage this area with a blend of appropriate
municated and stated guidelines are respected. firmness and grace.

Using Your Time Effectively Prayer Requests

As the leader, you have the responsibility for Many times, we want our small-group discus-
directing how to use the time for group dis- sion times to include a time of sharing prayer
cussion. While some participants may be very requests, which is a meaningful way of shar-
casual about how the time is used, others in ing our lives together and exercising our trust
your group are very aware of the time and and relationship with God. But we also know
become frustrated when they feel their valuable that sometimes sharing requests can turn into
time is being wasted. There are several issues, telling long stories and lengthy discussions as
I’ve found, that have a significant impact on other members offer advice or input. One way to
using the time allotted for small-group discus- handle this, if the use of time for prayer requests
sion effectively: is a concern for your group, is to provide note-
cards for people to write down their requests
Getting Started and share them at the end or simply have mem-
So often we run out of time because we are slow bers swap cards with someone else. Or you may
to get started. We are waiting for latecomers, or simply want to determine a time to bring your
chatting, or enjoying some food together and discussion to a close that will allow for time at
simply let valuable discussion time get away the end for sharing requests, praying together
from us. All groups develop a culture, and mem- over those requests, and praying through the
bers learn whether the group will really start truths presented in the lesson.
on time or not, and they adjust their sense of
Getting Stuck Along the Way
urgency in regard to arrival time accordingly.
So often we give too much time to earlier ques-
Certainly you need to allow some time for par-
tions and simply don’t have time to work our way
ticipants to greet each other and to share their
through all that we want to cover. I strongly sug-
lives with each other, but you will want to deter-
gest you look over the Discussion Guide before
mine how long that will last and give the group
your group time to determine how you will use
a firm start time for the discussion. If you set a
the time. Mark the key questions you must get
culture of starting on time regardless of whether
to. Make a note beside each question you want
or not everyone in the group has arrived, and
to be sure to include, indicating an estimate of
not allowing latecomers to interrupt your dis-
how much time you want to give for discussing
cussion when they arrive, you may likely find
that question, and then watch the clock along
that group members become more punctual.
the way to keep on track.
On the first day you meet, be sure to ask
members to join the group and enter into the Keeping the Focus on God’s Word
already-commenced discussion as unobtru- People come to a Bible study for many reasons,
sively as possible when they arrive after the from many situations and struggles, and with
discussion on the lesson has started. When we varying levels of knowledge of and interest in
stop the discussion while everyone greets the the Bible. Sometimes our groups can easily slip
late arriver, perhaps hearing the story of what from being a Bible study group into becom-
caused the lateness, it can be challenging to ing more of a personal support group. Finding
get started again. You as the leader will need to that right balance between biblical study and
 12

personal support is a significant challenge for answer and that varying perspectives may be
every small-group leader. helpful. But we also want to cultivate a sense
I’ve sometimes heard group leaders say that of the authority of Scripture in our discussions.
when a group member arrives with a significant Though it is not a welcome perspective in our
struggle or sorrow, the leader feels she must set culture, every opinion does not have equal value
the study aside to listen and give input to that or weight with every other opinion. The revealed
hurting person. Perhaps there are situations truth of God’s Word is what must carry the great-
where this is the best thing to do, but we must est weight in our discussions. While you don’t
also remember that the Word of God speaks into want to embarrass someone in the group setting
every need and situation in our lives. It heals, it who states something that is clearly unscrip-
gives perspective, it instructs, convicts, restores, tural, it may be a good idea to gently challenge
and renews. Be sure that you do not assume that a questionable opinion with something like,
the advice and input of group members has “That’s interesting. I wonder how you would
more power than your discussion of the truths support that from Scripture?” Or you might want
of God’s Word to help that hurting person. to find a time outside the group setting to dis-
Keep in mind that while some participants cuss the issue, using biblical support to gently
may come more for the fellowship and sharing challenge error.
of their lives with each other, many other par-
ticipants are hungry to feast on biblical teach- The Discussion Gets Lively but Off-Track
ing and discussion of God’s Word. If, over time, Sometimes one person answers, and then
these participants find that the Word is often another person answers, and the discussion
set aside or given short shrift, they may look for can quickly get away from the original question
another forum in which to study God’s Word and onto an interesting but perhaps not directly
with others. related issue. When this happens, it may be wise
to state the obvious and then turn the focus back
Ending On Time to the content at hand by saying something like,
Because participants have plans after the study, “We could certainly talk a long time about X, but
people to meet, children to pick up from child- we have so much important material to discuss
care, etc., it is important that you end on time in our lesson this week, let’s get back to that.”
so that participants will not be slipping out If you haven’t gotten to some of the key truth
one-by-one, or be unable to focus on the discus- involved in the question, go back and state the
sion because of the distraction of needing to be original question again, asking perhaps, “Did
somewhere else. anyone see it differently or have another idea?”

Dealing with Common Challenges Group Members Are Quiet

Sharing of Opinion Without and Slow to Respond
Regard to God’s Word It is important as a leader to become comfort-
It is only natural that group members will often able with silence, especially at first. Sometimes
begin their input in the discussion with the people are just slow to get going in the discus-
words, “Well, I think . . . ” And in fact, you will sion and don’t want to appear to be a know-it-
notice that many questions are phrased in a all or a dominator of the discussion time. Some
“what do you think” manner. This is purposeful people fear having the “wrong” answer or reveal-
not only to get people thinking, but to empha- ing their biblical illiteracy, especially if they are
size that there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong surrounded by people they perceive to have
 13

more biblical knowledge than they do. One way discreetly interrupt, perhaps saying something
to deal with an awkward silence is to make a like, “What you’re saying is helpful, and I’d love
joke about the silence without coming across as to hear someone else’s thoughts,” or summarize
chiding your group. Humor is always a great way what they’ve said in a concise statement and use
to diffuse discomfort. I have a friend who some- it as a transition to the next question. Another
times says, “I can wait you out!” Don’t be afraid method is to interrupt with a question such as,
to call on people to answer questions. You prob- “What verse or phrase helped you to see that?”
ably don’t want to do that with every question, Remember, the other group members want and
but some people simply don’t like to answer a need you to take charge in this situation to lead
question unless they’re invited to do so. Often effectively. You might also want to pull that per-
these people have very thoughtful answers that son aside at some point and tell her that you
will benefit the group. You might want to turn to really want to create an atmosphere in the group
the reluctant participant and say, “What do you in which everyone is sharing. Ask her if she
think about that, Joan?” or, “Is that how you see
would be willing to pick two or three of the ques-
it, Katie?”
tions that she really wants to share and to refrain
You will also want to develop the habit
from answering questions less important to her,
of affirming the answers and willingness of
so that others in the group might become more
those who share in your group. Set the exam-
willing to take part in the discussion.
ple of being a responsive and attentive listener
and commenting on their input as insight- Participants Habitually Do Not
ful, something you’ve never thought of before, Complete the Personal Bible Study
or as personally helpful to you. Make sure you Everyone has weeks when their schedule or a
are focusing on the person who is sharing sick child makes it difficult to complete the les-
rather than on how you will ask your next ques- son. But when group members are habitually not
tion. Resist the temptation to sum up or add to completing the Personal Bible Study, it is a prob-
every answer given, though it may be helpful to lem. If you are using the video study, the con-
restate some answers if you can help to clarify tent of the lectures assumes participants have
something that someone may be struggling to
a great deal of familiarity with the passages as
articulate. You can also help to generate genuine
there is not enough time to read all of the appli-
give-and-take by asking a follow-up to some-
cable Scripture; therefore, participants will not
one’s statement or by asking that person to tell
be prepared for what is being presented without
you more about what she has said.
having completed the Personal Bible Study. If
One Person Dominates the Discussion you are using only the book for your study, there
If you have someone who tends to answer every will be little foundation for group discussion if
question or dominates the discussion, you the Personal Bible Study and Teaching Chapter
might begin the next question with the state- have not been read prior to the group time. Be
ment, “I’d love to hear from someone who has sure to emphasize the importance of complet-
not shared yet today; what do you think?” Or ing the assignments. Do this at the beginning of
you might direct your next question specifi- your time together on the first week and again
cally to another group member. Sometimes, the second week you meet. Without being rigid
when a participant is speaking too long, you or lacking in grace, you want to call partici-
do a service to the group and the discussion to pants to follow through on their commitment
 14

to the study, rather than give them an easy out Disagreement with What Is Being Taught
every time. Sometimes seeing things a little differently can
As humans we all need accountability, and be very productive in a group discussion. We
sometimes in Bible study groups we are so afraid learn from each other as we discover and discuss
of offending or embarrassing participants that the differences or nuances in how we see things.
we do not fulfill our role as leaders by encourag- There are many matters in this study that allow
ing faithfulness, punctuality, and full participa- for a breadth of perspectives, and there are some
tion. If someone repeatedly struggles to get the matters that challenge what may be dearly held
lessons done, you might: perspectives. What is not welcome in the group
is a repeatedly argumentative spirit or combat-
 Suggest that rather than hoping to find some
ive approach to what is being presented. If areas
time during the week, she should make an
appointment for a specific time on her calendar of disagreement come up that cannot be produc-
to complete the lesson during the week and tively resolved in the group, you may want to say
then commit to keeping the appointment, as something like, “I appreciate your perspective
she would for a lunch date with a friend or for a
on that. We need to move on in our discussion,
doctor’s appointment. Maybe you can even ask
if she would like for you to check in with her to but let’s get together, just the two of us, or with
see if she kept her appointment prior to next Pastor    , and talk this through some more.
week’s meeting. I’m sure we both can learn more about this.”
 Explore the possibility of her setting a time
Because we are humans dealing with other
during the week to get together personally or
by phone with another group member to work humans, we will likely have areas of disagree-
through the questions together. Or offer to do ment, different experiences, and different pref-
this with her. erences. But that never means that we cannot
 Consider expanding the study to twenty weeks
have unity as we seek to submit ourselves to
so that the group does the Personal Bible Study
together every other week. God’s Word. This and every other aspect is a mat-
ter of prayer as you prepare to lead your group.
If a group member continues to be unable to God always equips us to do what he calls us to
complete the work, don’t worry about it if it does do. Ask God to give you the wisdom to work
not adversely affect the rest of the group or the through whatever may come up in your small
discussion time. We cannot always fully grasp group. Ask him for insight into the personalities
what another person’s life is like, and if the best of the people in your group and the backgrounds
she can do is get there, you might decide that that have made them who they are and shaped
is enough. If it does adversely affect the group’s their perspectives about the Scriptures. Ask
morale, attitude, or discussion time, you might God to fill your heart with a burden to love your
ask her if it would be better to withdraw and par- group members as you lead them through this
ticipate in a study requiring this level of com- study of his Word.
mitment and preparation at a later time when
she can devote herself to it more fully.
 Week 1:
The Wisdom Hidden in
the Wisdom Books
Discussion Guide previews of how we will see Jesus in these Old
Testament books, what were your thoughts or
Getting the Discussion Going reactions?
1. Over the coming weeks we’ll be studying 4. We read in 1 Corinthians 2:12 that Paul did
the Psalms and Wisdom Books together—Job, not come with “lofty speech or wisdom” but
Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. was determined to “know nothing” among the
Tell us something you remember about one of Corinthians except “Jesus Christ and him cruci-
these books, or perhaps a question you’ve always fied” in contrast to the wisdom teachers of his
had about one of them. day who impressed the people of Corinth with
philosophy and rhetoric. How is preaching the
Getting to the Heart of It cross both incredible foolishness and infinite
2. It is hard for those of us who have the entire wisdom?
Old and New Testaments to imagine what it It seems like foolishness to the world that God would
must have been like for God’s people to live in descend in human flesh and offer himself in death so that
this world and seek to follow after him with- we might be saved from death. But that is the wisdom
of God—that God himself will make a way for sinners to
out that complete written revelation. Try to
dwell with him forever.
put yourself in the place of God’s people living
in those times. How might the teaching of the 5. How does embracing the gospel and working
Wisdom Literature on matters such as suffering, it into your life provide the wisdom and guid-
the future of God’s people, dealing with peo- ance we need for life in this world?
ple, finding meaning, and sexuality have been
To respond to the gospel of Christ in faith and repentance
important to you? is the greatest of wisdom. But it also proves to be the first
It would have been helpful to have wisdom from God step toward growing in wisdom as we abide in Christ and
about the big questions of life as well as the ordinary feed on his Word and the wisdom of God works its way
matters of life written down for reference. One who had through how we think and feel and act.
trusted in God’s promises and wanted to live a life that
was pleasing to him would value having revelation
from God about who he is, what he is doing, and how to
Getting Personal
please him. 6. We’ve seen in this chapter that God speaks to
us and guides us by his Word. Have you experi-
3. Our aim as we work our way through these enced that? Can you think of a time you would
books is to consider what the author of each be willing to share with the group when God
book intended to communicate to his original spoke directly to you through the Bible, giving
audience. We also want to see what the divine you clear instruction?
author intends for us to see in light of the fuller Here we are looking for specific verses or truths from the
revelation of Christ. As the introduction offered Bible that group members heard and received as God’s
 16

Word to them. This is as opposed to a general sense of Israelites. Rather, they reflect the experiences,
“God told me” which can sometimes be our own thoughts the insight, and the revelation of God that God’s
and feelings that we spiritualize to be from God.
people turned over in their minds as they looked
Remember that when God speaks through his Word, he
back at their history and forward to their future.
speaks words of command, conviction, and comfort that
calls us to trust and praise. With what you know at this point about the
Psalms and Wisdom Books, what do they add to
7. Recognizing that God is in the process now our understanding of how God is working out
of sanctifying our wisdom as he renews our his plan to redeem all things?
minds, making it possible for us to discern what The wisdom books provide pictures of the need for
God’s will is and therefore to do what is good Christ to come to set all things right through Job’s
and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2), how do struggle with suffering, the Psalmist’s laments and
you think he might like to use this study of the longings, the incomplete wisdom of Solomon,
Wisdom Literature to do that, and what is your and the unsatisfied desires of Song of Solomon.
part in it?

