Philip Dampier's Blog

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1) The Hallel continues. Praise the Lord begins and ends the 117th Psalm. Praise the Lord is what Hallel is all about. And why praise the Lord? Praise the Lord because of His steadfast love and His faithfulness. God’s love…

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15) You will not attend many funerals before you hear this verse of the Psalms quoted. It is a verse that has brought much comfort to those who lose a loved one to death. It only…

“Their idols are silver and gold, the works of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak, eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses but do not smell. They have hands but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do…

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.” (Psalm 114:7) All of creation obeys God except man. Think about it. Seas obey Him as do the mountains and hills. Rocks become water, springs that gush from the hardness of flint. If…

“Praise the Lord! Praise, O Servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 113:1) This is the first verse of the section of the Psalms known as the Hallel. A series of psalms all dedicated to praising God for His dealings with Israel. The 113th Psalm reminds…

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Psalm 112:1) The first verse of Psalm 112 and the last verse of Psalm 111 seem to be closely connected. Again the man who fears the Lord is one who knows who God…

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it, have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10) In my younger years, I was very much afraid of God. It was not a healthy fear in the sense of awe or respect. Awe…

“The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” (Psalm 110:1) David seems to have a wonderful understanding of the coming Messiah. He is secure in the knowledge that his own son will rule after him, but he also knows that…

“For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me.” (Psalm 109:22) Contrast this verse with the one we looked at in Psalm 108. That contrast will help us understand how David could write what he did in Psalm 108. He sees God exalted because he sees…

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” (Psalm 108:5) This is a constant consideration of King David. His life experience has led him to an unwavering faith in God. In spite of all that David accomplished, unlike other kings and leaders, he…