A Prophet's Psalm: Part of the OT Book of Habakkuk

Habakkuk is a most fascinating OT book!  Why?  Because it is UNIQUE in prophetic literature. Specifically, it contains Hebrew poetry making chapter three a Psalm!  

To begin let's meet Habakkuk whose eight-letter three syllable name can be pronounced several ways.  Now, there's not a lot known about him and in scripture it is mentioned within the book only twice- Hab.1:1 and 3:1.  Commentaries mention that it is hard to exactly pinpoint its time frame and some surmise because he described the Chaldeans (Babylonians) it was somewhere around the time of their uprising.

Included in the Word in Life Study Bible (p.1550) is a "Personality Profile for Habakkuk."  This suggests that Habakkuk's name means: "Embraced (by God)!  It also lists his occupation as a "Prophet of the Lord, and possibly a temple musician or singer." (Hab. 3:19) 

This little book of three chapters totaling fifty-six verses in all has these well-known verses:  Hab. 2:4, Hab. 2:12, Hab. 2:14, Hab. 2:20, Hab. 3:17-18, and Hab. 3:19. (Word in Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1993) p.1549.   

Pay Attention to Habakkuk's Conversations with the Lord:  Chapter one has him asking God questions --five in all.  Even before, he expresses himself passionately --see the exclamation marks too!  In chapter two there's more questions, and more exclamations.  In fact, in a study Bible I have I count eleven or more questions in the entire book as well as eight exclamation marks.  What does your Bible version contain?

Just like Habakkuk we often ask the Lord why?  Especially today in our frenzied world we are puzzled how the Lord lets ungodly people surround us everywhere bombarding us with their viewpoints and continuous lying telling us what to say and think.

Pay Attention to God's Answer to Habakkuk's First Questions: (Hab.1:5-11) where the Chaldeans (Babylonians) will be used by God to punish his people.    

Habakkuk Rhyme

Habakkuk had questions--

questions galore

n' when God answered

Habakkuk had more!

Habakkuk had a vision--

a vision to declare

to God's people 

that he did share.

Habakkuk wrote a verse-

A verse you may recall:

"That the just shall live

by faith."--in the Lord of all!

In the end Habakkuk 

did decide that in the

Lord he would abide.

AND HE DID!

                            LEP

Habakkuk 2:4:   "... But the just shall live by his faith."

Sing It!  "It Is Written"

(Tune: "Brother John")

"It is written, it is written,                                                 

The just shall, the just shall,                                          

The just shall live by faith, 

The just shall live by faith,

Hab. 2:4 and Hab. 2 4."

Motions:  Line 1:  Hand Scroll: Hands sideways on top of 

each other; extend thumbs up.  Line 2: Wag finger.

Line 3: Walk in place.  Line 4: Hold up two fingers on l. 

hand; and four fingers on rt. hand.                 

 

"Hold on Habakkuk!" 

"Watch, warn,* pray

up in your watchtower

every day!"

Say again and substituting

"wait," and say once more

putting in "work!"  

                                   LEP

Chat Mat Chapter 1    See Below; click on each pic to make them larger!

I made a small Habakkuk with an OJ bottle top and a Levitical Hat.  Surround him with "?" or "!" marks.  Search for all the questions/exclamations in the book.  Circle the question marks and the exclamation marks.  

To the left on the mat view an important vocab word "Chaldeans" which is another name for the wicked Babylonians.  See how I placed small letters--one per bottle top to emphasize the word.    Look up God's colorful description of them with words like heathen, bitter, hasty, terrible, dreadful, judgement, and so on.  God then described that the horses were swift, fierce, and after the horsemen.  Pick out the words, put them on small cards, and talk about them as you chat about chapter one.

At the top is a small Chaldean warrior with its silver pointed helmet and black beard.  This too may be surrounded by cutouts.  Below is a cutout Soldier from a Bible color book. See his tiny battle spear on a movable plastic top straw.  Beside him place words as "hasty" and other words that describe him.  Notice to the side of this chapter one mat there's a list of the total number of questions, exclamations, and the number of verses in the entire book. (56)      

Chat Mat Chapter 2

In Chapter 2 you'll encounter the "woes!" Use your small Habakkuk again; put the "woe" cards round him.  Then, highlight the "woes" in your Bible as well.  Which "woe" stands out to you? Point out also there's another "whoa" word --what is the difference between the two? 

For me the "woe" regarding idolatry stood out for its vivid description of heathen idols/images made of beautiful silver or gold to whom people prayed when they were nothing at all but man-made creations!  Even today many still honor and worship idols the world over.  Yet Habakkuk dubs them "dumb stones or idols" that have no breath in them." (Hab.2:18-20)

My KJV Study Bible for Girls (Baker Books, c.2016) on its page 922 introduction shows a picture of a woman holding an "Idol" in her hands.  The caption reads "Did she say, Awake?"  What else did would she have said according to Habakkuk 2:18-19?  In the same intro it also says, "Sometimes life just seems unfair!  Troublemakers get away with everything, and innocent people suffer.  Habakkuk wanted to know why evil people don't get what they deserve.  And God had an answer for him.  It only looks like sinners have success.  The truth is that they are never satisfied and they will be punished.  Only those who love God will be truly happy."  This Bible, by the way, is an outstanding girls' Bible with many features including a "Headlines Feature," and a "What's in It for Me?" box for each book

Should you have this Bible consider copying the lady holding the idol, coloring it, and using it to make a marker using gold/silver pipe cleaners, gold glitter, a silver marker, and pink background.  If not make the back of the idol highlighting the flame-like section with gold glitter, the bottom part in silver.  Do read the part about the fifth "Woe" that describes the idols worshipped.  Hab. 2:18-19.   

