God's Sovereignty and Christ's Kingship in the Psalms

 

Summary

In the fifth book of the Psalter, we find a profound recapitulation and resolution of themes that have been building throughout the previous books. This book begins with the restoration of God's people and His king, as seen in Psalm 105, and continues with a series of psalms that reflect on the king's struggles and glory, culminating in the expectation of Christ in Psalm 110. The Egyptian Hallel, Psalms 113-118, reflects on God's deliverance from Egypt, while Psalm 119 celebrates the law given at Sinai. The Songs of Ascents, Psalms 120-134, highlight the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, emphasizing unity and worship.

Psalm 127, central to the Songs of Ascents, is attributed to Solomon and underscores the futility of human effort without God's blessing. It beautifully illustrates that unless the Lord builds the house, all labor is in vain. This psalm speaks to the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, from family to city, and the peace that comes from trusting in Him. Solomon's reign, marked by peace and prosperity, serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate kingship. Despite Solomon's failings, his life points to the need for a perfect king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The psalm also emphasizes the blessing of children as a heritage from the Lord, essential for the continuation of life and the defense of the community. This is not merely sentimental but a practical necessity for survival and prosperity. The psalmist reminds us that God provides rest and peace, symbolized by sleep, to His beloved, a theme that resonates with Solomon's name, Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the Lord."

Ultimately, the Psalter is deeply connected to Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the kingly promises and the one who truly builds the house, blesses the family, and watches over the city. The Psalms, though not explicitly mentioning Jesus, are rich with His presence and point to His redemptive work. As we reflect on these truths, we find comfort in knowing that God gives His beloved rest and peace.

Key Takeaways:

1. The fifth book of the Psalter reveals the restoration of God's people and His king, emphasizing the expectation of Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the kingly promises. This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. [00:54]

2. Psalm 127, attributed to Solomon, underscores the futility of human effort without God's blessing. It calls us to recognize God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, reminding us that true success and peace come from Him alone. [07:42]

3. The blessing of children as a heritage from the Lord is not merely sentimental but essential for the continuation and defense of the community. This perspective challenges us to value family and community as integral parts of God's provision and plan. [12:12]

4. Solomon's reign, marked by peace and prosperity, foreshadows Christ's ultimate kingship. Despite Solomon's failings, his life points to the need for a perfect king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the true fulfillment of God's promises. [21:45]

5. The Psalter, though not explicitly mentioning Jesus, is rich with His presence and points to His redemptive work. This challenges us to see Christ in all of Scripture and to find comfort in the assurance that God gives His beloved rest and peace. [23:23]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:25] - Overview of the Fifth Book of the Psalter
[00:54] - Restoration of God's People and King
[01:25] - Expectation of Christ in Psalm 110
[01:55] - The Egyptian Hallel and Deliverance
[02:15] - Celebration of the Law in Psalm 119
[02:48] - Songs of Ascents and Pilgrimage
[03:15] - Struggles and Exile in Psalms 135-137
[03:55] - Davidic Psalms and Restoration
[04:25] - The Demand and Blessing of Pilgrimage
[05:36] - Centrality of Psalm 127
[06:37] - Solomon's Reign and Glory
[07:42] - The Lord's Sovereignty in Building
[09:18] - The Strong City and Watchfulness
[12:12] - Children as a Heritage from the Lord
[16:41] - Solomon's Name and God's Beloved
[18:56] - The Role of Kingship in Redemption
[22:49] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Psalms
[24:27] - Comfort in God's Provision and Rest

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 127
- Psalm 110
- 2 Samuel 12:25

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Psalm 127 say about the futility of human effort without God's blessing? How is this theme reflected in the sermon? [07:42]

2. In Psalm 127, what are the different interpretations of the "house" that the Lord builds? How does the sermon explain these interpretations? [08:24]

3. How does the sermon describe the significance of children as a heritage from the Lord in Psalm 127? [12:12]

4. What connection does the sermon make between Solomon's reign and the expectation of Christ's ultimate kingship? [21:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that Psalm 127 reflects the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life, and what implications does this have for understanding success and peace? [07:42]

2. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the importance of recognizing God's role in building the house, whether it be a family, a city, or a temple? [08:52]

3. How does the sermon interpret the blessing of children as essential for the continuation and defense of the community, rather than merely sentimental? [12:12]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of kingship in the Psalter and its connection to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ? [19:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied solely on your own efforts without seeking God's guidance. How did that experience compare to times when you sought His blessing first? [07:42]

2. In what areas of your life do you need to recognize God's sovereignty more fully, and how can you begin to trust Him in those areas this week? [07:42]

3. How can you actively value and support the role of family and community as integral parts of God's provision and plan in your life? [12:12]

4. Solomon's reign foreshadowed Christ's ultimate kingship. How can you look to Jesus as the perfect King in your daily life, especially in times of uncertainty or struggle? [21:45]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of rest and peace as gifts from God. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are receiving and valuing these gifts in your life? [11:01]

6. How can you see Christ's presence and redemptive work in the Scriptures, even in passages where He is not explicitly mentioned? How does this perspective change your reading of the Bible? [23:23]

7. Consider the role of children in your life or community. How can you contribute to their growth and well-being, recognizing them as a heritage from the Lord? [12:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Fulfillment of Kingly Promises
The fifth book of the Psalter reveals the restoration of God's people and His king, emphasizing the expectation of Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the kingly promises. This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. The Psalms, particularly in this section, weave together the themes of restoration and kingship, pointing to a future hope realized in Jesus Christ. The expectation of a perfect king is not just a distant hope but a present reality in Christ, who embodies the fulfillment of all God's promises. As believers, recognizing this continuity helps us see the overarching narrative of redemption that God has been orchestrating since the beginning. [00:54]

Psalm 89:3-4 (ESV): "You have said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'"

Reflection: How does understanding Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises change the way you view the Old Testament and its relevance to your life today?


