A Dove Among Hawks Series

BIG IDEA:

ADVOCATES FOR PEACE LAMENT LIVING AMONG LYING

WARMONGERS

INTRODUCTION:

First in a series of Psalms (120 - 134) labeled "A Song of Ascents";

possibly a hymnbook for pilgrims coming up to the Temple for the great feasts

- Spurgeon

but many other suggested possibilities as well

I. (:1-4) LAMENT AGAINST DECEITFUL LIARS (SLANDERERS)

A. Cry for Deliverance

"In my trouble I cried to the Lord, And He answered me."

"Deliver my soul, O Lord"

B. Cause of Conflict (the Nature of Slander)

"lying lips"

"deceitful tongue"

C. Curse of Retribution

1. Retribution is necessary -- Because of the "deceitful tongue"

"What shall be given to you"

"What more shall be done to you"

2. Retribution is appropriate (cf. how slander is referred to in these terms)

"sharp arrows of the warrior"

"burning coals of the broom tree"

Spurgeon: "coals of juniper:

quick in flaming

fierce in blazing

long in burning" (cf. hell fire)

II. (:5-7) LAMENT AGAINST WARMONGERS

A. Grief from Close Association = Living among the Warmongers

"Woe is me, for I sojourn in Meshech, For I dwell among the tents of Kedar!"

"Too long has my soul had its dwelling With those who hate peace."

B. Grief from Antagonistic Objectives = Advocate for Peace vs. Advocate for War

"I am for peace, but when I speak, They are for war."

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) Do we wait until we are in trouble before we cry out to the Lord? Do we appreciate His faithfulness in being there for us to hear and answer our cries for help?

2) What types of personal attacks, slander, lies have we had to face? In what ways did we struggle with pain and hurt on these occasions?

3) What types of judgments are pictured in the images of verse 4? Why are these judgments especially appropriate in light of the offenses?

4) Is our soul troubled by the unrest around us and desirous of the type of peace that only the kingdom of God can establish?

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com