Getting How It Fits into

the Big Picture
8. Throughout this study, we will be seeking to
grasp how the passage we’re studying fits into
the bigger story of God’s plan for redemption.
The Psalms and Wisdom Books are not part
of the sequence of narrative books in the Old
Testament that tell us what happened next to the
 Week 2:
Job

Personal Bible Study Satan’s power is limited to what is granted to him by

God. This tells us how limited Satan is in this world and
how sovereign God is.
Even though it is not the first book in our Bible,
Job may actually have been the first book of 4. Read Job 1:13–2:10. How is Job’s response to
the Bible written, though we don’t know who incredible suffering so far quite different from
wrote it or exactly when it was written. Job is the way Satan said Job would respond in 1:11
a story or drama about a real person in a real and 2:5?
place (Uz, which is southeast of Israel), who
Satan had said that Job would curse God, but instead, Job
lived at a particular time in history, prob- has fallen down to worship God and express his gratitude
ably between the time of Abraham and that to God for all that he had been given.
of Moses. Job was likely not a descendant of
Abraham like most of the key characters in In chapter 2, we read that Job had three
the Old Testament were, but was more likely friends who traveled to where he lived just
a gentile who embraced God’s covenant prom- to comfort him, and when they saw what had
ises similar to Caleb, Jethro, Rahab, Ruth, and happened to him, they “raised their voices and
Naaman. wept” (v. 12). They sat with him silently for
seven days, and then they couldn’t stay silent
1. Read Job 1:1–5. What does the writer of this
any longer. In chapters 3–37, we have three
book seem to want us to understand about Job?
rounds of impassioned debate between Job and
Job is a godly and good man who has been blessed by God
his three friends, later joined by a fourth friend,
in generous ways.
as they focus on the question of what Job’s suf-
2. Read Job 1:6–11. How would you paraphrase fering reveals both about him and about God’s
Satan’s argument against God? governing of the world.
The book of Job doesn’t dismiss Job’s friends
“Job only loves you because you’ve blessed him so much.
as hypocrites or heretics. In fact, each believes
He only loves you for what he can get from you, but if you
take away your hand of protection and blessing, he will
firmly in the one God who is not only all-
reject you.” powerful but wholly just and, at the same time,
quick to restore the penitent and to heap bless-
3. Read Job 1:12. Notice that Satan has asked ings on the teachable. Yet both Job (16:2) and
for permission to harm Job and that God has God (42:7–9) deem them “miserable comfort-
granted that permission along with setting ers.” “The basic error of Job’s friends is that they
some parame­ters for Job’s suffering. What do overestimate their grasp of truth, misapply the
you think this says about Satan and ultimately truth they know, and close their minds to any
about God? facts that contradict what they assume.”
 18

5. You may want to read chapters 3–37 if you God’s wisdom in the use of his power: “No one is so
never have before. Or you may want only to skim fierce that he dares to stir him up. Who then is he who
can stand before me?” (41:10).
these chapters, utilizing the chapter titles in your
Bible to develop a general sense of the flow and
9. How does what God has to say in the storm
content of the arguments. As you read or skim,
answer or not answer all that has been said
write down some key phrases or questions from
about him in the previous chapters?
the chapters along with your own impressions
about what you observe about Job and his friends. God doesn’t really answer Job and his friends’ questions
and statements about what has caused Job’s suffering or
6. A key question is voiced by Eliphaz in 4:17: why God does what he does. Instead, God reveals his wis-
“Can mortal man be in the right before God? Can dom in creation, justice, and power—and it is so high above
a man be pure before his Maker?” Job expresses all of their questions that Job’s questions are silenced.
something similar in 9:1–2. How does Job’s
10. Job 40:3–5 and 42:1–6 record Job’s response
question differ from his friend’s question?
to hearing God speak from the storm. Write
Eliphaz asks if it is possible for a man to be made right.
down phrases or ideas from these verses that
Job seems to know that it is possible but wonders how it
reveal the following responses from Job:
can happen.
Submission: “I know that you can do all things, and that
7. Last week we learned that the Wisdom Books no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (42:2).
raise questions that can only be answered in Humility: “Behold I am of small account; what shall I
Jesus Christ. How is that the case with this key answer you?” (40:4).
question (question 6)? “I have uttered what I did not understand, things
too wonderful for me, which I did not know” (42:3).
Jesus is the one who will make mortal men and women
right before God. He will be the propitiation for our sin Repentance: “I despise myself, and repent in dust and
and will give us his own righteousness so we can stand ashes” (42:6).
before God.
11. Job’s restoration is almost like a resurrec-
8. Job longs for God to vindicate his integrity, but tion. He has been reconciled with his friends
he knows he can’t forge the gap between himself and is given double portions of everything he
and God; he longs for an intermediary who can had before except that he is given only ten more
make this happen (9:33; 16:19–21; 19:25–27). children rather than twenty children. How
How is this longing fulfilled only in Jesus? might this detail alone perhaps hint to us that
Jesus is the one mediator between God and man. He Job’s story is meant to point us toward anticipa-
closes the gap between sinful humans and a holy God so tion of resurrection?
that we can be invited to draw near to God.
Perhaps this speaks of the reality that while his children
had died physically, they had not died spiritually and
Finally, after all of these speeches, God him- therefore were not to be “replaced.”
self speaks from out of a whirlwind in chapters
38–41. Read through these chapters, noting a 12. How does Job point us to Christ as a type of
phrase or two along with its reference about: Christ both through comparison and contrast?
God’s wisdom in creation: “Where were you when I laid Read the observation and quote from Job in
the foundation of the earth?” (38:4). the first column and write down a statement of
God’s wisdom in executing justice: “Have you an similarity or contrast to Christ in the second col-
arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like umn as indicated by the reference following the
his?” (40:9). example provided in the first one.
 19

Job Jesus

Job was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and Heb. 4:15
turned away from evil.” ( Job 1:1) Jesus was “without sin.”

God used even the work of Satan for his own glory and Acts 2:23
for Job’s sanctification. ( Job 2:6) God used the work of Satan in Christ’s crucifixion to accom-
plish his glorious plan of salvation.

Job’s misery was increased by the friends who come Matt. 26: 40, 43, 56; Mark 14:66–68
around him. ( Job 16:1) Jesus’s misery was increased by the friends who abandoned him.

Job bemoaned, “Men have gaped at me with their mouth; Matt. 26:67; 27:29, 31, 41
they have struck me insolently on the cheek; they mass In his crucifixion, Jesus was struck, cast into the hands of the
themselves together against me. God gives me up to the wicked, mocked, spit upon.
ungodly and casts me into the hands of the wicked” ( Job
16:10–11); and, “Sure there are mockers about me. . . . I
am the one before whom men spit.” ( Job 17:2, 6)

Job said: “I will give free utterance to my complaint. I will Matt. 27:12; Mark 14:61
speak in the bitterness of my soul” ( Job 10:1); and “I will Whereas Job complained and spoke about his suffering, Jesus
defend my integrity until I die.” ( Job 27:5 NLT) was silent in his suffering.

Job determined to put his hope in God even if God killed Matt. 26:38–39
him. ( Job 13:15) Jesus entrusted himself to God knowing that it was God’s plan
from before the foundations of the world that he would die.

Job’s hopes were centered in resurrection, saying, “After Luke 9:22

my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall Jesus’s hopes were centered in resurrection saying, “The
see God.” ( Job 19:26) Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the
elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the
third day be raised.”

Job submitted to God in his suffering. ( Job 42:1–6) Heb. 5:7–10

Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.”

Job prayed for his friends, and God forgave them. ( Job Luke 23:34
42:10) Jesus prayed for his enemies asking God to forgive them.

13. In the second column, record how the book of Job also points to Christ in the way that Christ
answers its unanswered questions, meets its unfilled needs, and brings about its anticipated resto-
ration and resurrection.

Job Jesus

Finding no meaning or purpose in his suffering, Job asks, Phil. 3:8–10

“Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to Knowing Christ gives meaning to our suffering as it gives us
the bitter in soul?” ( Job 3:20) an opportunity to share in his sufferings.

Eliphaz asks, “Who that was innocent ever perished?” Luke 23:47
( Job 4:7) Jesus was completely innocent and yet died a criminal’s death.

Job asks, “What is man, that you make so much of him, Heb. 2:6, 10
and that you set your heart on him?” ( Job 7:17) God so loves man that he will become a man who will suffer
to accomplish our redemption.
 20

Job asks, “Why do you not pardon my transgression and Matt. 26:28
take away my iniquity?” ( Job 7:21) Forgiveness of sin comes through Christ whose blood was
poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Bildad asks, “Does God pervert justice? ( Job 8:3) Rom. 3:23–26
God executes perfect justice when he declares sinners to be
right in his sight when they believe in Jesus based on his
acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for sin.

Job longed for an “arbiter” or “mediator” between him- 1 Tim. 2:5, 1 John 2:1–2
self and God. ( Job 9:14, 33) “There is one mediator between God and men, the man
Christ Jesus.”

Job wonders if God can sympathize at all with his suffer- Heb. 4:15
ing, asking him, “Have you eyes of flesh? Do you see as Jesus took on flesh so that he can sympathize with our
man sees?” ( Job 10:4) weaknesses

Job asks, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” ( Job 14:14) John 5:24–25
Jesus will call the dead in Christ to resurrected life.

Job believes he has an intercessor, saying, “Even now, Rom. 8:34

behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us.
me is on high.” ( Job 16:19)

Job wonders if the best he can hope for is the grave, ask- 1 Cor. 15:19–20, 54
ing, “Where then is my hope? . . . Will it go down to the Our hope and destiny is not the place of the dead but eternal
bars of Sheol?” ( Job 17:15–16) life in the new heaven and new earth.

Job says, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the 1 Cor.15:20–23; Rev. 22:4
last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has Jesus is the Redeemer who lives and who, in the last day, will
been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” ( Job stand upon the earth. In resurrected bodies we will see him
19:25–26) face to face.

Job asks, “But where shall wisdom be found? And where 1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:3
is the place of understanding?” ( Job 28:12) Christ is the wisdom of God.

Discussion Guide Getting to the Heart of It

2. Often when someone suffers we say, “She
Getting the Discussion Going doesn’t deserve that.” What does that statement
1. Some of us wonder how we would respond reveal about our assumptions about goodness
and godliness in relation to suffering?
if the worst thing we can imagine were to
happen to us, and some of us already know, We think that a good God will give us only good things if
we are godlly.
because the worst thing we can imagine has
already happened to us. What are some of the 3. In this challenge between God and Job, what
ways people respond to incredible loss and would define a “win” for Satan? How about for
suffering? God? For Job?
Anger, hopelessness, despair, escape, denial, acceptance, While Satan intends for Job to curse God to his face, his
sadness, trust in God intention has more to do with humiliating God than
 21

ruining Job. God intends for Job to grow in his under- Getting Personal
standing of God and therefore worship him more fully.
8. Throughout the book of Job, we see Job vacil-
Job wins by trusting and worshipping God.
late between despair and hope, between confu-
4. God gives Satan permission to harm Job. What sion and clarity. Can you relate to that from your
does this reveal about Satan and about God? own experiences of suffering?

Satan has no power that is not granted to him by God.

And, for purposes that are difficult for us to fully compre-
Getting How It Fits Into
hend, while God is not the author of evil and does not do the Big Picture
evil, God is glorified through granting Satan power for 9. Job’s righteousness had to have come about
evil in his world. through his faith in God’s promise of a savior
as expressed in Genesis 3:15 in whatever form
5. In Job 13:15, Job says, “Though he slay me, I and with whatever additional information Job
will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his may have been taught. Whatever he knew of the
face.” How is this a direct answer to the wager history of redemption, it would seem that Job
between God and Satan that began this drama? was clinging specifically and explicitly to some
Satan said Job would curse God to his face; instead Job promise or affirmation from God (Job 6:10).
expresses confidence in God to his face. Somewhere along the line Job had been con-
vinced that God had spoken a promise of grace
6. When God finally answers out of the whirl- and that he could stand on those words with
wind, his entire reply is a stream of unan- full assurance. His faith had content (words)
swerable questions. God has clearly changed and was not just whistling-in-the-dark wishful
the subject. It becomes clear that Job and his thinking, and yet his understanding of how God
friends not only have the wrong answers but would provide salvation to him was not as clear
have been asking the wrong questions. There is as ours is because we have the entire Old and
nothing soothing or explanatory in these chap- New Testaments. Looking back at the two charts
ters. Instead, how would you characterize God’s you filled out in regard to the various ways the
response? book of Job points to Christ, which were particu-
7. At the beginning of Job’s story we feel sorry larly meaningful to you?
for Job as he appears to be the unwitting victim
of Satan’s efforts to prove that no one loves God
for who he is apart from the gifts he gives. When
you read Job’s response after God has revealed
himself to him in the whirlwind, do you sense
that God has used the suffering in Job’s life for
any good purpose? If so, what is it? And do you
think it was worth the suffering he experienced?
The key is in Job’s confession, “I had heard of you by the
hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you” (Job 42:5).
His experience of God in the struggle seems to have made
the suffering worth it for Job.
 Week 3:
Psalms: The Songs of Jesus

Personal Bible Study of the Bible, the Psalms speak in a human voice,
providing us with divinely inspired poetry to
How does the created speak to the Creator? How express our hearts and minds to God.
does a sinner cry out for mercy before a holy The Psalms are an honest expression of
God? How does a sufferer lay out a complaint emotions, while at the same time they help us to
against a just God? How does a needy human lay discipline our emotions. They teach us that our
out his or her needs before the Shepherd? The emotions are grounded in our covenant faith,
Psalms show us how. Because, while we hear contradicting our mistaken belief that emotions
the voice of God speaking to us through most are something over which we have no control.

1. Read each of the quotes from the psalms in the first column and identify the emotion the psalmist
is expressing to God, writing it down in the second column.

“You have put more joy in myheart than they have when Joy
their grain and wine abound.” (Ps. 4:7)

“In peace I will both lie downand sleep.” (Ps. 4:8) Peace

“I will bow down toward yourholy temple in the fear of Reverence

you.” (Ps. 5:7)

“Make them bear their guilt,O God.” (Ps. 5:10) Passion for Justice

“My eye wastes away becauseof grief.” (Ps.6:7) Grief, Sorrow

“I will be glad and exult inyou.” (Ps. 9:2) Gladness

“My heart shall rejoice in yoursalvation.” (Ps. 13:5) Rejoicing

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.”(Ps. 18:1) Love

“In your salvation how greatlyhe exults.” (Ps.21:1) Celebration, Exultation

“I am lonely and afflicted.”(Ps. 25:16) Loneliness, a Troubled Spirit

“Though war arise against me,yet I will be confident.” Confidence

(Ps. 27:3)

“My life is spent with sorrow.”(Ps. 31:10) Sorrow

“Let your steadfast love, OLord, be upon us, even as we Hope

hopein you.” (Ps. 33:22)
 23

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and savesthe Brokenhearted/Crushed

crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18)

“I will thank you in the greatcongregation.” (Ps.35:18) Thankfulness

“I am sorry for my sin.” (Ps.38:18) Sorrow

“Why are you cast down, O mysoul, and why are you in Depression, Anxiety
turmoil within me?” (Ps. 42:5)

“All day long my disgrace isbefore me, and shame has Shame
covered my face.” (Ps. 44:15)

“A broken and contrite heart,O God, you will not Remorse

despise.” (Ps. 51:17)

“Zeal for your house has consumedme.” (Ps. 69:9) Passion/Zeal

“All in vain have I kept myheart clean and washed my Regret

hands in innocence.” (Ps. 73:13)

“I am afflicted and in pain.”(Ps. 69:29) Vulnerability

“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our Wonder

eyes.”(Ps. 118:23)

The psalms were a part of Israel’s worship, even in one century but over a one-thousand-
both corporate and individual. Some psalms year time period. It includes a psalm associ-
began as works of private devotion, while ated with Moses, and another psalm that was
others were designed for the purpose of pub- clearly written after the time of exile. Within
lic worship. In the end, however, the psalms the whole are recognizable smaller groupings
always lead people to the worship of the living such as the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113–118),
God. Psalms reveal not only the agony of the which focuses on the theme of deliverance and
human soul but also revealed truth about our the exodus event and was used in celebrating
covenant God. Passover; and the Songs of Ascents (Psalms
120–134), which are pilgrim psalms sung by
Development
people on their way to the feasts at Jerusalem.
The psalms were written by a number of dif-
ferent people and were a work in progress for Because it was built up over time does not
a long time, continually being added to. We can make Psalms any less inspired than the books
think of the book of Psalms being “constructed,” of the Bible written by a single individual.
similar to the way great cathedrals took shape. The same God who inspired Moses to write
Most cathedrals were built over several centu- the Pentateuch and Paul to write his letters
ries with new sections being added over time. also inspired a multiplicity of authors as they
And while there was diversity in what was wrote the psalms. And just as each psalm was
added, it all became part of a unified whole. composed by inspiration, so was their arrange-
The same is true of the Psalter. Like a cathe- ment into a book inspired, brought together by
dral, it was not constructed all in one decade or divine design.
 24

