WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.360 Please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 137. 00:00:19.859 --> 00:00:22.420 As we come to God's word, let's pray. 00:00:22.420 --> 00:00:22.420 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:51.820 If you cast your eye down to verses 8 and 9. 00:00:51.820 --> 00:00:58.820 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed. 00:01:00.439 --> 00:01:05.819 Blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us. 00:01:06.319 --> 00:01:14.079 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock. 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:27.280 Would you not agree with me that at first glance verses 8 and 9 are some of the most angry, vengeful, spiteful words of the whole Bible. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:33.320 It's not that these words are uttered by one of Israel's enemies. 00:01:33.799 --> 00:01:36.299 Rather these are the words of an Israelite. 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:38.480 One of God's people. 00:01:38.640 --> 00:01:41.040 More than that, this is a psalmist. 00:01:41.719 --> 00:01:48.280 Who puts his words, puts his curses if you like, on his enemy in the form of a beatitude. 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:51.879 It sounds like one of those blessings of Jesus. 00:01:52.280 --> 00:01:56.680 You know, blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. 00:01:56.680 --> 00:02:00.100 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 00:02:00.180 --> 00:02:03.900 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be sons of God. 00:02:04.320 --> 00:02:11.439 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock. 00:02:13.300 --> 00:02:17.319 To top it all off, these blessings are the words of a song. 00:02:17.860 --> 00:02:20.780 And it's a song that's been put in the hymn book of Israel. 00:02:21.379 --> 00:02:25.219 And it has been kept for us in the Holy Scriptures. 00:02:25.219 --> 00:02:32.819 These words were sung in praise and devotion to Yahweh, the Lord, the God of Israel. 00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:36.460 So what are we to do with them? 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:46.960 I mean, granted, the Israelites experienced horrific treatment by the Babylonians when they besieged Jerusalem in 587 BC. 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:58.060 Granted, the Jews' sacred temple and city was razed to the ground and they had been exiled from their land in 587 BC by the Babylonians. 00:02:58.760 --> 00:03:05.140 Granted that all these terrible things had happened to them and they would have had longings for home. 00:03:05.139 --> 00:03:12.139 But don't verses 8 and 9 just sound like they take things a wee bit too far. 00:03:14.619 --> 00:03:17.119 So what are we to do with these words? 00:03:17.479 --> 00:03:23.719 How then shall we sing the Lord's song in this church? 00:03:23.719 --> 00:03:35.060 Well, in order to arrive at an answer to that question, we first need to let this psalm speak for itself. 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:41.300 And before we even do that, we first need to feel the emotion of this psalm. 00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:45.259 I wonder, did you feel it tonight as Graham read it to us? 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:52.780 This psalm is written with deep pathos, deep passion, deep emotion. 00:03:53.859 --> 00:03:59.539 One of the things that might help us tonight is to try to get Bonnie M's tune out of our heads. 00:04:00.019 --> 00:04:08.399 You know the one by the Rivers of Babylon, that sort of hip-hop, boppy tune that you can dance to or swing your partner to? 00:04:08.399 --> 00:04:14.939 What's so bizarre about that tune is that it doesn't complement the words or feelings of this psalm. 00:04:15.259 --> 00:04:20.399 Did you notice the people are in a posture of despair and weeping, verse 1? 00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:23.459 They don't have it in them to sing, verse 2. 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:25.939 They're not in the mood for dancing. 00:04:27.519 --> 00:04:34.120 By the end of the song, the psalmist is calling down judgments on his enemy to smash their babies' heads in. 00:04:35.039 --> 00:04:39.120 You can't really sing that to a hip-hop, boppy tune, can you? 00:04:41.079 --> 00:04:44.459 It was Gordon Fee, the New Testament scholar, who said, 00:04:44.459 --> 00:04:48.500 Let me hear you sing and I will tell you your theology. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:51.239 It's a good point. 00:04:51.599 --> 00:04:59.240 Perhaps we could tweak that and say, let me hear your tune and I will tell you whether you've understood your theology. 00:05:00.199 --> 00:05:04.719 Because tunes complement theology, or at least they ought to. 00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:10.100 What would be the tune, do you think, of a psalm like this? 00:05:11.620 --> 00:05:16.860 Well, I think it would be something more akin to a Negro spiritual tune. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:19.820 A tune that reflects captivity. 00:05:20.960 --> 00:05:24.000 Quiet, slow, reflective. 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:30.339 But played and sung with deep, deep pathos. 00:05:31.300 --> 00:05:39.040 And we need to feel the emotion of this songwriter if we're going to understand this psalm correctly. 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:43.300 Well, with that in mind, let's take a look at the psalm. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.379 It can be divided into three sections. 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:51.459 First, the communal lament, verses 1-4. 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:53.240 The communal lament. 