Psalm 35 - An Imprecatory Psalm

Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions (bad, evil, displeasing, unhappiness, misery, calamity) of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; (bowed down, humbled, mishandled) that I might learn thy statutes.

Imprecate = to invoke evil or a curse upon someone

Intro.

There are many today who would say that praying imprecatory prayers is not valid for the New Testament believer. They believe that to pray this way places an emphasis on Old Testament law rather than New Testament grace. If this has been your view, then I ask you to consider the following

1. Is grace only a New Testament concept?
2. Is judgment only an Old Testament concept?
3. What Did David mean when he wrote passages like Ps 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
4. Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
5. What all is involved in the opening statements of the model prayer of Mat. 6:9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Hint The revelation of the kingdom of Christ gives us insight into a believer's expectations 2 Thes 1

As we have seen many times the last year, God's holiness provides the believer with a biblical balance and right approach to living.

Have confidence in God during the affliction of false accusation.

1. Confidence in God's Ability (vs 1-10)
   A. The Lord's Help (vs 1-8)

          B. The Lord's Healing (vs 9-10)

 

               1. My soul will be joyful (9)

               2. My bones shall say......(10)

                   Ps 22:14,17 – Crucifixion

                   Ps 32:3 – Chastening
                   Ps 52:8 – Cleansing

• the psalmist looked ahead to the time when the LORD delivered him from his affliction as a time of joy.

     II. Confidence in God's Approval (vs 11-17) cf (vs 7)

          A. The behavior of the wicked (vs 11-12, 15-16)

               (vs 11) witnessed falsely against him

               (vs 12) spoiled his soul  -  Spoiling = robbed, bereaved

Pro 17:12 / Jer 18:21

“For the good David did in killing Goliath, and slaying his ten thousands of Philistines, and thereby saving his king and country, Saul and his courtiers envied him, and sought to slay him: so our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the good he did to the Jews, by healing their bodies of diseases, and preaching the gospel to them for the benefit of their souls, was rewarded with reproaches and persecutions, and at last with the shameful death of the cross; and in like manner are his people used, but this is an evil that shall not go unpunished. John Gill.

              (vs 15) rejoiced and gathered against him

              (vs 16) gnashed upon him with teeth in the feasts

          B. The behavior of the righteous (vs 13-14)

          Before there was imprecatory prayer, there was intercessory prayer

               (vs 13) fasting and prayer for them

               (vs 13) prayer was not in vain – here is his confidence
               (vs 14) mourned for them like family

* Notice that Jesus gave a right perspective of personal attitude in Mt 5. - imprecatory prayer must be confined to the desire for God's righteousness to be performed. Not our personal satisfaction. - no lust. - Father forgive them.

3. Confidence in God's Appointing (vs 18-28)

          A. His servant – Darling cf Ps 22:20

          B. His servant's Diligence (vs 18-26)

    1. Demonstrated through praise (vs 18)
    2. Demonstrated through prayer (vs 19) * John 15:25
    3. Demonstrated through patience (vs 20-23) * (Rev 6:8-11)
    4. Demonstrated through purity (vs 24-26)

         C. His servant's Desire (vs 27-28)

    1. The praise of others (vs 27)
    2. The praise of his own tongue (vs 28)

Micah Outline

Here in the book of Micah, we find where God has chosen to preserve his prophecy to all generations as a testimony to his Holy desires toward man.

I. The Authority of Micha was considered as legitimate by:

1. Hezikiah king of Judah and certain elders in the time of Jeremiah (Jer 26:16-19) Hezikiah must have seen the fall of Samaria as proof of the Prophets message and taken to heart the message
   
   
2. Herod, the chief priests and elders all believed the book of Micah ( Mt 2:1-5) – Their actions proved they believed!
   - Herod tried to kill the young child (Mt 2:16-18)
   - The religious leaders tried to kill him (Mk 12:7)

      3.  Jesus referred to Micah 7:6 in his teaching the disciples  (Mt 10:21, 35-36)

II. The Accomplices of Micha

1. Isaiah – Preaching to Judah and Jerusalem the Gospel! Isaiah 59
2. Hosea – Proclaiming a holy love to His People! Hos 3:1-5

III. The Attributes of Micah

A. The Sin of the Nation of Israel

     1. The Lord is coming to Judge (Ch 1-3)

          a. The transgression – Samaria (1Kings 12:25- 13:34)
          b. The tears of the prophet(vs 8-10)
          c. The Terror of Judgment (vs 11-16)
          d. The Transgressions of Israel (ch 2-3)

              i.   The People (Chapter 2) – Hope (2:12-13)
              ii.  The Princes (3:1-4)
              iii. The Prophets (3:5-7) – A true Prophet (vs 5!)   Cf Jer 26:12-15 and Jer 26:20-24

       2. The greed of the unrighteous (3:9-12)

B. The Salvation of the Nation of Israel (Chapter 4-5)

     1. The Exaltation of the Lord's House (4:1-5)

     2. The Exaltation of the Lord's People (4:6-13)

     3. The Exaltation of the Lord's Christ (5:1-15)  cf Is 9:7-8

C. The Sanctification of the Nation of Israel (Chapter 6-7)

     1. The Lord's Controversy (6:1-5)

          a. The Lord's appeal in Creation (vs 1-2)
          b. The Lord's appeal in Salvation (vs 3-4)
          c. The Lord's appeal in Perception (vs 5)

     2. The Prophet's Cry (6:6-16)

          a. The theme of righteousness in the Bible (6:6-8)        Humility and faith pleases God.

