Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

The words "Aijeleth Shahar" are best translated as the  "hind of the morning." In this Psalm, a man who is suffering is compared to a hind or deer being pursued by hunters in the early morning. This Psalm pictures an innocent, suffering and meek man who is overwhelmed by sorrow and grief. This suffering man pleads most earnestly for divine help based upon his relationship with the LORD, because he was in eminent danger from his enemies. As the Psalm progresses his language of grief and complaint to the LORD are turned to rejoicing and assurance that God will help them. To whom does this Psalm apply? First, we would have to say that it certainly applies to King David because he often faced persecution from his enemies. However, the clearest application is that this Psalm is a glimpse into the heart of Christ on the cross, suffering for us. The proof that this is a Messianic Psalm is found in the gospels where Jesus utters the very words that begin Psalm 22. Psalm 22:...

Psalm 21:1-2  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! 2  Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.    Another Psalm written by King David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, who was guided by the Spirit of God to compose psalms that have blessed generations of God's redeemed children. This psalm finds David speaking of himself in the third person, and it also seems connected to the people and the king's prayer in Psalm 20. As it begins, it is clear that David is filled with great joy because God answered the prayers of the king and His people. David makes it very clear that any victory or any good thing that he was able to accomplish, was because the LORD worked on his behalf. As we read David's psalms, we continue to see the genuine humility of this mighty king of Israel. He knew he was weak, and could do nothing in his own...

This Psalm is a prayer of King David and as such, it is a prayer for all believers in Christ to pray. When we pray to God what He says to us in His Word, then we can be assured that we will receive attention from our heavenly Father. Psalm 20:1-3  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;  2  Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;  3  Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.  This psalm beautifully expresses the Jewish people praying for their king. Their hope is that whatever battle David is preparing to undertake, that Jehovah will hear him and will strengthen their king. It is a beautiful prayer of the people of God in the Old Testament lifting up their king in prayer to the throne of God, appealing for divine assistance. The word  ”trouble” seems to indicate that David faced challenging difficulties or danger....

Psalm 19:7-8  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  In our last post we began to see how the Psalmist extolls the glory of the scriptures and he continues to do so in the next few verses. After speaking of the law of the LORD and His testimonies, David now speaks of God's statutes and commandments. The word "statute" is fairly broad and means mandates, precepts or rules given to any person to guide them in the path God wants us to walk on. Therefore, statutes include the whole law of God and our obedience is not a suggestion but rather a command for compliance from God. The verb form of the word statutes has the idea of God's word being set in place over us, to give us wholesome oversight. In fact, this Hebrew word is only translated "statutes" in this Psalm. In ev...

Here is where to find indexes to all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019. Click on the drop down menu and look for the archives tab. Then find the date listed below to find the appropriate index. I hope this will help you find lessons on a particular book of topic that we have studied through. An index for all lessons posted from 2019 through 2021 , was published on September 7, 2022. An index for all lessons posted in 2022 , was published J anuary 24, 2023. An index for all lessons posted in 202 3 was published on February 28, 2024.  An index for all lessons posted in 2024 was published on January 21, 2025. An index for all lessons posted in 2025 was published on January 24, 2026. Below is a link to the YouTube channel of Heritage Baptist Church in Smithville, Ohio, where I attend with my wonderful wife. As you know, Pastor Mike Alvis asked me to resume teaching the adult class and we have been looking at revival and our walk with Christ as we study ...