A second newer Bible--Explorer Bible for Kids (Holman, c.2022) great for either boys or girls also does a super job of introducing each book.  Its excavation badges that show actual photos of places and things associated with each book helps kids/us big kids picture where e.g. Habakkuk was buried, and even the watchtower from which the prophet climbed to wait for an answer from the Lord about his questions and concerns.  Click on pics of these locations on pp.1006, and 1007. 

In the entire book I often make lists of various rhyming words.  For this lesson I choose let, net, dragnet, set, upset, yet.  Look for them.  Here's a rhyme using two of them.  This also uses the words "Hold on!"  Scripture uses the word wait!

Hold on Habakkuk!

God said, "Hold on Habakkuk!

Don't be upset!"

"Hold on Habakkuk, the vision

isn't yet!"

"Hold on Habakkuk, "The vision

I'll fulfill!"

And Habakkuk replied, "Yes, Lord

I will!"

                                                LEP 

Vision given in chapter 2.

Stat Mat for Chapter 3--Habakkuk's Psalm 

Since this lesson comes in the midst of a Psalm series it's important to point out there are several other chapters in the Bible that are considered Psalms also.  And Habakkuk is one of them!

Egg Carton 'Minor' Prophets Carton:                            

View the close up of the Babylonian man and the "Minor Prophets" egg carton which contains minor prophet cards kids can put in order.  Play a game removing one and naming the missing book.  As someone observed these prophets aren't so "minor" except the books are shorter, and the books of the "major" prophets are longer.  This is a great time to turn to the beginning of the Bible and mark the minor prophet list--which one is Habakkuk?  Notice also that when one abbreviates Habakkuk the abbreviation is "Hab."  

The "Hold On!" Habakkuk Hat 

Younger kids will enjoy wearing a hat saying "Hold On! Habakkuk."  Click on it to enlarge.

Fascinating Deer Photograph.  View the "OH, DEER!" write up on the deer pictured on p. 1009 in The Explorer Bible.   Habakkuk talks about his feet being like that of a deer to walk on mountain heights.  The deer described here is one especially equipped with feet that climb mountainous areas!       

Stat Mat for Habakkuk's Psalm:

Click on the Stat Mat photo to enlarge.  View the Chat Mat for chapters one/two as well!

Notice the word "Unique" at the bottom for chapter three is a one-of-a-kind Psalm written by a prophet, and perhaps Levite as some suggest because of the use of musical instruments!  Introduce kids to the book which is part of the 12 'minor' prophetic books.  Incidentally Hab. (the abbreviation) is the eighth book beginning with Hosea to Malachi. Which other "H" minor prophet abbreviations are similar to Hab.? *

Now OT is the abbreviation for Old Testament while NT is for New Testament.  This 19 verse Psalm is part of the 56 verses in all three books of Habakkuk.  Like many Psalms within it are three "selahs" or musical pauses where one is to stop and think and meditate on what had just read/sung.  

The name Habakkuk has three parts or syllables.  To divide the word up I used glittery green pipe cleaner pieces.  The very last line is a "postscript" that resembles superscriptions of many Psalms at the beginning of them.  The postscript reads: "To the Chief Musician.  With my stringed instruments."

* Hos., and Hag.

Final Challenge:  Using a Bible with cross references spend time searching through entire OT books to spot Hab. refs and mark them at the top of your page.   At the same time mark all the refs to Psalms throughout the OT as well.  I was completely blown away by how many times various books contained refs. to the Psalms and Habakkuk too!  After, checkup on NT Habakkuk refs as well!     

       

            

                                                 

Psalm 12: Man's Proud Words, God's Pure Words

Psalm 12: Man's Proud Words, God's Pure Words

The Words of the Lord

The words of the LORD are pure,

The words of the LORD are sure,

The words of the LORD endure- forever!

                                                           LEP

From Psalm 12:6:  "The words of the LORD are

pure words: as silver tried in a furnace

of earth seven times."    

Say this rhyme, shout "forever!", n' repeat the

verse. 

David's Dilemma: David had a dilemma --he was surrounded by those on every side that spoke of him and the righteous in evil and ungodly ways. These men spoke falsehoods and declared that their lips were their own.   They said, "Who is Lord over us?  Our lips are our own."  (Psalm 12:4) 

Does this sound like people today?  Sadly, yes and yes again.  People declare "I'll do it my way!" or "I'll have it my way!"  All around you hear them boast: "It's my body!  "It's my right."  and so on.

Contrast that to people who use God's pure and holy word lovingly and carefully.  My dear mother who was always aware someone might be listening would remind us that "The windows are open!" or "The neighbors will hear you!"  For she wanted what each of us even in our home or outdoors to show that we were different and did not fight nor use bad language-- that we should be Christ-like.       

At the time I lived in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Like many resort towns we had neighbors from Philadelphia that came just for the summer season and whose home literally backed right up to our little bungalow.  As soon as they arrived every window in the house was opened and we'd hear all kinds of things being said and shouted very loudly.  And we'd comment, "The McCaldos are back!"  What language came out of their mouths whenever they were at home or outside.  Often though, if we met them, they were quite pleasant. Often too as they talked with my godly parents, they'd use profanity but would quickly say "Pardon my language!" for they knew my parents would never speak like that.

Introduction: The Godly Man Ceaseth-Verse 1:  David declares, "Help, LORD: for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail among the children of men."  As in David's time, we too often cry out to the Lord, for it seems like the faithful are failing and not standing up all around us.      

Conclusion: The Wicked Walk on every Side!  Verse 8:  "The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted."  Last evening on the news an unruly crude, lewd, nude mob took over the streets of one of our cities.  The channel blocked out the lurid closeups and the screaming vile language.  If ever a verse in the supposably outdated KJV Bible described a scene Psalm 12:8 is it.  Memorize it!  Keep it in mind!

Truly things are upside down when evil doings are touted in public as described above!  However, many simple and often sincere believers either ignore such happenings or even refuse to discuss them.  Check out Romans 16:18 which specifies that many "...by their words/speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (innocent or undiscerning)! 

