Psalm 136 (résumé): Give thanks to the Lord for he is good!

 Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving to God because "his love endures forever" which is the repetitive refrain repeated in each of its 26 verses. The psalm celebrates God's goodness, his domination of creation (heavens, earth, waters, great lights, moon and stars), Israel's deliverance from Egypt (killing of firstborn, Red Sea, Wilderness journey, killing of enemy kings) and God's covenant faithfulness. 

The big one

My résumés of the Bible progressed well today as I covered the big hurdle of Psalm 119 which is the biggest psalm and the biggest chapter of the Bible. I have now done 135 psalms so have nearly finished this very large book. I have now written just over half the chapters of the Bible (51%) so that's good. 

I took some folk home to their farmstead who had been attended by our dentist and I saw 3 burrowing owls along the way. They come out in the rain, as it had been raining, so as to catch frogs and toads crossing the road!

Last night it rained 11 mm at Green Pastures.

Psalm 135 (résumé): Praise the Name of the Lord!

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise exhorting God's people to worship God for his goodness. Initially the psalm calls the priests and Levites to praise the Lord because he is good. He then exhorts praise for them having been chosen as God's people and that the Lord is greater than all gods. He points to God's control of nature: wind, lightening, seas and clouds. The psalm then goes on to praise God for his signs and wonders in Egypt and for his victories over Canaanite kings. The psalmist then ridicules useless idols and calls everyone to praise the Lord.

Psalm 134 (résumé): Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord!

Psalm 134 is the final short song of ascents praising the Lord with all who minister at night in the temple, raising hands in the sanctuary, and receiving the blessings of God. 

Psalm 133 (résumé): Unity is good and pleasant

This very popular Psalm 133 exalts the great importance of unity amongst God's people. Unity is compared to the sweet smelling blessed anointing oil of the High Priest. Unity is also compared with the refreshing dew of Mount Hermon. It is with unity that God bestows his blessing giving life for evermore!

Psalm 132 (résumé): O Lord, remember David

Psalm 132 is another song of ascents recalling David's zeal to construct a temple for the Lord. David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It goes on to recall how God promised that the descendants of David would be on the throne forever which has clear messianic undertones. It is remembered that Zion was defined as God's city promising to bless her with abundant provisions and food for the poor. The psalm closes promising a resplendent messianic crown!

Psalm 131 (résumé): My heart is not proud

Psalm 131 is a Davidic song of ascents showing gigantic humility, contentment and rest in God. David compares himself to a blessed weaned child. That is how his soul if feeling he says. He then concludes: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forever more."