00:05:53.659 --> 00:05:58.139 I say communal, what I mean by that is it is a lament of the community. 00:05:58.819 --> 00:06:00.839 This is not a personal lament. 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:05.100 The psalm only turns personal in verses 5-6. 00:06:05.819 --> 00:06:12.199 In verses 1-4, this is a lament that is felt by the whole community of God's people. 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:17.060 And the lament arises because of where God's people are. 00:06:17.479 --> 00:06:21.939 Did you notice there they are by the waters or the rivers of Babylon. 00:06:22.279 --> 00:06:26.399 And the psalmist emphasizes this again and again. 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:29.439 Did you notice the word there keeps popping up? 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:31.099 By the rivers of Babylon. 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:35.779 There we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:41.579 On the willows there in Babylon we hung up our lyres. 00:06:41.579 --> 00:06:44.379 How shall we sing the Lord's song? 00:06:44.839 --> 00:06:46.519 In a foreign land. 00:06:47.599 --> 00:06:51.079 The section begins and ends with reference to Babylon. 00:06:51.659 --> 00:06:52.399 A foreign land. 00:06:52.519 --> 00:06:57.439 And in between, the psalmist keeps pointing his finger and saying, 00:06:57.680 --> 00:07:00.339 There, that's where we were weeping. 00:07:00.899 --> 00:07:01.699 In Babylon. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:10.299 Yet what is surprising is the subtle way the songwriter describes where they are. 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:11.160 Have you noticed this? 00:07:11.319 --> 00:07:14.819 By the rivers or the waters of Babylon. 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:19.420 What is it that makes London so beautiful? 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:20.500 One of the things. 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:22.540 The Thames. 00:07:23.920 --> 00:07:26.560 What is it that makes Cambridge such an attraction? 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:28.920 One of the things is the river Cam. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:32.040 Keep that in mind. 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:34.000 By the rivers of Babylon. 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:34.740 Verse 1. 00:07:34.740 --> 00:07:37.860 On the willows. 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:38.860 On the poplars. 00:07:38.960 --> 00:07:40.400 Where do willow trees grow? 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:41.980 By the river. 00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:43.759 They don't grow in a desert. 00:07:44.800 --> 00:07:47.980 They grow in a fertile land by rivers. 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:53.199 In the ancient world, the river was a token of life and prosperity. 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:57.699 Babylon was irrigated by two of the great rivers. 00:07:57.699 --> 00:07:59.959 The Euphrates and the Tigris. 00:08:00.500 --> 00:08:05.120 Which formed a system of canals throughout Babylon. 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:11.019 And poplars or willows were a sign that the land was fruitful and green. 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:18.139 So here in verse 1 is a picture not of this desert place. 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:19.439 Not of a prison. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:23.860 Here is the picture of prosperity and plenty. 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:27.540 This is Babylon the great. 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:30.100 This is Babylon the beautiful. 00:08:31.040 --> 00:08:35.779 And the people of God, actually when they were in exile in Babylon, lived quite well. 00:08:35.899 --> 00:08:38.560 We read that in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:39.460 They had homes. 00:08:39.680 --> 00:08:40.519 They had businesses. 00:08:41.200 --> 00:08:42.419 They did well for themselves. 00:08:42.600 --> 00:08:46.300 This was not written by a lonely prison wall. 00:08:47.100 --> 00:08:49.899 Where this psalmist sat and wept. 00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:50.220 No. 00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:51.539 God's people. 00:08:52.580 --> 00:08:53.620 This is the surprise. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.480 God's people sat and wept. 00:08:56.220 --> 00:08:59.759 In a land of prosperity and plenty. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:03.299 That is why the lament is all the more striking. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:08.139 In a land of prosperity and plenty. 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:10.919 There we sat and wept. 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:13.560 When we remembered Zion. 00:09:15.200 --> 00:09:18.240 Now this weeping is not self-pity. 00:09:18.379 --> 00:09:21.000 Nor is it simply homesickness. 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:22.000 Rather they weeped. 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:22.039 Rather they weeped. 00:09:22.039 --> 00:09:22.620 Verse 1. 00:09:23.240 --> 00:09:25.360 When they remembered Zion. 00:09:25.940 --> 00:09:27.679 It's another name for Jerusalem. 00:09:28.539 --> 00:09:31.279 Here the psalmist introduces us. 00:09:31.279 --> 00:09:32.200 In verse 1. 00:09:32.299 --> 00:09:34.559 To the main theme of his song. 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:38.100 The remembrance of Zion, Jerusalem. 00:09:38.460 --> 00:09:39.940 In verses 5 to 6. 00:09:40.299 --> 00:09:42.460 The psalmist personally vows. 00:09:42.860 --> 00:09:44.740 Never to forget Jerusalem. 