Genre singer, and composer of poems. King Solomon

When we think through the various kinds of followed in the footsteps of his father by writing
literature in the Bible, we realize that there are some Psalms (72 and 127), while the authors
letters (such as Romans or Philippians), histori- of many of the uncredited psalms are believed
cal narrative (such as Genesis and the Gospels), to have been contemporaries of David whom he
prophecy (such as Isaiah and Amos) and placed in charge of Jerusalem’s worship.
Apocalyptic (such as Daniel and Revelation).
And while there are other poetic books in the
Organization
There are several ways to understand the orga-
Bible, the psalms are unique in their genre of
nization of the 150 psalms. One way is to see
Hebrew musical poetry.
that Psalms is made up of five books, perhaps
Poetry is addressed to the mind through the
an imitation of the five books of Moses called
heart. It engages us differently from a straight-
the “Pentateuch” (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
forward statement of fact or imperative and
Numbers, and Deuteronomy). The five books
sometimes leaves matters ambiguous. Poetry
within Psalms are:
can involve hyperbole, exaggeration, and imag-
ery, as well as all kinds of anthropomorphisms, Book 1: Psalms 1 to 41
metaphors, and similes that we should not try to Book 2: Psalms 42 to 72
read in a strictly literal sense. In Psalms moun- Book 3: Psalms 73 to 89
Book 4: Psalms 90 to 106
tains skip like rams (Ps. 114:4), enemies spew Book 5: Psalms 107 to 150
out swords from their lips (Ps. 59:7), and God is
portrayed as shepherd, fortress, shield, and rock. Each book concludes with a doxology, or praise
So when we read the psalms we have to carefully to God, usually found within the last verses of
consider the metaphors being used, seeking to each of the five books. Psalm 150 serves as a
understand what they signify. concluding doxology to book 5 as well as to the
2. The psalms are intended to appeal to the entirety of Psalms.
emotions, to evoke feelings rather than proposi-
Categories
tional thinking, and to stimulate a response that
While there are a number of different ways to
goes beyond simply understanding facts. Why
categorize the psalms, there are seven general
do you think God in his wisdom might have cho-
categories into which we can classify the 150
sen to put this large portion of scriptural truth in
psalms.
poetic form?
Hymns of praise were used by individuals
God reveals himself through the Scriptures, and the vari- and by the community to offer praise to God for
ety in type of literature helps us to grasp him more fully. who he is and for his greatness and his benefi-
God desires relationship with us that goes beyond know-
cence toward the whole earth. Hymns of praise
ing facts about him to setting our affections on him. The
poetry of the Bible engages our emotions in our relation-
begin with a call to worship and offer reasons
ship with God. for praise.
Laments constitute the largest group of
Authorship psalms, and these include individual and cor-
The psalms are mostly associated with David, porate laments and penitential laments. On
particularly in the early portion of the Psalter, the emotional spectrum, laments are the polar
and he is known as the “sweet psalmist of Israel.” opposite of hymns of praise, openly expressing
The historical books of the Bible speak of David’s distress with deep, honest fervor. Laments usu-
considerable accomplishments as a musician, ally include a complaint, a curse on enemies,
 25

and either a confession of sin or protest of inno- Psalm 23 song of trust

cence, and most resolve with praise to God and Psalm 100 hymn of praise
Psalm 112 wisdom
determination to trust him. Psalm 136 salvation history
Thanksgiving psalms were used in circum- Psalm 138 thanksgiving
stances opposite from those of laments or were
offered in response to an answered lament. They It is true that the psalmists express a lot of dis-
gave individuals or groups the words to express tressing emotions throughout the 150 psalms.
their gratitude to God. In fact, about sixty-seven of the 150 could be cat-
Salvation history or remembrance psalms egorized in part or as a whole as lament psalms—
review the history of God’s saving works among psalms that complain to God about the psalmist’s
the people of Israel, especially his deliverance of circumstances and cry out to God to act. Virtually
them from bondage in Egypt and his establish- all of the lament psalms include the following
ment of them as a people. elements, though perhaps not in this order:
Royal or kingship psalms focus on the human
 Introductory cry or addressing of God. The psalm-
king of Israel and the city of Zion in which he ist identifies the one to whom the psalm is
reigns, while others proclaim God as king. prayed, the one he is turning to for help, the
Wisdom psalms praise the merits of wis- Lord. Example: “Give ear to my words, O Lord”
(Ps. 5:1).
dom and the person who lives a wise life.
 Complaint. The psalmist pours out what the
They emphasize the contrast in consequences trouble is and why the Lord’s help is being
between living a life of wisdom and a life of sought. Example: “In arrogance the wicked
wicked rejection of God and his ways. hotly pursue the poor” (Ps. 10:2).
 Trust. The psalmist immediately expresses trust
Songs of trust provide God’s people with
in God. Example: “But I have trusted in your
words for expressing their trust in God regard- steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your sal-
less of circumstance. vation” (Ps. 13:5).
Why are these categories or genres impor-  Request for deliverance/reason for God to act. The
psalmist calls on God to act and offers reasons
tant for us to understand as we study the
he should do so. Example: “Turn, O Lord,
psalms? Because they guide us to read the text deliver my life; save me for the sake of your
rightly. For example, wisdom psalms must be steadfast love” (Ps. 6:4).
read as Wisdom Literature, which means that  Assurance. The psalmist expresses the assur-
ance that God will deliver. Example: “O Lord,
we read its statements as general principles you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will
and not as promises. Laments must be read strengthen their heart; you will incline your
as human emotion and not as propositional ear” (Ps. 10:17).
truth. In royal psalms we need to think through  Praise. The psalmist realizes what God can and
will do for him, which leads him to offer praise.
whether it is the divine king or a human king Example: “I will sing to the Lord because he has
being referenced and consider the implications dealt bountifully with me” (Ps. 13:6).
of the psalm through the lens of God’s everlast-
ing intentions to reign over his covenant people. 4. Many psalms may have a historical connec-
3. Read each of the psalms below and determine tion, and it is believed that David wrote Psalm 3
which of the seven categories you think each when he was fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel
15–18). To develop skill in identifying the com-
psalm fits into: praise, lament, thanksgiving,
mon elements of lament psalms, read Psalm 3
salvation history, royal, wisdom, or trust.
and note which of the six elements of a lament
Psalm 13 lament psalm described above is being expressed in the
Psalm 21 royal verses indicated.
 26

O LORD, how many are my foes! 5. The psalms of lament are a model of godly
response to suffering. Rather than expecting
. . . introductory cry or addressing of God . . .
us to remain stoic through our suffering, God
Many are rising against me; wants us to pour out our hearts and souls to
many are saying of my soul, him. He also, however, wants us to remember
there is no salvation for his loving care for us and how he has forgiven
him in God. Selah
our sins. This will help us trust him in the
. . . complaint . . . future. What are your prayers for help like in
times of trouble? And what do you learn from
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, the elements of lament psalms that should
my glory, and the lifter of my head. shape your prayers?
I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from 6. As we begin to think about how we can see
his holy hill. Selah Jesus in the Psalms, read through Psalm 3
I lay down and slept;
again, recognizing that Jesus is the Lord we call
I woke again, for the Lord
sustained me. out to, Jesus is our brother who understands
I will not be afraid of many the difficulties of living in this world, and Jesus
thousands of people is our deliverer. What difference does it make
who have set themselves in how you understand this psalm and how you
against me all around.
experience it, when you think of singing this
. . . trust . . . song to Jesus?
Jesus understands what this feels like—to have many
Arise, O Lord!
foes rising up against him saying that God is not saving
Save me, O my God!
him. He provides the protection we need at his “holy hill”
of Calvary where he provided protection from our great-
. . . request for deliverance . . .
est enemy, death. He is the one who will come again to
For you strike all my enemies judge the wicked even as he saves those who belong to
on the cheek; him. He is the one who saves; he is the blessing given to
you break the teeth of the wicked. God’s people.

. . . assurance . . .

Salvation belongs to the Lord;

your blessing be on your
people! Selah

. . . praise . . .
 27

Discussion Guide loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and
mind. Why is this important for us to remember?
Getting the Discussion Going
We are sinners, and we will never be able to love the Lord
1. When you think of the Psalms, is there a par-
perfectly and completely until God’s work of renewing all
ticular psalm or phrase from a psalm that comes things is complete. But Christ has loved God with all of
to your mind? Has there been an experience in his heart, soul, and mind, and because we are united to
your life in which a particular psalm has been Christ, we can enjoy acceptance with God.
especially meaningful to you?
6. Let’s take a familiar psalm, Psalm 23, and
Getting to the Heart of It think through how it impacts our understand-
2. Many of us have a cerebral relationship with
ing of the Psalms once we know that Jesus ful-
God. We like to think through the Bible’s teach-
fills the Psalms as both the perfect Israelite who
ing and chew on its meaty truths and doc-
could pray the Psalms and the Lord of the Psalms
trines. But while the book of Psalms is filled
with instruction and precepts, its truths are not to whom we pray. As a group, work your way
meant to be absorbed only with the mind but quickly through various phrases of Psalm 23.
must be experienced in the heart, felt with the How and when in his life could Jesus have
emotions, and sung from the soul. Why do you prayed this psalm to his Father?
think it is important to God that we relate to him
The Lord is my shepherd;
on an emotional level?
I shall not want.
God intends for us to have a love relationship, not one of
dry duty, but to love him with heart, soul, and mind. This . . . in the wilderness temptation when hungry,
demands that our emotions be engaged. Love for God is as he faced the cross . . .
certainly more than just emotional feeling, but it is not less.
It brings God glory and honor to prefer him, desire him, He makes me lie down in
find joy in him—which are emotional responses to him. green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3. What do you think it means that God wants He restores my soul.

not only to change how we think and what we do

. . . in the midst of rejection, unbelief . . .
but also to change how we feel? Are there ways
you think God’s sanctifying work in you has He leads me in paths of righteousness
changed how you feel? for his name's sake.

4. The Pharisees asked Jesus which is the great- . . . throughout his life in overcoming
est commandment, and Jesus told them, “You temptation . . .
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
Even though I walk through the valley of the
and with all your soul and with all your mind” shadow of death,
(Matt. 22:37). How can the Psalms help us to I will fear no evil,
love the Lord in this way?
. . . as he faced the cross . . .
The Psalms present us with godly emotions to feel. They
give us words and focus to both express as well as nur- for you are with me;
ture those feelings. They show us what is worthy of our your rod and your staff,
emotional energy. they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
5. Of course, we know that only one person truly in the presence of my enemies;
 28

. . . as he hung on the cross and looked forward Getting Personal

to what his death would accomplish . . .
8. Genuine and earnest prayer proceeds first
you anoint my head with oil; from a sense of our need and next from faith in
my cup overflows. the promises of God. After working through the
Surely goodness and mercy Personal Bible Study questions about the vari-
shall follow me
ous kinds of psalms and the various elements of
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the lament psalms, is there an aspect of prayer that
house of the Lord you realize is weak or missing in your prayer life?
forever.

. . . as he looked forward to resurrection and Getting How It Fits Into

returning to the right hand of his father . . . the Big Picture
9. Throughout this study we are considering
7. Now, read through Psalm 23 substituting how the particular book we are studying fits into
“Jesus” for “Lord” and remembering that Jesus the larger story of God’s plan of redemption and
said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14). his written revelation. How might our under-
How does this add to the meaning of this psalm? standing of God’s covenant care of his people be
It is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that makes different if the Psalms were not in the Bible?
all of these things possible. He is the good shepherd, he The Psalms are unique in that they are not story or his-
has brought peace with God, restoration to the soul. His tory and in that they are inspired expressions in a human
Spirit empowers us for righteous living so that we will voice to God. Throughout the years, these inspired words
bring honor to the name of Christ. When we face death, of praise, thanksgiving, and lament have given God’s
we know that he has been there before us and that we do people a voice to experience and interact with God as
not have to fear even death. We can be comforted because Father, Redeemer, Rock, Shepherd, King, and Giver of
he defeated death. Forever we will enjoy his goodness in mercy and strength.
his presence.
 Week 4:
Blessing and Perishing
in the Psalms
Personal Bible Study blessedness—one from each of the five books
of Psalms. What does each of these “Blessed is”
Psalm 1, which serves as an introduction to statements in the Psalms add to your under-
the entire book of Psalms, presents us with one standing of blessedness?
of the primary themes not only of the Psalms
but of all the Wisdom Books, and, in fact, of  Book 1: Psalm 40:4

the entire Bible: the reality of and contrast To trust in God who is true rather than in a proud person
between two groups of people and two ways whose word can’t be trusted is blessedness.
of life in this world—the righteous who have
embraced God’s covenant from the heart and  Book 2: Psalm 65:4
the wicked who reject God’s offer of grace.
To be chosen by God, brought near to God, satisfied with
The first word of the book of Psalms,
God is blessedness.
blessed, is actually challenging to define.
Ashrey is the Hebrew word in Psalm 1 that
is translated “blessed” in all of the places in  Book 3: Psalm 84:4–5

the Bible where we read statements such as, To be at home in God, drawing strength from God is
“Blessed is he who . . .” Finding an English blessedness.
word to translate ashrey isn’t easy. “Truly
happy” might be the best English translation.  Book 4: Psalm 106:3
But happiness, at least the way we think about
To live rightly in this world consistently is blessedness.
happiness today, is also inadequate, as ashrey
conveys a deep sense of well-being, content-
edness, and fulfillment. This is the kind of  Book 5: Psalm 146:5

life we all long for. While happiness in mod- To put your hope in the God who helps and transforms
ern use depends upon events or happenings, sinners is blessedness.
blessedness in biblical use is not influenced
by events but is based on the joy found in 2. While the biblical writers want us to know
one’s good relationship with God. The book of and enjoy the blessedness of God, they also
Psalms offers wisdom on how to experience
present the opposite reality: those who are not
blessedness in the kingdom of God.
blessed are actually wicked. Just as blessedness
1. The Bible doesn’t give us a definition of
is woven through the Psalms, so is the way of
blessedness. Instead, it repeatedly describes
the wicked. Read the following verses, again
what the person who enjoys this blessedness
is like. Blessedness is woven throughout the one from each of the five books in the Psalms.
fabric of the Psalms, appearing 125 times. What insight do each of these verses provide
Following are just a few statements about this into wickedness?
 30

 Book 1: Psalm 10:4 Salvation: The wicked perish. (v. 6)

The blessed prosper. (v. 3)
The wicked pridefully ignore and deny God.

