John Mark Hicks

In Psalm 29 the earthly assembly of Israel commands the the heavenly “sons of God” around the throne of God in the heavenly temple to give Yahweh the glory due to the Creator of heaven and earth. Everyone in the temple–both on earth and in heaven–say, “Glory!” When the people of God assemble, sounds and […]

“If you test me, you will find no wickedness in me.” (Psalm 17:3) That is a rather disturbing statement for many. Can I pray that prayer? That is the invitation of Psalm 17. It calls us into a way of integrity and faithfulness as we seek refuge in the Lord, and we seek the Lord […]

Psalm 147, the second of five Psalms in the “Little Hallel” at the end of the Psalter, commands Israel to “praise the Lord” because God’s steadfast love has remembered the covenant with Israel. And because God is the creator who continues to provide sustenance for the cosmos. God is an active agent within the creation […]

What do you say to God when you are in a cave? Psalm 142 is a classic lament that pours out a believer’s complaint to the Lord, petitions God for deliverance, and affirms a fundamental trust in the God of Israel. Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks discuss the meaning and significance of this Psalm […]

Though Israel walks through troubles threatened by gods, kings of the earth, and enemies, Yahweh is loving and faithful. Consequently, Israel confesses the name of Yahweh before the gods, gives thanks for Yahweh’s grace and deliverance, and walks confidently in the way of the Lord despite its troubles. One day all the kings of the […]

Psalm 135, along with Psalm 136, is the Great Hallel, the praise and blessing the pilgrim offers in the temple courts (where God dwells). Those who have ascended the holy mountain and now stand at the top of the steps in the court with the priests and Levites declare God’s goodness, beauty, and election of […]

Psalm 134 concludes the Songs of Ascents (begun in Psalm 120) with a call to bless Yahweh standing in the courts with lifted hands. Standing in holy space, worshippers encounter God, and prayers are lifted that call upon God to bless each worshipper (“you” is singular in 134:3). The final Psalm of Ascents ends with […]

Psalm 100 invites all the earth to make a joyful noise and come into God’s presence in order to acknowledge that God is the creator and all peoples belong to him, give thanks, and bless God’s holy name. This invitation is grounded in the goodness of Yahweh whose steadfast love endures forever and faithfulness shapes […]

Psalm 24 was used in Second Temple Judaism every first day of the week. It began the week in temple assembly, and it recalls the first day of creation as well as the day of resurrection in the life of Jesus. It welcomes those who seek the face of God and who come with clean […]

Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks describe the significance of Psalm 50. it is a prophetic song, the voice of the “preacher” (priest/prophet) in the assembly of Israel. God speaks through the Psalmist to address two groups of people assembled: (1) those who misunderstand the significance of worship, and (2) hypocrites who confess the covenant […]