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:47.740 In verse 7 he says, remember O Lord. 00:09:48.220 --> 00:09:49.440 Against the Edomites. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:51.399 The day of Jerusalem. 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:53.600 The day they destroyed it. 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:56.299 Down to its very foundations. 00:09:57.460 --> 00:10:00.120 It's hard to exaggerate. 00:10:00.379 --> 00:10:03.320 What Jerusalem or Zion meant to the Israelites. 00:10:03.720 --> 00:10:04.500 It's quite of interest. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:06.600 Has anyone here ever been to Jerusalem? 00:10:06.600 --> 00:10:08.820 A couple of people. 00:10:09.019 --> 00:10:11.139 It's quite a fascinating city, isn't it? 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:13.960 I remember visiting it myself. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:15.759 And looking up the Lonely Planet Guide. 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:18.100 And it said, if Jerusalem could speak. 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:20.440 It would tell a thousand tales. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:23.580 If you let the city actually speak. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:25.060 Over the centuries. 00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:27.360 It would tell a thousand tales. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:30.600 It's hard to describe what this city means. 00:10:30.600 --> 00:10:33.320 To a Jewish person today. 00:10:33.420 --> 00:10:34.519 Or to an Israelite. 00:10:34.700 --> 00:10:35.800 Let me give you one example. 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:37.899 In 2010. 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:40.279 Benjamin Netanyahu. 00:10:40.560 --> 00:10:41.080 Was speaking. 00:10:41.700 --> 00:10:43.840 At an event. 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:45.340 For Israel. 00:10:45.540 --> 00:10:46.620 In the United States. 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:48.480 Where Barack Obama was present. 00:10:48.879 --> 00:10:49.759 And Barack Obama. 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:50.639 In his speech. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:52.480 Called Jerusalem a settlement. 00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:55.600 And Benjamin Netanyahu. 00:10:56.379 --> 00:10:57.820 Stood up and gave his speech. 00:10:58.160 --> 00:10:58.779 And he said. 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:00.580 Jerusalem is not a settlement. 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:03.700 It is the capital city of Israel. 00:11:05.820 --> 00:11:07.720 Jerusalem represents. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:09.139 For Israelis today. 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:10.720 Their whole identity. 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:12.899 You take Jerusalem away from them. 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:15.300 And you can take Israel away from them. 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:19.080 And in the Old Testament. 00:11:19.300 --> 00:11:20.259 It was very similar. 00:11:20.899 --> 00:11:23.040 Zion was a visible symbol. 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:25.740 That all God's promises. 00:11:25.980 --> 00:11:26.980 Had come to fruition. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:28.800 God had installed. 00:11:28.800 --> 00:11:30.180 His king in Zion. 00:11:30.179 --> 00:11:32.979 God lived with his people in Zion. 00:11:32.979 --> 00:11:34.000 In his temple. 00:11:34.339 --> 00:11:36.639 It was a demonstration to the world. 00:11:36.859 --> 00:11:37.659 That Yahweh. 00:11:38.339 --> 00:11:39.959 The God of the Old Testament. 00:11:40.459 --> 00:11:40.979 Was king. 00:11:41.099 --> 00:11:43.000 And that he reigned supreme. 00:11:43.339 --> 00:11:44.839 Over all other gods. 00:11:46.179 --> 00:11:47.179 But Jerusalem. 00:11:47.899 --> 00:11:49.500 Now lay in ruins. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:52.120 And that is why God's people wept. 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:54.799 It is also why they had nothing to sing about. 00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:55.399 Verse 2. 00:11:55.879 --> 00:11:58.440 On the willows there we hung up our hearts. 00:11:58.940 --> 00:12:01.480 For there our captors required of us songs. 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:03.919 And our tormentors mirth. 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:04.559 Saying. 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:07.440 Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:11.960 I want you to put your finger in the Bible. 00:12:11.960 --> 00:12:12.960 And come back with me. 00:12:13.020 --> 00:12:15.120 Keep your finger in at 137. 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:17.280 And come back with me to Psalm 48. 00:12:18.180 --> 00:12:21.860 Let's listen to one of the songs of Zion. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:29.340 It is when we look at what these songs of Zion were about. 00:12:29.460 --> 00:12:33.639 That we can see why they couldn't sing the songs of Zion. 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:39.220 Psalm 48 on page 472 of the church Bible. 00:12:40.060 --> 00:12:40.659 A song. 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:42.860 A psalm of the sons of Korah. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:45.279 Great is the Lord. 00:12:45.560 --> 00:12:47.279 And greatly to be praised. 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:49.180 In the city of our God. 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:50.980 His holy mountain. 