God sees time, history, the past and present and future much differently than we. It’s hard for us to imagine the life awaiting for us based on our senses and references to this life. But the most important fact in this regard is that we don’t have to imagine the future, but aspire to it by the way we live in the present.
Q: To whom are these verses addressed? What does that make these verses?
A: These verses are addressed directly to God; therefore these verses are either a prayer or a hymn of praise.
Q: What four things are specifically mentioned for the worshipper to do in verses 1 & 3?
A: To exalt the Lord and to give thanks to His name (v.1); to glorify and revere Him (v.3).
Q: There are 3 phrases that begin with “For You….” They refer to the reasons to exalt, to give thanks, and to glorify the Lord. Can you name them, as well as identify other reasons?
Q: What is the common theme in verses 1-5 for which the worshipper can worship the Lord?
A: The Lord has carried out His plans formed long ago (v. 1b) to overthrow all wickedness and powers on the earth so that God’s people can rest in peace.
Q: Therefore, what time in the future are these verses set?
A: In order to determine what point in time these verses refer to, we have to look generally at the whole section of Scripture. It is clear that this section is referring to the Millennial Kingdom that will be established when Christ returns.
[Note: Chapters 1-11 referred to judgment against Judah; chapter 13-23 referred to judgment against the nations, and chapters 24-33 have to do with judgment against the whole earth. Historically, all but the last third have taken place.]
Application:
The whole point is that when the Lord sets up His kingdom on earth, it is hard for us to imagine today how we might then live.
Q: In verses 6-8, what five things are listed that the Lord will do in that day for His people?
Application #1: Discuss each one and try to imagine what that will be like.
Application #2: In what way are these things partially applicable to the believer today? How does God’s working of these things in the present life teach us something of the life to come?
Q: Compare verse 9 with Matt. 24:13, 42-46; 25:14-28. Who will be able to rejoice?
A: Those who have endured to the end and have obeyed the Lord while waiting. This will not happen unless a person actually believes that He is coming back.
“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved
― Matthew 24:13
“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.
― Matthew 24:42-46
“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.
“Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’”
― Matthew 25:14-28
Application: What areas of our lives do we need to improve on today to be ready for tomorrow?
Q: In verses 10-12, who or what does Moab represent? Can you take a guess by referring to Numbers 22?
A: This reference to Moab refers specially to those who try to tempt God’s people away from worshipping God. The trickery referred to was the sin of Balaam.
Application: What things today take us away from being wholly dedicated to the Lord?