1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Ho 6:6-7 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Isa 1:11-13To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. 12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Jer 7:22-24 22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: 23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. 24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Ecl 5:1-3 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools:

Pr 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

 

     b. The Throne of Righteousness (10-16)

          1. The Chastening of God (vs 10-15) cf Dut 8

          2. The Counsels of God (vs 16)

               i. Statutes (rule of action, ordinance )

                    a. The Statues of Omri (vs 16)  1Kings 16:16-26

                    b. The Statues of the Lord (Ps 19:8)

               ii.  Works (Actions)

                    a. The Works of Ahab (vs 16)  1Ki 21:25 26

                    b. The Works of the LORD  Ps 111:2 

               Psalm 28 Read - Thus the pronouncement of vs 11-15

     C. The People's Condition (7:1-7)
         
          i.  their sin (1-4)
          ii. their judgment (5-6) cf Mt 10:34-36

     D. The Remnant's Cause (7:7-20)

          i.  The Confounding of the nations (vs 16)
          ii. The Compassion upon Jacob (vs 19)

Psalm 34

1. Tasting the LORD's Favor – Experience (vs 1-10)
   A. Result of God's favor (vs 1-3)
   B. Recollection of God's favor (vs 4-7)
   1. Operational Experience (vs 4, 6)
   2. Observational Experience (vs 5, 7)
   C. Recommendation of God's favor (vs 8-10)
   1. Find your own experience with God (vs 8)
   2. Fear the Lord and experience his favor (vs 9)
   3. Final analysis on experiencing God (vs 10)
   
   
2. Teaching the LORD's Fear – Exhortation (vs 11-22)
   A. Desire (11-12) – Things that indicate a teachable spirit.
   1. Come (vs 11) – (Separation) – (James 4:8)
   2. Children (vs 11) – (Son) (James 3:1)
   3. Hearken (vs 11) – (Silence) - (Pro 18:13)
   4. Teach (vs 11) – (Significance) – (Dut 4)
   5. Fear of the LORD – (Seriousness) (Pro 1:7, 29)
   B. Departure (vs 13-14) - (Mt 12:34-37)
   1. Keep thy tongue from evil
   2. Depart from evil – turn aside, avoid Ex 3:3 -
   C. Diligence (vs 14)
   1. Do good – Work, make that which is right and proper and that makes for peace.
   2. Seek Peace – shalom (completeness, soundness, welfare, health, safety, prosperity)
   3. Pursue it – Word of hot pursuit (Ex 14:4-9)
   (Hos 2:9, 6:3)
   D. Deliverance (vs 15, 17-20, 22)
   1. The Lord's perception (vs 15)
   2. The Lord's power (vs 17-19)
   3. The Lord's promise (vs 18)
   4. The Lord's preservation (vs 21)
   F. Desolation (vs 16, 21) cf (Hos 13:16)(Joel 1:18)

(Luke 13:34-35) (Acts 1:20)

Mark 10

A Biblical View of Divorce and Remarriage

 

 

Between Mark 9 and Mark 10 is an event that is recorded in Luke 9:51-62 that we should read that will help set the tone for the sermon this morning.

1. Jesus did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them. (vs 51-56)
2. Jesus' life and ministry required a crucified life. (vs 57-62) cf Mark 10

I. The Teaching of Jesus (vs 1)

Jesus by teaching and preaching was setting forth a Gospel witness of the Kingdom of God.

Mt 7:24-29 / Lk 4:17-22, 32, 36,

 

II. The Tempting of the Pharisees (vs 2)
 

     A. Their pride - Love to be seen of men

     B. Their pursuit of lust

           2 sects were within the Pharisees,

                1) Shammai, followed the strict law of Moses

                2) Hillel, following the traditions as with law

Hillel would go from town to town teaching and promoting themselves and would get a "new wife" each time they went to a new place.

Ever wondered why the Pharisees did not question Jesus about Malachi 3:11-16?

Jesus asks what sayeth Moses? - Why?
 

III. The Testimony of Moses (vs 3-4)
 

       A. Ex 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

       B. De 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

       C. Le 20:10 ¶ And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

       D. Dut 24:1-4 – Read verses carefully - uncleaness = nakedness

 

IV. The Thoughts of God (vs 5-12)

      A. The Attitude of the heart (vs 5) cf (Luke 16:1-18)

 

      B. The Authority of the Creator (vs 6) cf Rom 1

      C. The Announcement of the Savior (vs 7-9) Moses not God gave the precept.

      D. The Asking of the Disciples (vs 10-11) cf Mt 19:10-12

The Exception Clause
 

Mt 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

It is safe to assume that any person committing adultery was to be put to death, so Jesus was not speaking of that when he spoke of putting away.

What is Fornication? Acts 15:15-31 – cf Lev 17-18

This is a biblical definition that fits within the rest of scripture.

Here are some Bible reasons to accept the no divorce position.

1. It supports the commands and wisdom concerning vows
   De 23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
   Ec 5:4 ¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
   
   
2. It supports the Biblical picture of Christ and the Church
   Ephesians 5 –
   Is the church always faithful? No
   Was Israel always faithful? No! Jer 3 / Hosea
   
   
3. It supports the Biblical position of restoration
   1Cor 7:10-11 / Gal 6:1
   
   
4. It supports the Biblical teaching of the immanence of Christ's return
   1Cor 7:29-35
   
   
5. It supports the Biblical nature of interpretation
   1Peter 1:19-21 / Following Scripture rather than the social criteria of the day

6. It supports the biblical teaching of priority
   Heb 3:1-13 God is greater than Moses
   Moses the Servant  but  Christ the Son

Three Christian concepts that must be considered
 

Grace
 

Here is a question that every person needs to ask themselves. Is God and his grace sufficient to meet the needs of an individual?

