angela hormberg

Category: Reading Through the Psalms

  • Psalm 126

    Psalm 126

    Commonplace –

    “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

    He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5-6).

    In reading these songs of ascent, it is important to put oneself in the place of one of the pilgrims, who was traveling to Jerusalem. Walking towards the city, the group recites in unison aloud this entire group of psalms. So, here we are traveling the path in the company of our fellow believers. Hopefully, the sun is shining. Depending on the festival and time of year, the air might be crisp (we are, after all, slowly moving up the mountain). The song leader calls out Psalm 126, and we begin to recite.

    In this psalm, the writer begins by reminding the reader about the time when the Jews were freed from captivity; it was a joy filled time, almost as if they were in a dream. The captives were laughing and crying and saying to anyone that would listen, “The Lord has done great things for us” (Psalm 126:2). As a pilgrim, we would be imagining the joy filled scene of our ancestors. What a moment that must have been to be freed from captivity. The Lord acted on the captives behalf, and they were glad.

    Then, the writer of the psalm returns to the present and addresses God with the plea, “Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south” (Psalm 126:4). He is praying that God would accomplish the same for the present day pilgrims, which He had done for the forefathers.

    Finally, the writer ends with this encouragement, which is the commonplace for today, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:6). The flow of the psalm is remember, pray, believe; God has done it before and will do it again.

    These pilgrims were people just like us. Together, they were the church, which has its present problems to solve, but they were also individual people with everyday life challenges. The psalmist was giving these pilgrims a map of how to live life in times of trouble:

    1. Remember a time when God did something that had seemed impossible. Recall the joy felt in that moment.
    2. Pray for God to come into whatever current situation is disturbing.
    3. Believe that God, who was faithful in the past to answer prayer, is faithful in the present to do the same.

    As Matthew Henry notes,

    “It will be easy, in singing this psalm, to apply it either to any particular deliverance wrought for the church or our own land or to the great work of our salvation by Christ” (600).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 126.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 125

    Psalm 125

    Commonplace –

    As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

    What a beautiful picture the psalmist paints here of the landscape surrounding Jerusalem. As the pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem, they would have been singing this psalm as they moved up the very same mountains about which they were singing. Of Jerusalem’s situation, Matthew Henry notes, “Jerusalem had a natural fastness and fortification in the mountains that were round about it, v.2. Those mountains not only sheltered it from winds and tempests, and broke the force of them, but made it also very difficult of access for an enemy, such a defence is God’s providence to his people” (599).

    “…God’s covenant with his people cannot be broken” (599).

    May we all stand on that promise.

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 125.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 124

    Psalm 124

    Commonplace –

    “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8).

    The psalm begins with “If it had not been the Lord, who was on our side” and goes into the ramifications of what life would have been without God’s help. Yet, God was on the side of Israel, and they were saved. This song served to remind the Israelites of their history. As they made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, they were to consider all God had done for them.

    As Matthew Henry notes, it is also a reminder to us:

    “It is a comfort to all…that Israel’s God is the same that made the world, and therefore will have a church in the world, and secure that church in times of the greatest danger and distress. In him therefore let the church’s friends put their confidence, and they shall not be put to confusion” (598).

    On one’s own pilgrimage through life, it is helpful to to remember and remind oneself of all the ways God has been “our help”.

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 124.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 123

    Psalm 123

    Commonplace –

    “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens” (Psalm 123:1).

    Looking up is an act of hope. Those without knowledge of God have no such hope and are left to look around for help from the world or look down at their own feet; recognizing, at the same time, their inability to get themselves out of a situation and the feeling of loneliness as they are left to suffer alone. In contrast, the act of looking up is complete recognition that God exists, and He is an ever present help.

    In this psalm, the psalmist recognizes their situation, as one disregarded and looked down upon by those around them. Yet, the one who dwells in the Heavens does recognize him, so he is bereft. Acknowledging the Lord as Maker and Master, he appeals to God for mercy.