Action Rhyme from

Psalm Twelve for

Younger Kids!

David's enemies said:

"We'll do what we please,

We'll say it our way:

With our tongue we'll prevail!

Every day, every day!"

(Cross arms; say proudly!)

David's enemies said:

"We'll do what we please,

We'll say it our way:

Our lips are our own.

Every day, every day!"

(Cross arms; say angrily!)

Then David wrote this: 

"God will arise to help 

the poor n' and the needy.

For in him they can trust.  

Yes indeed, yes indeedy!" 

(Pretend to write; say happily!)

 

                              LEP

From:  Ps.12

Sequence:  Always read the Psalm first.  Point out parts as shown on Stat Mat.  Do click on the photos at the end of lesson to enlarge them.  Point out the first, and final verses.  Bottle top rings of various colors/sizes can be pried off bottles to make super rings to highlight what you are explaining.   

STAT MAT: PSALM 12: Needed: Orange bottle tops, Pic of King David atop gold tops; Vv. 8; Book I; Ps. of David strip; 8 stringed instrument pic on orange top; little Bible; silver star; orange bottle top ring around REF; tissue box background; and Psalm 12:8 verse paper. Talk about the Psalm stats; add others if you like.  Especially note that Psalm 12:8 has twelve words in it!

Verse/Vocab Chat Mat:  Needed: Mat color: navy/dark color; 14 OJ orange tops; one white bottle top; little Bible; Chat Mat cards; facial tissue box background piece; question mark/dark bottle top; golden large letters e.g. VILE; small enemy OJ top; red ring; and #12; and typed verse 8 words.

Fix/Chat:  Quick on "Chat Mat-Golden word VILE."  Begin with "Verse 8" on left outer edge, and put Ps.12: 8 in order around edge of mat. Cut apart word strips and lay on in order.  Make little enemy with enlarged mouth--see separate mat photo for parts.  Explain that all around us enemies or the wicked walk.   Because this Ps.12:8 has "12" words see # 12 at its bottom.  What does the word "VILE" mean?  exalted?  Memorize this verse!  Remind children "wicked men" are evil!  Move red jam jar ring round word you want to feature from the verse and change large golden letters too.  What a lot of learning is in this mat alone!             

LIE Chat Mat:  Needed: blue bottle tops, glitter gold letters, pencil, enemy men, vocabulary words for lies.  Small "U Speak Truth!", How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and Liar, Liar Pants on Fire Pics.  Check online for videos of the story books.  

Assemble blue bottle tops into capital LIE.  At bottom feature "vocab words" you wish to discuss. e.g. "True and False" are opposites.  Type or print list of "Lie" synonyms and opposites.  Lay on bottle tops.  Make two enemy men and cut out red mouths so fit onto pencil.  To top place U, Books and Story pics.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (By Dr. Seuss, Random House, New York, c.1957) Buy online or order from library.  Point out that the pages do not have numbers.  Discuss cover!  Note the explanation mark! Read it aloud and share it with your kids/older listeners.  In it the Grinch quickly thought up "a lie" and soon "that old liar" thought up even more things to trick the Who family.  Discuss.  Talk about who "The Father of Lies" (Satan) is and that he encourages lying.  Copy off Grinch page shown for your personal use, color it, and cut the mouth open to insert the words from the book/verses.  Share some Bible verses about what God thinks about lying.  Ask questions such as "Are "fibs" just tiny lies?"  "Are 'white lies' less than regular lies?"  Again, what teaching is contained in this short Psalm! 

Navy Chat Mat Vocab Mat #2:  Use large golden glittered tactile letters to form the oversized word "OPPRESSION" atop the same OJ tops used from Verse/Vocab Mat pictured at end of lesson.  What does the word "oppression" mean?  Find it in verse five.  Whom do enemies bother and have power over?  Mention that throughout the Bible this word is used.  Are their oppressors today?  How do they act?        

Silver Chat Mat:  Inside a tin foil pan I put silver: glitter, sequins, pipe-cleaners, tissue paper, and so on.  Always in these lessons I recycle jar lids and such using them for all kinds of projects.  I also used red, and turquoise blue items that go nicely with the silver/gray mat.

Click on the mat enlarge it!  Notice at the top the word: Search, Unscramble, Words etc. will be featured as "FINER" or "REFINER" e.g. Use silver stickers--I backed mine with turquoise.  

Search Finder Game:  Make a list of all the things in your home or just one room that are silver.  Let kids look for them and check them off.  Also let them add other items they see you missed.  Adjust the game so the littlest ones can play too or team up with older child/sibling.

Search For Silver Vocab Words:  Search online or in a Bible concordance for words having to do with "silver."  See mat with "UNSCRAMBLE" at top.  See the word "silver" mixed up at bottom.  Give kids a list of silver word refs to pick from if they need help.  (Words: silver, metal, pure, furnace, 7 Xs, finer, refine, dross, impure, silversmith, ore, Demetrius, and idols.)  Choose any others you wish to highlight.  A valuable resource to find KJV Bible scripture words is "Eaton's Bible Dictionary."

Pocket Bible Dictionary: (George W. Knight, 1998, Barbour Publishing) This mini concordance has many of "the silver words" in it.  Highlight them with silver highlighter mark or silver punch dot.  Words to find are Demetrius, Diana, dross, finer, fining pot, furnace, impure, purify, metal, refiner, silver, silversmith, and smith.    

Although this Psalm is short, it's packed with learning for you, as well as others--be they young or old!  When you are through you will be amazed at all the silver scriptures and the words associated with them.   Here's a little story about a silver mine that my husband and I visited!  We were in Innsbruck Austria in Europe.  Nearby we toured the Schwaz Silver Mine in Tyrol, Austria.  To do this we had a little vehicle that took us deep into the mine.  We put on hard hats and covering and off we went into the spooky dark tunnels.  Someone took our picture too.  What amazing things we saw there! Little did I know at that time one day I'd be making a lesson about the word "silver" in the Scriptures! 