1) Can a person who is circumstantially led to live a single life enjoy God and be content in that place?

2) Can the person who is wasted physically in a horrible accident and finds them selves disfigured and hindered from a normal life able to live within the grace of God?

3) Can a person who finds themselves wronged in life through a departing spouse and tragic circumstances trust the living God to be the source of satisfaction of all of their needs?

It is amazing what things we allow God's grace to be sufficient for certain aspects of life but not for others!
 

Love

Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
 

Account
 

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.  What would the ramifications be on the day of Judgment, if a pastor married a bunch of his members into adultry?



Psalm 33

National Confidence in the Lord

 

 

1Peter 2:9 – A holy nation can have confidence in it's holy God.

1. The Call to praise God (vs 1-11)
   A. How the righteous are to praise (vs 1-3)
   1. With singing (vs 2)
   2. With significance (vs 3) – new song (fresh)
   3. With skilled playing (vs 3) (Psalm 34:18) pleased
   B. Why the righteous are to praise (vs 4-11)
   1. The LORD is righteous (vs 4-5)
   a. His word is right (vs 4) same as upright (vs 1)
   b. His works done in truth (vs 4-5) cf (Ps 89:49)
   Ex 17:12 – hands were steady
   cf (Is 33:6) stability
   1Sam 26:23 – faithfulness – many times in Ps
   Ps 37:3 – verily
   Lam 3:23 – great is thy faithfulness
   Hab 2:4 – faith    

2. The LORD is the Creator (vs 6-9)
3. The LORD is the Counselor (vs 10-11)
 
a. The counsel of the heathen (vs 10)
i. counsel = advice
ii. devices = inventions, plans

                              b. The counsel of the lord (vs 11)

                                        Thoughts = same as devices above

2. The Conditions for praise to God (vs 12-22)
   A. The LORD's Deity (vs 12)
   B. The LORD's Discernment (vs 13-15)
   (vs 15) fashion same as Gen 2:7 formed
   (vs 15) considereth = discern, understand, know
   C. The LORD's Deliverance (vs 16-22)

Psalm 32

Maschil of David


Maschil = song or poem of contemplation or meditation

 

I. The Blessedness of forgiveness (vs 1-2) = Happiness / internal peace

     A. Transgression = Ex 34:7 / Lev 16:16 / 1Kngs 12:19 – rebelled  / 2Kings 8:20 – revolted /

                                     Pro 19:10 – sin /Pr 18:19 - offended

     B. Forgiven = lifted, carried/swept away cf Nu 14:18 = clearing

     C. Sin = cf Ex 32:31 idea of great sin – see Gen 20:9

     D. Covered = conceal / hide / Gen 18:17 – hide / Josh 24:7

     E. Iniquity = perversity / depravity cf Gen 19:15 / 1Sam 3:13

     F. Not imputed = Gen 15:6 counted it / Gen 50:20 – thought it


This portion makes the point that God can make the vilest sinner clean. - God forgives wicked, vile, depraved, rebellious, transgressors!

II. The Burden of sin (vs 2-4)
     A. The spirit of a man (vs 2) - God breathed life into man!

          1. Spirit = wind / spirit man

          2. Guile = deceitful / false

     B. The silence of man (vs 3-4)

          1. silence of confession = roaring of the bones (Job 3:24) (Ps 22) (Ps 51)

          2. chastening likened to:

               a. heavy hand = vs (Ps 139:10)

               b. drought of summer. Cf (Ps 1)

III. The Beauty of relationship (vs 5-11)
      A. Confession and cleansing (vs 5-6)  confess – agreement with God 1Jn 1:9

      B. Compassing of the righteous (vs 7-11)

           a. Songs of deliverance (vs 7)

           b. mercy (vs 10)

Psalm 31

                                                             "I said in my haste" (vs 22)

 I. Observations

     A. Christ our example. (Messianic Psalm)
          (vs 5)          – Christ's statement (Luke 23:46) cf (Acts 7:59)
          (vs 13 -14)  – Christ's statement  (vs 13) - cf (Mt 27:1) (vs 14) - cf (Mt 27:46) (Ps 22:1)

     B. The ultimate measure of a man's patience is seen in how he controls his tongue in the time of    pressure.

• Psalm 116 see vs 11 – I said in my haste all men are liars. 
• Beware the Elijah syndrome! – (1Kings 19:18) 
• Christ – (Is 53:7)

     C. Christian trials are the context of Jas 1:19 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

II. Outline 

      A. Terror described of the past (vs 22a, & vs 11)

Here in our text, David admits to making an hasty statement concerning his state before the Lord. "I am cut off from before thine eyes." Here was a misguided determination by David that God did not and was not going to answer his prayer

cut off = destroyed root of this word is found in Gen 1:7 where God divided the waters from the waters

     B. Trusting God in the present (vs 1-21) 

• Evidenced in prayer (vs 1-5)(9-17)
• Evidenced in hate (vs 6)(17-18)
• Evidenced in gladness (vs 7-8)(19-21)

