Seven Keys Study
Psalm 131, 1 Cor 2:9-10
- Has scripture ever transformed your life? Or have you seen it transform someone else's life?
- Have you ever discovered a "new" truth in the scriptures?
- What principles have you found useful in studying scripture?
- look for the author's intended meaning
- read the passage in context
- know what "type" of passage you are reading
- consider historical & cultural background
- consider grammar & structure within the passage
- don't let your experiences influence your interpretation
- read the Bible in a community
- bathe scripture reading in prayer.
- consider the "whole" Bible
- Read Psalm 131.
- What structure does this psalm have? (poem, parallelism - clauses echo each other)
This structure links the first 3 clauses. What do these 3 clauses show? (David distances himself from pride in 3 areas: his core personality (heart), his external demeanor (eyes), and his actions.)
- What connectors (words like but, and, therefore) are present?
The "but" in (v 2) draws a strong contrast between the pride in (v 1) and the attitude in (v 2).
- Look at verb tenses & adjectives in (v 2).
- The english translation of the hebrew verbs "have stilled" & "have quieted" indicate David's confidence is rooted in the past and continues in the present.
- The word "like" shows present disposition. The phrase "like a weaned child" suggest a child that is especially calm, one that does not need its mother's milk. It is not grasping for the source of its sustenance, but resting quietly in its mother's arms.
- Look at (v 3). What kind of statement is it? (imperative, strong or urgent command)
This drives home the truths in (v 1 & 2).
- What do you think the most important principle to understanding scripture is? (prayer! 1 Cor 2:9-10)