00:12:51.440 --> 00:12:52.899 Beautiful in elevation. 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:55.500 Is the joy of the whole earth. 00:12:56.100 --> 00:12:56.940 Mount Zion. 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.259 In the far north. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:01.039 The city of the great king. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:03.220 Within her citadels. 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:05.279 God has made himself known. 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:06.600 As a fortress. 00:13:07.300 --> 00:13:08.039 For behold. 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:09.399 The kings assembled. 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:10.740 They came on together. 00:13:10.740 --> 00:13:12.659 As soon as they saw it. 00:13:13.019 --> 00:13:14.019 They were astounded. 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:15.100 They were in panic. 00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:16.080 They took to flight. 00:13:16.539 --> 00:13:17.039 Trembling. 00:13:17.139 --> 00:13:18.500 They took hold of them there. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.039 Trembling. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:21.060 Took hold of them there. 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:21.800 Anguish. 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:23.620 As of a woman in labor. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:25.200 By the east wind. 00:13:25.320 --> 00:13:27.360 You shattered the ships of Tarshish. 00:13:28.039 --> 00:13:28.960 As we have heard. 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:30.180 So we have seen. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:32.740 In the city of the Lord of hosts. 00:13:32.860 --> 00:13:34.940 In the city of our God. 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:38.379 Which God will establish forever. 00:13:39.019 --> 00:13:41.399 We have thought on your steadfast love. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:41.820 O God. 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:43.260 In the midst of your temple. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:45.360 As your name O God. 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:49.000 So your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:52.420 Your right hand is filled with righteousness. 00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:54.920 Let Mount Zion be glad. 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:57.400 That the daughters of Judah rejoice. 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:59.600 Because of your judgments. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:02.400 Walk around Zion. 00:14:02.580 --> 00:14:03.320 Go around her. 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:04.480 Number her towers. 00:14:04.860 --> 00:14:06.780 Consider well her ramparts. 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:08.840 Go through her citadels. 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:11.560 That you may tell the next generation. 00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:12.759 That this God. 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:15.560 That this is our God. 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:18.460 Our God forever and ever. 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:19.740 He will guide us. 00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:20.899 Forever. 00:14:20.899 --> 00:14:21.899 Here. 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:21.899 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:22.899 Here. 00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:26.199 In Psalm 48. 00:14:26.439 --> 00:14:28.899 We see that God is the great king of Zion. 00:14:29.079 --> 00:14:30.379 God dwells in Zion. 00:14:30.539 --> 00:14:32.819 God is Zion's refuge and fortress. 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:33.919 She. 00:14:33.919 --> 00:14:36.599 He will not fall. 00:14:36.599 --> 00:14:39.179 He will make her secure. 00:14:41.099 --> 00:14:42.099 In other words. 00:14:42.219 --> 00:14:43.479 Zion was a picture. 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:45.599 Of God's sovereign reign. 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:48.120 His presence with his people. 00:14:48.599 --> 00:14:50.959 His protection of his people. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:53.500 And yet here are God's people. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:54.599 Sitting in Babylon. 00:14:55.099 --> 00:14:56.079 With Jerusalem. 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:57.519 In ruins. 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:59.139 Now flick back with me. 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:01.519 To Psalm 137. 00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:05.120 Now do you feel the sting. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:06.039 Of verse 3. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:07.360 For there. 00:15:07.819 --> 00:15:10.000 Our captors required of us songs. 00:15:10.120 --> 00:15:11.059 And our tormentors. 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:11.620 Mirth saying. 00:15:12.139 --> 00:15:13.799 Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:14.500 What is it. 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:15.740 How does it go again. 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:18.519 God is in the midst of her. 00:15:18.639 --> 00:15:19.539 She shall not. 00:15:19.980 --> 00:15:21.079 What is it. 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.379 She shall not fall. 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:24.960 That God is her. 