     C. Teaching saints for the future (vs 23-24)

          1. Love the Lord

               a. God preserves the faithful 

               b. God plentifully rewards the proud doer

         2. Be of good courage

              a. The promise of strength

              b. The prerequisite of hope

Psalm 30

Two Types of Prosperity

Ps 119:17; 175

This psalm of dedication is the result of God's chastening in the life of his servant. (Heb 12)

I. A Statement of Purpose (vs 1-3)

               I will exalt you because:

     A. You have lifted me up (vs 1) draw up (cf Pro 20:5)

     B. You have preserved me (vs 1) enemies do not rejoice

     C. You have healed me (vs 2) ap'r' rapha' (Ex 15:26)

     D. You have kept me alive (vs 3)

II. A Song of Praise (vs 4) cf (Psalm 97:12)

     A. Where? – To the Lord

     B. Who? - Ye saints of His

     C. Why? - Thanks at the remembrance of His holiness

         (His person and works separate him from all others)

III. A Seduction of Prosperity (vs 5-7a) cf (Ps 73:3)

     A. The cycle of chastening (vs 5)

• Anger
• Recognition
• Duration
• Reconciliation

     B. The confession of sin (vs 6)

     C. The commitment of trust (vs 7a)

IV. A Savior to Pursue (vs 6-12)

     A. The LORD withdrawn (vs 7b) (Ps 104:19-30)

          1. The face of the Lord speaks of close relationship. (Ps 27:8)(Ps 41:12)

          2. The trouble if the psalmist shows desire. (Ps 13:1)(Ps 27:9)

     B.The LORD petitioned (vs 8-10) cf (Is 38:9-19)

     C.The LORD returned (vs 11)

     D.The LORD extolled (vs 12)

Psalm 29

I. The Vision of the LORD (vs 1-2)

     A. The Act of Giving

     B. The Attributes of Giving

           Glory
  
           Strength

           Worship

II. The Voice of the LORD (vs 3-9)

A list of events to show the power of God in the likeness of a great storm.

     A. Is upon the waters (vs 3)– The thunder is the most loud when man experiences it upon the sea.
 
     B. Breaks the cedars of Lebanon (vs 5) These trees were the strongest and greatest trees known.

     C. Causes the mountains to skip! (vs 6)

     D. Divides the flames (vs 7) – lightening? - Acts 2 ?

     E. Shakes the wilderness (vs 8) shake = twist, whirl, writhe, tremble

     F. Causes the hinds to calve (vs 9) deer give birth

     G. Discovers the forests (vs 9) – discover= strip bare

III. The Victory of the LORD (vs 10-11)

     A. God sitteth upon the flood (vs 10)
     B. God secures his People with strength and peace! (vs 12)

Psalm 28

A Psalm of David

I. His Place of Refuge (vs 1-5)

     A. The Lord is our Rock. (vs 1)  (Ex 33:21-22)(Dut 32:4,15,18,30)

     Notice two rocks of Dut 32:31, 37) cf vs 1!
     The pit awaits those who trust in something other than God,

     B. The Lord is our Reward. (vs 1-5)

      Here we find the ends of two ways.

           1) The way of the righteous who trust in the Lord –
                His expectation is wholly in the Lord! (vs 1-2)

            2) The way of the wicked who trust in their own devices.

                 Down to the pit (vs 1)

                 Drawn away – dragged (vs 2)

                 Destroyed – (vs 5)

II. His Praise in deliverance (vs 6-8)

     A. Blessed be the LORD – Kneel before in adoration (vs 6)

     B. Testimonies of the LORD – I am helped (vs 7)

     C. Praise to the LORD – Declaration of his worth (vs 7-8)

III. His Prayer for Others (vs 9)

     A. Save thy people – liberate, deliver, give victory

          1) Ex 14:30

          2) 2Chor 32:22

          3) Neh 9:27 – x2

          4) Micah 7:7

     B. Bless thine inheritance -

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Psalm 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

2Ch 15:4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

2Ch 15:15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

     C. Feed them – Same word in Psalm 23:1 - shepherd

     D. Lift them up forever – to carry and support

De 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Psalm 27

A Warrior's Thoughts Between Battles

Other outlines:
I. A soldier (1-3)
II. A seeker (4-8)
III. A servant (9-10)
IV. A student (11-14)

I. Confidence in God's person (1-3)
II. Confidence in God's protection (1-7)
III. Confidence in God's promise (8)

IV. Confidence in God's presence (8-10)

I.  The Desire of David (vs 1-6)

     A. The Lord's person (vs 1)

1. shining = enlightenment
2. salvation – deliverance
3. strength= place of safety (seen as rock, fortress, hold) 

     B. The Lord's protection (vs 2-5)

          1. Enemies exist but they do not overpower (vs 2-3)

          2. Security is having the right foundation (vs 3-4)

• To desire and seek to dwell in God's house forever. 
• To behold his beauty = God's pleasantness, delightfulness (see 2Sam 1:26)
• To enquire in his temple.