6. Notice that “the Lord knows the way of

 Book 2: Psalm 50:16
the righteous” (v. 6). What do you think are
The wicked have no right to enjoy the blessing of God’s some things the Lord knows about the way of
law or covenant promises. the righteous? Do you find this comforting or
threatening?
 Book 3: Psalm 75:8
He knows that we are dust—that we are human and
The wicked will experience the full measure of God’s struggle with sin—and he has compassion on us. He
wrath. knows our secret desires and secret sorrows like no one
else can. He knows what he has prepared for those who
 Book 4: Psalm 94:1–7 love him.
His knowledge is comforting if we know we are
The Lord will take vengeance; he will repay the proud
united to Christ by faith and therefore need never fear
what they deserve and put an end to the exultation of
being condemned by him. His knowledge is threatening
the wicked.
if we have ignored or avoided Christ and are therefore
vulnerable to his judgment.
 Book 5: Psalm 119:155

Salvation is far from the wicked. 7. We are told that while the blessed man
prospers, the way of the wicked will perish. How
3. Read Psalm 1. What is the primary influence would you define what these two words mean in
in the life of the blessed man of Psalm 1, and this psalm, recognizing that they are intended
what does he refuse to let influence him? by the psalmist to be opposite from each other?

His primary influence is the law of the Lord and he refuses To prosper is to have the rich and full life that God
to be influenced by the counsel, lifestyle, and arguments intended for those who fear him and to have a future
of the wicked. filled with unending life. To perish is to miss out on the
rich and full life that God intends for those who fear him
4. What are the results of the blessed man’s and to have a future filled with unending death.
delight in and meditation on the Bible?
The psalmist says about the blessed man, “In
He is nourished by God’s Word and enjoys a quality of life
all that he does, he prospers” (v. 3). Yet we know
that comes from God. God’s Word has its intended effect
that many of the psalms actually lament that the
in his life to give him solidity and security.
opposite appears to be true. Many of the psalms
5. How are the wicked contrasted with the blessed lament that the wicked are prospering while the
in Psalm 1 in each of the following categories? righteous are suffering. How do we make sense of
this seeming incongruity? We must understand
Significance: The wicked are like chaff. (v. 4)
The blessed are like a tree. (v. 3) what kind of literature we are reading when we
read wisdom literature in the Bible.
Stability: The wicked are driven away by the Wisdom psalms do not offer blanket guar-
wind. (v. 4) antees but rather make observations on gen-
The blessed are planted firm. (v. 3)
eral patterns of life. When readers fail to take
Standing: The wicked will not stand in the the literary genre of the wisdom psalm or prov-
judgment. (v. 5) erb into account and read a statement from
The blessed are known by the Lord. (v. 6) Wisdom Literature and “claim it” as a promise,
 31

they misunderstand the intent of the text, and only he can provide. But as we do so, we remem-
this misunderstanding and misappropriation ber, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is
often lead to disappointment and even disillu- the strength of my heart and my portion forever”
sionment with God. We must remember that the (Ps. 73:26).
psalms are poetry, and what may appear to be a 8. When we read “Blessed is the man” in Psalm 1,
specific promise is often the psalmist drawing a it reminds us of the teaching of Jesus that we find
picture for us in material terms we can grasp of in the New Testament, especially in the Sermon
the spiritual blessedness of belonging to God. on the Mount. The blessedness of the beatitudes
While the psalms don’t promise that only is the covenantal happiness of Psalm 1. Similar
good things will happen all the time to the Lord’s to Psalm 1, the Sermon on the Mount begins
people, they do affirm that those who put their
with “Blessed” and ends with the perishing of
hope in the Lord are indeed blessed. They are
the man who rejects God’s Word. Once again, two
blessed because they have relationship with
opposite realities are woven into the sermon and
the Lord who is himself the blessing of the righ-
span the sermon beginning to end.
teous. The righteous enjoy the inherent bless-
ing that comes from following God’s law and Psalm 1:6 says, “The Lord knows the way
avoiding paths of sin that often result in pain of the righteous,” and the Beatitudes found
and misery. Often the blessing for those who in Matthew 5:3–12 could be summarized as
trust in the Lord does include special measures the “way of the righteous.” The opposite of
of physical or material blessing. The psalms the Beatitudes is to walk in the counsel of the
express a spiritual optimism based on the recog- wicked. To help you to really think through
nition that God is a faithful, righteous, and lov- these familiar statements, read through the
ing father. So it is never wrong, as a child of God, Beatitudes on the next page and compose their
to ask your Father for the favor and blessing that “opposite” in keeping with the sample provided.

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Perishing are those who arrogantly think they are “in” with
heaven. (Matt. 5:3) God because of their own perceived goodness, for they will
never enjoy God’s perfect rule over their lives.

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be com- Perishing are those who celebrate their sin, for they will be
forted. (Matt. 5:4) miserable into eternity.

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Perishing are the proud and pushy, for they will end up with
(Matt. 5:5) nothing.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteous- Perishing are those who have no appetite for the things of
ness for they shall be satisfied. (Matt. 5:6) God, for they will have an eternal gnawing hunger.

Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. Perishing are those who are always after revenge and pay-
(Matt. 5:7) back, for they will experience the vengeance of God.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Perishing are those who are too distracted and divided to nurture
(Matt. 5:8) affection for God, for they will be shut out from his presence.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons Perishing are those who are always stirring up a conflict, for
of God. (Matt. 5:9) they shall be called sons of Satan.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' Perishing are those who persecute those who love Christ, for
sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:10) they will find their home in hell.
 32

Discussion Guide 6. It is the wisdom of Psalm 1—that God blesses

the righteous and punishes the wicked—that
Getting the Discussion Going Job’s friends embraced. How does understand-
1. Do you think most people today think that ing many of the statements of the Wisdom
there are good people and bad people? What Literature as observations on general patterns
would they say is the difference? of life rather than as blanket guarantees help us
with this tension?
Getting to the Heart of It If we take these statements of general patterns of life
2. The Wisdom Books replace our human wis- and assume they are promises or statements about how
dom with godly wisdom. After studying Psalm 1 life in this world always works, we will be frustrated
this week, how would you define and describe and disappointed. But when we recognize that they are
general patterns, and that the corruption and disor-
who is righteous and who is wicked?
der brought by the fall means that life does not always
Righteous: those who have embraced the covenant from work this way, it helps us to both accept it when life does
the heart. not work this way, as well as place our hope in God’s
Wicked: those who have rejected God’s covenant. redemption when all that has become disordered will
become ordered again.
3. What is the difference between someone who
7. How does an understanding of God’s justice
walks in the counsel of the wicked, stands in the
in the life to come (which the Old Testament
way of sinners, and sits in the seat of scoffers,
saints did not have in the fullness that we do,
and someone who is salt and light in the midst
because of further revelation we’ve been given
of a corrupt world?
in the New Testament) help us with our frus-
Both engage with the worldly. One is influenced and trations when we see the good suffer and the
shaped by the worldliness around him for evil, and the
wicked succeed?
other is an influencer and shaper of the world around
him for good. We can rest in knowing that while we cannot be guaran-
teed of seeing perfect justice accomplished in this world
4. What is the difference between someone who and in this life, it will be accomplished in eternity.
delights in the law of the Lord and someone who
8. Those who read Psalm 1 in Old Testament
does her daily duty of having devotions?
times had less light when they read it than we
The delighter comes to the Bible expecting to hear God
have. How do we read and understand it differ-
speak to her and is responsive to what God’s Word
ently because we read it through the lens of the
teaches. The dutiful person might read, study, and pray
for knowledge or for works righteousness, but does not finished work of Christ?
engage God’s Word with her life and takes no pleasure in We know the channel of this blessedness—Christ. We
God’s presence. know the one man who has lived this way and find rest
in being joined to him. We know that Jesus really does
5. Psalm 1 makes clear that everyone is either in know “the way of the righteous.” He has faced temp-
a state of blessing or perishing. How can a per- tation without sin and can sympathize with us in our
son know which state he or she is in? weakness.

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that

we are children of God” (Rom. 8:16). Our blessedness
or perishing depends not on what we deserve or how
we feel, but on our connection by faith through grace
to Christ.
 33

Getting Personal embrace God’s covenant from the heart, and the
9. The psalmist calls us to the blessedness of perishing of the wicked, who refuse God’s gra-
delighting in and meditating on God’s Word cious offer of mercy, describe the whole story-
day and night. Some of us struggle with that. line of the Bible?
Let’s talk for a moment very practically about In the garden, Adam and Eve knew God’s blessedness but
what this means. What practices or habits have sinned against it. But God promised an offspring who
helped you to do this? What has hindered you would put an end to wickedness. And all who will place
in developing an affection for God’s Word and a their faith in this Promised One will not perish, but will
enjoy God’s blessedness forever.
habit of consistent meditation on it?

Getting How It Fits into

the Big Picture
10. Throughout this study we are considering
how the particular book we are studying fits
into the larger story of God’s plan of redemption
and his written revelation. In what way does
the blessing of life given to the righteous, who
 Week 5:
The Royal Psalms

Personal Bible Study Book 1: Psalms 1 to 41: God established his

king in the world.
Book 2: Psalms 42 to 72: The world rebelled
It is a common misunderstanding that the idea against God as king.
of the kingdom of God was something intro- Book 3: Psalms 73 to 89: Even God’s king
rebelled against God as king.
duced by Jesus. Certainly there was a freshness
Book 4: Psalms 90 to 106: But God is
and an urgency about his announcement that still king.
“the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). Book 5: Psalms 107 to 150: God’s king
But Jesus was not putting a totally new con- will come.
cept before a bewildered audience. His Jewish
listeners knew very well that God is king. While many of the psalms were written by
Their Scriptures stated it often enough, and Israel’s King David during the time of his reign,
they sang words to that effect regularly from the book of Psalms was actually collected into
the Psalms in their synagogue worship. As we its current form much later, at a time when
study the kingship or royal psalms today, we there was no king on the throne in Israel. The
have the benefit of being able to read these sad reality of Israel’s history is that after several
psalms through the perspective of the ulti- centuries, the Davidic kingdom became corrupt.
mate king who came. So as we look at several Just two generations after David was installed
royal psalms, we’ll be looking for the ways in on the throne, the kingdom split into a northern
which Christ fulfilled what was written in the and a southern kingdom with David’s line ruling
Psalms about that king in his first coming and only over the southern kingdom. Two and a half
the ways in which he will fulfill them when he more centuries went by with kings coming and
comes again to reign forever on the renewed going in all kinds of cruelty, abuse of power, and
earth. idolatry. Eventually the leaders of the northern
Before we look at a handful of specific kingdom were carted off into captivity under
royal psalms, it would be helpful to take a step the Assyrian Empire. Another century and a half
back to see the structure of the Psalms as a went by, and, despite occasional times of revival
whole. Perhaps you’ve never seen any struc- and renewal, the southern kingdom fell to the
ture to the Psalms but have seen the book as a Babylonians who carried them off into exile.
randomly assembled collection of all different In time, some of the people came back.
kinds of psalms with different tones and per- They began to rebuild the temple that had been
spectives. But there is a shape to the Psalms, burned down, but the new one never compared
a sense of a storyline to its five books that is to the great temple built by Solomon, and there
closely related to the theme of kingship. A was no king reigning on Israel’s throne. It was
simple overview of the aspects of the story during this time that the Psalter was compiled
presented in each of the five books of Psalms into its current form. So the Psalms were a help-
could look like this: ful reminder of the past faithfulness of God’s
 35

promises to David and his line as well as a 4. What aspect of Psalm 2 do you see described
source of hope that God would, indeed, fulfill all in Revelation 2:27 that will be fulfilled at the
of the promises he made regarding a king to sit return of Christ?
on David’s throne forever. He will rule with a rod of iron that will break those who
Sprinkled in each of the five books of Psalms resist him.
are royal psalms related to the activities of the
king, such as coronation (Psalms 2, 110); a 5. What aspect of Psalm 2 do you see described
royal wedding (Psalm 45); issues related to war in Revelation 6:16–17 that will be fulfilled at
(Psalms 18, 20, 144); ruling in righteousness the return of Christ?
and justice (Psalms 72, 101); and the prom- The son’s anger is quickly kindled.
ises related to the Davidic covenant (Psalms 89,
132). Remembering that Jesus said that every- 6. What aspect of Psalm 2 do you see described
thing written about him in the Psalms must be in Revelation 19:15 that will be fulfilled at the
fulfilled (Luke 24:44), we realize that all of the return of Christ?
royal psalms speak not only of David and his He will come in wrath to rule as King of kings.
descendants but of David’s ultimate descendant
who sits on David’s throne. Read Psalm 45. This psalm was likely writ-
Psalm 2 is a psalm David wrote for his own ten for a particular historical royal wedding of
coronation, which was likely used at the coro- a Davidic king, perhaps Solomon. But difficulty
nation of future kings in the Davidic line. This comes in verses 6 and 7, where the king, who is
psalm is one of the most quoted or alluded to in a man, seems to be addressed as God (Elohim):
the New Testament. Consider how the follow-
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
ing New Testament passages help us to see that The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter
while this psalm was originally about David, ulti- of uprightness;
mately it is about the greater David, Jesus. Read you have loved righteousness and hated
wickedness.
Psalm 2 and then answer the questions below.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
1. According to Acts 4:24–28, who do the “kings with the oil of gladness beyond your
of the earth” who “gathered together against the companions. (Ps. 45:6–7)
Lord and against his Anointed” in Psalm 2 ulti-
7. According to Hebrews 1:6–7, who does the
mately refer to?
writer of Hebrews indicate this psalm is speak-
Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and
ing about?
the peoples of Israel who crucified Christ.
The Son, Jesus
2. According to Acts 13:32–34, who is the “Son”
in Psalm 2? 8. In what ways do you see a fulfillment of Psalm
45, especially verse 3 and 4, at the end of time as
Jesus
described in Revelation 19:6–16?
3. According to Romans 1:4, what event estab- The setting is a royal wedding, the marriage supper of
lished Jesus’s royal sonship as described in the Lamb. The picture then moves to a rider (Faithful
and True, King of kings) on a white horse who judges
Psalm 2 (as opposed to his divine sonship,
and makes war in righteousness. From his mouth
which is from eternity past)?
comes a sharp sword and he rides victoriously for the
The resurrection cause of truth.
 36

Psalm 72 is a prayer asking that God would by God in Solomon’s reign, it is also apparent that
bring about his rule on the earth through the the psalm is not ultimately fulfilled in Solomon.
reign of the king on David’s throne. It is likely that Christ is the fulfillment of the hopes and prayers
this psalm was composed by David for Solomon. of Psalm 72, as in him the petitions become real-
As a father, he is praying that the reign of his ity. But they must be understood in light of both
son will reflect the justice of God and the bless- his first and second comings.
ings that flow forth from such a righteous reign.
While some aspects of this prayer were answered

9. How do the following passages reveal how God answers the prayers of Psalm 72 in Christ?

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness John 5:30; Rom. 3:24–26
to the royal son! (Ps. 72:1) Jesus judged according to the Father’s judgment. The death
of Christ was to show God’s righteousness in providing him
as a propitiation for sin.

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people. Matt. 11:5
(Ps. 72:4) Jesus preached good news to the poor.

May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the Matt. 28:18–20
River to the ends of the earth!” (Ps. 72:8) Jesus told the disciples that “all authority in heaven and
earth has been given” to him and commanded the disciples
to go and make disciples of all nations.

In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, Rev. 21:22–27
till the moon be no more! (Ps. 72:7) When Christ returns and establishes the new heaven and
May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him” new earth, there will be no need of sun or moon because the
(Ps. 72:11). glory of God gives it light and its lamp is the Lamb. Kings of
May the whole earth be filled with his glory! (Ps. 72:19) the earth will bring their glory into it.