    As Matthew Henry notes, “Observe…the title here give to God: O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Our Lord Jesus has taught us, in prayer, to have an eye to God as our Father in heaven; not that he is confined there, but there especially he manifests his glory, as the King in his court” (596). Our God is the God of Heaven and the Maker of Heaven and Earth; He is able to do whatever we ask. We must submit, as the Psalmist acknowledges here, as a servant, waiting patiently for our Lord to respond in His own time, which is always the perfect time.

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 123.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 122

    Psalm 122

    Commonplace –

    “Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:

    Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord” (Psalm 122:3-4

    Jerusalem was a city of “entirely in the possession of God’s people” (Henry 595); it is a glimpse of Heaven to come, when all God’s people are together. All the people of God went there for the purpose of giving thanks, “which we all have reason to do” (Henry 595).

    “If God speak to us by his word, we have reason to answer him by our thanksgivings. See on what errand we go to public worship, to give thanks” (Henry 595-596).

    Even in our own home, where we live as Christians with our family, we have a micro version of Heaven to come. What better place to give thanks on a continual basis for all God’s provision.

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 122.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 121

    Psalm 121

    Commonplace –

    “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

    In his description of this psalm, Matthew Henry writes:

    “…wherever we are, at home or abroad, we are exposed to danger more than we are aware of; and this psalm directs and encourages us to repose ourselves and our confidence in God, and by faith to put ourselves under his protection and commit ourselves to his care, which we must do, with an entire resignation and satisfaction, in singing this psalm” (593).

    In these opening verses, David is comforting himself with the understanding that his help comes from no earthly thing but from God, alone. Surely these words are a a comfort and encouragement when we feel alone and frightened. Whatever the reason, knowing we may at any time simply look to God for help is surely a thought to strengthen our spirit in times of need.

    David points out that God is the maker of heaven and earth, as a reminder that He who created everything is able to do anything. “He that made heaven and earth is sovereign Lord of all the hosts of both, and can make use of them as he pleases for the help of his people, and restrain them when he pleases from hurting his people” (594).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 121.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 120

    Psalm 120

    Commonplace –

    “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue” (Psalm 120:2).

    Matthew Henry points out the two ways those liars around David could have employed their lies:

    1. “By telling lies to him” (Vol 3 592).
      • In this case, Henry comments, ” The most dangerous enemies, and those which it is most hard to guard against, are such as carry on their malicious designs under the colour of friendship. The Lord deliver every good man from lying lips” (Vol 3 592).
    2. “By telling lies of him” (Vol 3 592).
      • Here Henry notes, “This has often been the lot not only of the innocent, but of the excellent ones, of the earth, who have been greatly distressed by lying lips, and have not only had their names blackened and made odious by calumnies in conversation, but their lives, and all that is dear to them in this world, endangered by false-witness-bearing in judgment” (Vol 3 592).

    It’s worthwhile to consider that David, a mighty soldier, complains of lying and the great distress it has brought upon him. A sword is visible, and the one who wields it is visible to his victim. A tongue is like a snake in a cave, it attacks under the cover of darkness. As James pointed out:

    “Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor listeth.

    Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

    And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, so is the tongue amoung our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

    For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

    But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

    Therewith we bless God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

    Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethern, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:4-10).

    While we cannot control the lying tongues of others, we, ourselves, can choose to heed James’ advice. Matthew Henry notes the following list of five admonishments we glean from the words of James:

    1. “We are therefore taught not to use our tongues so as to lord it over others” (Vol 6 792).
    2. “We are taught to govern our tongue so as to prove ourselves perfect and upright men, and such as have an entire government of ourselves” (Vol 6 793).
    3. “We are taught to dread an unruly tongue as one of the greatest and most pernicious evils” (Vol 6 793).
    4. “We are next taught how very difficult a thing it is to govern the tongue” (Vol 6 793).
    5. “We are taught to think of the use we make of our tongues in religion and in the service of God, and by such a consideration to keep it from cursing, censuring, and everything that is evil on other occasions” (Vol 6 794).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 120.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 119:169-176

    Psalm 119:169-176

    Tav or Tau

    Commonplace –

    “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” (Psalm 119:176).