           3. Trust and faith has it's reward. (vs 5)

      C. The Lord's praise (vs 6)

          1. Expectation for deliverance (now)

          2. Purpose in deliverance (I will worship)

II. The Determination of David (vs 7-14)

      A . Seen through prayer (vs 7-12)

          1. Request to be heard (vs 7)
          2. Request to be helped (vs 9-10)  - vs 9 forsake in the covenental sense!(Dut 31:1-23)

     

              a. By God's presence (vs 10)  He will take (gather) (Ruth 2:7) (Ps 26:9) 

              b. By God's path (11) He will teach (cast/shoot before) (1Sam 20:20) (2Chor 6:27) taught

          3. Request not to be handed over (vs 12)

              a. He was not presumptuous

              b. He was not prideful

     B. Seen through pursuit (vs 8)

           1. Sensitive to God's command (vs 8) - (When thou saidst)

           2. Sincere in obedience (vs 8) (my heart said)

III. The Discovery of David (vs 13-14)

     A. Sustained through faith (vs 13)

     B. Strengthened through focus (vs 14) wait =look for

Psalm 26

David's Confident Plea to God for Deliverance.

I. David's request for Examination (vs 1-8)

     A. Four words expressing examination – complete examination

1. Judge me (vs 1) - (Ex 2:14)(Lev 19:15)(Dut 1:16)
   Use your judicial discernment in my life.
   David requested this in (Ps 7:8 ; 35:24 ; 43:1)
2. Examine me (vs 2) scrutinize, (Zech 13:9 – try )
3. Prove me (vs 2) test (Judg 2:22)(1Kings 10:1)(Dan 1:12)
4. Try me (vs 2) refine through the fire (Jer 9:7 - melt)

     B. Eleven statements of confidence.

1. I have walked in mine integrity (vs 1) (completeness)
2. I have trusted in the LORD (vs 1) confident in Him
3. Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes (vs 3) how he dealt with others and saw God in his life
4. I have walked in thy truth (vs 3) (stability, firmness)
5. I have not sat with vain persons (vs 4) (empty, worthless)
6. I will not go with dissemblers (vs 4) (those who are secretive, hiding)
7. I have hated the congregation of evil doers (vs 5)
   (Dut 4:42)
8. I will not sit with the wicked (vs 5) dwell (Gen 4:16)( Mal 3:3- Lord will sit.) (Lot sat at the gate of Sodom(Gen 19:1)
9. I will wash my hands in innocency (vs 6) observance of one who brought sacrifice to God.
10. I will compass thine altar (vs 6-7) The one who brought the sacrifice was actively engaged in the sacrifice, they were with the priest while he performed his duties.
11. I have loved thy house (vs 8) as opposed to sitting with the wicked. - Speaks of regular attendance to worship  

2. David's request for Redemption (vs 9-12)
   A. Gather not my soul (vs 9) Do not put me in the same category
   B. Redeem me (vs 11) deliverance Ex 14:30, Isa 59:15, 20
   C. Be merciful (vs 11) pity me and show favor

Psalm 25

I. Focus on God (1-6)

     A. Lift up your soul to Him (1) soul = very being

     B. Trust in Him (vs 2) ashamed = disappointed

     C. Wait on Him(vs 3) wait = to look for with eagerness

     D. Learn from Him (vs 4-5) do we want to know the ways and paths of the Lord?

II. Forgiveness (6-14)

     A. Requests from God (vs 6-7)

     1. Request for remembrance of his mercies and long suffering. (vs 6)
     2. Request for the forgetting of our sins. (vs 7,11)
     3. Request for the remembrance of his sheep (vs 7)

     B. Recognition of God's person and character (vs 8-10)

1. He is good and upright (vs 8)
• good = pleasant and agreeable
• upright = straight and correct
2. He is a help to the meek (vs 9) meek = humble
3. He is a protection to the obedient (vs 10) keep = guard

      C. Reward for the believer (vs 11-14)

1. Forgiveness of sin (vs 11)
2. Instructed in God's way (vs 12)
3. Ease in God's inheritance (vs 13)
4. Counsel from the Lord (vs 14)
5. Realization of the covenant (vs 14)

III. Faithfulness (14-22) 

1. Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord (vs 15)
2. I wait on thee (vs 21)

Psalm 24

 A Messianic Psalm looking to the Millennium  

 # 3 in the trilogy  (Ps 22 – Good Shepherd / Ps 23 – Great Shepherd / Ps 24 Glorious Shepherd)

Setting – David entering Jerusalem upon conquering it (2Sam 5) ?

I. Jehovah is the Rightful Owner of the earth (vs 1-2)

     A. He owns the whole earth! (vs 1) (Ex 9:29)1Cor 10:23-26)

          1)Satan is the prince and power of the air (Eph 2:2)

          2) Satan is the god of this world (age) (2Cor 4:4)

age = period of time marked by it's spiritual and moral characteristics (1Jn 2:17)

1. It's cares (Mt 13:22)
2. It's sons (Luke 16:8)(20:34)
3. It's fashion (Rom 12:2)
4. It's rulers (1Cor 2:6-8)
5. It's wisdom (1Cor 1:20)(2:6)(3:18)
6. It's character (Gal 1:4)
7. It's god (2Cor 4:4)

          3) Satan is not the owner of the earth! (Rev 20:1-3, 10)

Why is Jesus the rightful owner? (Rev. 5:5) He has prevailed! (5:11-12)

     B. He owns the people of the earth! (vs 1) (Is 45:12)

          1) God has the right to interfere in the affairs of men!

          2) God has the right to inspect the hearts of men!

          3) God has the right to inflict judgment on men!(Is 54:15-17)

     C. He owns because he founded and established it all! (vs 2)

          1) By His spoken Word!

          2) By His sovereign power! (Heb 1:3)

II. Jehovah is the Righteous Sovereign of the earth (vs 3-6)

     A. The required righteousness (vs 4)

     B. The received blessing (vs 5)

     C. The recognized generation (vs 6)

          1) The Righteous

          2) Jacob!

