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Psalms: Book Two (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Psalms are organized into five distinct books, mirroring the structure of the Torah, which comprises the five books of the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These five books of the Psalms also correspond to the five festival scrolls known as the Megilloth—Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther—which are read during specific holy days and seasons of the year. Additionally, the last five psalms serve as summary psalms for each of the five books of the Pentateuch and align with five seasonal divisions of the Hebrew calendar: Passover in early spring, Pentecost in late spring, summer, fall festivals, and the winter season between the Last Great Day and the start of Passover. Thematic connections are observed between these groups of five, linking each book of the Psalms with a corresponding book of the Pentateuch, a festival scroll, and a season. Book One of the Psalms aligns with Genesis, Psalm 146 as its summary psalm, the Song of Songs, and the Passover season. Book Two, encompassing Psalms 42-72, is thematically tied to Exodus, the festival scroll of Ruth, and the Pentecost season, with Psalm 147 as its summary psalm. This alignment reflects a cycle of teaching that recurs annually through the five seasons. Book Two of the Psalms, consisting of thirty-one psalms, places significant emphasis on the divine name Elohim, which appears 164 times compared to Yahweh, used only 30 times. This heavy usage underscores the portrayal of God as Creator, highlighting His strength, power, intellect, and ability to design and create from nothing. Throughout Book Two, the theme centers on God using His omniscience and power to shape lives, often through trials, to develop character akin to that of His Son, Jesus Christ, preparing individuals for eternal life in harmony with the Father and the Son. Many psalms in Book Two, particularly those attributed to David (Psalms 51-71), reflect personal struggles and emotional turmoil during trials, yet ultimately convey trust in God's plan and the need for patience and praise amidst hardship. By Psalm 71, David expresses hope in God's continued presence into old age and in the resurrection, affirming his commitment to praise God for redemption. Other psalms in Book Two, such as those by the sons of Korah (Psalms 42-43, 44-49), Asaph (Psalm 50), and Solomon (Psalm 72), shift focus from individual experiences to collective concerns, addressing the trials and aspirations of all Israel or the church as a body. Specific psalms in Book Two offer unique perspectives within this overarching theme. Psalm 44 recalls God's past deliverances while lamenting current national suffering despite faithfulness, urging endurance through undeserved persecution. Psalm 45 provides encouragement by exalting God as Messiah and King, envisioning a future union with Him as a reward for enduring trials. Psalm 46 portrays God as a refuge in catastrophic times, emphasizing trust in His protection and the sustaining power of His Spirit, symbolized as a river flowing through the city of God. Psalm 47 reinforces God's sovereignty over all, assuring that He actively governs and fights battles for His people. Psalm 48 praises God's presence in Jerusalem, symbolizing the church's enduring strength through trials under His care. Psalm 50, by Asaph, presents God as a just judge of both the faithful and the wicked, offering comfort in His fairness. Finally, Psalm 72, by Solomon, closes Book Two with a vision of God's Kingdom under Christ's reign, focusing on righteousness, justice, peace, and salvation, directing attention to Christ as the source of strength through trials.

Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Psalms are divided into five distinct books, mirroring the structure of the Torah or Pentateuch and the five festival scrolls known as the Megilloth, which include the Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther. These sets of five—Psalms, Torah, and Megilloth—along with the Jewish division of the year into five seasons, reflect thematic similarities among them. The five final Psalms, 146-150, serve as summaries for each of the five books of the Psalms, with Psalm 146 corresponding to Book One (Psalms 1-41), and Psalm 147 summarizing Book Two (Psalms 42-72), linking thematically to Exodus, Ruth, and the Pentecost season. Book Two of the Psalms, comprising Psalms 42-72, focuses on thirty-one Psalms, most of which are attributed to David, with some possibly written by the sons of Korah (Psalms 42-49), Asaph (Psalm 50), and Solomon (Psalm 72). The concluding verse of Book Two suggests a strong association with David, stating that the prayers of David, son of Jesse, are ended. A notable characteristic of Book Two is the predominant use of the name Elohim for God, mentioned 164 times compared to Yahveh's 30 mentions, in contrast to Book One's emphasis on Yahveh. This shift highlights a focus on God as Creator, emphasizing His strength, power, and intelligence in design, portraying Him as an almighty Being capable of overcoming any obstacle or trial on behalf of His people. The thematic content of Book Two underscores God's ongoing creative work, not limited to the physical creation but extending to a spiritual creation, shaping a people in His image through trials and character growth. This book portrays David as a prototype of enduring severe trials, often finding himself in distress, isolated, and reliant solely on God's intervention. Through these experiences, the Psalms illustrate God's faithfulness, sovereignty, and providence, encouraging trust in Him to navigate challenges and grow in character. Specific Psalms within Book Two, such as Psalms 42-43, originally a single Psalm, depict a progression through personal distress and depression to hope and renewed trust in God, using the refrain to shift from despair to anticipation of God's help. Psalm 44 extends this theme to a corporate level, addressing communal suffering despite faithfulness, reflecting on past deliverances by God while grappling with current oppression, and calling for His intervention. Overall, Book Two emphasizes overcoming trials through faith, highlighting God's role as Creator who continues to shape His people for His purpose.

Psalms: Book Two (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Psalms is divided into five distinct sections, known as books, which provide an internal organization to the collection of 150 psalms. This division into five books—Book One through Book Five—helps in memorizing and understanding thematic elements, and suggests a possible liturgical purpose tied to different times of the year. Despite being segmented, the integrity of the entire Book of Psalms remains intact. Book Five, encompassing Psalms 107-145, includes specific groupings such as the psalms of ascents (Psalms 120-134) and the Hallel psalms of praise (Psalms 113-118), with Psalm 119 standing out as a significant individual study. The organization into five books is seen as a practical way to handle the content in smaller, more manageable portions, enhancing thematic and memorative approaches. The five books of Psalms also correlate with other sets of five in the Old Testament, such as the five books of Moses (the Pentateuch), the five festival scrolls (the Megilloth), and the five seasons of the Israelite year. For instance, Book One of Psalms corresponds with Genesis, the Song of Songs, Psalm 146, and the Passover season. Book Two (Psalms 42-72) aligns with Exodus, the book of Ruth, Psalm 147, and the Pentecost season, reflecting themes of redemption, law, covenant, and marriage. Book Two, consisting of thirty-one psalms, features various authors including the sons of Korah, Asaph, David, and Solomon, with a notable editorial note in Psalm 72:20 suggesting an original arrangement of David's psalms within the first 72 chapters. This book predominantly uses the term Elohim for God, emphasizing His role as Creator and Provider, which ties into the overarching theme of spiritual creation and preparation as the bride of Christ. The psalms in this section often depict David in distress, facing trials, and relying on God's redemption and promises for hope and future glory. The summary Psalm 147 encapsulates themes of Book Two and the Pentecost season, highlighting God's word and providence as essential for creating a people who please Him. It speaks of building Jerusalem, gathering the outcasts, and the redemptive work of Christ, reinforcing the notion of God's power and care in overcoming trials and shaping His chosen ones.

Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of Psalms, also known as the Psalter, is divided into five books, corresponding to the five seasons of the year as observed by the Israelites: Passover, Pentecost, summer, fall, and winter. These books also parallel the five books of the Torah or Pentateuch—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—and the five books of the Megillot, or festival scrolls. Book Four of the Psalms, associated with the fall season, comprises eighteen psalms, including Psalms 90 through 106 and Psalm 149 as the Psalm. This book aligns with the book of Numbers, reflecting themes of wandering and enumeration, and with Ecclesiastes, which focuses on walking wisely through life. Book Four specifically ties to the fall festival season, encompassing holy days such as Trumpets, Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Day of the Feast. The psalms in this book emphasize the themes and prophetic fulfillments related to these festivals. The exploration of Book Four will cover the significance of these fall festivals, highlighting their importance in God's plan. The themes pertinent to the Feast of Trumpets, in particular, will be a focus, connecting to broader concepts of God's visitation, judgment, and the anticipated return of Christ. The perspectives in Book Four, as expressed by psalmists like David and Moses, often look forward to future events, using varied verb tenses—past, present, and future—to convey their messages. These tenses, though sometimes confusing, are all applicable to the themes of the fall season and the ultimate fulfillments they anticipate. The psalms are intentionally placed to provide lessons relevant to this time, urging a proper perspective on life and preparation for God's promises.

