Miranda Alfaro September 13, 2013 Introduction to the Old Testament Part 2 Journal Analysis Checking the Literary

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Psalm 16 tells of Gods goodness to people. It tells that if we keep Him close, all temptations will not seem bigger than the love and comfort He provides. When God is near, my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure (verse 9). It goes on to say in verse 11, that God shows us which way to go and when we choose His way, the pleasures are forever. The NOAB says that this chapter defines the Lords dwelling in the Temple and peoples trust in Him. In the following chapter, Psalm 17, cries out to God to listen to the people when they cry out, and to know that they have been avoiding wickedness and are trying to stay on the path that pleases the Lord. It goes on to describe the people around them, from mortals whose portion in life is in this world (verse 14). Then after describing these people without faith, the following verses pray that these peoples bellies will be filled and that their children will have more than enough. The ending verses request to behold Gods likeness. This shows that this verse is about wanting to see the Lords face and be in His presence. Psalm 18 speaks of Davids reign as king and his praise and thankfulness towards the King, God. He begins speaking of how the Lord is his strength and deliverer. In the following verses it shows how God cares for us as He became angry when wicked arose in Davids life and it tried to bring him down. The following verses David tells the Lord that He is obedient and loyal and calls for help. The end verses show David giving the Lord the praise He deserves.

This leads to the verse I chose, Psalm 19, which continues with David giving praise to God and reassuring that God desires to be with us and for us to follow His word in order to protect us. God does this to not only love us but to save us from our sins and tribulations. Psalm 19, according to NOAB speaks of divine instruction which gives light and life to humans (Psalm 19 NOAB page 788). Psalm 20 prays for the kings victory and tells us that it will be successful and all will work out. Psalm 21 and 22 conclude with the thanksgiving due to the kings victory following the prayer and hope for success, and the request for healing and direction. I thought Psalm 22 was very strong with the word choice of David. It began by begging God to draw near, a reassurance of His presence and ability to heal. Then it goes on to speak of the Lords goodness and importance to be shared with all people in verse 22, I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of congregation I will praise you. He goes on to say that all of the world should turn to the Lord and future generations should be told of Him and his goodness. This is such a powerful chapter because it declares His truth and importance in humans lives. Psalm 23 follows with the prayer of the goodness of the Lord. These chapters surrounding Psalm 19 speak of our natural need to feel safe and protected by something greater than ourselves. It shows that in times of trouble we seek deliverance away from the problem; however, God seeks us to pull Him closer in order for Him to show us the path He wants us to take. This path is not set by Him to set us apart from others and miss out on things we desire to be part of, or to cause us to become sorrowful. He leads us away from evil, that we do not always see right away, to protect us and lead us to something greater than any of the surrounding paths we could choose now. These verses also reassure us that even if we have

stumbled and have been entangled with wickedness, it is not too late to be healed and forgiven by the Lord.