The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life: Psalms 1-12

The Righteous Rely on God and the Psalms teach us how...
It is through the opening pages of the Psalms we discover foundational truth for right living. It is as children of God that we can learn to delight ourselves in our Father. The highly regarded writer, Dale Ralph Davis, leads readers through a careful study of Psalms 1–12 with clear application for daily life.

The Psalmist begins with the most essential truth for mankind, Davis explains: "Nothing is so crucial as your belonging to the congregation of the righteous." It is in the Word of God, Davis points out, that "the righteous man gets his signals for living." The delight of the righteous is in the "law," the teachings of the Lord. Indeed, for those who belong to Him, meditating on God's Word is "the pursuit of pleasure," with the Psalms a rich resource for such a pursuit.

As the first 12 Psalms continue, we see basic principles unfold with great clarity. Much like our troubles today, the Psalmist endured wickedness all around, a world hostile to the true God and on a very personal level—deceit and persecution from his enemies. Readers are pointed toward the glorious rule of the Messiah, to whom the whole world belongs. In light of this realization, we are prepared to face all kinds of troubles that otherwise cause despair. The righteous rely on God, and the Psalms teach us how.

Davis, a noted Old Testament scholar, provides poignant insight to the original language of the text, guiding readers to deeper levels of understanding. Verse-by-verse exposition crystallizes the Psalmist's message, and cross-references show the passages in broader biblical context. Illustrations from history and from the author's personal experience paint the truth in living color, demonstrating the relevancy of the text across cultures and throughout time. This is an ideal resource for small groups, as a teaching guide and for personal study. Begin the Psalms with Dale Ralph Davis.

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Listen to a sermon by Dale Ralph Davis from Psalm 2:11-25 entitled A Few Years in God's School. Source: Aisquith Presbyterian Church.