Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Psalms 138
Metaphysically Interpreting Psalms 138:1-8
A Psalm of David.
138:1I will give thee thanks with my whole heart:
Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.
138:2I will worship toward thy holy temple,
And give thanks unto thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth:
For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
138:3In the day that I called thou answeredst me,
Thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul.
138:4All the kings of the earth shall give thee thanks, O Jehovah,
For they have heard the words of thy mouth.
138:5Yea, they shall sing of the ways of Jehovah;
For great is the glory of Jehovah.
138:6For though Jehovah is high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly;
But the haughty he knoweth from afar.138:7Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
thou wilt revive me;
Thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the wrath of mine enemies,
And thy right hand will save me.
138:8Jehovah will perfect that which concerneth me:
Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, endureth for ever;
Forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Sunday, March 30, 1924: Psalms 138:1-8
International Subject Review: Abraham to Solomon.
Read Psalm 138.
Today's lesson is a review. We shall review the important incidents in the lives of the leading spiritual characters in the Bible, from Abraham to Solomon, as recorded in the lessons of the last three months.
What is the first step in the evolution of the soul from the natural consciousness to the spiritual consciousness, and by what character is that step prominently represented m the Bible? The first step by the natural man in the development of his spiritual nature is the quickening of faith. Faith is implanted in man as a potential seed, but it has to be quickened into action by the higher principle called Jehovah, or the Christ mind. Abram represents the faith that is to come into action and enlarge the comprehension through the inspiration of Jehovah: “Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred, and from thy father's, house, unto the land that I will show thee.”
How does man get the inward urge to quicken spiritual faith? The inward urge comes from Jehovah, or the Cosmic Mind. Man senses that it is possible for him to know more about the invisible forces that move material things, and he gradually feels his way toward another realm or land, wherein his field of thought and action is greatly enlarged.
What faculty of mind is represented by Joseph? Joseph represents the imagination. He was noted for his dreams and his ability to interpret spiritual symbols.
When the imagination begins its activities in man, how may it be correctly developed? Imagination should not be allowed to run riot, but should come under the discipline of Divine Mind, and should be guided by wisdom. “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, . . . I have heard say of thee, that when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh saying, It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
What is the metaphysical meaning of the calling of Moses to deliver Israel? Moses represents the interpreter of the spiritual law; by keeping the spiritual law man is freed from the thought of material limitations.
What attitude of mind in man best represents the spiritual essence of Jehovah? When man, by a perception of the absolute, discerns spiritual realities, he sees that his center of identity or I AM is directly related to Being, and when he proclaims, “Before Abraham was born, I am,” his whole consciousness is lifted up and he feels a freedom from bondage of sense.
What does Joshua, Moses' minister, represent? Joshua means “I am Savior,” and represents the executive power of the I AM. Whatever the I AM says sets into action the elemental forces through which it functions, and they begin at once to carry out the thoughts and the words, which have been given to them. Joshua was told by Jehovah: “be strong and of good courage.”
What is represented by the period of the judges? All ideas are expressed through personalities. The judges represent different phases of judgment expressing in man's consciousness. In the Scriptures good judgment and bad judgment are often contrasted. Samuel represents spiritual judgment; Gideon represents intellectual judgment, which seeks to destroy its enemies; and the Midianites represent sense judgment which is destroyed. We can bring forth spiritual judgment by following Samuel and by keeping our minds open and obedient to Jehovah, often saying with Samuel: “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.”
What does King Solomon represent? King Solomon represents the peace and the poise, that come to man, when his will and his judgment are united.
I am not concerned about the past, or anxious about the future; I abide in the consciousness of the now. The light of Spirit goes before and makes easy and successful all my way. I am bold, free, courageous Spirit, a son of the living God.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 12-02-2013
