Psalm 8 - The Majesty of the Lord's name.

Sermon preached from the pulpit of Fellowship Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Psalm 2 - Foolish Rebellion

Sermon preached at the chapel of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.


Psalm 2 - Breno Macedo from Breno Macedo on Vimeo.

Some thoughts on Psalm 1

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There is a general agreement among scholar that Psalm 1is as wisdom psalm. It shares many similarities with the book of Proverbs. It is also agreed that it is a didactic psalm. The position of this particular psalm as the introduction (“the door”) to the Hebrew Psalter is very suggestive since it invites its readers (or singers) to communion with the covenantal God of Israel as well describes the disadvantages toward those who refuse him. There are many indications that Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 formed together a single text, but none of them are conclusive.

1. Is there a progression in verse 1? If so, explain; if not, explain.

            There is a clear parallelism present in the very first verse of Psalm 1. The repetition of nouns and verbs characterize a case of syntactical parallelism. The parallel repetition of the verbs הָלַךְ֮, עָמָ֑ד, יָשָֽׁב, expresses a dynamic progression in abiding in the company of the wicked. The verbs to walk, to stand and to sit convey the common and progressive seductive effect sin exercises over sinners.[1] Little by little, they get entangled with it until they dwell in its presence always and without any problem with their conscience.

It seems that there is also a dynamic progression on the use of the nouns רְשָׁ֫עִ֥ים, חַ֭טָּאִים, and לֵ֝צִ֗ים. The book of proverbs has a lot to say about the לֵ֝צִ֗ים. VanGemeren explains that “the “mockers” have no regard for God and his commandments; the mocker is a fool in the language of wisdom (Prov. 9:8; 14:6). He does not respond to instruction (9:7; 15:12) but stirs up strife by his insults (22:10). He delights in mocking (1:22). Thus the way of folly is comprehensive as it entails a devotion to self and to the group in all areas of life.”[2] The wicked, then, grows deep in his sin and reaches the climax of their unrighteousness in the company of the scoffers. Kinder rightly affirms of them that they are “if not the most scandalous of sinners, are the furthest from repentance (Prov. 3:34).”[3]

            That the idea of company is what the psalmist is trying to convey becomes clear in the strong adversative idea expressed in verse 2. כִּ֤י אִ֥ם  expresses a strong disagreement with the practice previously described, and as a antithetic attitude, אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי־ הָאִ֗ישׁ keeps company with the בְּתוֹרַ֥ת יְהוָ֗ה. If the “Law of Yahweh” is only the Ten Commandments, the five book of Moses or the hole Old Testament is uncertain. But what is clear is that, whatever it is, the “blessed man” spends time with it and abides in its company יוֹמָ֥ם וָלָֽיְלָה, in other words, all the time, thus setting the parallel contrast with verse 1. This idea of keeping company also influences in the translation of the word בַּעֲצַ֪ת, which although conveying both ideas of “advice” and “assembly”, in the context it makes more sense to render it as the later definition.

2. What is the significance of “like a tree planted by springs of water”?

The psalmist engages here in the attempt to create a similitude between the righteous and a tree. Just as it is water what feeds the plants and trees and make them grow and fructify, it is the Law of Yahweh, and the perpetual meditation upon it, what solely feeds the soul and makes one to be blessed. A spring of water (פַּלְגֵ֫י מָ֥יִם), different from a wadi, is a constant and abundant source of life and although time does not stop and the different seasons of the year unavoidably come, the one who is like this tree will be “ever green”. Adversities will come but he is “well rooted” and “constantly feed”, therefore he will always prosper. The metaphor emphasizes the idea of keeping God’s company and avoiding those of the wicked established in the first two verses.

3. What is the relationship between blessing and doing/not doing in the psalm?

The Psalm communicates an expectation of blessing for the righteous. The blessing is conditional since the “happy man” is the subject of the verbs in the verses that describes his way of life. As the subject, he executes (or not) those actions and as a result he must be sure to prosper.

On the other hand, the prosperity of the righteous is not a reward for his good deeds but is a consequence of his wise decision to keep the company of Yahweh. This is expressed in the illustration of the tree, which is steadily planted by the constant stream of water. For any plant in that condition, the natural

The blessing of the righteous is not confined to the concept of material prosperity, for in other Psalms the wicked are also described as those who prosper. The presence of the Lord, the guarantee of his company in all that he does, this is the blessing. The wicked, on the contrary, do not stand before God. Even if they are circumcised Israelites, they do will not be part of the “congregation of the righteous.”

The Psalm also points to eternity. The words בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט (v.5) and תֹּאבֵֽד (v.6) points the reader to that day when the holy assembly of the elect will be gathered in the company of their Savior to judge the wicked and enjoy the blessings of Yahweh forever.

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[1] Contra Willem A Vangemeren, Psalms in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary – Vol. 5 (Michigan: Zondervan, 1990), 54.

[2] Ibid., 54.

[3] Derek Kidner, Psalms 1-72, an Introduction and Commentary (London: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 64.