Here we see the impeccability of Christ.(Heb 9:14)(1Pet 2:21-25)

III. Jehovah is the Royal King of the earth. (vs 7-10)

     A. He is the King of Glory

     B. He is the King of Victory (Dan 7:9-14)(Zech. 14:9, 16-21) 

Psalm 23

David who was a shepherd, understood the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. Here he places himself into a favored position by humbly admitting who he was -  A sheep.

I. A Personal Shepherd (vs 1) "My shepherd"

    cf Heb 2:9-18

II. A Providing Shepherd (vs 1-3) "I shall not want"

     cf Is 40:28-31

III. A Protecting Shepherd (vs 4) "I will fear no evil"

      cf 1Cor 15:52-58

IV. A Present Shepherd (vs 4) "thou art with me"

     cf Heb 13:5

V. A Preparing Shepherd (vs 5) "thou preparest a table before me"

     cf Ps. 78:19 / 

VI. A Permanent Shepherd (vs 6) "I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever"

     cf Heb 13:20-21

Psalm 22

Re 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Ge 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

I. The place of crucifixion (vs 1-10)

     A. His Question (vs 1) Jesus asked for our benefit
     B. His Condition (vs 2, 6-7)
     C. His Recognition (vs 3)
     D. His Consideration (vs 4-5)
     E. His Position (vs 8-10) (Is 46:3) Christ – virgin birth

II. Three requests in the fellowship of suffering. (vs 11-20)

      A. Be not far from me – I need your presence!

11 ¶ Be not far from me;

     1. "for trouble is near;"
     2. "for there is none to help."
     3. Enemies abound – 3 clasifications listed
          a. bulls of Bashan (vs 12) cf Psalm 68:1, 3

Bashan was the finest cattle country beyond Jordan where the largest and fattest cattle in the country were from.

12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

           b. Roaring lions (vs 13-15) cf (John 8:44) (1Peter 5:5-11)

13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
               
                i. 14 I am poured out like water,
                ii. and all my bones are out of joint:
                iii. my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
                iv. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd;
                v. and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and
               * thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

               c. Dogs (vs 16) – nothing left of him!  First reference – Ex 22:31 cf (Mt 7:6) also Jer 15:3
                   Mt 15:21-28 // Phil 3:2 , Rev 22:15

16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

     B. Deliver my soul – I need your deliverance

20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

     Soul - Gen 2:7 – Man became a living soul – the soul is a gift from God
     Gen 9:4 – life thereof – life is same word

Proverbs 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

darling – Gen 22:2, 12, 16 word only is same word

     Judges 11:34 – Jepththah's daughter was his only
     Psalm 25:16 – desolate
     Psalm 35:17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
     Psalm 68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
     Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

      C. Save me from the lion's mouth.

21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; cf (Heb 12:9)

1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Jesus is crying out to the very one who he is submitted to.

2Cor 5:21 He hath made him to be sin for us.

"My meet is to do the will of him that sent me and finish his work".

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

     Unicorn = a wild animal of great power
          Job 33:9-10 – Unable to be domesticated
          Numbers 23:22 / 24:8- Strength cf Is 34:7
          Dut 33:17 – Horns cf Ps 92:10
          Psalm 29:6 – Agility in youth

III. The power of His resurrection

     A. Declaration of his name – cf (Heb 2:9-12)

          1. Praise of him –

22 ¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation:.....
          2. Paying vows to him (Gen 28:20-22 / Gen 31:13)
            
25.....I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

Often vows and praise are seen together in the psalms! Showing promises connected with worship and sacrifice.
     B. Satisfaction of the Meek

26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. (Mt 5:5) Blessed are the meek...

     Meekness is living in humility before God in the sight of man

Ps 69:32 – Humble same as meek
Is 61:1 Ps 25:9 / Ps 37:11 / Ps 76:9 / Ps 147:6

(Numbers 12:3) (Mt 11:29 / Mt 21:5) (2Cor 10:1)
(1Peter 3:4) (Fruit of the spirit – Gal 5:23 cf Gal 6:1)

     C. Salvation of the nations

27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations. 29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul. 30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Isa 8:17-18 is also quoted in Heb 2! follow the text to Isaiah 9:6
see Dan 7 and 1Cor 15:12-34

Psalm 21

A three fold application

     1) We see a psalm penned under inspiration concerning the life experiences of King David.

     2) We see the Messianic quality of this Psalm concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.

     3) We see the believer's place by application as the victorious child of God. (1 Peter 2:9) (Rev 1:6)


I. The Faith (vs 1)

     * I shall rejoice  cf (Hab. 3:17-19)

II. The Facts (vs 2-6)

     A. Answered prayer (2)
     B. Abundant honor (3-6)
     C. Abounding joy (6)

III. The Future (vs 7-12)

     A. Trust brings stability (vs 7) cf (Ps 16:8)
     B. Safety is of the Lord (vs 8)
     C. Being in God's will makes your enemies God's enemies (vs 8-9)

         – find out = expose to deal with cf (1Sam 31)

         - Hand of the Lord -

               1. Ex 9:1-6
               2. Josh 4:19-24
               3. Judges 2:11-20
               4. 1Sam 5:6-9
               5. 2Kings 3:15
               6. Psalm 118:1-18
               7. Is 59:1-2

