Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.  You turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”  For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.  For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. So, teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.

Deeper Dive into the Passage
The writer of Psalm 90, traditionally attributed to Moses, seeks to convey the eternal nature of God contrasted with human mortality. This is evident in the imagery of God existing before the mountains and the earth, highlighting His timelessness. The audience, likely the Israelites during their wilderness journey, would find comfort in God’s permanence amidst their transient struggles. The Psalmist emphasises human frailty and the brevity of life, urging the audience to seek wisdom by acknowledging their limited time on earth. This reflects a common biblical theme of humility before God. In today’s context, this can be interpreted as a call to live purposefully and mindfully, valuing each day as a gift. The plea for God’s compassion and steadfast love suggests a deep yearning for divine mercy and joy despite life’s hardships. This resonates with the Israelites’ experiences of suffering and hope for redemption. Modern readers might relate this to seeking solace and strength in faith during personal trials.

Today, Psalm 90 can inspire individuals to reflect on their lives’ fleeting nature and the importance of living wisely and with gratitude. A modern example might be someone facing a life-changing event, prompting them to reassess their priorities and seek deeper meaning in their faith. While the exact authorship and historical context of Psalm 90 are debated, its themes of divine eternity and human mortality are consistent with the broader biblical narrative. The Psalm’s timeless message continues to resonate, regardless of its precise historical origins.

The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble!  He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he! Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice   and righteousness in Jacob. Extol the Lord our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is he! Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name. They cried to the Lord, and he answered them. He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees, and the statutes that he gave them. O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.

Deeper Dive into the Passage
The psalmist emphasises God’s sovereignty and holiness, portraying Him as a king who rules with justice and righteousness. This reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of God as a divine monarch who governs the world with fairness. The mention of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel highlights the importance of faithful leaders who mediate between God and His people. This underscores the role of priests and prophets in guiding the community according to God’s laws. The psalm’s focus on worship at God’s footstool and holy mountain suggests the centrality of the temple in Jerusalem as a place of divine presence and worship. This reflects the historical context of the psalm, likely written during a time when the temple was the focal point of Israelite religious life.

Today, Psalm 99 can be seen as a reminder of the importance of justice, righteousness, and faithful leadership. In a modern context, it encourages us to seek leaders who uphold these values and to strive for a society that reflects God’s holiness. For example, advocating for social justice and equity in our communities can be seen as living out the principles of this psalm. While the psalm’s historical details, such as the mention of Moses and Aaron, are rooted in Israel’s religious tradition, its primary purpose is theological rather than historical. It aims to convey truths about God’s nature and His relationship with His people rather than provide a historical account.

The Lord says to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends out from Zion your mighty sceptre. Rule in the midst of your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter heads over the wide earth. He will drink from the stream by the path; therefore he will lift up his head.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Psalm 110 is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy. The phrase, “The Lord says to my lord” suggests a dialogue between God and a figure of great authority, traditionally understood as the Messiah. This passage was likely intended to convey hope for a future leader who would bring justice and peace. In the context of ancient Israel, this would have resonated with a people longing for deliverance from oppression. The reference to “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” is unique. Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, and this dual role is significant. The psalmist may have been highlighting the ideal leader who combines spiritual and temporal authority. This concept would have been revolutionary at the time, as it suggested a leader who could mediate between God and humanity. The imagery of enemies being made a footstool and kings being shattered reflects the belief in divine victory over evil. This would have been comforting to the original audience, who faced constant threats from surrounding nations. Today, this can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles or societal injustices, reminding us of the ultimate triumph of good over evil. In contemporary times, Psalm 110 can be seen as a source of inspiration for those seeking justice and leadership that embodies both moral and spiritual integrity. For example, a modern leader who advocates for peace and justice while maintaining strong ethical principles might be seen as embodying the spirit of this psalm.

While the psalm’s historical accuracy as a direct account is debated, its themes and messages have had a lasting impact on Jewish and Christian thought. The psalm’s use in liturgy and its messianic interpretation in the New Testament underscore its enduring significance.

“Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.” “Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'”

 Deeper Dive into the Passage
Luke aims to provide an orderly and accurate account of Jesus’ life and teachings for Theophilus, possibly a patron or a new believer. This reflects a desire for clarity and truth in the early Christian community. Written for a Gentile audience, Luke emphasises the universality of Jesus’ message. Theophilus, meaning “lover of God,” could represent any believer seeking understanding. Today, this passage encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of their faith. Just as Luke sought to clarify for Theophilus, modern Christians are called to explore their beliefs with diligence. A modern example might be a new believer attending Bible study to understand their faith better.

Jesus’ reading from Isaiah signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, marking the beginning of his public ministry. The passage highlights Jesus’ mission to bring good news to the marginalized, emphasizing social justice themes relevant both then and now. This passage can inspire contemporary Christians to advocate for social justice, echoing Jesus’ mission. For instance, volunteering at a local shelter reflects the call to serve the poor and oppressed. The account of Jesus reading in the synagogue is likely based on historical events, though the exact details may have been shaped by Luke’s theological aims. The setting and actions align with Jewish customs of the time, lending credibility to the narrative.