The "Finer" Little Bottle Top Man:  Use an orange OJ bottle top, a little silver sticker hat, a half of a red reinforcement mouth, n' other sticker letter pieces.  Even a sticker "m" turned around make cute a silver beard.  Find more about "the finer" by looking up the various Bible verses refs here: Prov. 25:4, Prov. 17:3, Is. 48:10, and Acts 19:24-29.

The Finer Bible Marker:  Use a silver pipe cleaner, some tape, and a "Finder" paper to put together an easy Bible bookmark to enable one to read various silver references.  Click on pic to see word strip.

Silver Image Suggestions:  View these images here to make your own silver printout for kids to color. The Metal Silver Images - Search

Videos to View:  There are several interesting videos about the mining of silver both now, and in the Bible days.  Click on the site to see them.  Here's two:

"How Gold, Silver, & Copper Are Mined/Mining/Gold Mining for Kids" (Time: 6:22) Bing Videos

"Testing the Bible Method for Purifying Silver":  Great video on You Tube! Bing Videos

Silver of the Words of the Lord:  An interesting read regarding "silver" can be found at the Biblehub: click on site to see all of its material.  In the article "Silver of the Words of the Lord" says that scripture draws from the imagery and symbolism where silver often stands for purity, value, and refinement.  This metaphor is particularly evident in the context of God's words, which are depicted as pure and flawless like refined silver.  After it talks about the refining process as mentioned in Psalm 12:6. Topical Bible: Silver of the Words of the Lord

This lesson can be done little by little at your pace--but there's so much you might use it for at least a month.  Sometimes I hear Christian talk show hosts say things like this: "Get an easy-to-read version of the Bible, but I would counter the KJV or NKJV will grow your vocabulary by leaps and bounds.  When I was teaching, I always threw out big words saying something like this: "....." is a big word even your parents might not know.  Then we'd write it.  We'd spell it.  We'd pronounce it and syllabize it.  I'd say go home and quiz your parents/older siblings see if they really can explain this word.  Make your students proud to know such words.

Besides, most of the materials used are all recyclables-if you don't have piles of bottle tops, rings etc. have a lady's group in your church or area collect them for you over a month's time and be part of your lessons.  I often smile when I think of all the creative ways one can save money and yet make amazing Bible materials!  And you can use them over and over again!           

     

                                                 

Psalm 134: Song of Ascent # 15

                                                                      

Psalm 134: Song of Ascent #15

Are you tired of hearing the constant violent and vile assertions via the news and so on?  Then, I'd invite you to zero in on this little Psalm so very full of praise and blessing. 

One of three three-verse "A Song of Degrees" Psalm 134 is a favorite of mine.  This psalm called an antiphonal psalm where the people call on the priests to bless the Lord (Vv. 1/2) and then the priests answer by giving a blessing to the people." (Vv. 3)

This particular Psalm was one of the Psalm songs we sang in our first Miami church "Sunset Chapel."  How I fondly recall singing it.  As I previewed my Wee Song Bible Songs (Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Hipp/ Price Stern Sloan, Los Angeles, 1986) I was happy to find "Come Bless the Lord" on page 9.  Do listen to it and sing it together with your children/grandchildren!  Hear it here: Come Bless the Lord and Come Bless The Lord(lyrics)

Psalm 134 Quiz

1.  Psalm 134 is the:  a. the very first or b. the very last Psalm of the Pilgrim Psalms.

2.  Psalm 134 is: a. part of a collection of 15 or b. 20 Pilgrimage Psalms.

3.  Psalm 134 is: a. one of the shortest or b. longest Pilgrim songs.

4.  Psalm 134 repeats "bless" a. three or b. four times. 

5.  Psalm 134 would be sung before a.one ascended or b. descended from Jerusalem.

6.  Psalm 134 would be sung a. first by the people or b. first by the priests.

7.  Psalm 134 is a. a Psalm of Songs or b. a Psalm of Ascents.

8.  Psalm 134 is a. in Book V or b. in Book VI.

9.  Psalm 134 was sung a. in the temple sanctuary or b. the tabernacle sanctuary.

10. Psalms 134 and 133 are alike a. have three verses or b. begin with "Behold" or c. both ways.

Find answers at end of article. 

 

Psalm 134 Stats:  Book V: A Song of Degrees: Verses: 3: First Verse: "Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD."

Ref. Check:  Turn back to I Chronicles 9:33 to find out who the servants of the LORD were.  Read the little rhyme too.

These Are the Singers

These are the singers, these are the servants, 

the bringers of music from mornings 'til nights.

These are the singers, these are the fervent, 

the bringers of music-- God's faithful Levites.   

                                                                    LEP

From I Chronicles 9:33:  "And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night."

I Can Be a Singer!   (Activity Rhyme)

I can be a singer and make music too.          (Point to self, lips.)

I can be a singer and so can you.                  (Point to others.)

I can be a singer who the Lord will praise,   (Point upward.)

I can be a singer all of my days!                   (Say loudly.)

                                                            LEP

Verse 2:  The Middle Verse:  tells that in addition to singing the Levite musician servants also lifted their hands in worship.  Check out this NT I Timothy 2:8 reference that also tells us about the lifting of holy hands which reads:  "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting."  (KJV)

Verse 3:  The Conclusion:  "The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion."   This is what the Levite priest answered back to the departing pilgrims.    
     

Psalm 134 Vocabulary Matchup

1. Levites                                      1.  City of David

2. OT Book                                   2.  Lifted in worship

3. Behold                                      3.  Psalms 120-134

4. Servants                                    4.  Temple musicians

5. Songs of Degrees                      5.  To see

6. Hands                                        6.  I Chronicles

7. Zion                                           7.  Make happy, praise

8. Sanctuary                                   8.  Creator

9. Maker                                         9.  Place of temple worship

10. Blessed                                     10. Song of Ascents 

 Answers at the bottom! 

