Psalm 9 - 20

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements presented in the Psalms. Clearly, I will miss a lot, so please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts and observations.

Psalm 9

For the Leader; on the death of Labben

the LORD is not fooled or overcome by the wicked, and his people can trust Him and trust in Him, the refuge of those who fear Him and the righteous judge of all the earth

Psalm 10

Wicked men act (and think) as if God is far away and disinterested; they can act as they please without fear, taking advantage of those weaker than themselves.  David pleads with the Most High to act on behalf of the weak ones who need him.

Psalm 11

For the Leader

Those who trust in the LORD do not need to run from trouble.

Psalm 12

For the Leader, on the sh'minit

There are liars everywhere, and those who take advantage of weak people and opportune situations.  The LORD can be trusted and taken at his word.

Psalm 13

For the Leader,; a Psalm of David

Wait and see; the LORD does not forget or abandon his people.  He will come and rescue his own, and blessing and joy will come, too.

Psalm 14

For the Leader,, by David

It's foolish to think the LORD is not real, or is not interested in human affairs.  It's foolish to victimize people and think there is no consequence.  The LORD will give his people victory in the end.

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David

There is a different quality, a different way of life, a different moral code to those who belong to the LORD.  These people will find rest and refuge in Him.

Psalm 16

A mikhtam by David

The LORD is faithful to his people, and they are safe with him.  Not even death is the end of them.  They can rest and trust in him; peace and joy are with them, too.

Psalm 17

A prayer of David

Trouble comes to those who trust in the LORD, but he is more than able to rescue his people and defeat their enemies.  He has a special love for those who walk in his ways, and their victory will come, despite their enemies' destructive intentions.

Psalm 18

For the Leader,, by David

The LORD is the strength and foundation of a righteous life.  He brings certain and powerful victory to those who trust in Him.  He is a just God who deals with humanity according to their way of life.

Psalm 19

For the Leader,, a Psalm of David

The wonders of the sky showcase the glory of the LORD.  His instructions show us how to live the ideal life we were created for.

Psalm 20

For the Leader,, a Psalm of David

the LORD will save his people; he can be trusted.  This psalm is an appeal for him to hear, to engage, and to act on behalf of those who trust him, who obey him.

Psalm 1 - 8

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements presented in the Psalms. Clearly, I will miss a lot, so please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts and observations.

Psalm 1

Contrast of the Blessed and the Wicked

The blessed are like a Tree planted by the water; the wicked, like chaff on the wind

The difference:  whose instructions & influence are the following?

Psalm 2

A good word picture for the Almighty being "above and beyond" even the rulers, the most powerful people on earth.  Even the kings answer to the King of Kings, and it's a happy person who trusts in him, takes refuge in him.

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David

If we're on God's side, we will win, even if the whole world is against us.  There's peace and rest in knowing that he watches over and protects his own.

Psalm 4

For the Leader, with stringed instruments

God can be trusted, and those who trust in Him can rest, and be at peace.

Psalm 5

For the Leader, with wind instruments

The King of Israel acknowledges the LORD as his Sovereign.  David waits on Him each morning.

There are terms and conditions for remaining in the presence of the King of Kings, and David asks for help to meet those.

Psalm 6

For the Leader, with stringed instruments, on the sh'minit

David is estranged from the LORD...

He's not concerned with defending or justifying himself; hHe has no list of demands or claims about his rights

He humbles himself and pleads with the LORD to restore things

Psalm 7

A shiggayon of David

David appeals to the LORD, the righteous judge.  Ha asks that his life - and the lives of those who pursue him - be examined and rewarded according to their actions.

Psalm 8

For the Leader, on the hittite

David gives glory to God for his wonderful work in creation.

Job 40 - 42

Job 40

[the LORD continues]

"...do you still want to challenge me?"

"I'm ashamed of myself.  I've got nothing more to say."

"Oh no, we're not done yet"

The LORD sets the terms: if Job can prove his divine glory and might, He will concede that Job was right and he was in the wrong.

Job 41

...if you don't know, and can't have dominion over my creatures, are you able to stand up to me?

"Who has given me anything and made me pay it back?  Everything belongs to me under all of heaven."

Job 42

Job responds to the LORD:

• He acknowledges the Most High
• He acknowledges that he put the Almighty in a false light
• He wants to listen and obey, to get back in line and follow the LORD

After setting Job straight, the LORD lines out the three friends, resolving any perception of who was right and who was wrong: "...you have not spoken rightly about me..."

