Here is the first Psalm Bible study I did this summer with the group. I kind of like the format that I eventually developed, with Psalm 46 and 51.
Psalm 139
I Introduction and opening prayer
Bless us O God with your all-pervading Spirit. Free us from our own preoccupations and open us to what you are saying to us today. Compel us to know of your presence in ways we have never noticed before. We give thanks to you for your providence on this journey through life and may we always know that even at journey’s end, there you are still. In the name of your son Jesus, Amen.
II Read responsively.
Leader read vv 1-4, 7-10, 13-16 and 19-22. Group respond with 2-3, 5-6, 11-12, 17-18 and 23-24. (see next page) How did that feel for you?
It appears that this Psalm is structured similarly with stanzas that are “4-2-4…2.” This structure seems to break it up into difference sections of ideas:
God’s all-knowing (vv 1-4, 23-24),
God’s “omnipresence,” (vv 5, 7-10)
God’s “brightness” in the darkest dark (vv 11-12),
God’s creativity and knowledge that is still secret to humans, and possibly divine plan for us (vv 13-16),
God’s multiple perspectives,
Able to seek vengeance, who is worthy of respect from humans (vv 19-22)
Benevolent, or gracious leader (v 24)
What other ways does the Psalmist describe the nature of God?
III Psalms as Music
Psalms were read as part of public worship, and rarely for private/personal use because most people were unable to read. What kind of music do you imagine this Psalm would be used with? Fast? Slow? A lot of percussion? How do you think it should sound to convey the message?
Play CD, “Psalms of David” (by David Gambrell)
IV Theological concepts in this Psalm (in addition to those in section II)
Ordination/Consecration “for special purposes: Verses 13-16 are indicative of where the concept of “predestination” may be found in the Bible. Modern ways of understanding this concept understand that one is “predestined” or “selected to serve” in light of the knowledge that one is imperfect and in need of grace.
God as a craftswoman: Verses 13-16 describe God as a crafter, particularly in crafts commonly done by women in their homes. Spinning and weaving were common in the Middle East home, because of the looms, spools and distaffs found in archeological sites. However, due to the moist conditions of Israel near the West Bank/ Northern Jordan River Valley, few textiles have survived.
Sheol (verse 8): Sheol is a concept discussed much in the Psalms and Prophets. Isaiah refers to Sheol as a place that swallows up the unrighteous in death. Sheol is described as a watery place for the dead in Jonah and is “dusty and dry” in Job. The Hebrews believed that when you died you went to either Sheol or to your ancestors. There is no similar word in other Semitic languages. Some scholars believe it comes from the Hebrew verb, “Sa’al,” meaning, “to ask.” If so, perhaps Sheol has to do with receiving interrogation, or by one’s consultation with the “spirits.”
V Impressions
What did you learn that was new for you?
What are your personal experiences of this Psalm?
Have you ever felt pursued by God?
Psalm 139
Leader: 1 O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
All: 5 You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Leader: 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
All: 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Leader: 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
All: 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Leader: 19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! 20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
All: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
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