"Songs In the Night"   Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I had a small radio I would take into bed with me as it grew dark.  On that radio I recall the Moody Bible Church (Chicago) had a beautiful program called "Songs in the Night."  Like the Levites of old in the sanctuary the songs sung would bless me as I listened.  Do you ever listen even today to music in the night?  Read more about the program that was first established in 1943 and still continues today!  https://www.bing.com/search?q=Songs+in+the+Night.   Bing Videos  

The Psalm 134 Stat Mat

View the Stat Mat below.  Notice the dark blue navy place mat depicting the night sky.  See the silver stars.  Note: The number of verses: 3   How many times do you read "bless?"  Locate the Roman Numeral V for five or the fifth book of the Psalms.  Book 5 covers all the Psalms of Ascents or Degrees from Ps.120-134.  See the small arrows in its left corner pointing upward for ascend and downward for descend.  Do add any other stats you wish to emphasize.  Remember to click on the mat picture below to enlarge it on your screen!

The Psalm 134 Chat Mat

Click on the mat at the end of the lesson to enlarge.  Once again, I used a navy mat for the nighttime sky.  On the mat one can see the ref verse to check from I Chronicles9:33. See the three Levite priest singers, and servant musicians on the yellow bottle tops.  Kids could draw their own.  Note the single pilgrim who blesses the singers just before he departs or descends down the temple steps and begins his journey home from whatever feast he was attending.  If you wish more "pilgrims" again cut them from old Bible color pages/books or draw them.  Add music note stickers. Talk about the phrase from the verse "these are the singers" Add stars/moon.  To the side read, "Bless the LORD."  By the way the music note/ letter stickers come from Dollar Tree.  Do sing the song "Come Bless the Lord."  Encourage whatever age group that chats about the mat to memorize this Psalm--for it is such an easy one to learn. 

Songs In the Night Bible Verses

Make a small black cloud-like book of Bible Verses that speak of "Songs in The Night."  View mat photo!  Use these verses in your booklet: Job 35:10, Psalm 42:8, Psalm 77:6, Psalm 149:5, and Acts 16:25 

To conclude as someone commented we too who are servants of the Lord might pray this Psalm aloud, and worship and bless the Lord!!!

Answers to:  Psalm 134:  1-b; 2-a; 3-a; 4-a; 5-b; 6-a; 7-b; 8-a; 9-a; and 10-c. 

Answers to Vocabulary Matchup:   1-4; 2-6; 3-5; 4-10; 5-3; 6-2; 7-1; 8-9; 9-8; and 10-7.
       

  

  

                                       

The Most Unique Psalm of the Psalter--Psalm 136

The Most Unique Psalm of the Psalter--Psalm 136

Psalm 136 has been called the most unique Psalm of the Psalter. While this Psalm has similarities to other Psalms, it is its format that stands out.  Look it over.  Do you know why it stands out?  If you said, "its repetitive refrain you'd be correct!"  For it is the one and only Psalm, the sole Psalm, that has the same refrain to end all of its twenty-six verses.

Some Psalm 136 Stats:  Book V, No Superscription, Vvs. 26, Words: Mercy, Antiphonal, Unique, Refrain, Thanks

First Verse:  "O GIVE thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."

Final Verse:  "O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth forever."

It's An Antiphonal Psalm:  This Psalm is an antiphonal psalm because in Bible days the Levite Priest read the first part, and the people responded with the refrain.  How many times did the people repeat the refrain?  How many words are in it?  Which five letter word means "loving-kindness?"  Which word means "continues"?  Do we today divide the word "forever"? 

It's A Thanksgiving Psalm:  How do its first three words begin?  To whom should we give thanks? (The LORD, God of gods, and the Lord of lords) Why? 

An OT Ref:  Go back to Ps.106:1. How does it begin?  How is it the same?  different?   Be looking for other Scripture that repeats:  "for/that the mercy of the Lord endureth for ever."

Reasons to Thank the Lord:  Check out verses four to twenty-five for reasons why we should do this.  

Click on the "Stat and Chat" Mats Pics:  Always click on the photo pic for enlarged view of the mats.  Remember, you can add other things to your mats focusing in on what you wish to emphasize.  In this Psalm e.g. you might add info regarding the two famous kings mentioned; "Sihon and Og." 

View the Stat Mat Photo:  The Stat Mat Statistics includes Psalm 136, Book 5, 26 Vvs., a verse image, and the three ways God is addressed in verse 1-3.  Notice Book 5 uses the numeral 5, but if one turns over the card the Roman numeral "V" can be seen.  

Bottle Top Rings Great to Highlight Vocab Words:  Notice that bottle top rings that may be moved to highlight various words/numbers.  For the youngest:  Count to twenty-six, and 136.  After find the Psalm in their Bible and use a highlighter over the 26 refrain verses.

View the Chat Mat Photo:

The Priest's Part/The People's Part  

At the mat top is a small Levite priest made by using an orange juice lid and adding a priestly hat, eyes, nose, mouth, plus beard.  Recall that the priest reads the first part of each verse, while the people answer or respond with the refrain.  For the younger kids use more orange juice tops to make some responders--the people.  View verse one on the mat, and check out the mat for the priest's section, and the people's refrain.     

The Word of the Week Is Unique!  

Below that is the word "Unique" all in caps.  Chat about why this is a unique Psalm. By the way, today we call antiphonal psalms responsive readings.

A Key Psalm Refrain Word: Mercy!

Highlight the word "mercy" inside the bottle top rings.  It's biblical meaning is "loving-kindness." God mercy, as the Psalm repeats, continues for how long?  Which word means "continues?"  