Day 2: The Sovereignty of God in Human Endeavors
Psalm 127, attributed to Solomon, underscores the futility of human effort without God's blessing. It calls us to recognize God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, reminding us that true success and peace come from Him alone. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder that our efforts, no matter how diligent, are in vain if they are not aligned with God's will and purpose. It challenges us to examine our lives and consider whether we are striving in our own strength or relying on God's guidance and provision. The peace that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty is a profound gift that surpasses all human understanding. [07:42]

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than seeking God's guidance and blessing? How can you begin to shift your focus to trust in His sovereignty today?


Day 3: The Essential Role of Family and Community
The blessing of children as a heritage from the Lord is not merely sentimental but essential for the continuation and defense of the community. This perspective challenges us to value family and community as integral parts of God's provision and plan. Children are seen as a gift and a responsibility, entrusted to us by God to nurture and guide. This understanding calls us to invest in the next generation, recognizing their role in the ongoing story of God's people. It also invites us to see our communities as places where God's love and grace are lived out and shared. [12:12]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of your family and community? What steps can you take today to invest in the next generation?


Day 4: Solomon's Reign as a Foreshadowing of Christ
Solomon's reign, marked by peace and prosperity, foreshadows Christ's ultimate kingship. Despite Solomon's failings, his life points to the need for a perfect king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the true fulfillment of God's promises. Solomon's wisdom and the peace of his reign are mere shadows of the perfect wisdom and eternal peace found in Christ. This foreshadowing invites us to look beyond human leaders and place our hope in Jesus, the King of Kings, who reigns with justice and righteousness. [21:45]

1 Kings 4:29-30 (ESV): "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from earthly leaders to Christ as the ultimate King in your life? How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities?


Day 5: Seeing Christ in All of Scripture
The Psalter, though not explicitly mentioning Jesus, is rich with His presence and points to His redemptive work. This challenges us to see Christ in all of Scripture and to find comfort in the assurance that God gives His beloved rest and peace. The Psalms invite us to look deeper, to see the threads of redemption woven throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we engage with Scripture, we are encouraged to seek Christ's presence and to allow His peace to permeate our lives, bringing rest to our souls. [23:23]

Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of seeking Christ in all of Scripture? What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Bible's unified message of redemption through Jesus?

Quotes

We come now to the fifth book of the Psalter, where all is revealed and all is resolved, or at least all is recapitulated. It's a wonderful book that intrigued me for a long time, and I feel at last I've got something of a hold on what's going on in the fifth book of the Psalter. [00:00:09]

And the editor in this Book Five of the Psalter begins by saying, "God restores His people and His king." And we see that in Psalm 105, a wonderful psalm of the restoration of the people. Then we have a series of psalms about the king, both in his continuing struggles and in his glory. [00:00:54]

Psalm 110 is in that section, talking about great David's greater son, clearly an expectation of the coming of Christ. And then in Psalm 113, I believe, we have a kind of recapitulation of Israel's history. So Psalms 113-118 have been called "The Egyptian Hallel." [00:01:18]

And what most people notice about Psalm 119 is that it's long. My daughter, when we'd read the Bible at the table, if I ever said, "What Psalm would you like to read?" She was quick. The one thing she really knew was we should read Psalm 117, because that's the shortest psalm in the Psalter. [00:01:55]

And -- but beyond Psalm 119 being the longest psalm in the Psalter, it's a great reflection, a great celebration, a great delight in the law of God. And what should that remind us of? That coming out of Egypt, Israel comes to Sinai where the law is given. [00:02:15]

And these are pilgrim psalms. And they're psalms of delight in being in Jerusalem. And they're psalms of blessing from the house of the Lord. So, Psalm 120-134 are the Songs of Ascents in Jerusalem. So we've moved from Egypt to Sinai, into the land of promise and the great capital city. [00:03:00]

And one of the psalms that really celebrates this for the people of God and expresses the truth of their life with God and with one another is Psalm 127. We could have looked at any number of these psalms with great blessing, but I find it intriguing on a couple of levels. [00:05:29]

And one of them you should be able to guess by now, this is the central psalm of the Songs of Ascents. I'm sort of Johnny One Note on that point. So, there is a centrality here and not entirely surprisingly, part of that centrality is underscored by the author of this psalm. [00:05:50]

And this is a reflection on Solomon's part at his most faithful that whatever the strength and the glory, the wealth and the success of God's king, it really all comes from God. And, so this is a fairly familiar psalm. It's a very beautiful psalm. "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. [00:06:40]

And the people of the city, people of the nation have to work hard. They rise up early, they go to bed late, and their labors are done sometimes with anxiety. I'm sure none of you have ever experienced that, never had anxious moments in your lives, but here the psalmist recognizes that people work with anxiety. [00:09:44]

And this was critical in the life of Israel, that life would go on, that the family would go on. That as they waited for a Messiah, the family would continue, and that the family would not die out. And farmers were, you know, in desperate need of children to work on the farm. [00:12:12]

And it's really a celebration of Solomon perhaps from his house looking out at God's house, whom Solomon built, and rejoicing in what the Lord has accomplished. And I think there's some really interesting little tidbit here, which is fascinating. The central psalm has a central verse, "For He gives His beloved sleep." [00:16:03]

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Transcript
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