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:26.720 What is God for Zion. 00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:27.399 Her. 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:28.680 Her fortress. 00:15:29.060 --> 00:15:31.360 Go and sing us one of those songs of Zion. 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:33.420 Do you see it. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:35.340 How can they sing. 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:37.660 When the very symbol. 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:40.000 Of Yahweh's sovereignty. 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.800 Of his rule. 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:44.040 Of his presence with his people. 00:15:44.440 --> 00:15:46.240 Of his protection of his people. 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:48.019 Lies in ruins. 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:50.060 The very symbol. 00:15:50.420 --> 00:15:51.580 Of who God is. 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:53.560 No longer exists. 00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:56.500 And so the psalmist says. 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:58.559 How shall we sing. 00:15:58.559 --> 00:15:59.960 The Lord's song. 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:02.179 In a foreign land. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:05.720 And that is the heart of the issue. 00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:07.919 God's people lament. 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:08.559 Why? 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:11.679 Because there is no sign. 00:16:12.059 --> 00:16:13.240 That God reigns. 00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:15.259 There is no sign of his presence. 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:17.799 There is no sign of his protection. 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:19.159 Of his people. 00:16:19.159 --> 00:16:19.839 God. 00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:24.120 And as long as that continues. 00:16:24.699 --> 00:16:25.500 Then Yahweh. 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:27.339 Is a laughing stock. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.079 To the people of Babylon. 00:16:30.439 --> 00:16:32.120 Zion epitomized. 00:16:32.279 --> 00:16:33.819 All of God's promises. 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:35.219 Coming to fruition. 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:37.659 But Jerusalem now is no more. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.899 God's people are in Babylon. 00:16:40.179 --> 00:16:40.839 And in Babylon. 00:16:41.199 --> 00:16:41.699 God. 00:16:41.839 --> 00:16:42.419 Yahweh. 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:43.480 Does not reign. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:44.539 In Babylon. 00:16:44.539 --> 00:16:46.080 God is not present. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:46.840 With his people. 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:47.879 In Babylon. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:48.620 God. 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.500 Cannot. 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:50.399 Protect. 00:16:50.940 --> 00:16:51.500 His people. 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:53.840 And that. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:55.019 Is why. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.200 They weep. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:59.060 That is the communal. 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.019 Lament. 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:00.940 Verses one. 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:01.800 To four. 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:04.279 But the psalm. 00:17:04.319 --> 00:17:05.099 Doesn't end there. 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.400 It's not. 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:08.460 A psalm. 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:09.839 Of total despair. 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:11.759 What is quite surprising. 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:12.679 Is the second. 00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:14.159 Section in the psalm. 00:17:14.179 --> 00:17:14.879 Verses five. 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:15.539 To six. 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:16.959 Is a. 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:18.480 Personal vow. 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:21.220 A personal vow. 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:23.839 If. 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:25.119 I forget you. 00:17:25.199 --> 00:17:25.899 O Jerusalem. 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:27.459 Let my right hand. 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:29.000 Forget its skill. 00:17:29.079 --> 00:17:29.740 Let my tongue. 00:17:29.859 --> 00:17:30.240 Stick. 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.859 To the roof of my mouth. 00:17:31.899 --> 00:17:33.419 If I do not remember you. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:35.159 If I do not set. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:36.199 Jerusalem. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.179 Above my highest. 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:39.199 Joy. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:41.500 The mention of the right hand. 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:42.000 Here is. 00:17:42.439 --> 00:17:43.059 Most likely. 