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Psalm 34:4

PSALM 34:4  "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." PSALM 34:4 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The author initiated a search or pursuit for God's presence and help (4a). God personally responded to the author's cry for help (4b). As a direct result of God's response, the author was rescued from every anxiety, worry, or terrifying thing that troubled him (4c). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context What specific event in David's life, as referenced in the Psalm's superscription (when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech), caused him to "seek the Lord" in such desperation? b) Cultural Context What would the act of "seeking the Lord" have looked like for David—was this a formal act in the temple, or was it a private act of prayer, and how was it understood in ancient Israel? c) Theological Context If God "delivered me from all my fears," does this mean a person who truly see...
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Psalm 55: 22

  PSALM 55:22 "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." PSALM 55:22 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The psalmist is giving an instruction or command to the reader (55:22). The instruction is to transfer or release one's heavy concerns, troubles, or worries to the Lord (55:22). A promise is attached to this action: the Lord will sustain or support the person who trusts Him (55:22). A further assurance is given: God will not allow the righteous person to be overthrown, defeated, or permanently stumble (55:22). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context What kind of "burdens" or heavy troubles was David dealing with when he wrote this Psalm? (The Psalm's superscription often suggests a time of betrayal.) b) Cultural Context What does the phrase "cast your burden" imply about the physical action or effort required on the part of the person? c) Theological Context How does the...
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Deuteronomy 31:6

DEUTERONOMY 31:6 "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." DEUTERONOMY 31:6 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The text gives a direct command to the people to be mentally and spiritually resolute (strong) and bold in action (courageous) (6a). The text gives a negative command, warning the people not to feel terror or lose self-control when facing their enemies (6b). A promise is given as the reason for the command: the Lord God will take the lead and move before the people (6c). A double assurance is given that God will remain with the people; He will not let them down (fail) nor will He forsake them (abandon) (6d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context Why was this command for strength and courage necessary at this exact moment in Israel's history, immediately before they entered the Promised Land? b) Cultural Context What does...
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Jeremiah 6:16

  BIBLE VERSE Jeremiah 6:16 "This is what the Lord says: 'Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk on it. Travel this path and you will find rest for your souls.'" Jeremiah 6:16 WHAT DOES IT SAY? SUMMARIZE THE TEXT IN YOUR OWN WORDS. The Lord commands His people to pause their present course: Stop at the crossroads and look around (16a). They are instructed to seek proven wisdom and direction: Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is (16b). The command is to actively follow that proven wisdom: and walk on it (16c). The promised result of this obedience is spiritual peace: Travel this path and you will find rest for your souls (16d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? A) HISTORICAL CONTEXT When Jeremiah spoke these words, what were the people of Judah doing that made them "off the path," and what judgment were they trying to avoid? B) CULTURAL CONTEXT What was the practical significan...
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Psalm 27:1

  PSALM 27:1  "The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is the fortress of my life—so why should I tremble?" WHAT DOES IT SAY? The author identifies the Lord as his source of illumination and guidance (27:1a). The author identifies the Lord as the source of his rescue and deliverance (27:1a). The author asks a rhetorical question implying that fear is illogical given who the Lord is (27:1b). The author identifies the Lord as a strong defensive structure or safe haven for his life (27:1c). The author asks a second rhetorical question suggesting trembling or dread is unnecessary because of the Lord's protection (27:1d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context What specific immediate threats or military conflicts was King David facing when he wrote this Psalm that made the metaphors of "light" and "fortress" so relevant? b) Cultural Context What would a "fortress" have looked like in an...
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John 10:27-28

  BIBLE VERSE John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:27-28 WHAT DOES IT SAY? SUMMARIZE THE TEXT IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Jesus describes the identifying mark of His followers: My sheep listen to my voice (27a). Jesus confirms the intimate relationship He has with these followers: I know them (27b). Jesus defines the discipleship response expected from His followers: and they follow me (27c). Jesus details the gift He provides to His followers: I give them eternal life (28a). Jesus provides the first guarantee of their permanent security: and they will never perish (28b). Jesus provides the second guarantee of their permanent security, confirming His power: No one can snatch them away from me (28c). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? A) HISTORICAL CONTEXT Who were the people Jesus was speaking to in this passage (Jn 10:24), and what hostile ques...
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