Listen to Psalm 136 Video: put into song where the musician sings the verse, and the people answer.  This song is from Grace Immanuel Bible Church and is their rendition of Ps. 136.  It is an excellent example of antiphonal singing.  For "mercy" in the refrain they sing "love."  Find here: New psalm setting: "Give Thanks to God (Psalm 136)" - Grace Music

There Is One Psalm

There is one Psalm

that you should know

that over and over

goes like so: 

"...for his mercy 

endureth for ever."

There is one Psalm

that has a refrain

that 26 times says

again and again:

"...for his mercy

endureth for ever."

And just so we 

won't forget-

one more time

let's all chime:

"...for his mercy 

endureth for ever."

Do you know

this Psalm?

Yes!  Psalm 136!

                        LEP

Last line:  Yell: "Psalm 136!" Have kids make a card saying "... for his mercy endureth for ever."  Hold it up each time the phrase is repeated; have older kids make their own card. 

 A Kids' Challenge:  Write the refrain twenty-six different ways using different tools or colors.  For example, one might use highlighters, markers, glitter markers, thin markers, thicker markers, colored pencils, crayons, chalk, and so on.  Kids might even go on the computer and write the refrain with twenty-six different fonts.

   

   

 

   

Psalm Eight: "Babe Praise!"

Psalm Eight:  Babe Praise!

Superscription:  "To the chief musician upon Gittith."  A Psalm of David; Book 1: # of Verses: 9  

First Verse: "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hath set thy glory above the heavens."

Last Verse:  "O LORD our LORD, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" 

Psalm 8 is one of my very favorite Psalms. Especially, I like the NT passage in Matthew 21:16 where Jesus himself quotes Psalm 8:2: "Yea, have ye never read, OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES AND SUCKLINGS THOU HAST PERFECTED PRAISE?"  Have you read it?  Have you heard it?   Babe praise?    

This Psalm verse quoted by Jesus took place on that first Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey while the people shouted "Hosanna!" and tossed their clothing onto the road.  Read the story aloud here:  Matthew 21:1-15.  Notice that Jesus was in the temple when he talked about the perfect praise of little children.

Story in Rhyme: "Out of the Mouth of Babes!"

 

Long ago 

some little kids

praised the Lord,

oh yes, they did.

And Jesus liked

what they did say

to welcome him

on that day.

But some men

wondered why

loud hosannas

they did cry.

Then to the men

Jesus said,

"Have you never

read, Out of the

mouth of babes ...

thou hast perfected

praise?"  Matt: 21:16/

Psalm 8:2

                         LEP 

  

A Psalm Story:  Pilot Mt. Praise in the Piedmont:   Some years ago, I lived in a rural NC in a town called Pilot Mountain.  From our property we could view the famous knob topped mountain that the Indians used as a focal point to help guide them to certain locations. 

In the spring all the wooded areas burst forth in flower and song.  The place was so lovely with its golden yellow forsythia, pale pink dogwoods, vibrant redbuds, and other flowering trees.  Often, I'd pick branches and bunches of flowers to take to my children's group in Winston to use for praise and worship!  Oh, how the children and I enjoyed this. At other times I'd invite friends and home and Christian school groups to tour our property or take groups up to Pilot Mt. to view the wondrous trees there.  What exciting times of fellowship and praise we shared!  

During this time, I wrote poems/action rhymes/songs to use with the children as I told them the Palm Sunday, Crucifixion, and Easter stories.  One of my favorite trees was a Pussy Willow with its silvery catkins I'd cut into mini branches to tape to our praise pages.  Another tree was the giant Ailanthus with its humongous palm-like branches we could wave round in praise!  No, we didn't have palms, but we had trees of field that clapped their leaf hands in praise to the Lord!  We had branches to wave as we sang praise!  

Here are a several for younger kids to move to:  

"In the Crowd Praise!"  

In the crowd praise, 

Out loud praise, 

At the front praise, 

In the back praise, 

Can't be still praise, 

Yes, I will praise-

the LORD!"  LEP

A Branch, A Bough    

A branch, a bough, a twig, a limb,  

We cut down to honor him,  

A palm, a frond, we move to make  

Soft tree sounds, as we shake--  

"Our Hosannas!"                    LEP    

The Praise Palm Pokey  

Tune: "The Hokey Pokey"  

You put your praise palm in,  

You put your praise palm out,  

You put your praise palm in,  

As you shake it all about,  

You do the Praise Palm Pokey,  

As you turn yourself about,  

And give the Lord a shout! 

                                           LEP   

Sing this:  "How Majestic Is Thy Name!  

Hear Here: Sandi Patti Ps.8:  "How Majestic is Your Name!"  Beautiful!  Listen to Kim Collingsworth play "How Majestic Is Your Name" (May15, 2021) 

Bing Videos   Click here to hear Sandi Patti.

Bing Videos   Click here to listen to Kim C.

Note this!  "How" Verses in the Psalms:" Notice that the first/final verses have the word "How" in them--how excellent or majestic is the name of the Lord.  Notice also with what passion one would read these verses for each has a part which ends with an exclamation mark!  One might frame both the first and last verses with the mark.  

A Challenge!   Look through the Psalms to discover more exclamatory/interrogative verses or parts of them that begin with "How ...!"  Which verses end with an exclamation mark, and which end with a question mark?   Older kids most certainly can search for and be rewarded for this challenge.  Younger ones can read a list and highlight the "how" and the "!" or "?" mark.

Here's some I found: Psalm 36:7: "How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God! ...." Psalm 66:3: "Say unto God, How terrible (awesome) art thou in thy works! ...."  Psalm 78:40: "How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness and grieve him in the desert!"  Psalm 79:5: "How long, LORD? Wilt thou be angry for ever?  Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?"  Psalm 84:1:  "How amiable (lovely) are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!"  Psalm 92:5:  "O LORD, how great are thy works! ...."  Here are some more "How" verses to search out:  Psalm 104:24-Psalm 119:59, 97, 103-Psalm 133:1-Psalm 139:17....  Can you find others? 