     D. The earth (vs 10) is the Lord's He will have His inheritance.

         (vs 9-12) - (Lev 25:23-28) cf Ruth 4; Jer. 32:7;  Rev 5

IV. The Focus (vs 13)

     A. Desire for God to be glorified
     B. Determine to sing and praise his power.

Psalm 20

A warrior's psalm of premeditated victory

I. The Abilities of the Lord (vs 1-4)

     A. The LORD hears in the day of trouble(vs 1)
          trouble - (Psalm 77:2) 120:1 – distress

     B. The LORD defends (vs 1) – The Lord of Hosts
          defend – set up inaccessibly high see Ps 6 9:29/ 91:14

     C. The LORD sends help out of the sanctuary (vs 2)

     D. The LORD strengthens out of Zion (vs 2)
          Psalm 18:35 – holden me up Is 9:7 establish

     E. The LORD remembers (vs 3) – Acceptable sacrifice
          Kings would sacrifice to God before going to battle

     F. The LORD grants the desire of the righteous (vs 4)
          The importance of our will being God's (1Jn 5:14)
          grant – bestow, permit, entrust, give, dedicate

II. The Acknowledgements of the Believers (vs 5-8)

     A. We will rejoice His salvation (vs 5)

     B. We will set up our banners in His name (vs 5)
          Banners = flags / standards - Identification
          Numbers 2 / SoS 6:4,10 / Sos 2:4
     C. We will realize answered prayer (vs 5)

     D. We will know that God does A-C by his power (vs 6)

     E. We will not be like the world (vs 7-8)
          Ex 14

     F. We will remember His name - LORD our God (vs 7)


III. The Action of the Believers (vs 9) - Prayer

Ps 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Keys to answered prayer

1) Faith (Mt 21:18-21)(Mk 11:24)(James 1:5-7)(5:15)

2) Faithfulness (Luke 11:1-8) (John 15:7)

3) Fasting (Mt 17:21)(1Cor 7:5)

4) Forgiveness (Mk 11:25-26)

5) Forsaking Sin (Ps 66:18)(Pro 15:29)(1Jn 3:22)

6) Found in God's will (1Jn 5:14)

Psalm 19

I. The Light of the Creation (1-6)
     A. The Heavens – Idea of loftiness - The visible sky
     B. The Firmament – Idea of expanse
     * The support of the waters / planets – God's vault
         (Gen 1:6-20) (Psalm 150:1) (Ezk 1:22-26/10:1) (Dan 12:3)
     * The greatness of the sun declares the greatness of the firmament. The Firmament is a house for the sun.

II. The Light of the Canon (7-10)
     A. The description of the Scriptures (vs 7-9)
          1. Law – Torah – divine instruction or direction
          2. Testimony – The witness of God's Word concerning God's person and works
          3. Statutes – The formal decree or edict given by God as ruler and lawgiver
          4. Commandment – here the singular (break one, you have broken all! -
               (James 2:10) mitzvah – Jews know it as a good deed in keeping the command of God
          5. Fear – terror, reverence, respect – cf Ex 20:18 / Rev 1:17
               Notice the times in Scripture that a fear of God precedes a positive relationship with God!
          6. Judgments – the decisions of a judge
     B. The desire for the Scriptures (vs 10)

III. The Light of the Conscience
     A. Warning (11)
     B. Understanding (12)
     C. Guarding (13)
     D. Pleasing (14)

Revelation Outline

I. Chapter 1 - Introduction
     A. The person of Christ (vs 1)
     B. The purpose of the Book (vs 1)
     C. The pattern of the Book (vs 1-2)
     D. The promise of the Book (vs 3)
     E. The presentation of Christ (vs 4-20)

II. Chapter 2-3 - Seven Churches
     A. Ephesus (2:1-7)
          1. The concept of Christ (vs 1)
          2. The comprehension of Christ (vs 2-3)
          3. The condemnation of Christ (vs 4)
          4. The conditions of Christ (vs 5)
          5. The commendation of Christ (vs 6)
          6. The call of Christ (vs 7)
     B. Smyrna (2:8-11)
          1. The presentation of Christ (vs 8)
          2. The encouragement of Christ (vs 9)
          3. The commands of Christ (vs 10-11)
     C. Pergamos (2:12-17)
          1. The view of Christ (vs 12)
          2. The victories of Christ (vs 13)
          3. The vices of the Church (vs 14-15)
          4. The venting of Christ's wrath (vs 16)
          5. The voice of Christ (vs 17)
     D. Thyratira (2:18-29)
          1. Christ recognized (vs 18)
          2. Good revealed (vs 19)
          3. Bad rejected (vs 20-23)
          4. Faithfulness rewarded (vs 24-29)
     E. Sardis (3:1-6)
          1. The ministry of Christ (vs 1)
          2. The message of Christ (vs 2-3)
          3. The motive of Christ (vs 4)
          4. The mind of Christ (vs 5-6)
     F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
          1. The overview of Christ (vs 7)
          2. The optimism of Christ (vs 8)
          3. The opposition against Christ (vs 9)
          4. The obvious reward from Christ (vs 10)
          5. The overcoming for Christ (vs 11-13)
     G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
          1. The Author (vs 14)
          2. The attitude of the Church (vs 15 - 17)
          3. The assessment of Christ (vs 17)
          4. The advice of Christ (vs 18-19)
          5. The assurance of Christ (vs 20-22)

III. Chapter 4 - The Throne of God
     A. It's Occupant (vs 1-3)
     B. It's opperations (vs 5-6)
     C. It's observers (vs 4, 7-11)