Psalms: Book Five (Part One): Psalms for the Winter Blues

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Psalms hold a significant place in providing comfort and guidance, especially during the gloomy winter months when feelings of depression may arise. These scriptures are seen as vital for walking in wisdom, as emphasized by the apostle Paul, who urges believers to fill their conversations and inner thoughts with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This practice not only uplifts the spirit but also helps in memorizing and meditating on God's Word, a necessity in times when personal copies of scriptures were scarce. The Book of Psalms is divided into five distinct books, each with its own thematic focus and corresponding to various elements of Hebrew tradition and seasons. Book I (Psalms 1-41) aligns with Genesis, the Song of Songs, the Passover season, and themes of Christ's human life, sacrifice, deliverance, and salvation. Book II (Psalms 42-72) corresponds to Exodus, Ruth, Pentecost, and themes of marriage, law, covenant, exile, and redemption. Book III (Psalms 73-89) relates to Leviticus, Lamentations, the summer season, and themes of the temple, correction, tribulation, and devastation. Book IV (Psalms 90-106) connects with Numbers, Ecclesiastes, the fall feasts, and themes of character, Christ's return, God's reign, and the Millennium. Finally, Book V (Psalms 107-150) is linked to Deuteronomy, Esther, the winter season, and themes of God's acts and accomplishments of salvation. Particularly relevant to the winter months, Book V offers uplifting and hopeful messages through songs of praise and thanksgiving. These psalms, including Psalm 107 and the summary Psalm 150, exult in God's mighty acts and enduring mercy, reinforcing the assurance of His plan for salvation. This section of the Psalms, with its focus on God's grace and deliverance, serves as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness, encouraging believers to maintain hope and joy even in the darkest times as they approach the Passover season.

Psalms: Book One (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Psalms are organized into five books, mirroring the five-part division of the Hebrew religious year: Passover, Pentecost, summer, Tabernacles, and winter. This structure aligns with other biblical groupings of five, such as the Pentateuch and the Megilloth. Each book of Psalms corresponds to a specific season and shares themes with related books. Book One, encompassing Psalms 1 through 41, is associated with springtime, particularly the Passover season, and parallels Genesis and the Song of Songs, with its summary in Psalm 146. Book Two aligns with Pentecost, Exodus, and Ruth. Book Three corresponds to summer, Leviticus, and Lamentations. Book Four connects to the fall feasts, Numbers, and Ecclesiastes. Book Five relates to winter, Deuteronomy, and Esther. Each book carries distinct themes tied to its seasonal context. For Book One, these themes include the righteous versus the wicked, Torah as God's instruction, the Messiah or the Son, and trust in God, reflecting the spring feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread. Additionally, Book One contains Messianic prophecies that highlight aspects of the Messiah's life and ministry, often seen through the lens of David's experiences as a type, pointing to the ultimate reality of the Messiah. Specific psalms in Book One, such as Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 31, 34, 40, and 41, emphasize various dimensions of the Messiah's role and suffering, underscoring His significance in the divine plan as it unfolds from the beginnings of God's purpose.

Psalms 90-100

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Psalms 90-100 are prophetic, having a definite time progression, especially referencing the time frame between the Feast of Trumpets to the Last Great Day.

The Song of Moses

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When we are changed into spirit beings, we, as the first fruits, will again be involved in making music, singing a new song before the throne of God.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Two): Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes was to be read during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing a state of temporariness, as God's people were commanded to live in temporary quarters.