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“Summaries, Ecclesiates 11-12, Psalms 32-34”
Categories: Bulletin Articles
Ecclesiastes 11 opens with advice about how to deal with an uncertain future. Prepare for success by using several different strategies that may pay off down the road. Recognize that nothing can be done about disasters that already have occurred. At the same time, don’t be so paralyzed by fear of disaster that you do nothing. Don’t expect to understand what God has purposed. Instead, control what you can control by working hard. The chapter concludes with an encouragement to enjoy life while remembering that hard times, death, and judgment are coming.
Ecclesiastes 12 considers the inevitable end of life. The first 8 verses describe the effects of aging and death in various poetic ways. Because all of these things are inevitable, we should remember God now. The final part of the chapter, and indeed of the book, describes the work of the Preacher. He commends proverbs and wisdom while warning against excessive devotion to other kinds of study. The summation of all wisdom is to fear God, obey Him, and remember His judgment.
Psalm 32 contrasts the experience of sinfulness and forgiveness. It describes the forgiven man as blessed, then reverts to David’s personal experience. When he refused to acknowledge his sin, he suffered, but God blessed him when he repented. Because of that experience, he urges everyone to seek God so that He will protect them like He protects David. Vs. 8-9 are spoken from God’s perspective, and they explain the necessity of His corrective discipline. The final verses present the conclusion that the wicked will suffer, but the righteous will rejoice in God’s protection.
Psalm 33 praises God for His wonderful works. It opens by calling His people to praise Him in song because of His righteous word and works. Everyone should fear and honor Him because He is the Creator. Even now, His work continues. He defeats the plans of the enemies of Israel while prospering His people. Against His will, no human strength or ability can be effective. He always remembers those who serve Him, and He protects them. Thus, we should hope in Him.
Psalm 34 expresses David’s rejoicing at escaping Abimelech. Its first verses express David’s determination to praise God and call others to join him. He wants to praise God because God rescued him, as God always rescues His people. Even when young lions go hungry, God makes sure that the righteous want for nothing. Anybody who wants to enjoy the blessings of the Lord must turn from evil and seek good. He listens to their prayers while destroying the wicked. Even when things don’t seem to be going well for them, God will still deliver and protect them. Their enemies will be defeated, while everyone who trusts God will be justified.
