Background
The Psalm’s title reads: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.” This refers to the record in II Samuel 11:1—12:23 where David took Bathsheba and was confronted by Nathan. Perhaps Psalm 51 is what David thought or prayed when he “fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth” (II Samuel 12:16).
Background
The title includes “A Psalm of Asaph.” This is the only Psalm with this title in the “Exodus” book of the Psalms (Psalms 42-72). There are 11 Psalms (73-83) with this title in the “Leviticus” book of Psalms (Psalms 73-89). Regarding Asaph, Nehemiah 7:44 speaks of “The singers: the children of Asaph.”
Background
The title includes “for the sons of Korah.” Regarding the sons of Korah, I Chronicles 9:19 says: “And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the Lord, were keepers of the entry.” They were responsible for service in the tabernacle and later the Temple.
Some of our most interesting conversations have been at wedding receptions. Lots of food, fun, and people in the mood to enjoy life together. Well, leaving the land beyond Jordan, Jesus moved on with some of his disciples to the town of Cana, Nathanael’s hometown in the province of Galilee. They had been invited to attend a marriage ceremony there! Let’s go!
Background
Some Bible teachers believe that Psalms 46, 47, and 48 where written by King Hezekiah regarding the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib (II Kings 18:13—19:37; II Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 36:1—37:38). Some references relate to specific aspects of Jerusalem and its environs, as well as to conditions in a siege.
Like Psalm 46 and 47, this Psalm shows God’s majesty and power being greater than that of the Assyrians and Sennacherib their king. Psalm 48 shows God as “the great King” overall (verse 2).
Background
Some Bible teachers believe that Psalms 46, 47, and 48 were written by King Hezekiah regarding the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib (II Kings 18:13—19:37; II Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 36:1—37:38). Some references relate to specific aspects of Jerusalem and its environs, as well as to conditions in a siege.
After his baptism by his cousin John, Jesus went immediately into the wilderness. Before seeing Jesus again, John moved over to Bethabara beyond, or east of, the Jordan River to continue baptizing. We track him down there where the Pharisees had sent the priests and Levites to grill him on the rumored appearance of the Christ.
Background
Some Bible teachers believe that Psalms 46, 47, and 48 were written by King Hezekiah regarding the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib (II Kings 18:13—19:37; II Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 36:1—37:38). Some references relate to specific aspects of Jerusalem and its environs, as well as to conditions in a siege.
Immediately after the exhilarating experience of baptism, the heavenly anointing with holy spirit, and a sacred affirmation from the Father in the words, “this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased,” Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness. On our trek, we seek him there.
Background
This Psalm has the title “A Song of loves.” It includes a section on the king (verses 2-8) and a section on the queen (verses 9-16). Some think it refers to Hezekiah and his wife Hephzi-bah (II Kings 21:1; Isaiah 62:4). Yet Isaiah 62 is full of references to the coming Messiah who fulfills that “salvation cometh” for the “redeemed of the Lord” (Isaiah 62:11,12).