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Psalms and Song of Songs

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Poetry
    31 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Poetic Structures
    22 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  3. Lesson Three
    Praise and Lament
    24 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  4. Lesson Four
    The Diversity of Psalms
    28 Activities
  5. Lesson Five
    Song of Songs
    20 Activities
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Psalms and Song of Songs Praise and Lament In Front | Workbook: Complaint and Intercession in Psalm 60, Part 1
Lesson 3, Activity 20

In Front | Workbook: Complaint and Intercession in Psalm 60, Part 1

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Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

The Psalms are full of complaints and laments, but these are balanced with faith in God and prayers for His intercession and protection. The first few verses of Psalm 60 are a good example of this balance as they present it in a compact, rapid-fire format. 

  1. Complete the table in your workbook by identifying the rhythm of complaint and intercession that defines the Psalmist’s attitude toward God in times of trouble. Enter either “complaint” or “intercession” into the right-hand column for each row.
Psalm 60:1-5 (ESV)Complaint or Intercession?
1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;
    you have been angry;
oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;
    repair its breaches, for it totters.
3 You have made your people see hard things;
    you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
    that they may flee to it from the bow. (Selah)
5 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
    give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
See the completed table below:

Source: C. Hassell Bullock, Psalms: Volume 1: Psalms 1–72, 2015, p. 459.

Psalm 60:1-5 (ESV) Complaint or Intercession?
1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;
you have been angry;		 Complaint
oh, restore us. Intercession
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; Complaint
    repair its breaches, for it totters. Intercession
3 You have made your people see hard things;
you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.		 Complaint
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
that they may flee to it from the bow. (Selah)
5 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer us!		 Intercession