Psalm 112 Roundup
Pastora, theologian and author Sandra Van Opstal once said, ““I would say at every point in time of my formation, it has always been understanding the Bible in its context that has liberated me to a deeper and deeper relationship with God.”
We are narrowing our focus as a church to two main parts of the Bible this November, Psalm 112 and Romans 14 and 15. Even if you’re not a part of Immanuel, these passages, this quest for understanding “Christ-shaped hope,” is one that can ground you, us, in the turbulence of fall 2025.
Pastor Matthew has given us a rich place to start on Romans:
Read Romans 1-4 & 14
Watch Book of Romans: Summary, Part 1 (The Bible Project)
Read Introduction to Romans- If you have a copy of the Anabaptist Community Bible, this is the introduction to the book of Romans written by Dr. Lareta Finger. I am very thankful that she was kind enough to send me a word document of her summary as a resource for our series.
After engaging the resources above, reflect on these questions, with 3-5 intentionally written for little ones:
In what ways does Paul's understanding of unity challenge you? Are there any ideals or beliefs that you believe are more important than unity in Christ?
What are the Jew/Gentile divisions in our community? How are these navigated? Do you think Paul would approve of the way these are handled?
In what ways are you and your friends different?
Do those differences matter? If so, what do you do about them?
Why do you think God made us all so different from each other?
I picked up my own physical Bible for, if I’m completely honest, the first time in a very long time this morning. I decided to start with Psalm 112. There’s enough packed in this handful of verses to turn over for the month of November, this year, and probably a lifetime.
If you’re like me, you may need a variety of ways to encounter a passage before you feel that liberating understanding that Van Opstal mentioned. I want to share with you a roundup of glimpses of Psalm 112. I’d invite you to chose one as an individual or family to experience in the next few weeks!
Psalm 112: Overview, Layer by Layer
This is an in-depth study of each verse and the whole structure of Psalm 112 from Scriptura (formerly Cambridge Digital Bible Research). It helps us look at the design of poem and how it can be interpreted.
For those of you who like to do some serious Bible study, there’s a “exegetical Issues video of Psalm 112, which explores three difficult and important exegetical issues interpreters of the Psalm are likely to encounter.”
Audio Versions of Psalm 112
If you like to listen to the words of Scripture in different voices, here are some of my favorites for this Psalm:
Songs of Psalm 112
Super cool Hebrew jam: “Psalm 111 and 112 (first 4 verses of each) in the original Hebrew - for translation turn on CC!
A more Soil and Seed Project Scripture-song-style to help you and your family memorize the words:
“Psalm 112” by Anna Makula & MG Mugume for a totally fresh listen in Ugandan gospel music
What are your favorite ways to deep dive into a text like Psalm 112? How will you and your family engage with these words as we seek to learn them as a congregation?
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