Getting to know our God - Proverbs 2:1-5

Isn’t it curious how fast we can get acquainted with the things in which we have the strongest interest? If we are interested in an actor we watch all his movies, we want to dress like him and use the same language and gestures he does. If we are interested in a specific toy we quickly learn of all the different models that are available, we know the little differences between the various models and we always want to have the latest! Now, what about God? Is that also applicable to him? Is that true that the more we are interested in God, if we are at all, the more we seek him and the more we want to know about him?

Solomon answers this question positively. In the first two verses of chapter 2 he makes the case for the relation between willing and knowing. He first sets up some conditions that can be easily turned into questions. The first one is: if you are willing to receive the instruction of God. In other words: are you willing? Is that your desire? Are you interested in the knowledge of God, in his instruction? Solomon, with this condition, is pointing to the desire of your heart. As you are interested in so many other different things and know all about them, are you as well (or even more) interested to be acquainted with the teachings of your Lord?

The second question is about its value for you. Solomon explains that it is not enough that you are interested in the knowledge of God but that you also understand it value and that it must be precious for you. To express this idea he uses the word “treasure”. Just like you, my dear sister, treasure your make up set and does not want anyone to touch it; or you, my beloved brother, treasure your electronics and don’t want your siblings (specially your younger sister) using them; do you also treasure the teaching of God in such a way that you don’t want to lose any of it? Do you value and desire for the moments spent with his Word when you do it by yourself, or at Sunday school, or at the preaching during worship?

If, then, this desire is in you; there are some tips of what to do to make to most of the moments you spend receiving the teaching of God. The first one is that you must be attentive. You should be thinking on nothing else apart from the text that is being discussed. You must listen carefully the explanations given for it and seek to apply it to your life. In being attentive you also help others to be attentive and do not disturb them.

The second tip is that you must use your reason. You must “incline you heart to understanding.” Now, how can the heart understand anything? Isn’t it responsible for our feelings? Not in the Hebrew language! In the Hebrew culture, the equivalent to the mind in our culture is the heart. It is the one responsible to process information and, therefore, when you learn from God you are to use your brain. You must commit the teaching of God to memory, you must ask question so that you may understand it fully and be able to teach other. Both your attention and mind need to be engaged in this great purpose of know more and more of the Lord.

When you desire the teachings of God and when you dedicate you attention and mind to learning from him, guess what happens? You will know him! Guaranteed! And it is the Lord himself who guarantees it. Verse 5 expresses this great promise. God will instruct you, he will explain to you the content of his Word and you will know him. Through the aid of his Holy Spirit he will teach you all things and through his Son, your savior Jesus Christ, you can fully know him.

Therefore, my young brethren, your love for the Lord and your interested in him is demonstrated when you seek to you know of Him, in his Son, though he Holy Spirit. Those who engage in know God do not labor in vain.

The role of parents in the life of the young - Proverbs 1:8-9

One of the characteristics of some TV shows and movies in our days is to depict parents as an unwelcome part of our lives. It is common to see kids trying to do things behind their parents back, telling them lies and challenging their authority. And in addition this is all done with tone of something normal, common, even expected. On the other hand, the Scriptures are filled with the idea of the authority and importance of our parents. Remember that there is a commandment exclusively dedicate to them and that our lord Jesus Christ himself demonstrated a particular interest and care for his earthly mother while at the cross.

My dear young reader, in these two verses of the book of Proverbs, Solomon gives you important principles to guide your relationship with your parents. The first one is the principle of equality. Observe that in verse 8, he used two words with the same meaning regarding what you are to do toward both your father and mother. Since these words are equal, no matter where the instruction or teaching is coming from (either from you father or mother), you are to consider them with the same authority and treat both of them with the same respect.

The second principle is that of the parents’ role. They are to instruct you and you are to hear their instruction and not forsaken them. In other words, expect your parents to correct you when they think you wrong. That is their role in your life. In our days, parental instruction is taken as an inconvenience, even as a lack of respect or invasion of space. All this ideas are contrary to the teaching of your God. It is because of His own design for a family that your parents take the time and make the great effort to instruct you in all areas. Your role, according to Solomon, is that of listening! Now, observe that he expands on that, you are to listen in such a way you will neither forget not neglect the instruction. That is the idea of the expression do not forsake.

The third principle is that of the value of your parent’s instruction. Solomon carries on his argument explaining why you should listen carefully to your parent’s teachings and not forsake them. He affirms that they are extremely valuable! They are compared to the golden crowns that are put on the heads of kings and queen. In a modern perspective, they are like the crown given to the prom queen, or like a football helmet made of gold! That is how important and valuable there are. Don’t you want to wear them?

Therefore, my young brother and sister, honor thy father and mother so that your days on earth may be long and prosperous. Give them the place of honor they deserve in your life, consider carefully their teachings and directions and never be ashamed of them. For if you do not honor you earthly parents who you can see, how are going to honor you heavenly Father who you do not see?

How much knowledge did you acquire this year?

