Spring 2013
Lesson 8: The Heart of David as Psalmist
Selected Psalms
Introduction:The Book of Psalms is the largest collective book in the Bible, with 150 writings inspired by God through more than seven human authors. David is the most prolific writer, with 73 Psalms ascribed to him, including the five in this week’s lesson. The Hebrew title of the Psalms is “praises,” and most are intended to be sung or accompanied by musical instruments and invoke praise or worship. God’s sufficiency and sovereignty are displayed throughout the Psalms, and many are Messianic in that theypredict or foreshadow Christ.
Day One: Read Psalm 22; A Psalm of the Cross
Note: The New Testament references Psalm 22 and its messianic quotations and prophecies of Christ’s crucifixion more than 15 times, leading some commentators to call it the “fifth gospel.” Read Matthew 27:27–50 and use the gospel narrative as context while answering these questions.
1.Remembering last week’s study on David’s devastating sin and its consequences, what lesson can help you fromfalling into similar circumstances?
2.From Psalm 22:1–21, identify at least five possible reasons for the lament, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
a.According toIsaiah 53:4–6 and 10, and 2 Corinthians 5:21, what was the purpose of Jesus’ suffering?
3.Identify the verses in Psalm 22 that specifically refer to God’s care for His people.
4.What accounts for David’s abrupt change of tone in verse 22 from a lament to praise and thanksgiving?
a.How has God done the same for you? Take time to thank God and share His provision with your group.
Day Two: Read Psalm 31;From Anguish to Assurance
1.From verses 1–6, list several things upon which David based his appeal to God.
2.In verses 7–8,what characteristics of God enabled David to rejoice?
a.How can you follow David’s example and rejoice today in these characteristics of God?
3.According to verses14–18, David counseled himself through his prayer. Upon what did David focus before making petition to the Lord? Cite the verse(s).
a.How would this have helped David deal with the fear and distress he articulated in verses 9–13?
b.What did David ask of the Lord? Cite the verse(s).
4.Identify the theme of each of the last three pairs of verses:19–20, 21–22, and 23–24.
5.How can this Psalm help us respond to someone in deep distress or depression?
Day Three:Read Psalm 103; The Goodness of God
1.According to verses 3–5, whatbenefits does God provide?
a.Why do you think David emphasized the importance of remembering God’s blessings? What causesbelievers to forget the Lord’s benefits?
2.How did David praise the Lord for the redemption of Israel? How is this a reminder about the benefit ofknowing and remembering biblical history?
3.What attributes of God are revealed in verses 10–14?
a.How is God’s forgiveness displayed specifically?
4.From verses 15–18, what is revealed about mankind?
a.How can man’s frailty be reconciled with the promises of renewal in verse 5? Support your answer with Scripture.
5.This Psalm ends in an overflow of praise. Take time now to verbally thank God for His benefits in your life.
Day Four:Read Psalm 139;The Greatness of God
1.In your own words, summarize verses 1–6.
2.What verses reveal God’s omnipresence?What are its practical implications?
3.Where are you prone to doubt God’s wisdom and knowledge in His creation of you, and how can you apply this Psalm to correct your thinking?
4.Why do you think David transitioned from praise to a prayer for judgment in verses 19–22?
a.How is this consistent with David’s desire that God alone receives glory?
5.What should be our response to thisreminder of God’s intimate knowledge of His children and His mighty power? What, if anything, needs to change in your response to that revelation ofGod’s character?
Day Five:Read Psalm 145;A Song of Everlasting Praise
- List the attributes that David ascribed to the Lord in this Psalm.
2.List the statements that describe the Lord’s works.
3.From verse 5, what is necessary for worship?
a.What different elements of meditation are taught in the following Psalms: 1:2, 19:14, 119:15, and 119:97?
4.What work or attribute of the Lord from Psalm 145 is most precious to you, and why?
5.As our study in the Old Testament wraps up, take time to reflect on what you have learned this year andfollow David’s example and write out a short prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the work He has done in your life.
Varner/PetersMay 8, 2013
NOTES