00:17:43.199 --> 00:17:43.720 A reference. 00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:44.139 To. 00:17:45.539 --> 00:17:45.980 The. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:47.539 Skill. 00:17:47.659 --> 00:17:48.199 Of playing. 00:17:48.279 --> 00:17:48.939 An instrument. 00:17:49.419 --> 00:17:49.899 And the mention. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:50.740 Of the tongue. 00:17:51.159 --> 00:17:52.039 Clinging to the roof. 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:52.579 Of the mouth. 00:17:52.659 --> 00:17:53.240 Is most likely. 00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:53.779 A reference. 00:17:53.939 --> 00:17:54.599 To singing. 00:17:54.919 --> 00:17:55.859 Given the context. 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:57.179 Of the lyre. 00:17:57.179 --> 00:17:57.980 And singing. 00:17:58.159 --> 00:17:58.679 A song. 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:00.259 So the psalmist. 00:18:00.379 --> 00:18:01.339 Here makes an oath. 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:02.519 That if he should ever. 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:03.439 Forget. 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:04.240 Jerusalem. 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:05.699 Let him cease. 00:18:05.899 --> 00:18:06.480 To sing. 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:07.779 Or play music. 00:18:07.899 --> 00:18:08.619 Ever again. 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:10.379 Let him cease. 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:11.239 To function. 00:18:11.659 --> 00:18:12.659 If he does not meet. 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:13.379 Jerusalem. 00:18:13.859 --> 00:18:14.819 His highest. 00:18:15.459 --> 00:18:15.799 Joy. 00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:17.000 Now. 00:18:17.119 --> 00:18:17.859 We must not think. 00:18:17.939 --> 00:18:19.219 That this is some sort of. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:20.799 Patriotic. 00:18:21.219 --> 00:18:21.779 Nostalgia. 00:18:22.419 --> 00:18:23.699 Or sentimentalism. 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:24.659 For a geographical. 00:18:24.979 --> 00:18:25.299 City. 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:26.819 My wife. 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:27.399 Is from. 00:18:27.619 --> 00:18:27.899 Sydney. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.579 Australia. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.559 And we've been back. 00:18:29.979 --> 00:18:30.879 Three times. 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.839 Since we moved back. 00:18:31.919 --> 00:18:32.399 To the UK. 00:18:32.559 --> 00:18:33.819 Over four years ago. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:34.619 And each time. 00:18:35.119 --> 00:18:35.879 We go back. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:36.680 To Sydney. 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:38.100 If you've ever flown. 00:18:38.100 --> 00:18:38.760 Into Sydney. 00:18:38.860 --> 00:18:39.260 Australia. 00:18:39.260 --> 00:18:40.220 The airplanes. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:41.100 Come down. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.680 Over the city of Sydney. 00:18:42.860 --> 00:18:43.100 And then. 00:18:43.220 --> 00:18:44.220 Out over the harbour. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:46.100 And down into Botany Bay. 00:18:46.280 --> 00:18:46.480 And the. 00:18:46.620 --> 00:18:47.540 The airports. 00:18:47.760 --> 00:18:48.840 Further down south. 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.860 From the main city. 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:51.040 And each time. 00:18:51.100 --> 00:18:51.460 You come in. 00:18:51.520 --> 00:18:52.900 You get this beautiful view. 00:18:53.040 --> 00:18:53.680 If you're on the. 00:18:54.080 --> 00:18:54.820 Window seat. 00:18:55.220 --> 00:18:55.900 Of the. 00:18:56.380 --> 00:18:57.480 Sydney harbour bridge. 00:18:57.540 --> 00:18:58.460 In the opera house. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.500 Each time. 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:00.860 My wife. 00:19:01.060 --> 00:19:01.760 Sees this. 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:03.060 She cries. 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:05.119 This is her homeland. 00:19:05.819 --> 00:19:06.259 This is. 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.700 Where she's from. 00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:09.599 But. 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.259 This. 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.119 Samus. 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.179 Is not. 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.519 Getting emotional. 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:13.980 Or. 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:15.460 Renewing his commitment. 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.279 To a land. 00:19:16.339 --> 00:19:17.039 Out of mere. 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:18.259 Nostalgia. 00:19:18.460 --> 00:19:19.839 Or sentimentalism. 00:19:20.359 --> 00:19:21.099 For a place. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.279 Where he once lived. 00:19:23.139 --> 00:19:23.460 No. 00:19:23.659 --> 00:19:24.759 This is a longing. 00:19:25.659 --> 00:19:27.480 For a visible sign. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:28.819 That God. 00:19:29.179 --> 00:19:29.740 Keeps. 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.599 His promises. 00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:32.200 That God. 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:32.960 Is indeed. 