Now that summer is coming and that your term at school is coming to an end you should be asking yourself: what did I learn during this whole year? What knowledge did I acquire? Well, I am sure that you know now much more of math, science, grammar, history and other subjects than you knew last year (at least, I hope you do!). There is yet another kind of knowledge that should have increased in your mind and heart this year and that is the knowledge of your triune God. Did you learn more about Him this year?

Let me remind you that Christians should always be interested in learning about God, His will and His directions for our lives while we wait for the return of our savior Jesus. The best proof of this is that He has given you a complete library so that you would meditate upon it day and night: the Holy Bible. And that is not all! Among the 66 books of the Bible, your God gave you one which specific purpose is to give you wisdom and it is the book of Proverbs.

How do I know this book was written especially for you, my young brother and sister? Because it is written in the very first chapter! In verse 4 we read: “to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion.” Therefore, young brethren, this book is of great importance for you. Yes, the Lord wants you to grow your wisdom in the most different subjects but most of all He wants you to be instructed in “righteousness, justice and equity.” You don’t learn that in your school (private, public or home). You need to come and learn from Him,

Now, why should you come and learn from God all this marvelous things? Because in doing so, you are being wise and not a fool. The book of Proverbs invites the wise to increase his learning by listening to its words of wisdom (1:5). It promises that through the understanding of its content the reader will receive guidance. On the other hand, the one who rejects its wise teachings and instructions is nothing but a fool (1:7). You don’t want to be a fool, do you?

Now, in order to understand and profit from the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, what should be your starting point? The book itself responds to you saying: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When you approach your God seeking for guidance, do so in holy fear. Does this mean that you should be afraid of God? Absolutely not! The fear of the Lord is that profound respect, awe and recognition that you must demonstrate when you approach your creator, recognizing your infinite necessity of his instruction, guidance, love and mercy.

Let us, than, return to the initial question: how much did you increase you knowledge about God this year? Do you wish to be wise? Do you understand the Lord alone is your true source of wisdom? Seek this knowledge, young brethren. Do be a fool!

Tips to be godly sons from Ruth 4:15

After reading this short article, check this great commentary in the book of Ruth: http://bit.ly/bbs8Tg.

It was a great day in Bethlehem. Boaz redeemed Ruth and a son was born from them. It was such a happening in the town that the whole neighborhood celebrated. The narrative gives the idea of Obed, the newly born baby, being carried through the streets of the city with dances and singing until they arrive at Noemi’s house and there the child is placed on her bosom. In addition to bringing to the boy to her grandmother, the women of the town also proclaim blessings upon Obed. Their words are not merely wishes, they are declarations of the boy will certainly be.

The first thing they said about Obed is that he would be for Naomi a “restorer of life.” This is said in contrast with the bitterness of the first chapter. Naomi’s husband and her two sons died and she is left alone with no way of supporting herself (1:3-5). Her sadness was so that she even changed her name (1:20-21 ). But now, the Lord had provided her a redeemer, the newly born lad, and he would become a source of life, joy and hope for Naomi.

Brother and sister, have you been a source of joy or of sadness and bitterness for your parents and for those around you? There are many ways in which we can achieve such a terrible thing. Tardiness to listen to instructions and counsel or even disobedience is some of the ways we can bring bitterness to our parent’s life. We can also do so by hanging around the wrong companies, those who leads us far from the standards of the Word of God for our lives, or even by not achieving the performance expected from us in our school assignments. On the other hand an obedient, hard working and bible-loving child a certainly one of the greatest sources of gladness to parents’ heart. Do you remember the expression of pleasure and joy you proportionate your parents when you do things right? Isn’t it great? Don’t you want to see that smile constantly on their faces?

The second thing they say about the baby is that he will be a sustainer of Naomi’s old age. The child would not only provide life and joy for her but also maintain it. It is very interesting to note this preoccupation in the Old Testament with elderly folks. The fourth commandment (Mt. 15:4) clearly obligate all of us to obey our parents (and those in authority) and one of its implications it to take care of them when old age come (as well as of those who are in authority).

Do you care for your folks now? Are you worried, for example, with your grandparents, always serving them when they are in need? What about your parents? Are you aware of your responsibility now to care for them, always helping them in their necessities or when they assign you to do some kind or work in your house (like to cut the grass, clean the yard, and take out the garbage)? What about the elderly folks in your church? Do you worry and care for them making out facilities a safe place for them? Do you avoid running inside the church when they are around or helping them to carry things, opening doors or moving around when they need? Be sure that these are all ways to be a godly child just as Obed.

Brother and sister, this is certainly the will of God for your life: that you would be a godly child. He gives you clear instructions and examples in his word not for you instruction alone but for you practice. On the other hand, without Christ, you can do nothing. Apart from the Holy Spirit of God, you certainly will have neither strength nor desire to be that godly Christian. Therefore, flee to him! Pray that he would daily change your heart, that he would by his mercy and power mortify day by day the sinfulness that abides in you and he would make you more and more like your Savior.