    The last verse of Psalm 199 begins with repentance and confession; David acknowledges his choices have led him astray. He then turns to God and asks God to come to him, because he remembers God’s commandments. While in folly David rushed into sin, his conscience serves him in good stead and reminds him of truth and goodness, calling him to repentance and a return to goodness. Again, David’s words reflect the title of the section. “The word TAV means ‘impression’ or ‘mark’” (“Tav”). God’s commandments have left an indelible impression on David. While he may ignore them in moments of weakness, they never leave him. “Thus he concludes the psalm with a penitent sense of his own sin and a believing dependence on God’s grace” (Henry 592).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 119.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    “Tav”. BJE: Your Jewish Journey. NSW Board of Jewish Education, https://bje.org.au/knowledge-centre/jewish-languages/hebrew-alphabet/bet/ , Accessed 27 May 2025.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 119:Tau or Tav

    Psalm 119:Tau or Tav

    Part 22:Tau or Tav verses 169-176

    The twenty-second part is Tau or Tav, which is the twenty-second letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

    The following information is from the website BJE:Your Jewish Journey or Hebrew4Christians

    “As the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet, TAV is equal to the number four hundred and is symbolic of perfection.

    The word TAV means ‘impression’ or ‘mark’.

    TAV alludes to the three essential services of the soul: teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer) and Torah (all three of these words in Hebrew begin with the letter TAV).

    TAV represents truth.

    The letter TAV begins the word tikkun (redemption). This refers to the concept of teshuvah (a returning to the Source for forgiveness)” (“Tav”).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 119.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    “Tav”. BJE: Your Jewish Journey. NSW Board of Jewish Education, https://bje.org.au/knowledge-centre/jewish-languages/hebrew-alphabet/bet/ , Accessed 27 May 2025.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg

  • Psalm 119:161-168

    Psalm 119:161-168

    Schin, Shin or Sin

    Commonplace –

    “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (119:165).

    In verse 165, David makes reference to the title of this section of Psalm 119 by mentioning peace. “The letter SHIN alludes to Shabbat, the seventh day of Creation. This day signifies total rest from the week of work and is filled with peace and tranquility” (“Shin”). When one has peace, they are not offended. David confesses his love for God’s law, which brings him peace. When David is reading or thinking or writing about God’s law, he is dwelling on God and rises above worldly concerns, experiencing peace. We, too, can achieve this peace, and, when we do, we experience God’s rest, which is what the seventh day of Creation was and is all about. It’s finding God’s peace in the world.

    Matthew Henry covers this very well in his commentary on verse 165.

    “Here is an account of the happiness of good men, who are governed by a principle of love to the word of God, who make it their rule and are ruled by it.

    1. They are easy, and have a holy serenity; none enjoy themselves more than they do: Great peace have those that love thy law, abundant satisfaction in doing their duty and pleasure in reflecting upon it. The work of righteousness is peace (Isa. 32:17), such peace as the world can neither give nor take away. They may be in great troubles without and yet enjoy great peace withing, sat lucis intus – abundance of internal light. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer their expectation; those that love God’s word have great peace, for it outdoes their expectation and in it they have sure footing.

    2. They are safe, and have a holy security: Nothing shall offend them; nothing shall be a scandal, snare, or stumbling-block, to them, to entangle them either in guilt or grief. No event of providence shall be either an invincible temptation or an intolerable affliction to them, but their love to the word of God shall enable them both to hold fast their integrity and to preserve their tranquility. They will make the best of that which is, and not quarrel with any thing that God does. Nothing shall offend or hurt them, for every thing shall work for good to them, and therefore shall please them, and they shall reconcile themselves to it. Those in whom this holy love reigns will not be apt to perplex themselves with needless scruples, nor to take offence at their brethren, 1 Cor. 13:6, 7″ (590).

    Works Cited

    Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 119.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

    Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

    “Shin”. BJE: Your Jewish Journey. NSW Board of Jewish Education, https://bje.org.au/knowledge-centre/jewish-languages/hebrew-alphabet/bet/ , Accessed 2 Aug 2025.

    © 2025 Angela Hormberg