Psalms - Week 6

Welcome to Week 6 of Psalms!  There is no particular sequence in the psalms, although there are groupings of psalms, like the one we will encounter this week.  It's like reading a book of poetry; some poems connect and others don't, but they're all contained within the same collection.  

Just to highlight a few of the psalms this week: 1) Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanks that recounts some of Israel's history. 2) Psalm 117 is the shortest of the psalms. 3) Psalm 118 is a psalm associated with Passover. 4) Psalms 113-118 are called the Hallel psalms and were sung each morning by the temple choir during Jewish festivals. 5) Psalm 119 is the longest of the psalms. It contains 22 stanzas of 8 verses each. Each stanza is named for a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each verse in that stanza begins with a word that begins with that letter from the Hebrew alphabet. For example, verses 1-8 all begin with the Hebrew letter aleph. Additionally, every verse contains a reference to God's law (using words like decrees, ways, Word, commands, etc.) 6) Psalms 120-128 are part of the collection known as psalms of ascent. This group of 15 psalms were often sung as the Hebrew pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem for the festival.  

Take some time to reflect on all the psalms.  As with all poetry, there are meanings on multiple levels.  What is God speaking to you through these psalms?

Enjoy your reading!  Please share your reflections and questions.  Be sure to use the guiding questions as you read.

Our guiding questions are these: 

• What stood out to you in the reading?
• Was there anything confusing or troubling?
• Did anything make you think differently about God?
• How might what you read change the way you live?