Psalm 9 & 10

Psalm 9 & 10 were, apparently, originally ONE PSALM.    How do we know that?    In the Greek OT, which was translated before Jesus was born, there is ONE LESS PSALM because Psalms 9 & 10 are just ONE PSALM - Psalm 9 in the Greek.     Also, it is an acrostic Psalm.    It begins with the first 3 letters of the hebrew alphabet and ends with the last four.     So what we call Psalm 9 starts with the first 3 letters and what we call Psalm 10 ends with the last four letters.     There is another alphabetic section in the middle of Psalm 9 with 5 letters in sequence.     Then it jumps to the letter (Kuph) in an obvious way - which begins the final sequence in Psalm 10.    

So Psalm 9/10 contain an exceptionally interesting "riddle" for us.    And the CONTENT of what is alphabetic versus what is not alphabetic is particularly interesting.    

I'd like YOU to have a shot at deciphering this "riddle".     So I'll give you the verses.

Here's the break out of the alphabetic and non-alphabetic sections.    You figure it out.

First three letters

Verse 1 - alpha ("A")
Verse 3 - beta ("B")
Verse  5 - gimmel ("G")

It skips 2 letters to jump to waw ("W") in verse 7, then stays with "W".    It also uses the holy name with the first "W".
Verse 9 - waw ("W") again
Verse 11 - zain("Z")
Verse 13 - chet (hard "H")
Verse 15 - tet (hard "T")
Verse 17 - yood ("Y")

It skips 8 letters to jump to kuph (hard "K") in verse 19.    This connects with the holy name.    It says "Rise Lord"

Then jump all the way down to Psalm 10 verse 12 where it once again has the kuph (hard "K") with the same phrase "Rise Lord".

Verse 14 - resh ("R")
Verse 15 - sheen ("SH")    (Note that 14 should be two verses.   It's twice as long.   So just think of it as 2).
Verse 17 - tav(soft "T")    Tav is the last letter of the hebrew alphabet.

So with this information, you should be able to read Psalms 9 & 10 and see why the non-alphabetic portion is non-alphabetic.    The keys to the "jumps" become obvious - especially the second jump - for which I've given you a huge hint.

I have found several amazing "riddles" in scripture.    They aren't weird letter games that could be unintentional.    These riddles are certainly intentional on the part of the author.     The word "Proverbs", in Hebrew, actually MEANS "riddles".

The bible is designed to provide captivating, exciting "food for thought" - just as Jesus loved to tell "parables" - and treated them as riddles - attempting to make his disciples figure them out on their own.  

So Jesus will enjoy communing with you as you attempt to "solve" the Psalm 9/10 "riddle".

Then, too, there is an amazing "pattern language" in scripture.    An example is the connection between "The Red Sea", the "Jordan River", "baptism", and the concepts of "death and rebirth".

So why aren't we enjoying these "mysteries"?    It's clear that they are there by God's design.     The early church greatly enjoyed these mysteries as you can see in the writings of the apostles.  They held God's word in AWE.     The sad fact is that a "wooden literalism" has afflicted fundamentalist churches.    In their desire to get away from the "Catholic" heritage of mystifying everything, they threw out the baby with the bath water.    What a mistake!     Let's return back to a BIBLICAL APOSTOLIC mindset - which greatly enjoys "The Mystery Of Christ" and the other "pattern language" of scripture.

Example:
Psalm 9:3 points to when Jesus made those who were about to arrest him stumble backwards and fall.

Psalm 9:6 "Endless ruin has overtaken them".    This connects with the book of Joshua which is a very strong parallel to the book of Acts.    The Jordan River is the cross (death and rebirth).    The book of Acts has the actual death and resurrection of Jesus providing the VICTORY and NEW LIFE.

So it's both simple and profound.     Some things you will see immediately.     Other things will require you to study the entire bible very carefully and fully grasp the "pattern language" of scripture.

Don't expect to get this in bible school.    Better to just compare notes with your fellow Christian and study the word with humility and awe.

Just FYI.   I think Psalm 119 and 122 are perfect accrostic Psalms, with no letters skipped.   I think this is the only Psalm using "tricky" acrostics.     In all cases, the writer had to have special inspiration to choose WHICH WORD to use for the letter that's next in sequence.      You could stay busy from now until Jesus comes back studying Psalm 119 alone!  (It's the largest Psalm)

The Fruit Of The Spirit - Self Control (Part2)

I'm praying that what you read, here, will bless you so deeply that you will pursue the Lord with a passion that can scarcely be called "prayer". I'm nuts about my Lord. I stay up to be with Him in peace - and rise early for more of the same.

Why? Because I'm such a strong Christian - disciplined and faithful?

Don't make me laugh!

Jesus has pursued ME, dear friend! I got tired of running from Him and SURRENDERED! I didn't climb some mountain. I wasn't wiser than most. I go to others when I need wisdom. I literally FELL into His Blessings!

If anyone lets on that they are a great man or woman of God - or exceptionally wise - or any other such high and holy claim - you need to bust out laughing.

The key to blessing is to admit the exact opposite. And when you open this door you will fall into His Arms Of Love. You will "fall" alright. You will fall in Love like you've never fallen in Love before!

So if it's that easy, why aren't we all living in a peaceful, wonderful state that would draw unbelievers to us in droves?

As easy as it is, it does require us to cough up our pride. Our religion also stops us. That's just two of the great enemies of God. The Holy Spirit is gentle and kind, like a dove. But you can drive that dove away if you work hard enough at it. Being busy. Keeping that wall up. Feeling guilty. Being fretful.

But most of all: Simply not being willing to believe that it can be THIS GOOD!

Believe it! It can!

Those of you who read yesterday's post may recall that our stubborn unwillingness to surrender will keep us trapped in Romans 7 - where we "Don't do the things we want to do and do the things we don't want to do.".

I've got good news for you! He's pursuing you!!

Give in.

Then you will be set free as "The Law Of The Spirit Of Life in Christ Jesus" sets you free from the "law of sin and death".

If you're flying above the clouds, you don't need to worry about the storms of this world. Even should you be tortured for Christ, God can take you into the heavenlies in the Spirit. We will, in fact, discuss how apathy, being full, comfort, and dullness are far more formidable enemies than pain and suffering. If you can laugh at death itself, in Christ - nothing can touch you.

If the worst brings out the best - and it does - then nothing can separate us from the Love Of God in Christ Jesus!

Tomorrow we'll discuss how God gives LIFE to your MORTAL BODY through the Mystery Of Christ - when you use Faith (Give in. Surrender. Look to Him alone.)

Until then, don't try so hard. Just stop running. Fall into God's ocean of Love! Cast aside all your fears and dare to BELIEVE! I'm telling you, IT'S TRUE. Do you think I'm making this stuff up? And you've already experienced it yourself! But you need to "surrender to God", as you did before - with tears of joy.

And when you do, self control is "automatic" as he takes control of your heart and mind with a love that is beyond the ability of words to describe.