Psalm 110 deals with the role of the house 11. The idea that the risen and ascended Jesus
of David in the life of God’s people, but like other is seated at God’s right hand until his enemies
royal psalms, it goes well beyond the achieve- are his footstool, in fulfillment of Psalm 110:1,
is presented in numerous places throughout the
ments of any merely human heir of David and
New Testament. What do you think this kingly
thus looks forward to the Messiah. The central
image intends to communicate about the per-
theme of Psalm 110 is the Messiah’s warfare
son and work of Jesus?
against the enemies of God.
He will have complete victory over his enemies. This
10. In Matthew 22:41–46 and Mark 12:35–37 was accomplished on the cross but will be consummated
we find an account of Jesus quoting Psalm 110:1. when he comes again and destroys his enemies for good.

What is he trying to communicate through his

12. Psalm 110 is unique in that while we find
question about this psalm?
that the offices of priest and king in the Old
He was saying that one of his descendents was also his Testament point to Christ, this is one of the
superior, his Lord, which was a riddle that cannot be few places where we find that the Messiah will
solved apart from Christ who was David’s descendant as uniquely be both priest and king. Hebrews
the Son of Man, but also the Son of God. 5:5–10 brings Christ’s royal sonship and royal
 37

priesthood together. What does the writer of who offered up prayers on our behalf with loud cries and
Hebrews want us to know about Jesus as priest tears. He fully identified with us, feeling what we feel and
experiencing what we experience. His priesthood and
from these verses?
sacrifice provided not just momentary forgiveness of sin
His priesthood will not come from his human ancestry but eternal salvation from sin.
but divine appointment. He is a faithful, obedient priest

Discussion Guide 4. Sometimes we struggle when we read psalms

in which the psalmist calls down terrible curses
Getting the Discussion Going on his enemies. How does a deeper understand-
1. Let’s think out loud together about what it ing of the Davidic king being God’s representa-
would be like to live under a good king. What tive in the world help us to make sense of those
would he provide? How would he protect? What parts of the psalms?
would make a king and his kingdom truly good? We realize that Israel was a unique country living in a
unique time as God’s representatives on the earth. When
Getting to the Heart of It we realize that Israel’s enemies were God’s enemies, we
2. The Bible helps us understand the person do not have to be embarrassed thinking that the Bible
condones the worst kind of bigotry, racism, or genocide.
and nature of God by revealing his names, his
We realize that Israel was carrying out the judgment of
deeds, his character traits, and his roles such as God against his enemies.
father, judge, and shepherd. In the Psalms his
role as king comes starkly into view. What do 5. How is asking God to accomplish the justice
we uniquely come to understand and appreci- he has promised different from exacting revenge
ate about God when we see that he is the king or nurturing vindictiveness?
who reigns? God’s justice is perfect and when we ask him to accom-
We see that he is in charge of this world and all that is in plish justice, we are asking him to do what is right. But
it and we are subject to him. He is a good king and can because even our righteous anger is infused with sinful
be trusted to reign over us with righteousness and love. motives, we cannot justly execute judgment on others.
God commands us to entrust that to him and to pursue
3. Did you notice in Psalm 2 that the “kings of forgiveness.
the earth” take their stand against the Lord and
6. Let’s take a minute to look back at our work in
against his Anointed? Clearly, to oppose God
the Personal Bible Study, in which we saw how
is to oppose his Anointed, and to oppose his
God fulfilled his promises regarding the Davidic
Anointed is to oppose God. Jesus said, “Whoever
king through Christ. Looking back over your
hates me hates my Father also” (John 15:23).
study, which connection between a royal psalm
What does this mean for many people today who
and its fulfillment in Jesus was especially inter-
say they are interested in God or believe in God,
esting or meaningful to you?
but are not so sure about Jesus?
7. At Pentecost, when Peter preached, “Let all the
We simply cannot love God and reject Jesus. They are one
in three persons. If someone says they love God but reject house of Israel therefore know for certain that
Christ, it is not the God of the Bible they love but a God God has made him both Lord and Christ, this
they have created. Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36), Luke
 38

records that the people were “cut to the heart, Getting How It Fits into
and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, the Big Picture
‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (v. 37). Later in 9. Throughout this study we are considering
Romans 10:9 Paul writes, “If you confess with how the particular book we are studying fits into
your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in the larger story of God’s plan of redemption and
your heart that God raised him from the dead, his written revelation. Why was it important to
you will be saved.” In the modern evangelical the Gospel writers to make clear that Jesus was a
church, we oftentimes focus on Jesus as savior descendant of David?
without emphasizing his lordship, with some God made a covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), that one
going so far as to say that you can receive Jesus as of David’s descendants would sit on David’s throne—that
savior but not as lord. How do you think Peter or he would be the Messiah.
Paul might have responded to that suggestion?
They would not have been able to understand making
such a distinction, as it would require dissecting the per-
son and purposes of Christ in a way that is impossible.
We do not have the liberty to determine who he will be.
He is Lord, and he is the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Getting Personal
8. As we’ve studied the royal psalms this week,
we’ve considered the appropriate response to
the truth “the Lord reigns,” which is submission
to his authority. What assumptions or misper-
ceptions about submitting to King Jesus keep us
from freely submitting to him?
 Week 6:
Repentance in the Psalms

Personal Bible Study Iniquity: perversion; twisting of what is right; goes to the
character that lies behind the fault; inward corruption

There are a number of psalms that are called Sin: falling short or missing the mark of God’s perfection
penitential psalms, which provide us with
4. David also uses three terms or images in
words and direction for confessing sin, seek-
Psalm 51:1–2 to describe what he wants God to
ing forgiveness, asking for a fresh start, and cel-
ebrating the forgiveness of God (Psalms 6; 25; do in regard to his sin. What are they, and what
32; 38; 51; 130; 143). do you think they mean?

1. We’ll begin by examining Psalm 51, which Blot out: to completely erase, as in removing writing from
begins with the notation “A Psalm of David, a book or removing an indictment in legal proceedings

when Nathan the prophet went to him, after Wash: to be scrubbed until clean, to get the engrained
he had gone in to Bathsheba.” Explain briefly sin out
from memory, or from reading 2 Samuel Cleanse: ceremonial purity, which allows one to approach
11:1–12:15, what incident this notation is God
referring to.
5. In Psalm 51:3–6, what does David say that he
David saw Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop and sent
for her and he slept with her. She became pregnant knows about himself and about God?
and so he brought Uriah, her husband, home from  About himself: He knows his transgressions, that
the battlefront hoping they would sleep together and he has been a sinner since birth. He also knows he
Uriah would think it was his child. But Uriah didn’t go can learn wisdom to keep from sinning.
home to Bathsheba and so David gave orders for him
 About God: He knows that God is the one he has
to be sent into a battle situation in which he would
sinned against, and God would be right to judge
certainly die.
him. He knows that God delights in integrity and
can give him the wisdom he needs to be right with
2. According to Psalm 51:1, what does David God on the inside.
know about God that gave him the courage to cry
out to him for forgiveness? 6. In Psalm 51:7 David asks God, “Purge me
God has abundant mercy and steadfast love for his cov- with hyssop and I will be clean.” Read Exodus
enant people. 12:21–23 and Hebrews 9:18–20. How does this
help us understand what David is asking for?
3. In Psalm 51:1–2 David uses three words to
Hyssop was used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb
describe his sin. What are they, and what do
on the doorposts. This is the cleansing provided by an
they each mean? (A dictionary or Bible diction-
innocent substitute. Hyssop was also used by Moses to
ary might be helpful.)
sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice when the people entered
Transgressions: crossing a forbidden boundary in rebellion into God’s covenant at Sinai.
 40

7. In addition to the request that God purge him 11. Using vivid imagery, David describes in Psalm
with hyssop, David asks God to do a number of 32:3–4 what it felt like before he confessed his
other things in Psalm 51:8–12. Write a few sen- sin. What was it like?
tences putting David’s requests in your own words. He was miserable, feeling the effects of his sin physically
Let me feel joy again. Look away from the filthiness of my and emotionally.
sin and create in me a new heart that is not polluted by
sin. Give me the want-to to stop sinning. Keep me close 12. According to Psalm 32:5, what was the
to you and restore in me that sense of knowing I belong breakthrough for David?
to you and you are at work in me.
He acknowledged and confessed his sin and was forgiven.

8. In Psalm 51:13–15 David expresses what he

13. Think back over the past week, or month, or
wants to do instead of sin. What is it?
even year. What specific sins can you remember
He wants to teach other people about the ways of God, confessing to God and asking him to wash them
calling them to repentance and praise.
away from your life? (If, for privacy concerns,
you do not want to write these in this book, find
9. How might Psalm 32 be a fulfillment of the
a piece of paper to write them on. But don’t avoid
desire David expressed in Psalm 51:13–15?
this important exercise.)
David tells about his experience of sin and forgiveness
and calls people to go to God for deliverance, instruction, 14. If you have a hard time thinking of any of
and forgiveness. your specific sins, what do think is needed in
your life to enjoy the blessedness that this psalm
10. In Psalm 32:1–2, what does David say makes promises?
a person truly happy and deeply satisfied?
Having sin forgiven and being made right with God, with
nothing to hide.

Discussion Guide for mercy from God “according to your steadfast

love.” What difference does God’s covenant com-
Getting the Discussion Going mitment make when we sin?
1. Do you think most people in the world today We can know that our sin will not annul the covenant
see themselves as evil people who occasionally relationship we have with God through Christ, because
do bad things or as good people who occasion- Christ has taken on the curse of covenant disobedience
in our place. The covenant means that God’s mercy will
ally do evil things?
always triumph over our sin.

Getting to the Heart of It 3. David uses three words to describe his sin:
2. Throughout the Psalms, “the psalmists speak transgression, iniquity, and sin. What did you
out of the context of covenant. They speak to learn about those three words in your Personal
God and about God on the basis of being in a Bible Study?
covenant relationship with him.”8 This is clear 4. Can you think of ways we label specific sins
in the first verse of Psalm 51, when David asks that make them seem less like sin?
 41

We call them “issues,” “habits,” “tendencies,” “struggles,” Getting Personal

“mistakes,” “problems,” or “addictions.” We lessen them
8. In the Personal Bible Study you were asked
by calling lying “fibbing,” or rebellion “fooling around,”
what specific sins you have confessed to God in
or idolatry “interest.”
the last week, or month, or year. Sometimes, if
5. David asks God to “restore to me the joy of we’re honest, we have a hard time coming up
your salvation.” What is he really asking for, and with sins to confess and a hard time working
why do you think he asks for it? up any genuine sorrow over them. Has that ever
been your experience? And if so, why do you
It is not his salvation that David had lost but the joy of it.
As long as he was living in sin he had no joy; his fellow-
think that is?
ship with God was broken. He longs for the real and inti-
mate relationship with God, which brought him so much Getting How It Fits into
joy, to be restored. the Big Picture
9. Throughout this study we are considering
6. When David says to God, “For you will not how the particular book we are studying fits
delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will into the larger story of God’s plan of redemp-
not be pleased with a burnt offering” (Ps. 51:16), tion and his written revelation. How is the ques-
he is not saying that God rejects the sacrificial tion of how God will be both just and merciful
system he established but rather that going answered only through Christ?
through the motions of offering sacrifices is
If God were only just, we would have to die for our sin.
no substitute for genuine faith and repentance.
If God were only merciful, we would have no hope that
How would you describe true repentance? Is it a evil would come to an end in this world. But God is both
feeling, an action, or a decision? Is it an event or perfectly just and perfectly merciful. He executed the jus-
a lifestyle? How do we know repentance is real? tice we deserve on an innocent substitute—Christ—and
through Christ we receive mercy that we do not deserve.
Repentance is to turn away from sin and toward Christ.
It is a change of heart, mind, and direction that is a result
of the Spirit’s work. Sorrow over sin is certainly a part of
it, but not the definition of it. The evidence that sorrow
over sin has led to genuine repentance is the forsaking of
sin and pursuing holiness.

7. We tend to think of things that are broken as

useless. But David says that God desires a bro-
ken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. What
kind of brokenness do you think God desires
and why does he desire it?
What God requires in regenerate people is a yielded spirit
which will express itself in willing obedience.
 Week 7:
The Suffering and Glory
of Messiah in the Psalms
Personal Bible Study God is holy and trustworthy. He has provided deliverance
to his people in the past and surely will again.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared 3. Not only does this sufferer feel abandoned
to two disciples on the road to Emmaus who
by God, but also he feels tormented by his ene-
were terribly sad because the one they had
mies. Explain how he is tormented, according to
thought was the Messiah had been crucified,
Psalm 22:6–8.
causing them to conclude that he was not the
one they had been waiting for. Jesus then said He is scorned, despised, and mocked. They are mock-
ing his trust in his God who apparently is not providing
to them: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to
deliverance.
believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was
it not necessary that the Christ should suffer
4. Once again, the psalmist comes back around
these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke
to hope. What, according to Psalm 22:9–11, is
24:25–26). Jesus was saying that if these dis-
the basis of his hope?
ciples really understood and believed what
they had read in the Old Testament, they would He is trusting the God who has been his God his whole life.
have known that the Messiah would suffer
5. In Psalm 22:12–18 the psalmist describes his
significantly and emerge from that suffering
enemies and his suffering using both figurative
triumphantly.
as well as literal ways of expressing his experi-
1. One of the passages that should have finally
ence. What is the nature and activity of his ene-
made sense to them after the crucifixion and
mies, according to these verses?
resurrection of Christ was Psalm 22. In this
psalm David describes his own experience They are like wild animals clawing and biting him, abus-
of suffering and deliverance, but he was also ing him, attacking him, and gloating over him.
clearly writing as a prophet, inspired by the
6. What six details does the psalmist give in
Holy Spirit, having been given the ability to see
Psalm 22:14–18 about the physical impact of
into the suffering of one of his descendants,
Jesus, whose suffering would far surpass his his suffering?
own. 1. What is the lament or cry of the psalm- Bones are out of joint, heart is melted like wax, has no
ist in Psalm 22:1–2? strength, tongue sticks to his jaws, pierced hands and
feet, bones sticking out
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Why
are you so far from saving me, from the words of my
7. According to Psalm 22:19–21, what does to
groaning?”
psalmist want and receive?
2. After the psalmist expresses his lament, he He wants God to come quickly and deliver him from
expresses hope for deliverance. What is the the cruel abuse of his enemies. And in verse 21, he is
basis of that hope, according to Psalm 22:3–5? rescued.
 43

8. What similarities do you see in the psalmist’s v. 29–before him shall bow all who go down to the dust
experience described in Psalm 22:1–21 to that v. 30–posterity shall serve him
of Jesus when he was crucified?
v. 30–it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation
God turned away from him.
v. 31–they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to
He was taunted by those crucifying him saying that his a people yet unborn, that he has done it
God was not saving him.