IV. Chapter 5 - The Worthy Christ
     A. The sealed book (vs 1)
     B. The search for one worthy (vs 2-4)
     C. The Slain Lamb. (vs 5-7)
     D. The supplication of the saints (vs 8)
     E. The song of the beasts and elders (vs 9-10)
     F. The shout in the heavens (vs 11-12)
     G. The submission of all creation (vs 13-14)

V. Chapter 6 - The 1st six of the seven seals
     A. Seal 1 - The white horse and it's rider (vs 1-2)
     B. Seal 2 - The red horse and it's rider (vs 3-4)
     C. Seal 3 - The black horse and it's rider (vs 5-6)
     D. Seal 4 - The pale horse and it's rider (vs 7-8)
     E. Seal 5 - The martyred souls  (vs 9-11)
     F. Seal 6 - The signs of earth and heaven (vs 12-17)

VI. Chapter 7 - God's Ability
     A. To start and stop creation (vs 1-3)
     B. To seal his servants (vs 3-8)
          1. A complete work
          2. A comforting work
          3. A consecutive work (4-8)
     C. To save the nations (vs 9-17)
          1. In spite of language or cultural barriers (vs 9)
          2. In spite of circumstantial barriers - The tribulation
              a. Saved (vs 14)
              b. Serving (vs 15)
              c. Safe (vs 16)
              d. Satisfied (vs 17)

VII. Chapter 8-9 - The seventh seal
     A. The time of silence (8:1)
     B. The trumpets given (8:2)
     C. The two uses of the golden censor (8:3-6)
     D. The six of seven trumpets sounded (8:7 - 9)
          1. Trumpet 1 - hail, fire, blood
          2. Trumpet 2 - great burning mountain cast into the sea
          3. Trumpet 3 - great star (wormwood) falls into the rivers
          4. Trumpet 4 - 1/3 of the lights of heaven darkened
          5. Trumpet 5 - key given to open the bottomless pit (The 1st woe)
          6. Trumpet 6 - loosing of the 4 angels to slay the third part of men

VIII. Chapter 10 - Two things of note
     A. The mighty angel (vs 1-7)
          1. His person (vs 1)
          2. His possession (vs 2)
          3. His position (vs 2)
          4. His power (vs 3-4)
          5. His proclamation (vs 5-7)
     B. The minuscule book (vs 8-11)
          1. sweet to the obedient
          2. bitter to the rebel

IX. Chapter 11 - Preparation for the coming kingdom
     A. The temple measured (vs 1)
     B. The time of the Gentiles (vs 2)
     C. The two witnesses (vs 3-12)
     D. The termination of the sixth trumpet (vs 13-14)
     E. The seventh trumpet sounded (vs 15-18)
     F. The Temple in heaven opened (vs 19)

X. Chapters 12-13 - Seven Personages
     A. The Woman Israel (vs 1-2)
     B. The Red Dragon (vs 3-4)
     C. The Child (vs 5-6)
     D. The Arch Angel Michael (vs 7-17)
     E. The Jewish Remnant (vs 17)
     F. The Beast out of the Sea (vs 1-10)
     G. The Beast out of the earth (vs 11-18)

XI. Chapter 14 - Eight Considerations in Judgment of the earth
     A. The Lamb (vs 1)
     B. The 144,000 (vs 2-5)
     C. The Angel with the everlasting gospel (vs 6-9)
     D. The 2nd angel  with the destruction of Babylon (vs 8)
     E. The 3rd angel  with the doom of the beast and his worshippers (vs 9-11)
     F. The Patience of the saints  (vs 12-13)
     G. The Reaping of the earth (vs 14-16)
     H. The Vision of Armageddon (vs 17-20)

XII. Chapter 15 - Six considerations before the pouring out of the vials
     A. The sign in heaven (vs 1)
     B. The sea of glass (vs 2)
     C. The standing saints (vs 3)
     D. The singing saints (vs 3-4)
     E. The seven angels (vs 6-7)
     F. The smoke of God's glory (vs 8) - Holy Wrath

XIII. Chapter 16 - 18 - Seven great things
     A. A great voice (vs 1)
     B. A great wrath (vs 2-21)
     C. A great rebellion (9, 11, 21)
     D. A great warning (vs 15)
     E. A great gathering (vs 16)
     F. A great whore (chapter 17)
     H. A great judgment (chapter 18)

XIV. Chapter 19 - Four Perspectives
     A. Rejoicing in Heaven (vs 1-6)
     B. Readiness of the Bride (vs 7-10)
     C. Return of Christ (vs 11-16)
     D. Result of Armageddon (vs 17-21)

XV. Chapter 20 - Seven Dooms
     A. Doom of Babylon (Ch 17-18)
     B. Doom of the Beast (19:19)
     C. Doom of the false Prophet (19:20)
     D. Doom of the remnant armies (19:21)
          - Establishment of the Millenial Kingdom (20:1-6)
     E. Doom of Gog and Magog (20:7-9)
     F. Doom of Satan (20:10)
     G. Doom of the Wicked Dead (20:11-15)

XVI. Chapter 21-22 - Seven New Things
     A. A New Heaven (vs 1)
     B. A New Earth (vs 1)
     C. A New People (vs 2-8)
     D. A New Jerusalem (vs 9-21)
     E. A New Temple (vs 22)
     F. A New Light ( vs 23-27)
     G. A New Paradise (Chapter 22)