...He instructs the friends to come before Him in worship, and to have Job pray for them

After everyone obeys the LORD's instructions, all is restored.  Everything that Job lost - including his family and standing in the community - is restored, and increases.

Job 38 - 39

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 35

The LORD answers Job.

...you don't know what I'm doing here

...your ignorant talk has put my plans in a false light

Let's see what you know:

...do you know the design and build of the earth?

...do you know how to operate life on this planet?

...what about the stars? wildlife?

Job 35

...do you know how the animals live, and why I made them so? 

Job 35 - 37

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 35

(Elihu continues)

...do you think you're more righteous than the Almighty?

...man's righteousness and wickedness only affect humans, not God

..."[Job] multiplies words without knowledge"

Job 36

...God doesn't target people; he warns them and then lets them reap what they sow

...He give a path of repentance, and offers a a peaceful life:

"an untroubled open place, with rich food on your table"

...He is all powerful, and beyond what we can know

Job 37

...He rules the earth, all of its activities, all of its inhabitants

...Nature reveals His power, grace, and justice

Job 32 - 34

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 32

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar give up the debate

Elihu wants his turn to speak

...he says the other three did not refute Job

...but he will.

Job 33

(Elihu continues)

..."I heard what you said, Job - but you're wrong about the Almighty"

...the Mighty One will speak to us, and then give us frightful dreams to inspire & direct us

...He uses physical ailments to bring about change in us or our plans

...God uses many means to bring us back in live with him.

Job 34

...Job says, "I am right, but the Almighty is denying me justice"

...but he does not act wickedly or pervert justice.

...mankind continues to exist because he wills it to be so

...if you wouldn't disrespect a ruler, surely you should hold your peace before God

"Must his rewards meet your approval?"

Job 29 - 31

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 29

(Job continues)

...I wish for the good old days

...the Almighty was on my side, my family and work were blessed

...I was a blessing and encouragement to others 

Job 30

...now even "the least of these" and victims despise me

...i am an easy target; any sense of security is gone

...my health is gone, too

...my deeds were not repaid; I am without hope

Job 31

"Doesn't he see my ways and count all my steps?"

...I have not acted wickedly toward others

...i have acted faithfully towards those in need

...i have not been lazy or stingy

Job 24 - 28

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 24

(Job continues)

Why can his people not know of the Almighty's right judgement?

...why does he allow the wicked to act with impunity?

[Job pronounces a curse on these people]

...and yet, I know that the Most High sees them, and their day is coming

Job 25

Bibdad answers Job:

The Mighty One is in charge; He is above all others

No only mankind, but the universe itself pales next to Him

Job 26

Job's response:

...your advice is...unimpressive

...Heaven and Earth and Death and Destruction are subject to him

...He builds everything out of nothing, and his work is marvelous

...All creation is just the beginning of what he can do!  We can't get our heads around the substance of his power.

Job 27

...I swear by the Almighty, as long as he gives me life, I will walk rightly before him and be truthful in my speech

...I have hope at the end; those without God do not

Job 28

...man knows how to get treasure - jewels and metals - from the earth

...but who can find wisdom?

...the treasures we find cannot be exchanged for wisdom

...no one knows where to find it, how to get it...except the Almighty

...He declares the fear of him, and turning away from evil - these are wise pursuits

Job 21 - 23

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 21

Job responds:

...I have an issue with you guys: is this the right way to deal with me in this moment?

...we know that the wicked often escape judgement or consequence in this world

...no matter who a person is or what they've done, everyone comes to the grave

...your comfort is no help to me

Job 22

Eliphaz responds:

...can we benefit the Most High?  Does the Almighty improve if we're good?

...does he rebuke you because you're faithful to him?

...no, it's because you're against his ways and don't follow his instructions

...He sees you, even though you think he doesn't know

...make peace with the Most High and things will turn around

...if you turn to him and humble yourself, he will save you

Job 23

Jos answers:

...I want to find [the Almighty]

...I want to plead my case; I know he would listen

...I won't turn aside from following Him; I treasure his commands

...but He does what he wants - with everything, and with me, too.

Job 17 - 20

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 17

(Job continues pleading with the Almighty)

...my life is fading, those near me mock instead of help

...will you get me out of this?  No one else can.

