The Strand Study Bible

PSALMS PSALMS is not going anywhere, because Zion is not going anywhere; the earth will be refashioned for the New Jerusalem, not destroyed ( II Pet 3:10 -13). 133:1 Unity in the essentials, liberty in the non-essentials, and charity for all should be the goal of every believer. As believers, we need to learn to agree to disagree on subjects not related to salvation and allow each other the right to think for ourselves when it comes to “secondary points of difference” (non-Heaven and Hell issues – Phil 1:17 - point #4). God called believers (brethren) to focus their energies on two things: 1 loving Him enough to reach a lost world for whom Christ died (Jn 14:15 & 15:8-11 and Mt 28:18-20) 2. loving the brethren enough to work with them in reaching a lost world for whom Christ died (Jn 13:34-35 & 15:12) 133:2 According to Isaiah 61:1, Zechariah 4:1-6 and Hebrews 1:9, the “ precious ointment ” (anointing oil) here depicts the HOLY SPIRIT . There are seven different symbols used in the Bible to describe the significant characteristics of the HOLY SPIRIT : 1. Anointing oil (Heb 1:9) According to Isaiah 61:1, Zechariah 4:1-6 and Hebrews 1:9, oil ( precious ointment ) is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word, to empower us for service (oil produces fuel for power - Heb 1:9) * His ability, via the Word, to separate us in order to light the world in which we live (oil generates illumination for light - Lev 8:1-12, II Cor 6:16-18 and Mt 5:14-16) * His ability, via the Word, to unify us as a people (oil reduces friction - Psa 133:1-3 and Jn 13:34-35) * His ability, via the Word, to heal us spiritually (oil generates healing - Jms 5:14-15, Mk 6:13 and Lk 10:34) 2. Dove (Mt 3:16) According to Scripture, a dove (turtledove) is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word, to awaken us to a new hope (Song 2:12 and Gen 8:8-11). Just as the dove migrates each spring to awaken the land with its call to the fact that new life is about to burst forth, so the HOLY SPIRIT awakens us to the fact that a new beginning is possible for each of us (Lam 3:21-23) * His ability, via theWord, to comfort us affectionately (Psa 74:19). Just as the psalmist employed the word “dove” metaphorically as a term of affection, so the HOLY SPIRIT is our affectionate COMFORTER (Jn 14:16, 26 & 15:26) * His ability, via the Word, to enhance our self-worth (Lev 1:14-15). Out of consideration for the feelings of the poor, and to increase the importance of the otherwise small offering, God commanded the priest to slay the dove. The priest did not perform this rite for the upper or middle class offerer. * His ability, via the Word, to encourage us, never endanger us (Mt 10:16). The HOLY SPIRIT is here to help us, not harm us. 3. Wind (Ezk 37:1-10/ Acts 2:2 ) According to Ezekiel 37:1-10, wind is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word, to bring forth life (breath - Gen 2:7, Jn 3:1-8, Acts 2:1-4, II Thess 2:13, Titus 3:5 and I Pet 1:22-23) 4. Water (Jn 7:38-39) According to John 7:38-39, water is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word (Eph 5:26), to channel salvation through believers to unbelievers ( Jn 7:38 ). 5. Fire (Mt 3:11 and Acts 2:3) According to Matthew 3:11 and Acts 2:3, fire is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word, to channel judgment through believers to unbelievers (convict the world of sin through the Word and show them their need for a SAVIOR - Acts 4:5-13 & 7:51-55 and Jn 16:8 ). 6. Seal (II Cor 1:22) According to the Bible, a seal was used to signify three things: 920 A seal, therefore, is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word, to guarantee complete ownership of what He seals. 7. Pledge (Eph 1:14) According to Ephesians 1:14, a pledge is used to depict the HOLY SPIRIT’S significance concerning: * His ability, via the Word, to guarantee complete transaction and payment of the total obligation (II Cor 1:22 & 5:5). God’s pledge (that is, His down payment, which is the HOLY SPIRIT in us) is the first installment and our guarantee of all that is to follow in the final salvation of the believer. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is the surety and security that God will perform all that He has promised (Phil 1:6). 134:1 This word “ bless ” here means “ to praise ” (Psa 66:8); to declare with words the greatness (omni-science – Psa 145: 1- 3 and Job 5:9) and goodness (faithfulness – Psa 107:8,15,21,31 and Mt 5:45 ) of God. 134:3 Those who bless (praise God – vs 1-2) get blessed ( The Lord … bless thee – vs 3). (1) a finished transaction (Jere 32:6-10) (2) security (Dan 6:17 and Eph 4:30) (3) a purchased possession ( Eph 1:13-14 )