He was physically weakened by lack of sleep, beating, 11. Why, according to Psalm 22:28, is the
and abuse. psalmist confident that these things will occur?
His bones were likely out of joint from hanging on the The Lord is king and rules over all. He is sovereign.
cross.
12. Jesus told the disciples that “everything
He was thirsty.
written about me in the Law of Moses and the
His hands and feet were pierced. Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled”
The soldiers cast lots for his garments. (Luke 24:44), and then he trained them how
He was not abandoned for good, but was raised from to read and understand the familiar books of
the dead. the Old Testament in light of his fulfillment.
Later, the Gospel writers were careful to show
9. In the first half of Psalm 22 the psalmist cries how Christ did, in fact, fulfill what was written
out in complaint, but in verses 22–25, he cries in the Old Testament. Sometimes they offered
out in another way. What is the nature of his cry commentary, pointing out when Jesus said or
in these latter verses? did something to fulfill what was written in the
He is crying out in praise and celebration of being deliv- Old Testament. Other times they were careful to
ered by God. quote Jesus when Jesus himself said that he was
a fulfillment of something written in the Old
10. Psalm 22:1–21 is a lonely cry of an individ- Testament.
ual. In Psalm 22:22–31 the psalmist no longer Let’s look specifically at instances in which
wants to sing alone but invites “the congrega- Jesus himself quoted or referenced a psalm,
tion” to sing along with him in praise to God and saying that it was about him or his experience
celebration of his salvation. List several things (remembering that there are numerous addi-
the psalmist says will happen because God has tional instances when the New Testament writ-
delivered him from death. ers connect Jesus to various Psalms). Read the
v. 26–the afflicted shall eat and be satisfied psalm quote in the first column below, and
then read the passage in the second column,
v. 26–those who seek him shall praise the Lord
noting briefly the setting or situation in which
v. 27–all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn
Jesus made clear that he is the one his hearers
to the Lord
had been singing about all their lives when they
v. 27–all the families of the nations shall worship before sang that psalm.
God

v. 29–all the prosperous of the earth eat and worship

 44

“Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have estab- Matt. 21:15–16
lished strength because of your foes.” (Ps. 8:2) The children were crying out to Jesus in the temple,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the Matt. 21:33–42
cornerstone.” (Ps. 118:22) Jesus was telling a parable about the tenants who killed the
son of the master, and Jesus used this verse to show that he
was that rejected son.

“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I Matt. 22:41–45
make your enemies your footstool.’” (Ps. 110:1) Jesus was presenting a riddle to the Pharisees challenging
them to explain why David could call his descendant “Lord.”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Matt. 23:39

(Ps. 118:26) In the temple, Jesus said that he would not be seen again
in the temple until they say these words from Psalm 118,
suggesting that he is the one who comes in the name of the
Lord.

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my John 13:18

bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Ps. 41:9) Jesus quoted the second half of this verse in the upper room
where Judas shared his bread.

“Those who hate me without cause.” (Pss. 35:19; 69:4) John 15:25
Jesus told the disciples, as he prepared to go to the cross,
that he is the one hated without cause.

“Appoint a wicked man against him. . . . May his days be John 17:12
few; may another take his office.” (Ps. 109:6, 8) Judas fulfills this Psalm as the wicked man who set himself
against Christ, whose office of disciple was filled by another
after his betrayal of Christ.

“They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they John 19:28–29
gave me sour wine to drink.” (Ps. 69:21) Jesus was given sour wine to drink for his thirst while on the
cross.

“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed Luke 23:46
me, O Lord, faithful God.” (Ps. 31:5) Jesus spoke these words as he died.

Discussion Guide Getting to the Heart of It

2. Psalm 22 opens with the familiar words that
Getting the Discussion Going we recognize as Christ’s cry from the cross, “My
1. Did you happen to notice the note to the
God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” We
choirmaster in the heading of Psalm 22? It says:
know, of course, that Jesus knew the answer to
“According to The Doe of the Dawn.” No one
this question. What would you say is the answer
really knows for sure what this refers to, though
to the question, and since Jesus knew this, why
it may be the name of a tune known by the choir-
master. If that is the case, what do you think this do you think he broke his silence on the cross to
tune must have sounded like? Can you think of utter these words?
any song with an appropriate tune for singing There are lots of good possible answers to this question.
these words? Some might be: so we would know that Jesus understands
 45

what it feels like to feel abandoned by God; so that we suffering of the cross, described in the first half
would realize that we will never be abandoned because he of the psalm, to the glorious and victorious gath-
experienced this; or, simply because this psalm reflected
ering described in the second half. How would
his agony of soul.
this help us to understand “the joy that was set
3. We know that while God had to turn away before him” that enabled him to “[endure] the
when Jesus became sin in our place, he did not cross, despising the shame” that we read about
abandon Christ completely or permanently. in Hebrews 12:2?
How do we know this? Jesus understood that his suffering would give way to
victory. His suffering would be real but so would his
On the cross Jesus quoted another psalm: “Father, into
deliverance from death and his ultimate victory shared
your hands I commit my spirit.” So he entrusted himself
with all of God’s people.
to God in death.

4. How would you explain to someone how Getting Personal

this psalm, written one thousand years before 7. In the Teaching Chapter we read that although
Christ, can be about David’s experience but more we tend to make ourselves the main character
profoundly about Christ’s experience? of the Psalms and our experiences and needs
This is evidence of both the sovereignty of God over his-
the primary plot, Psalms, along with the rest
tory as well as the inspiration of Scripture. David may of the Bible, are supremely about God’s work of
not have understood clearly all that he was writing redemption through Jesus Christ. Do you have
about, but the divine Author of Scripture did. a favorite psalm that has meant a great deal to
you? Would you read some of it for us and tell us
5. How do the two parts of this psalm make it what difference it makes to read it while think-
an excellent example of what Jesus meant when ing of it as a song Jesus sings with you, as a song
he told his followers on the road to Emmaus you sing to him, or as a song about him?
that if they had understood what the proph-
ets had written, they would have known it was
Getting How It Fits Into the Big Picture
necessary for the Christ to suffer and enter into
8. Throughout this study we have been consid-
his glory?
ering how what we are studying fits into the
If they had recognized the voice of the suffering Messiah larger story of God’s plan of redemption and his
in the first half of this psalm, they would also anticipate
written revelation. How do Psalm 22 and other
the victory of the Messiah from the second half of the
psalms that prophesy about the death and res-
psalm. It puts both on display.
urrection of Christ increase our confidence that
6. We know that Jesus was meditating on God is working out his plan of redemption and
Psalm 22 on the cross, because he uttered its can be trusted to bring it to completion in the
opening and final words. In antiquity, since consummation?
there were no chapter numbers, verses, or even As we see these psalms written hundreds of years
titles of books to refer to or quote from in the before his birth fulfilled in the life and death of Christ,
Psalms, the first line was generally used to it increases our confidence that the victorious aspects
refer to the whole poem. So we could think of of these psalms yet to be fulfilled—his forever ruling
and reigning as king—will be fulfilled just as the pas-
Jesus hanging on the cross and saying, “Psalm
sages about his suffering, death, and resurrection have
22 is what is happening here,” which would been fulfilled.
include both the first and the second half of the
psalm. Surely Jesus was meditating beyond the
 Week 8:
Proverbs

Personal Bible Study 2. Throughout Proverbs is the repeated phrase

“the fear of the Lord.” What do you think that
1. What are several purposes for the book of means?
Proverbs that you find in Proverbs 1:2–6? To fear the Lord is to respond to him in reverential awe
and glad obedience.
1:2a–to know wisdom and instruction

1:2b–to understand words of insight 3. How does one grow in the fear of the Lord,
1:3–to receive instruction in wise dealing according to Proverbs 2:1–8?
1:4–to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and dis- We grow in the fear of the Lord as we receive God’s
cretion to the youth Word and treasure his commands, inclining our heart
1:5–the wise hear and increase in learning, obtain to understanding, calling out for insight. The more we
guidance understand and treasure God’s Word, the greater our rev-
erence for God becomes.
1:6–understand a proverb and a saying, the words of
the wise
4. One of the most pervasive metaphors of the
first nine chapters of Proverbs is derek, the
Biblical wisdom essentially involves skill in
Hebrew term variously translated as “way,”
the art of godly living. It applies God’s principles
to the whole of ordinary life including relation- “path,” or “road.” Skim through Proverbs 2, 3,
ships, the home, work, justice, decisions, atti- and 4. How would you summarize the main
tudes, reactions—everything a person says and point the writer of Proverbs reiterates about the
even thinks. The wisdom taught in Proverbs is “path” or “paths”?
God-centered through and through, teaching There are two paths—one that leads us to God and life,
shrewd and sound handling of one’s affairs in and the other that leads to wickedness and death. We
God’s world, in submission to God’s will. must be diligent to choose the path of righteousness that
Throughout the Old Testament we read leads to life.
about the history of God’s people. But the book
5. In addition to this metaphor of two paths, we
of Proverbs doesn’t give us any sense of history
except that it is anchored in history. These are also find wisdom and folly personified as Madam
“the proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Folly (2:16–19; 5:1–14; 6:20–35) and Dame
Israel” (Prov. 1:1). So obviously we know that Wisdom (1:20–33; 3:13–18; 4:5–9; 8:1–36), or
while there is certainly wisdom here that will both (7:1–4, 5–27; 9:1–6, 13–18). These chap-
work to some degree for those outside of God’s ters are all addressed to a son from a father, and
covenant, this is wisdom that is anchored in certainly a father wants to teach his son about
God and his covenant people. This vital relation- the kind of woman to pursue and the kind of
ship as a foundation for the wisdom in the book woman to avoid. According to Proverbs 9, what
of Proverbs is repeated throughout the book. are these women like and what do they offer?
 47

Wisdom invites all to come to her for insight and under- One who is wise is cautious and turns away
standing and therefore live. from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
Folly seduces and knows nothing but calls those who pass A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
by to come to her, but those who do only find death. and a man of evil devices is hated.
(Prov. 14:16–17)
6. Proverbs speaks of five basic character types:
The wise of heart will receive
the simple, the fool, the sluggard, the scoffer, commandments,
and the wise. Note several things you learn but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
about each of these character types from the fol- (Prov. 10:8)

lowing verses, looking especially for (1) where  Where foolishness comes from: it comes natu-
this character comes from; (2) the consequences rally to us; we are born foolish
in this way of life; and (3) the way this character  Consequences: will come to ruin
 How to change: receive discipline with humility;
can be changed. turn away from evil; receive the commandments
of God
The Simple (Naïve)
The simple believes everything, The Sluggard
but the prudent gives thought to his steps. The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
(Prov. 14:15) he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
(Prov. 20:4)
For the simple are killed by their
turning away, How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
and the complacency of fools destroys When will you arise from your sleep?
them. (Prov. 1:32) A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a
The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
robber,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
and want like an armed man.
(Prov. 22:3)
(Prov. 6:9–11)

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”  Where laziness comes from: refusing to work or
To him who lacks sense she says, to get out of bed
“Come, eat of my bread  Consequences: poverty
and drink of the wine I have mixed.  How to change: get up, go to work!
Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.” The Scoffer
(Prov. 9:4–6)
A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
 Where being simple comes from: believing
(Prov. 13:1)
everything without thinking; turning away from
God; going after danger; complacency Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
 Consequences: suffering and death; being and quarreling and abuse will cease.
destroyed (Prov. 22:10)
 How to change: turn to wisdom and feed upon it
Toward the scorners he is scornful,
The Fool but to the humble he gives favor.
(Prov. 3:34)
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far  Where scoffing comes from: refusing to listen to
from him. (Prov. 22:15) his father’s instructions or rebuke
 48

 Consequences: strife; scorn from God that attempts to convince you to read the book by
 How to change: listen to instruction and rebuke; explaining why wisdom is so valuable. The rest of
humble yourself before God
the book—chapters 10 through 31—are collec-
The Wise tions of various wise sayings called “proverbs.”
What is a proverb? A proverb is a short, clear,
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and memorable statement of truth learned through
understanding; the distillation of extended human experience;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; for example, “Absence makes the heart grow
he is a shield to those who walk in
integrity,
fonder” or “Honesty is the best policy.”
guarding the paths of justice But biblical wisdom steps quite beyond
and watching over the way of his saints. the bounds of practical observations about the
(Prov. 2:6–8) world to make clear statements of faith. A bibli-
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof cal proverb is a little model of reality, a short ver-
will dwell among the wise. bal representation of some aspect of our daily
Whoever ignores instruction despises lives lived in the fear of the Lord. By picking up a
himself,
proverb and turning it over and over and looking
but he who listens to reproof gains
intelligence. at it from all angles, we can see something about
The fear of the Lord is instruction in the reality of how life works in this world.
wisdom, The short, pithy statements of Proverbs are
and humility comes before honor.
not always clear to people and are often misun-
(Prov. 15:31–33)
derstood and misused. To rightly understand
Get wisdom; get insight; and apply Proverbs we need to remember sev-
do not forget, and do not turn away from eral things.
the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; We need to remember that the proverbs
love her, and she will guard you. are not promises. They are generalizations and
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get observations, not automatic rules. They are ten-
wisdom,
dencies, not guarantees. (One proverb that is
and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; often assumed to be a promise is Proverbs 22:6.)
she will honor you if you embrace her. Proverbs are general statements, not iron-clad
She will place on your head a graceful certainties, and may not apply in all circum-
garland;
stances. They are not universally or absolutely
she will bestow on you a beautiful
crown. (Prov. 4:5–9) true. They do, however, offer practical guidance
for making wise decisions and living godly lives.
 Where wisdom comes from: the Lord gives Proverbs often have to do with consequences.
wisdom
 Consequences: God is a shield; he watches over
Do this, and this will follow. Act wisely and
the saints; he keeps you, guards you, exalts you, rightly, and you will be rewarded. Act wick-
honors you, bestows on you a beautiful crown edly and foolishly ignore God, and you will face
 How to get more wisdom: listen to reproof; dwell
disaster. That is the way God has made the uni-
among the wise; fear the Lord; do not turn away
from God’s Word verse. Yet because of the fall, the order of the
world has been corrupted. The book of Proverbs
Proverbs itself is basically divided into two sets us up to look for someone to sort out the
parts. The first nine chapters work like a preface disorder of the world. We want someone who
 49

will put things right and usher in a new order, help but see echoes of who he is and what he has
which is one way Proverbs points us to Christ. done, in the words of Proverbs 8. And when we
In Proverbs 8 the writer uses a metaphor compare Proverbs 8 with passages about Christ
of a woman named Wisdom to teach about in the New Testament, the connection becomes
the nature of God’s wisdom. And while this
unavoidable.
Woman Wisdom is not a preincarnate form of
the second person of the Trinity, we do know 7. Compare the wisdom personified in Proverbs 8
that Jesus is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. with the Word made flesh in the New Testa­ment
Because we know that Jesus said that the whole and write a statement about Jesus in the second
of the Old Testament is about him, we cannot column.

“I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have 1 Cor. 1:30
strength.” (Prov. 8:14) Jesus is wisdom from God.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me dili- Matt. 7:7
gently find me.” (Prov. 8:17) Jesus is given to all who seek him.

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work.” Col. 1:16–17

(Prov. 8:22) All things were created by Jesus and through Jesus.

“Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning John 1:1
of the earth.” (Prov. 8:23) Jesus, the Word made flesh, existed as God, with God, before
the world was made.

“When he established the heavens, I was there; when he John 1:1, 3

drew a circle on the face of the deep . . . ” (Prov. 8:27) All things were made through Jesus.

“I was beside him, like a master workman.” (Prov. 8:30) Heb. 1:2
It was through Jesus that God created the world.

“I was daily his delight.” (Prov. 8:30) Luke 3:22; 17:24

Jesus is the Son in whom God is well pleased.

“Blessed are those who keep my ways.” (Prov. 8:32) John 15:10
Those who keep Jesus’s commandments abide in his love.

“Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the 1 John 5:12
Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who Whoever has Jesus finds life and whoever does not have
hate me love death.” (Prov. 8:35–36) Jesus does not have life.

Discussion Guide Getting to the Heart of It

2. Think of someone you know whom you think
Getting the Discussion Going of as a wise person. What is it about that person
1. What makes the proverbs effective is that they
that causes you to think of him or her as wise?
are short and easy to remember. Can you recall
a proverb from the book of Proverbs or at least 3. How do you think a person becomes wise or
the gist of it? increases in wisdom? Is it something a person
 50

can pursue or develop, or is it simply a matter of supreme wisdom to provide a way for sinful people to be
personality type or disposition? accepted by a holy God and live together forever.

Becoming wise comes from increasing in the knowledge

and fear of the Lord through listening and responding to Getting Personal
his Word, walking in his ways, obeying his commands, 9. Throughout Proverbs we’ve seen that, to be
prayer, and abiding in Christ.
wise, a person needs to receive instruction and
learn. So teachability is an important quality of
4. The Old Testament speaks of the fear of the
a wise person. Do you think you are a teachable
Lord as the beginning of wisdom. How would
person? Would those closest to you describe you
you put that in New Testament terms? What
as teachable? Why or why not?
would you say is the beginning of wisdom now
that we know the triune God in a fuller way? 10. Many of us live with lingering regret over
foolish things we have done or failed to do, and
To fear the Lord is to embrace the gospel of Christ: Christ’s
righteous life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection so we are grateful for the healing, forgiving,
as our substitute. restoring grace of Jesus Christ. What difference
does it make, or could it make, to truly grasp
5. Proverbs is full of insight on how to use what it means that Christ has become your wis-
money, how to deal with people, and how to be dom as you are united to him?
successful in this life. Is this insight of benefit to Just as Christ has transferred to me his own perfect righ-
those who do not fear the Lord? teousness so that I will not be damned for my sin, so has
he transferred to me his own perfect wisdom so that my
Yes, but not of saving benefit. It is actually a curse, not
foolish ways will not determine my standing with God or
a blessing to pursue this way of living apart from Christ,
my future with him. It also means that the Spirit is work-
outside of his covenant.
ing in me to transform my foolishness into godly wisdom.

6. After studying Proverbs, how would you

respond to someone who insists that all paths Getting How It Fits into
lead to God as long as one is sincere? the Big Picture
Proverbs makes it clear that there are only two paths— 11. In the beginning of the Bible we witness a
one that leads to God and life and the other that leads to perfectly ordered universe where actions had
death. A person can be sincere and very wrong. predictable consequences. That order was dis-
rupted, yet not completely destroyed when
7. Is it possible to be wise and yet reject Christ? sin entered into the world. And while Christ
It may be possible to have a measure of worldly “wis- has accomplished what is necessary for per-
dom,” but if true wisdom is Jesus Christ crucified, it is fect order to be reestablished, all will not be set
impossible to reject him and be wise. completely right until Christ returns and the old
order passes away for good. Proverbs helps us to
8. Many people in our world today can make no
see that there is still some order in the world we
sense of belief in a god who was publically exe- are living in. How does Proverbs also help us as
cuted. Certainly the Greeks of Paul’s day saw it people who are living in this in-between time as
as utter foolishness. Yet Paul describes the cru- we wait for perfect order to be restored?
cifixion of Christ as the power and wisdom of
Proverbs gives naturally foolish people godly wisdom for
God. What do you think that means?
living in a world that has been wrecked and disordered
Christ crucified is God’s plan from before the creation of by sin. It points out the way to God to people who would
the world that has shaped all of life and history. It is his foolishly pursue destruction apart from God’s saving call.
 Week 9:
Ecclesiastes

Personal Bible Study 3. Read the introduction to Ecclesiastes in

1:2–11. Think about the images used and the
questions asked. How would you summarize the
Do you have questions about how life in this
preacher’s assumptions about life?
world works, quandaries about some of its
unfair agonies as well as its unexpected joys? So None of it really matters. It doesn’t last. Nothing changes.

did the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes, and

4. Read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and 3:16–4:16. List
through this book, he invites us into his ques-
five or more things the preacher determines are
tions as well as a few of his conclusions. This
“vanity.”
book is not easily understood. Nor is it a book
Work, pleasure, wine, houses, vineyards, possessions,
from which we can pluck out a verse or two and
living wisely, justice, oppression, envy, accomplishment
attempt to hang our whole theology on it. But
certainly the key way to approach this book is 5. Many interpreters say that the repeated
to seek to understand its purpose and its place phrase “under the sun” means a life apart from
within the wisdom books of the Old Testament. relationship with God. Yet several passages
To do that, we have to go back to the very begin- talk about life “under the sun” in relationship
ning of things. with God (Eccles. 5:13–20; 8:14–15; 9:9).
What conclusions do you come to about what
1. When God created everything in the begin-
the writer is referring to when he talks about
ning, it was “very good” (Gen. 1:31). But when
“under the sun” in Ecclesiastes 1:14–15; 3:16;
Adam and Eve fell from the perfect state in
6:12; and 9:3–6?
which they were created, everything changed.
In one sense God is assumed in the writings of the Old
Fulfillment changed to futility. What signs of
Testament. All of life was considered in light of him. Yet
fulfillment becoming futility do you find in the writer in these passages doesn’t seem to take him or
Genesis 3:14–19? his promises into account. He seems to, perhaps, be writ-
ing about life lived in this world under a curse with no
There will now be a need for a redeemer who will have to
understanding of a personal God and no expectation of a
do battle with Satan. Childbearing will become painful
God who will one day make things right again.
and marriage will become difficult. Work will become a
burden, the creation will become cursed, and life will end
6. The New Testament also speaks to life in this
in death.
world “under the sun.” What is its estimation of
2. In Ecclesiastes 1:2 and, in fact, thirty-eight it according to these verses?

times throughout the book, the author will  Matthew 6:19–20: This earth is not the place to
describe all of life as “vanity.” What does vanity lay up treasure because moth and rust destroy it,
mean? (You may want to use a dictionary.) and thieves steal it, but there is a place beyond
this earth—heaven—where there is security and
Futile, temporary, unsubstantial, meaningless significance.
 52

 1 Timothy 4:8: Godliness matters now in this 10. Is the answer in Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 a sat-
present life as well as in the life to come. isfying or unsatisfying ending to this book for
 1 Timothy 6:7: Godliness with contentment is not
vanity. It is “great gain.” you? Why?

11. One way we see Christ in the Old Testament

7. In Ecclesiastes 12:9–14 an editor or narrator is that the Old Testament raises questions that
makes some concluding comments about what can be answered only in Jesus Christ. And
“the Preacher” has said throughout the book
clearly Ecclesiastes raises plenty of questions:
of Ecclesiastes. Put into your own words what
Does life in this world have any real meaning?
you think he is trying to express to “my son,”
Is there anything worth working toward in this
the one to whom he appears to be speaking in
life? Anything worth knowing? Any truth worthy
verses 9–12.
of being believed? Is there anything I can be sure
The Preacher had wisdom and knowledge to offer and of about life except death?
wrote words of truth that come from God. His words have
Of course, we have revelation that the writer
the power to poke and prod. But they don’t answer all of
of Ecclesiastes did not have—the entire New
our questions or address all of our needs. They are lim-
ited. We need more than this wisdom, a greater wisdom Testament, which reveals the person and work
that will come in Jesus Christ. of Christ. The obvious need of man for whom
“everything is futility” (under the sun) is an
8. The narrator’s final conclusion is to “fear God existence not under the sun. How is this pos-
and keep his commandments” (Eccles. 12:13). sible and what do we learn about it from these
Considering the content and struggle of Eccle­ verses in the New Testament?
siastes, how is this a necessary resolution and a
 Romans 5:12, 17: While death and seeming futil-
fitting conclusion? ity is the reality of this world we live in because of
To fear God is to take God seriously, to acknowledge him sin, Jesus has broken that power and gives life.
in our lives as the highest good, to revere him, to honor  Romans 8:20–23: The futility of life in this
and worship him, and to center our lives on him. Only world as it is now will come to an end when Christ
returns and renews all of creation.
in fearing God can we find a clear and true perspective
 1 Corinthians 15:17–19, 58: The resurrection is
that gives meaning to life lived in this confusing, broken
what assures us that trusting Christ assures us life
world. We cannot find meaning in this life apart from
beyond this life under the sun. The hope we find
him. We were created for his purposes and for his ends,
in his resurrection assures us that our lives matter
and only in God’s revelation of himself in Jesus Christ do now and for eternity.
we find certainty that there is something beyond this life  2 Corinthians 5:17: If anyone is in Christ, the old
under the sun and beyond the grave. life of futility is gone and a new life of meaning and
purpose has come.
9. What are the two reasons the narrator gives in  Philippians 2:16: As we live our lives in light of
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 for fearing God and keep- the salvation we’ve received in Christ, we will one
day discover that our struggles and obedience were
ing his commandments?
not in vain.
This is our duty, and we are going to be held accountable  Revelation 14:13: Our deeds will follow us into
before God. eternity. They will matter.
 53

Discussion Guide 6. Ecclesiastes doesn’t have any prophecies

about or references to Christ unless, perhaps, we
Getting the Discussion Going see Qoheleth’s limited wisdom as pointing us to
1. What are some things about life in this world Jesus, the greater preacher of the meaning of
“under the sun” that are frustrating, unfulfill- life, or if we see him shadowed in the shepherd
ing, or don’t last that the writer of Ecclesiastes who give words of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 9:11.
also found to be empty or “vanity.” But, in a larger way, how would you explain to
someone how the book of Ecclesiastes points us
Getting to the Heart of It toward or prepares us for Christ?
2. In Ecclesiastes we are listening to a thinker Ecclesiastes expresses human longing in the time before
who seems to be pulled by two perspectives: one Christ, for Christ to come and infuse what seems futile
based on the knowledge of God and the other with meaning and what seems hopeless with hope.
based on his own experience and observations.
How do these two perspectives seem to clash Getting Personal
with one another throughout Ecclesiastes? 7. Qoheleth sought to find satisfaction in a num-
The writer says many true things about God, but not the ber of things that did not ultimately satisfy. And
whole truth. Most of the time he seems hopeless about he had a number of questions about the reali-
life in this world yet at times he seems to have hope that ties of this world that he could not find answers
God will make things right. He seems to question the to. Which of his pursuits and perplexities could
harshness and injustice in the world yet calls on others to
you especially relate to?
trust and obey God.

3. Look back at question 6 in the Personal Bible Getting How It Fits into
Study. What does the New Testament say about the Big Picture
this life under the sun? 8. Throughout this study we have been consid-
ering how what we are studying fits into the
4. Does the New Testament affirm that “all is larger story of God’s plan of redemption and his
vanity”? To support your answer, share the written revelation. How does Ecclesiastes point
insights you found in the verses you looked up back to what happened in the garden as well as
in question 11. to what is to come when Christ returns, accord-
5. The narrator gives the son a direct warning ing to Romans 8:20–23?
about something that is in vogue in our day, and It is a very realistic response to the disorder and dysfunc-
that is to be forever on a spiritual search without tion that became the reality in this world when Adam
ever finding, deciding, or embracing the truth. and Eve sinned and sin corrupted all of creation. The
Many voices in our world today suggest that it is problems raised by the Preacher will be fully dealt with
only when Christ returns and the old order passes away
arrogant to claim to have found what is true and
and all things become new.
to put confidence in it. What would be the narra-
tor’s response to that, according to the final few
verses of Ecclesiastes?
“You can search for your whole life with your limited
capacity and this world’s limited understanding to no
avail. Understand that wisdom will be complete and sat-
isfying only when Christ is revealed.”
 Week 10:
Song of Solomon

Personal Bible Study these questions have been and continue to be

answered in differing ways by faithful Bible
scholars and interpreters.
1. Take a few minutes to read the Song of
Solomon. It might sound like a big assignment  Is this written by Solomon, about Solomon, or
to read the whole book, but you will see that its perhaps simply written under Solomon’s over-
eight chapters have only 117 verses. On this sight during his lifetime?
 What kind of literature are we reading?
quick read-through, you’re not looking for any
 Who are the characters we hear speaking?
answers or getting stuck trying to figure any-
thing out. Your goal is to get a feel for the book Let’s consider each question, understand-
and its flow, allowing it to raise questions in ing that our conclusion about each one impacts
your mind that you hope to get answered. What our conclusions about the other two. Is this writ-
are your general impressions about this book? ten by Solomon, about Solomon, or perhaps simply
What questions do you hope to get answered? written under Solomon’s oversight during his life-
Song of Solomon has been read and inter- time? In the first verse we read:
preted in vastly different ways throughout the
The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.
history of the church. So our goal in studying (Song 1:1)
the Song of Solomon this week will not be to nail
down the “correct” interpretation of this enig- This is grammatically ambiguous. It could mean
matic book but rather to familiarize ourselves that it was written by Solomon, or it could mean
with it and with the various ways it can be read, only that it was written in his honor. We know
and to enjoy it. Rather than becoming frustrated from 1 Kings 11 that Solomon was not exactly
by the ways it does not fit into the mold of our an expert in healthy sexual relationships. It tells
modern Western thinking, we want to enter us that he “loved many foreign women” (1 Kings
into its Near Eastern ancient context and let it 11:1). In fact, he had “700 wives, princesses, and
speak to us, as the whole of the Bible speaks to 300 concubines” (v. 3), and “his wives turned
us, about the goodness of God and his plan to away his heart after other gods, and his heart
redeem all things through Christ—including was not wholly true to the Lord his God” (v. 4).
human love. It could be that this book was written not by him
Having read through the book, you may or even about him (since he is mentioned only
have struggled to find a storyline. Perhaps it generally as a distant figure) but simply during
doesn’t have one. You may have struggled to his lifetime, or under his oversight, or perhaps
know who was saying what. That is not always to present to him. (Can you see already that we
particularly clear either. As we study Song of aren’t going to be able to nail down all of our
Solomon, we need to consider three important conclusions about this book?)
questions about the text, remembering that Why is it called the “Song of Songs”? To say
 55

it is “the best of songs” is to denote a superla- does not make it clear that it is to be read as
tive, similar to expressions such as “holy of allegory. And, in fact, if we try to make the
holies” (as some translations render “Most Holy details in the book fit an allegorical reading,
Place”) and “King of kings and Lord of Lords.” we have to make some strange interpretive
This is the love song that surpasses all other leaps, especially when the imagery is especially
love songs. erotic. So, those who oppose the view of read-
What kind of literature are we reading? We ing this book as allegory would say that, in the
recognize right away when we come to Song Song of Solomon, kisses are kisses and breasts
of Solomon that these are not songs like the are breasts, and when the woman invites her
psalms are songs. Neither is this narrative story beloved to come to her garden and eat its choic-
like we read in the history books of the Bible. est fruits, she is inviting her husband to enjoy
And it isn’t propositional analytical teaching her body in sexual intimacy.
like the letter to the Romans. In fact, the Song What seems to make the most sense to me is
of Solomon is a unique literary genre in the Old that Song of Solomon is love poetry. It is a collec-
Testament. tion of poems that celebrates sexual love. What
Some read Song of Solomon as a drama is less clear is how or if the poems are connected
that tells a story, either about two lovers—King to each other. Each of the songs may be about
Solomon and a shepherdess, or a shepherd and different characters and may even have differ-
a shepherdess in ancient Israel—or about a love ent authors. But because we find repeated imag-
triangle between King Solomon, a shepherd, ery, settings, themes, and characters, as well as
and shepherdess. a repeated refrain or chorus, it would seem to
For much of history, Song of Solomon has indicate a connection between the poems. This
been read as allegory. Jewish interpreters have does not mean, however, that we can impose a
read it is an allegory about God’s relationship linear storyline or sequence on the poems. To
to his beloved Israel, and Christian interpreters use a modern analogy, if we see Song of Solomon
have read it as an allegory about Christ’s rela- as a collection of unconnected poetry, we
tionship to his bride, the church. Those who would need to read it not like a Shakespearean
read the book this way would say that when the play (which has a plot) but like a collection of
book begins with the bride’s statement of desire, Shakespearean love poems.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” But we can’t ignore the fact that the book
(Song 1:2), this expresses the believer’s desire seems to have some story to it, even if it is not
for fresh experiences of Christ’s love. They told in the linear way we modern readers like
would say that kisses represent the Word of God, to read a story. So while we don’t see a sequen-
that the woman’s breasts represent the nurtur- tial storyline, perhaps we do see poetic struc-
ing doctrine of the church, and that her lips rep- ture. “Hebrew stories and poetry often follow
resent law and gospel. what is called a ‘chiastic’ structure. This sim-
A good example of an allegory is The ply means that the work has a central pivot of
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. This story meaning from which it moves outward sym-
was written to describe a Christian’s journey metrically in both directions. The beginning
to heaven using the literary tool of allegory. and ending, then, will match, in a sense, as
Everything in the story represents something they are both farthest away from the middle.”
else, and it is clear to us as the reader that we So, if we were to diagram the Song, it might
are to read it this way. But the Song of Solomon look like this:
 56

