Read Psalm 71:1-24. What did David imply when he asked God to bring him up “again from the depths of the earth” (Psalm 71:20, NKJV)?

In Psalm 49:1-20 we found a touching expression of hope in the resurrection, in contrast to the false assurance of the fool who trusted in his wealth. In Psalm 71:1-24, David seeks security and hope from God while surrounded by enemies and false accusers who say that God has forsaken him (Psalm 71:10-11).

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Amid his trials, David finds comfort and assurance in recalling how God had cared for him in the past. First, he realizes that God had upheld him from birth and even took him out of his mother’s womb (Psalm 71:6). Then, he acknowledges that God had taught him from his youth (Psalm 71:17).

With the certainty that God was his rock and his fortress, David pleads with Him, “Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually” (Psalm 71:3, NKJV). “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails” (Psalm 71:9, NKJV). “O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!” (Psalm 71:12, NKJV). And then David adds, “You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth” (Psalm 71:20, NKJV).

The expression “from the depths of the earth” could be understood literally as an allusion to the future physical resurrection of the psalmist. But the context seems to favor a metaphorical description of David’s condition of deep depression as if the earth were swallowing him (compare with Psalm 88:6 and Psalm 130:1). So, we could say that “it is primarily figurative speech, but also hints at a physical resurrection.” — Andrews Study Bible, p. 726, note on Psalm 71:20.

In the end, what’s important to grasp is that, whatever our situation, God is there, He cares, and ultimately, our hope isn’t found in this life but in the life to come — the eternal life we have in Jesus after our resurrection at His return.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

Amen!(0)

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/tuesday-from-depths-of-earth/

The theme hymn for this quarter’s studies “On Death, Dying and the FUTURE HOPE” is 
Hymn 214 – We Have This Hope.

The Memory Text shows us the first hymns for this week:
Hymn 304 – Faith Of Our Fathers, 
Hymn 608 – Faith Is The Victory and 
Hymn 518 – Standing On The Promises. The Sabbath afternoon reading then gives us 
Hymn 522 – My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less finalizing with 
Hymn 633 – When We All Get To Heaven where we will gain answers to all our questions of life on this earth.

Job did not question 
Will Your Anchor Hold? – Hymn 534 and maintains he is able to 
Hold Fast Til I (Jesus) Come/s – Hymn 600. We find it is wise to believe and be 
Standing On The Promises – Hymn 518.

We are reminded in 
Hymn 136 – Good Christians, Now Rejoice (verse 3) that “ye need not fear the grave” as does our study on Monday. Christ has conquered the grave: 
Hymn 166 – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today. The study also shows that we are to 
Rescue the Perishing – Hymn 367.

David’s story (Tuesday) encourages us to remember The Rock and Fortress: 
Hymn 506 – A Mighty Fortress because 
God Will Take Care of You – Hymn 99.

Oh, what a day that will be 
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(0)

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/4-the-old-testament-hope-singing-with-inspiration/

Read Psalm 49:1-20. What led the psalmist to be so sure of his final resurrection (Psalm 49:15) in contrast to those who perished without that assurance (Psalm 49:6-14)?

Psalm 49:1-20 speaks about the false confidence of the foolish “who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches” (Psalm 49:6, NKJV), who “call their lands after their own names” (Psalm 49:11, NKJV), and who live only to bless themselves (Psalm 49:18). They act as if their houses and their own glory would last forever (Psalm 49:11, Psalm 49:17).

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But the foolish forget that their honor vanishes and that they perish just as the beasts do (Psalm 49:12, NKJV). “Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; … and their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling” (Psalm 49:14, NKJV).

As stated by Job centuries earlier, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:21, NIV; 1 Timothy 6:7). The psalmist points out that both the fool and the wise die, leaving “their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10, NKJV).

But there is a radical contrast between them. On one side are the fools who perish, even though trying to find assurance in their own transient possessions and accomplishments. In contrast, the wise behold, beyond the human saga and the prison of the grave, the glorious reward that God has reserved for them (1 Peter 1:4). With this perception in mind, the psalmist could say with confidence, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me” (Psalm 49:15, NKJV).

Consistent with the Old Testament hope, this statement is not suggesting that at the time of his death the soul of the psalmist would fly immediately into heaven. The psalmist is simply saying that he would not remain forever in the grave. A time would come when God would redeem him from death and take him to the heavenly courts.

Once again, the certainty of the future resurrection is depicted, bringing hope, assurance, and meaning to this present existence. So, the wise will receive a far more glorious and everlasting reward than what the foolish could gather for themselves during this short life.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Amen!(4)

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