Parent's Out of the Mouth of Babes' Page:   In regard to children's praise do read this article from my ABC Bible Meditation Series:  Find it by going to: "ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  O Is for Out of!"  Click here:

Learn to Discern Granny: ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! O Is for Out of!

Stat Mat:  Green/Gold: Green under gold.  Hand Holder:  Papers, Poems, Prayers.   Jar Lids: Props for figures.

Title:  "On the Instrument of Gath (Al Gittith) "A Psalm of David"

Book I     Vvs. 1& 9    First Verse & Final Verse:  "Exclamatory!"  "O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!"

"Flexible Straw" with palm branch at the end; or use music sticker notes on small straw section to move to song!

King David Figure:  This is a "creation praise palm" of David.

Memorize Jesus' Matthew 21:16 Quote from Psalm 8:2   Click on "Stat Mat" at beginning of the lesson to enlarge the photo!!

Babe Refs:  Besides Psalm 8:2, Matt. 21:16, check out Matt.11:25 and Luke 10:21!  Can you find other "babe" references as well? 

 

Chat Mat:  Psalm 8!

Tell Pilot Praise Story: Use post card pic. 

Holler a Hosanna Babes:  Boy, Girl, and Toddler. 

Babe Praise Figures:  Prop up inside two-sectioned jar lid.  Click on 

bottom photo at the top of the lesson to enlarge it.

Con-verse-sation:  Share the "babe" verses.  Read them;

memorize them.  Note:   Copy figures, color, and 

cut out.  See photo above!  Move them!  

Point out that there's a difference between a nursing baby 

and babes.  In Matthew 21 the "babes" Jesus referred to were 

"children" in the temple! 

Holler a Hosanna Rhyme:

Holler a hosanna!

Holler a hosanna!

Clap, * turn around

Holler a hosanna!

Sit back down!  LEP

Vary the motion: jump, lift hands, shake palms etc.

Jesus on a Donkey:  Read aloud Matthew 21 Story. 

Talk about it.  Use other action rhymes above to act

it out.  Use actual old jackets, coats, tree branches etc,

(Picture Shining Star Publications, Copyright 1989, Good Apple, Inc.)

Make Necklace or Bracelet: with bread-wrap pieces.

Highlight "Hosanna!" or etc.  What, by the way, does

"hosanna" mean?   I use bread wrapper "heart" shapes

found on Thomas English Muffins.

Babe Praise in Malawi Africa:  I have a dear teacher missionary 

friend who has worked with and designed curriculum for Malawian

schools who often posts videos of the teachers and their small pupils 

singing and moving to music.  If ever there was an example

of "babe praise" this has to be it!  Should you like to see or become

acquainted with this ministry find more information at: 

Sure Foundation Ministry

 

     

   

  

   

   

              

       

   

Asaph the Musician's Middle Psalm--Psalm 75

Asaph the Musician's Middle Psalm--Psalm 75

Asaph was a Levite Psalm musician who authored twelve Psalms including Ps 50, and Psalms 73-83. Asaph's first Psalm is Psalm 50, and his last Psalm 83.  Asaph's shortest Psalm has 8 verses, and his longest Psalm has 72 verses.  Besides, there's the middle Psalm of the Psalter--Psalm 75--that has 10 verses.

Of the twelve Psalms Asaph wrote one is an historical psalm, two are wisdom psalms, three are songs of Zion and six psalms are laments.  Now the very middle Psalm of the one-hundred fifty psalms is Psalm 75--a wisdom Psalm.  Do you know which categories the others fall under?

Its Superscription or Title:  Check your Bible for this caption "To the chief musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph"   Instead of the chief musician some versions say: "To the chief choir master."      

Its First Verse:  "Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."  Note the repetitious words which encourage us to offer thanks to the Lord. 

Its Final Verse:  "All the horns (strength) of the wicked will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted."   

Its Key Verse:  "But God is the judge: for he putteth down one, and setteth up another." (v.7)  Click on the videos below for some interesting info regarding "the scales of justice" from The Lord Our God Colouring Book bookmark page.  See chat mat below for pic!

God's Justice Explained for Kids--BIBLE MOM

Bing Videos

Focus On the Ups:  As you read through the Psalm, you'll notice a repetition of the words "up" and others that include "up" in them.  I've divided the verses this way:  Offer Up! (v.1) Judge Uprightly! (v.2) "Bear Up! (firmly set up") (v.3) "Lift not up!" (v.4,5) "Lift Up!" (exaltation) (V.6) "Setteth Up!" (v.7) "Drink Up!" (cup) (v.8) "Offer Up!" (v.9) and "Lifted Up!" (v.10).

God's In Charge!  

(Action Rhyme with Bible Verse)

Write it big and write it large,

Pay attention!  God's in charge!

Write it big and write it bold.

Don't forget!  God's in control!

Write it big and write it clear.

For God's words, you must hear:

"But God is the judge, he putteth

down one, and setteth up another."

                                 Ps. 75:7/LEP

Actions:  Hold out l. hand palm up; with rt. index finger pretend to write on hand.  (Line 1,3,5) and shake finger and point upward on lines two and three.  Cup hands round ears. (Line 5) Point up, point down, point up again.  Suggestion:  Have kids write the verse extra big, extra dark, and with a different font.         

God's In Charge! A Psalm Rhyme Dedicated to Mrs. H.

Penny H., affectionately referred to by me, as Mrs. H. was my long-time neighbor in the beautiful Piedmont NC town of Pilot Mountain.  Now Mrs. H. was an older lady who oft repeated to me, when we'd be talking, that "God is in charge, he's in control!"  So often did she repeat those words that            when I read Psalm 75:7 immediately I thought of Penny.  Penny who lived in Pilot with its towering knob peak in view from her back door.  Penny who last wrote to me how she was reading the Bible book of Jeremiah along with me.  At that time, she was ninety-nine years old!  How could I ever forget her frequent admonition "God's in charge!" over and over.  She didn't quite make it to one hundred, but in her last letter she was reading her Bible with passion.  What a sweet memory of a special friend.    

