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Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1

Hebrews 9, Jeremiah 4, Psalms 5, 15, 24 & 47
English
Year: 
2025
Quarter: 
2
Lesson Number: 
8

Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1

(Hebrews 9, Jeremiah 4, Psalms 5, 15, 24 & 47)

Copr. 2025, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D.  Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.

Introduction: When Jerusalem and its second temple were destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD was that the end of its importance? Has the current resurgence of antisemitism any relevance to the end of days? The continued attack on Jewish people suggests that Satan still continues to believe them to be important in his battle against God. The book of Psalms contains many references to the temple and to events connected with end-time prophecy. The book of Hebrews is focused on the prophetic importance of the sacrificial system. Let’s dive into our study of Hebrews and Psalms and find what they have to do with end time prophecy!

  1.    The Historic Plan
    1.    Read Hebrews 9:6-7. Do you recognize what the author of Hebrews is writing about? (The historic daily and yearly services in the Jerusalem temple.)
    1.    Read Hebrews 9:8-10. What do you think the reference to “still standing” means? (I think this refers to the destruction of the temple. At the time of Jesus’ death on the cross, Matthew 27:51 tells us that the curtain separating the two compartments of the temple was “torn in two, from top to bottom.” That event opened the way between the two. But this appears to refer to something more dramatic, the actual destruction of the temple. That happened in 70 A.D.)
    1.    Read Hebrews 9:11-12. What is the “more perfect tent” which is not of human origin? (This must refer to the temple in heaven where Jesus came after His crucifixion.)
      1.    Who is the high priest? (Jesus!)
      1.    Let’s trace the line of argument made by the writer of Hebrews. He first refers to the Old Testament sacrificial system. He next refers to its spiritual and physical end with the destruction of the temple. He then tells us that a new and improved version of this system is in heaven with Jesus.
    1.    Read Hebrews 9:13-15. What does this suggest that Jesus is doing in heaven? (Verse 15 tells us that a “death has occurred that redeems” us from our sins. Jesus is both the high priest and the sacrifice on our behalf.)
    1.    Read Hebrews 9:23-26. How does this definitively answer the questions we have just discussed? (This makes it clear that Jesus is in heaven. That He is working on our behalf to “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”)
      1.    Notice verse 23 refers to “copies of the heavenly things.” Which temple existed first, the one on earth or the one in heaven? (This tells us the one in heaven.)
      1.    What does this tell you about the plan of salvation?
    1.    Read Hebrews 9:28. To what is Jesus’ work in heaven leading? (To Him coming a “second time” on earth to “save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.”)
      1.    Can you explain how what we have discussed is a prophecy? (The sacrificial system pointed to what Jesus would be doing for us, what He is doing for us, and how He will ultimately bring sin to an end.)
  1.   Intervening Chaos
    1.    Read Jeremiah 4:22. What is the problem with God’s people?
    1.    Read Jeremiah 4:23-26. What results from God’s people doing evil and not good? (Ruination.)
    1.    Read Jeremiah 4:27. Is there good news in this? (God says that He will not make a “full end” to the land. The context for this in found in chapter 4 of Jeremiah where God refers to Judah and Jerusalem.)
      1.    What does this suggest about the future of Jerusalem?
  1.      God Rescues
    1.    Read Psalms 47:1. What does this suggest about the nature of praise?
    1.    Read Revelation 14:1-3. To what does this compare praise in heaven? (The “roar” of waters, the “sound of loud thunder.”)

1.  What is the attitude of those who are saved? Do you have that same attitude?

    1.    Read Psalms 47:2-4 and Romans 11:11-12. Then read Romans 11:17-18. When Psalms 47 refers to “our heritage” what is that? (It is talking about God’s original chosen, the Jewish people.)
    1.    Read Psalms 47:5-8. What is the future for all of God’s people? (Victory!)
    1.    Read Psalms 47:9. What does this tell us about God’s continuing connection to the Jewish people? (Everyone who chooses Jesus becomes “the people of the God of Abraham.”)
    1.    Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. How are the dead raised to eternal life? (Through Jesus. As we have seen, the entire sacrificial system pointed to Jesus and to His current ministry in heaven. Jesus is the indispensable key to eternal life.)
    1.    Read 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Who rises to heaven when Jesus comes a second time? (The “dead in Christ will rise first.” That is followed by those who are alive when Jesus comes the second time.)
    1.    Read 1 Thessalonians 4:18. What kind of news is this? (News that encourages!)
  1.   Who God Rescues
    1.    Read Psalms 15:1. What is God’s “tent” and His “holy hill?” (David is writing about being in the presence of God.)
    1.    Read Psalms 15:2-3. How do the saved treat their friends?
    1.    Read Psalms 15:4. What attitude does the saved person have towards evil people? (They despise them.)
      1.   Wait a minute! I’m told (by Jesus) that I must “love” my “enemy.” Matthew 5:44. Can you reconcile these two texts? (In the past we have discussed Matthew 5:45 in which Jesus explains the type of love the Father shows. What God shows to evil people is common grace, He treats them just like everyone else. Thus, you treat vile people fairly, but you should despise them and honor those “who fear God.”)
      1.    What does “swears to his own hurt” mean? (It means you keep your agreements, even if it does not turn out well for you.)
    1.    Read Psalms 24:3. What is the “hill of the Lord,” and His “holy place?” (Again, this reasonably refers to God’s presence.)
    1.    Read Psalms 24:4. What is the answer to the question posed in Psalms 24:3? (Those who have “clean hands and a pure heart.”)
      1.    Is that you?
    1.    Read Psalms 5:3-6. We find here another statement about God hating evildoers. Do all of these statements (here and in prior texts) worry you about your salvation?  Do you measure up?
    1.    Read Psalms 5:7. Look again at Psalms 5:3. What significance doe the reference to the “holy temple” and “sacrifice” have to the issue of you measuring up? (This is righteousness by faith. This points our attention to the significance of the sacrificial system of the temple in Jesus’ past and His current work on our behalf in heaven.)
      1.    What motivates what Jesus has done for us? (Jesus’“steadfast love.”)
    1.    Skip down and read Psalms 5:11-12. What are you reminded of when you read God spreads protection over us and covers us like a shield? (Read Revelation 7:9 and Revelation 7:13-14. Our white robe of righteousness, which was made white in the blood of the Lamb, is our cover and our shield. In Jesus we enter into the heavenly courts!)
    1.    Friend, would you like a cover and a shield? Would you like to be protected by what Jesus has done on your behalf? The message of the Bible from beginning to end is that we are saved by Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. Why not accept that right now?
  1.    Next week: In the Psalms: Part 2.