A Psalm of Praise
1. Who are we to praise? The _____________!
Notice all caps! Jehovah = “the existing One” & Exodus 3:13-15
2. By whom is He to be praised?
a. All _________________ – large groups of people
The promise of God’s blessing upon Israel was to be testimony to all the nations – & Psalm 96 expresses this missionary role of God’s chosen people.
b. All _________________ – small groups of people – _________
Genesis 25:16, Numbers 25:15
Revelation 7:9-10
3. For what is He to be praised?
a. _________________ _______________________
Its Definition: kheh’-sed – Sometimes conveys the idea of covenant loyalty or loving faithfulness and at other times unmerited lovingkindness or mercy depending on context.
Its Quality: _____________________
Translated as “prevail” in other passages:
Genesis 7:18-20 – Waters prevailing over the earth
Exodus 17:11 – Stronger side prevailing in battle
Psalm 65:3 – Sin prevailing over the Psalmist
Its extent: “Toward us” – Jews and Gentiles – & Galatians 3:7-9
b. _______________________________
Its Quality: __________________________
Ps 119:89
John 17:17
Selected Quote: “This Psalm, which is very little in its letter, is exceedingly large in its spirit; for, bursting beyond all bounds of race or nationality, it calls upon all mankind to praise the name of the Lord. In all probability it was frequently used as a brief hymn suitable for almost every occasion, and especially when the time for worship was short. Perhaps it was also sung at the commencement or at the close of other Psalms, just as we now use the doxology. It would have served either to open a service or to conclude it. It is both short and sweet. The same divine Spirit which expatiates in the 119th, here condenses his utterances into two short verses, but yet the same infinite fullness is present and perceptible. It may be worth noting that this is at once the shortest chapter of the Scriptures and the central portion of the whole Bible.” C. H. Spurgeon
Magnify! 