Regarding Psalm 75:7 I ask you the reader could there be a more relevant verse for us in 2025 than this verse?  Keeping that thought in mind, do listen to and sing along with the words of the beloved spiritual: "He's Got the Whole World In his Hands" from Wee Sings Sing Alongs. Hear it here: Bing Videos

Hone In On "Horns" in Scripture 

One can't help but notice that the word "horn" is often used in Scripture and in Psalm 75 designating the thought of "strength" or "power." In these verses we're not speaking of "instruments!"   In fact, in Ps.75, in verse four we find "horn" used in reference to fools or the wicked.  Lifting one's horn as a horned animal signals the idea of someone boasting proudly and loudly that they are more powerful and stronger than others.

In my King James Study Bible (Thomas Nelson 1988, p.456) there is a note from Hannah's Song about the horn that says:  "The horn (I Samuel 2:10) was an ancient symbol of great strength. ... Her psalm (vv.1-10) praises God for giving her victory in the issues of life."  Challenge:  Can you find the horn verses in Hannah's Psalm?  

Watch this horns video:  "What Do Horns Mean in the Bible? /The Horn of My Salvation/Strength from Streaming Truth: Find it at: What Do Horns Mean in the Bible? | The Horn of My Salvation | Strength

Here's a second video showing some horned animals in it.  See it here: "The Ten Mentioned Animals in the Bible/ The Creatures of the Bible from Kolmprint Art.  The 10 Most Mentioned Animals in the Bible | The Creatures of the Bible

Psalm 75 Stat Mat

Asaph wrote a dozen Psalms in all; eleven are in Book III, but the first Psalm-- Psalm50 is in Book II.  Just ten verses Psalm 75 has one "Selah Verse."  Notice the Asaph Levite figure in the center of the mat with his white Levitical hat.   Click on photo at bottom of lesson to enlarge! 

Below the figure see his name spelled out phonetically with its two syllables.  Over the first "A" is a "line hat" showing that this "A" is long.  The second part "saph" is a short "a" with its "smile hat" followed by "ph" which is a "f" sound.   It is pronounced "AY-saf."  For more info: click below to view www.ask-oracle-com/baby-name-/asaph.  Challenge kids to write and syllabize their own name! Asaph - Jewish Boy Name Meaning and Pronunciation

Below the Asaph bottle top figure is meaning of his name which means "collector" or "gatherer" in Hebrew.  Underneath the name is the key verse "But God is the judge...." Psalm 75:7. Look at the seven orange juice bottle caps with the words taken from the Bible Colouring Book 17 "The Lord Our God."  Purchase this British color book (great for kids/adults) and others like it from The Trinitarian Bible Society 927 Alpine Commerce Park, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.  Its web site is Trinitarian Bible Society

To the right of the syllabized name are words from its first verse: "Give thanks" which is written 2 Xs.

"Warning Words for the Wicked/Wisdom for the Righteous!" 

Here's another rhyme explaining some of the Psalm 75 verses.  Notice God warned the wicked what would happen if they disobeyed and displayed arrogance. (I Sam. 2:3) In the end the righteous or the wise would instead have their horn lifted up, not cut off! 

A Word of Warning! 

A word to the wicked--

God said, "Lift not up

your head proudly!"

God said, "Lift not up

thy neck high!"

God said, "My full cup

you'll drink up!"

At the end again God

said: "A word to the wicked-

Your strength will go! *

A word to the Righteous,

'Your strength will grow! * 

*  Read the final verse, and converse about its meaning!

 

There's 12 Asaph Psalms in All

There's twelve Asaph Psalms in all,

Twelve Psalms to recall,

Twelve Psalms to rehearse,

So, let's all say an Asaph verse:

"Sing aloud unto God, our strength,

make a joyful noise unto the God of

Jacob."  (You might use verse two

instead.)  From Psalm 81:1-2/LEP 

Or use Psalm 75:9: "But I will declare

for ever; I will sing praise to the God 

of Jacob."  ("Offer up praise!")  Or use

the key verse Ps.75:7.

Psalm 75 Chat Mat:  Do click below to enlarge photo!

At the top left view the meaning of "horn" used in Ps.75.  On the right see a bottle top opened in a horn-like position and the words "horns" on it.  Discuss this term and share horn videos and info above.  At the mid-left point see the word "Up"; share the up places.  Open Bibles to Psalm 75 and high light all of them.  

Especially notice the boastful arrogant "person" with its mouth open; see the arrow pointing to the neck.  Check how the boastful person stiffens or stretches out his neck as he arrogantly touts his own way--v.5 says "Lift not up your horn on high, speak not with a stiff neck (speak not in insolent pride.)  Make the tiny face/neck from a bottle cap, add hat, eyes, open O mouth, and a plastic straw neck part that stretches out. 

Below it is a post card of Pilot Mountain Knob near to where Mrs. H. in our story and I lived.  Many was the time I hiked up round that knob.  Learn the little action/verse rhyme as well!  

To the right is a simple but fun-to-make Middle Psalm bookmark made from a coloring page from Bible coloring book mentioned above, a tissue-box design panel, and an orange piece of paper.  Help kids find the key verse, mark it, and place the marker inside their Bible.  As you do so discuss some Psalm math --how much is 75+75?  75X2?  For the youngest count to 75 by ones, fives.  Try 150 as well.

Notice the red music hands with copies of the Wee Sing lyrics/page from a Wee Sing book to use as they sing the song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands!"  Find copies of the song book here: Wee Sing Bible Songs book (reissue): Beall, Pamela Conn, Nipp, Susan Hagen: 9780843177695: Amazon.com: Books