A. Home in the country heart” (Song 8:6), is a call for her husband to be
B. Developing love as exclusively dedicated to her as she is to him.
C. Dream Sequence
One problem with this storyline is that
D. Consummation
C’. Dream Sequence some elements of the story, e.g., his shepherd-
B’. Developing love ing in the fields, make it difficult to identify the
A’. Home in the country bridegroom as a king. Additionally, we know
from 1 Kings (3:1; 7:8; 9:24; 11:1) that if there
Seeing this structure at work in the Song of
was a favored woman in Solomon’s life, it was
Solomon helps us to read it as a coherent series
the Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he married very
of love songs that intertwine, rather than as
early; it was not a working woman from the
dramatic sequence that we try to force into a king’s flocks and vineyards who is pictured in
logical mold. the Song. If this woman was one of the scores
Who are the characters we hear speaking? of Solomon’s wives, it doesn’t seem that the
The Song of Solomon is a series of exchanges, romance between them would have such deep
mostly between two or three characters with sincerity. If it did, why would Solomon add hun-
chorus-like “Others” sprinkled in. These others dreds more women to his harem?
usually pick up items from the lovers’ speeches In the second scenario there are three char-
and urge the two forward in love. acters: King Solomon, a young shepherdess, and
If we want to understand the book, we must a shepherd. In this scenario, King Solomon falls
seek to identify who is speaking from verse to in love with a young, virtuous shepherdess and
verse, as it is not indicated clearly in the text. If brings her into his court, but she is really in love
you read the Song in two or three different trans- with a shepherd and apparently leaves Solomon
lations, you might find that the editors have for her shepherd lover in the country.
identified the speakers differently. The varia- While this storyline helps to explain the
tions of interpretation come from the fact that references to the bridegroom as a king, it seems
these headings are not indicated in the original unlikely that Solomon would be treated as an
text but have been created by translators and interloper in a work that is dedicated to him.
editors to aid readers in understanding. Also, there is no indication in the text that would
There are three primary possible scenarios differentiate definitively between the voices of
to explain who is speaking throughout Song of Solomon and the shepherd.
Solomon, each of which is based on differing In the third scenario, there are two char-
understandings of the nature of the story. acters, a shepherd and a shepherdess. In this
In the first scenario, there are two charac- scenario we are reading a series of exchanges
ters, King Solomon and a young shepherdess. mostly between two betrothed Israelites. These
In this scenario King Solomon notices a chaste two peasants refer to each other in royal terms.
and attractive young vinedresser in one of his The simple shepherd is as King Solomon in her
vineyards, falls in love with her, marries her, eyes, and she is a princess in his. Sometimes
and brings her into his court. One version of this the bride is speaking; other times we hear her
story sees the young bride as shy and reluctant thoughts and perhaps an account of her dreams.
to open the door to her husband, and another Do all of these possibilities cause you some
sees the bride as devoted but struggling with the confusion or frustration? Most of us are more
polygamy of the king. In this storyline, the con- comfortable with reading things in which
clusion of the Song, “Set me as a seal upon your events are related in a sequential flow of time.
 57

But in Hebrew literature, such as the Song of 4. A key passage in the Song is found in 8:6–7.
Solomon, the sequence of events is not neces- What do you think the speaker is asking for, and
sarily time-ordered. In addition, many of us are what is she saying about the nature of love?
used to reading the Bible with left-brain ratio- Sexual love is meant to be enjoyed inside the safety of a
nalism rather than right-brain artistry. Song of lifelong commitment. Sexual love has tremendous, fiery
Solomon, as poetry, is meant to spark our imagi- power that can scorch or seal. This love endures and its
nation, stir our emotions, and awaken all of our flames are not easily doused.
senses. Don’t let the enigmas of this book rob
you of its joy and beauty. While we would not suggest that Song of
Now that you are more familiar with the Solomon is an allegory, in which every image
possible scenarios and characters, read through of the story represents something else, we do
Song of Solomon again, imagining that you are know that the marriage relationship is used as a
listening to a reader’s theatre. Seek to determine vehicle to illustrate spiritual realities throughout
the backdrop for each section as well as who is Scripture. So while the Song is primarily a cel-
speaking. Enjoy its vivid and tactile imagery, its ebration of love and the gift of sexual intimacy,
flowery and fruitful landscape, and its romance we cannot help but hear echoes of the passionate
and wonder, and seek to understand its poetic love Christ has for his bride and feel a longing for
allusions. Don’t worry about a time sequence; our complete oneness with him to be consum-
let each section be what it is. And look for key mated when he returns for us, his bride.
themes, repeated phrases, and images. 5. Read the following passages, which use the
2. A refrain repeated throughout the book is human marriage relationship as a vehicle to
found in Song 2:7; 3:5; and 8:4. While the illustrate spiritual realities. Beside each refer-
speaker is uncertain, the tone is commanding. ence note a particular phrase in the passage that
Who is being spoken to, and how would you is most meaningful to you.
paraphrase what is being said in this repeated  Isaiah 54:5–8
refrain?  Isaiah 62:5
 Hosea 2:16–20
Speaking to young women of Israel: do not become sexu-
 Ephesians 5:22–32
ally active and intimate before you are ready to make a
 Revelation 19:6–9
whole-life commitment.

3. Why do you think this refrain is repeated

throughout this book of love poetry?
It is all very erotic and exciting in regard to sexual love,
and so there needs to be a reminder about the bonds of
commitment in which this love is to be consummated.
 58

Discussion Guide of Song of Solomon wanted to communicate to

his original readers, the kingdom of Israel living
Getting the Discussion Going under Solomon’s rule?
1. Can you remember the first movie you saw Different theologians would likely have widely vary-
that profoundly moved you, shaped you, or per- ing views on this question. So this is a “what do you
haps scared you about the power of romantic think” question and thus a variety of views may be
love and sex? valid. But we must always remember that “all Scripture
is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for
Getting to the Heart of It reproof, for correction, and for training in righteous-
2. If we were to get our view of sex only from ness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped
movies and television (including the commer- for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). We must also
remember that Jesus presented himself as the fulfill-
cials), what would that message be?
ment of all of the Old Testament, so we must recognize
That sex is all fun and can be free of commitment with lit-
that every part of the Bible is intended to reveal Christ
tle consequence. That our bodies are our own to do with
to us in its own way.
as we please. That sexual satisfaction is a right and the
greatest satisfaction there is.
7. If sex in marriage is a physical sign that points
3. If we were to get our view of sex only from to a spiritual reality, to what spiritual reality
the sermons and teaching we’ve heard in church does sex outside of marriage point?
over the course of our lives, what would that God intends to relate to us, his people, in an intimate,
message be? loving, committed, forever relationship.
That sex is not something we talk about in polite com-
pany. That sex is dirty or bad or shameful. That sex is not 8. In light of what we’ve read in Song of
something God is interested in apart from telling you not Solomon, do you think a sexless marriage might
to do it until after you’re married.
betray God’s purpose for marriage as much as
adultery?
4. If we were to get our view of sex only from the
Bible, what would that message be? Yes, in that it would not reflect the on-going, life-giving,
intimacy-producing relationship he intends to share
That sex is good though often misused like every other
good gift. That it is a gift from God to reveal something with his bride. But the qualifier of “as much as” might be
about his own nature and purposes in the world. That sex problematic as refraining from sexual union for a time is
is a powerful force and should be reserved to be enjoyed affirmed in the Scripture, and clearly sometimes physical
inside the bonds of covenant commitment. limitation impacts a couple’s ability to have sexual rela-
tions. However, adultery is never permitted or excused in
5. As you read through Song of Solomon and the Scripture.
asked yourself the three questions in the
Personal Bible Study—Who wrote this book? 9. What do Song of Solomon and the gospel it
What kind of literature am I reading? Who are points to have to say to our current culture of
the characters speaking?—what were your con- hooking-up, recreational sex, friends with ben-
clusions and why? efits, and serial monogamy?
6. To interpret the Bible correctly, we have to Since sex was created to reflect the love and intimacy God
think first about the author’s intention for the intends to share with his bride, all of these things betray
original audience. What do you think the writer that reflection.
 59

Getting Personal Getting How It Fits into

10. In the Song of Solomon, words of praise the Big Picture
extolling the virtues of the bride’s beloved flow 11. Throughout this study, we have sought to
freely and abundantly from the bride’s lips, an grasp how the passage we’re studying fits into
overflow of her thoughts about and passion for the bigger story of God’s plan for redemption. To
him. As a member of the bride of Christ, what what future hope does Song of Solomon point us?
would you want to tell us about your beloved? That one day the bride of Christ will enjoy the perfect
Here the goal is to encourage group members to offer beauty, oneness, and relationship that God has always
short statements about the beauty and qualities of God, intended to share with us.
our heavenly bridegroom—in other words, statements of
praise for who he is and what he does.
 Note-taking Pages for Duplication

The process of taking notes is, for many of us, members to take notes with an outline to help
less about having the notes to refer to later than them track along with the teaching presentation
it is about the increased concentration and com- on the video. Others may choose to take notes on
prehension that comes to us as we hear some- their own blank page, and some may choose not
thing and process it through our pen onto paper. to take notes at all. Following are reproducible
Certainly your members should each have a copy note pages for each week, with the major head-
of the companion book, The Wisdom of God, and ings as presented on the videos. You are free to
all of the content from the videos is included make as many copies of these note-taking pages
in the book. Still, it may be helpful for some as needed for your group members.
 Notes on Week 1: The Wisdom Hidden in the Wisdom Books
What We Need Most to Know

The Secret Wisdom Hidden

The Secret Wisdom Disclosed

The Image We Are to Be Conformed To

The Questions We Need to Have Answered

The Newness We Need in Our Minds

 Notes on Week 2: Job
No Fair

Assumption #1: If I Am Godly, I Won’t Have to Suffer

Assumption #2: My Suffering Is about Me and My Life in the Here and Now
Assumption #3: My Suffering Is the Result of God’s Punishing Me for My Sin

Assumption #4: What I Need Most from God Is Relief for My Suffering and Answers to My Questions
 Notes on Week 3: Psalms: The Songs of Jesus
I Can’t Stop This Feelin’

“Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly . . . Singing Psalms” (Col. 3:16)

Hearing the Voice of Jesus in the Psalms

The Word of Christ’s Thirst (Ps. 42:1–2)

Christ’s Struggle for Breath (Ps. 42:7)

Christ’s Deliverance (Ps. 43:1–4)

 Notes for Week 4: Blessing and Perishing in the Psalms
Secure in the Storm

Blessed Is the Man

What the Blessed Man Rejects (Ps. 1:1)

What the Blessed Man Enjoys (Ps. 1:2)

What the Blessed Man Expects (Ps. 1:3)

What the Wicked Should Expect (Ps. 1:4–6)

Who Is “the Man” of Psalm 1?

King of Israel? (Deut. 17:18–19)

Joshua? (Josh. 1:7–8)

David? (Ps. 19:7–8, 11)

Solomon? (1 Kings 2:2–3)

Kings of Israel? (2 Kings 22:11–13)

Nation of Israel?

Jesus

What Do We Do with Psalm 1?

 Notes on Week 5: The Royal Psalms
The Royal Wedding

The Lord’s Enemies Speak (Ps. 2:1–3)

The Lord Himself Speaks (Ps. 2:4–6)

The Lord’s Anointed Speaks (Ps. 2:7–9)

The Lord’s Ambassador Speaks (Ps. 2:10–12)

The Lord Reigns

 Notes on Week 6: Repentance in the Psalms
Wash Me

Have Mercy on Me (Ps. 51:1–2)

Forgive Me (Ps. 51:3)

Cleanse Me (Ps. 51:7–9)

Make Me New (Ps. 51:10)

How can David’s sin simply be “put away”? David’s sin is “put away” only in the sense that it is “put
upon” Christ.
 Notes on Week 7: The Suffering and Glory of Messiah in the Psalms
Who Is This Song About?

Song of Rejection (Psalm 118)

Song of Betrayal (Psalm 41)

Song of Desolation (Ps. 22:1–20)

Abandoned by God (Ps. 22:1–2)

Despised by Men (Ps. 22:6–8, 12–13)

Racked with Pain (Ps. 22:14–18)

Song of Deliverance (Ps. 22:21–31)

He Has Done It
 Notes for Week 8: Proverbs
Wisdom Calling

Wisdom Comes from God Himself (Prov. 1:1–6)

Instruction

Insight

Wise dealing

Prudence

Knowledge

Discretion

Learning

Wisdom Begins with Holy Fear (Prov. 1:7)

Wisdom Invites All to Walk in Its Way

Wisdom Enjoys Its Creation (Proverbs 8)

Wisdom Culminates in the Cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1–2)

 Notes on Week 9: Ecclesiastes
What Really Matters

Does Anything Last? (Eccles. 1:14–15)

Does Anything Satisfy? (Eccles. 2:1)

Is Anyone in Control? (Eccles. 3:1–4)

Is There Any Comfort? (Eccles. 4:1)

Does Anyone Dare Draw Near? (Eccles. 5:1–2, 4, 7)

Is Anything Gained? (Eccles. 6:7)

Is There Any Hope? (Eccles. 6:12)

Does Anyone Know?

Is This All There Is? (Eccles. 9:7, 9)

Does Anything Matter? (Eccles. 12:8–14)

 Notes on Week 10: Song of Solomon
Kiss Me

Naked and Unashamed (Gen. 2:23–25)

What kind of literature are we reading when we read Song of Solomon?

And God Said, “It Is Good.”

Sex Is Powerful, Even Dangerous

Even the Best Sex Leaves Us with a Longing