Sabbath School Lesson for May 24-30, 2025
Introduction of Lesson 9, In the Psalms: Part 2
Memory Text: “Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Selah” Psalm 67:3, 4 NKJV
The book of Psalms is helpful in understanding the key issues of good and evil that have always dominated our thoughts and emotions. The sanctuary experience brings much to light by bringing us into the presence of God. Whether it be the earthly sanctuary or the heavenly one, God’s house has always been a place to find answers, a house of prayer for all the nations (Isaiah 56:7).
Many of the psalms focus on the worshiper and his quest for answers. But as we dig deeper, we find many psalms that also focus on God, the One who delivers us from our enemies. Along with the nations (goyim, meaning anyone working in opposition to God’s people), all praise in the end will be for God (Psalm 67:3).
In the Psalms, we thankfully see God as our Refuge (Psalm 46), our King (Psalm 47), our Judge (Psalm 75), and our Salvation (Psalm 67).
- Sunday: A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble–Psalm 46, our Refuge
- Monday: Hope Amid Turmoil–God stays with us through it all
- Tuesday: Under His Feet–Psalm 47, our King
- Wednesday: Wine and Blood–Psalm 75, our Judge
- Thursday: That Your Salvation May Be Known–Psalm 67, our Salvation
Sunday: A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble (Psalm 46–our Refuge)
Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that God will not forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). His Spirit will comfort and sustains us through our hardest trials. Even during the dreaded time of trouble, described in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, God promises, not only to be present, but to be a help and protection in whatever situation we find ourselves (Psalm 91:10-11).
We have the assurance of God’s word that someday all the suffering of mankind will be in the past. This old world, thankfully, will come to an end and God will be exalted in all the nations. What a glorious time to look forward to. Meditating on this future reality will be what strengthens us during the time of trouble.
The shepherd psalm (Psalm 23) declares that even when we walk in the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. His staff will be our protection, guiding us into the paths of righteousness, where our bread and water will be sure (Isaiah 33:16).
Verses and questions:
Psalm 46, Psalm 46:10, and Daniel 12:1
- How does this psalm reduce your fears about the coming time of trouble?
- How does it increase your hope for the future?
Monday: Hope Amid Turmoil
Prophecy describes two kinds of turmoil that will intensify as Christ’s Second Coming approaches. There will be natural disasters, such as those related to weather and other forces of nature; and man-made disasters, such as oppressive regimes that lead to conflict between or within nations.
Revelation 21:1 tells us that God will create a new heaven and earth, because the old earth will have passed away. Jeremiah 4:23-26 depicts that old earth as “being without form, and void”, after the mountains and hills are shaken and the cities are left broken down and desolate. The land that had once been fruitful will become a chaotic, uninhabited wilderness.
Even through all this destruction, the psalmist encourages us to “be still, and know” that God will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10). He is our refuge, protecting us from all the harm and mayhem that surrounds us. But more, importantly, He’s our hope for a better future–a perfect, eternal one.
Verses and questions:
Jeremiah 4:23-26, Genesis 1:2, and Revelation 21:1, 6
- What is the state of the earth after the time of trouble, and what kind of forces have left it that way?
- Why is it important to remember that God is the Alpha and Omega?
- What is the best way for us to prepare for these coming disasters?
Tuesday: Under His Feet (Psalm 47–our King)
Psalm 46 talks about God being our protection during times of trouble; but Psalm 47 explores God’s role as conqueror and ruler of the earth. The Lord’s Prayer encourages us to pray for His Kingdom to come, and at some point the King of kings has promised a literal fulfillment of this prophecy (John 14:1-3).
In Job, we recall Satan saying that he had been walking back and forth on the earth (Job 1:7). Later, Abraham was told to walk through the length and breadth of the land God was promising to give him (Genesis 13:17). In former times, it seems that our feet had something to say about ownership of the land we walk on.
The Lord Jesus Christ will place His feet upon Mount Zion after the millennium (Zechariah 14:4). Satan does not win the final battle to take the Holy City. After Satan and all the wicked are destroyed, God will be exalted/praised as Supreme Commander of the universe.
Psalm 47:1-9, Zechariah 14:4, and Psalm 51:11-13
- How should we be proclaiming the Lord’s victory to all the nations now?
- What are the best ways to convert sinners? Is fear a method to be considered, and why or why not?
Wednesday: Wine and Blood (Psalm 75–our Judge)
We don’t often hear of people thanking God for being our Judge, but Psalm 75 begins and ends by expressing thanks and praising God for His judgments against those who oppose Him. It is thought that this psalm was written at the time Assyria’s King Sennacherib was attacking Judah, coming very close to taking the city of Jerusalem.
Both wine and blood are mentioned in the psalm, reminding us of the Lord’s Supper, but also of the third angel’s message in Revelation 14 that talks about the wine of God’s wrath.
In addition to these symbols, we find “horn” used to represent strength. Verse 10 declares that “all the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”
Psalm 75 encourages us to live with hope and trust the fairness of God’s judgments. Current events need not trouble us when we put our faith in Him. It should also remind us not to judge others…that is God’s specialty, and He does not need our assistance to do it effectively.
Verses and questions:
Psalm 75:1-10
- Why should we be thanking God for being our Judge?
Matthew 26:26-29 and Revelation 14:9-12
- How should we be thinking of wine, in terms of God’s sacrifice and judgment? How are they linked?
- Why would it be important for both wines to be unfermented? What does fermentation represent (in the bread during Passover, for instance)?
Thursday: That Your Salvation May Be Known (Psalm 67–our Salvation)
Psalm 67 is both an invocation (calling God to be with us) and a doxology (praising Him for being our God). It could easily be used at either the beginning or end of a worship service. It points to God being our blessed Salvation from sin and evil, giving us ample reason for praising Him with joy and gladness.
The first two verses of the psalm talk about God’s face shining upon us. The purpose of this is so we can reflect God’s love and justice to those around us. They see our shining faces and know we’ve been in the presence of a bright and glorious deity.
That shining deity is further revealed, of course, in the first chapter of John’s gospel as the Lamb of God–God’s own Son who became flesh and dwelt among us, helping us see the glorious light of His salvation–His “grace and truth”. John calls Him the “true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world”. No wonder Psalm 67 includes all the nations when it speaks about our Salvation. No one is left out of the invitation to worship God.
Verses and questions:
Psalm 67:1-7 and Revelation 14:6-12
- What has always been the role of God’s people?
- How and why do we fulfill this duty to preach about God in a way that glorifies Him?
Friday: Final Thoughts
An orderly way of thinking about the purpose of God in our lives might be to first think of Him as our refuge–“a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Then, as our King–with the Second Coming to look forward to (Psalm 47:2). Followed by our Judge–which is what He returns to the earth to do (Psalm 75:7). And lastly, as our Salvation–the end result when God wipes out sin and suffering once and for all (Psalm 67:2).
But no matter how or why our thoughts turn to God, it’s important to dwell on Him and share Him with as many as we can on this earth. Especially in the last days, we need as many aspects and images of God as we can get. Finding Him through reading and meditating on the beautiful revelations of Him in the book of Psalms is a good way to arm ourselves for whatever trials may come our way. These songs of praise are an excellent tool for sharing Him with others who may also be struggling with some trial or temptation.
Next Week: Upon Whom the Ends Have Come
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