...my life is seen as satire, a warning and a lesson for men

...I am abandoned and misunderstood, my only expectation is the rest of Sheol

Job 18

Bildad's response:

...man, you talk a lot!  Can we say something?  We're not dummies, you know.

...your anger will destroy you, but the world will move on

...the ungodly gets what's coming, to the horror of those who learn what has happened

...this is how it goes with those who don't know the Mighty One

Job 19

Job answers:

...when will you stop attacking me?

...you've left no insult undone; have you no shame?

...don't forget (in your judgment of me) that all of this is the work of the Mighty One

...not only that, but all have left me; everyone keeps their distance

...my friends and loved ones are now against me

...but I know My Redeemer lives; at the end of all things he will prevail

Job 20

Zophar's response:

...I can't keep quiet; my spirit must answer:

...the success of the wicked is short-lived

...what he gains will be taken from him

...heaven and earth and the Most High will act against him

Job 14 - 16

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 14

(Job continues to plead with the Almighty)

...man is fragile and cheap; contending with him brings no gain to you

...man does not re-generate; when he is used up, he's gone

...if I were in the place of the dead, I would feel relief

...your constant pressure brings despair

Job 15

Eliphaz responds:

...your own words condemn you

...you don't fear the Almighty or respect men

...your sin will ruin you; you will waste away

Job 16

Job's response:

...you're pretty sorry comforters

...my pain remains, whether I speak or remain silent

...with friends like these, I appeal to the Almighty

...I ask for the Most High to help make things right between me & the Most High

Job 11 - 13

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 11

Zophar responds to Job

...your words don't make you right, or innocent

...I wish God would set you straight

...His ways are beyond you, but you can still understand Him

...if you humble yourself before him, things can still turn around 

Job 12

Job answers

...thanks for your historic wisdom and advice

There is another reality, too:

...those who follow the Most High are ridiculed

...normal folk tend to avoid (and maybe judge) the afflicted

...the bad guys do sometimes "get away with it"

Nature will testify: the LORD is active in how things go.

...He accomplishes what he wants, and humbles us in the process.

 

Job 13

(Job, to his visitors):

I want to speak to the Almighty; you're no help to me, and you don't fool Him

"Though he slay me, I will trust in Him"...but I will defend my way(s) to Him

...Please, Lord, stay with me, and let me not be afraid to come to you.

...Show me my sin, and engage me, don't just punish me

Job 8 - 10

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 8

Bildad's' Response to Job

...the Almighty will do what's right

...seek advice from "the fathers"

...God helps the blameless, but the Godless will fail

Job 9

Job Answers

...Yep, I agree.

...who can dispute with the LORD?  Who can dispute what he does?

"He can go right by me, and I don't see him; he moves past without my being aware of him."

...even if I were right, I could still only ask for mercy

...no one can overpower or outmaneuver Him; there is no arbiter with Him

Job 10

[Job continues]

...I will speak to the LORD and ask "why?"

...have you waited for me to sin and then to condemn me?

...why did you give me life, just to take it all away?

...can I have a little respite before I die?

Job 5 - 7

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 5

[Eliphaz's Continued Response to Job's Trouble and Lament]

...consequences and trouble come to us for a reason

...no man can help you; call out to the LORD who does "mighty deeds"

...He will win the day, and so will those who trust Him

Job 6

Job Responds to Eliphaz

...I"m so overwhelmed, I can't even speak well about it

...all of this is from the Almighty, and I wish he would end it, would end me

...clearly I cannot help myself, and my friends aren't helping, either

"A friend should be kind to an unhappy man, even to one who abandons Shaddai."

Job 7

...life is hard, and meaningless

...humanity passes quickly, then it's over and we're gone

...I'm gonna speak my mind and express my pain - don't shush me

...don't pass judgement on me; how does that help anything?

Job 1 - 4

Job 1

Job's Character and Good Life

The Sons of God; Satan's Plan to Test Job

Satan Takes Everything; Job Blesses the LORD

Job 2

Satan is allowed to Afflict Job's Health

Job Again Passes the Test

Three Friends Come to Mourn with Job

Editor's Note:  I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors.  My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on

Job 3

Job's Lament

...regrets being born

...wonders why he is still alive

Job 4

Eliphaz Responds

...questions Job's authenticity

...says the innocent do not suffer

...says mankind cannot be righteous before the LORD