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:34.419 The supreme king. 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:35.399 Of all the earth. 00:19:36.339 --> 00:19:36.859 This is. 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:37.480 An all. 00:19:37.679 --> 00:19:38.319 Encompassing. 00:19:38.399 --> 00:19:38.919 Desire. 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.279 For real. 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:41.519 Tangible. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.399 Symbols. 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:43.919 Of God's presence. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.700 With his people. 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:47.679 Excuse me. 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:49.200 And his protection. 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.519 Of his people. 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.579 And it is here. 00:19:52.679 --> 00:19:53.159 That we're given. 00:19:53.339 --> 00:19:54.200 Further insight. 00:19:54.379 --> 00:19:55.559 Into this songwriter. 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.720 He longs. 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:59.039 For the supreme. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.919 Reign. 00:20:00.159 --> 00:20:01.159 Of Yahweh. 00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:02.659 Above all gods. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.580 He vows. 00:20:03.580 --> 00:20:04.580 To always. 00:20:04.580 --> 00:20:04.759 To always. 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:05.380 Remember. 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.980 God's presence. 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.380 And protection. 00:20:08.380 --> 00:20:09.320 Of his people. 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:10.720 In the midst. 00:20:10.820 --> 00:20:11.460 Of a city. 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.519 Where life is easy. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.440 Where life is luxurious. 00:20:16.100 --> 00:20:17.040 Where plenty. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.019 Abounds. 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:20.860 So what we are dealing with here. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.279 Is not. 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:23.759 Some angry. 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:25.160 Vengeful. 00:20:25.320 --> 00:20:25.640 Jew. 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:28.220 Who got to write some. 00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:29.720 Sneaky song. 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:31.120 And slip it into the bible. 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:32.720 Here. 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:33.640 We're dealing. 00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:35.079 With an incredibly. 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:36.279 Godly man. 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:38.000 Who wrote. 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:39.160 This song. 00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:40.440 Who loves. 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.480 God. 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.120 Supremely. 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.900 Above all else. 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:44.980 Jesus. 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:47.259 But more than that. 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.480 He is not just. 00:20:48.560 --> 00:20:49.600 Devoted to God. 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:51.460 He is a man of faith. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:51.900 I mean. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:52.640 Think about it. 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:54.900 He vows. 00:20:55.320 --> 00:20:55.680 Never. 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:57.019 To forget Jerusalem. 00:20:58.740 --> 00:20:59.280 But. 00:20:59.820 --> 00:21:01.380 Does Jerusalem exist? 00:21:03.060 --> 00:21:03.620 Well. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.060 Yes. 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:05.180 But in ruins. 00:21:06.540 --> 00:21:07.100 So. 00:21:07.100 --> 00:21:08.680 What is he believing in? 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:11.000 He is believing. 00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:13.519 In some kind of future. 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:14.500 Jerusalem. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.320 He is not vowing. 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:17.660 To remember Jerusalem. 00:21:17.840 --> 00:21:18.320 In ruins. 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:19.779 He is vowing. 00:21:20.140 --> 00:21:21.620 To remember Jerusalem. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:23.320 In all her glory. 00:21:24.759 --> 00:21:26.019 When Jerusalem. 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.420 Symbolized. 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:28.160 To the world. 00:21:28.580 --> 00:21:29.960 That Yahweh was king. 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:32.759 Verses five to six. 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:34.259 Are an implicit. 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:35.960 Confession of confidence. 00:21:36.080 --> 00:21:37.360 A statement of faith. 00:21:37.359 --> 00:21:38.759 A creed. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:39.539 If you like. 00:21:40.139 --> 00:21:41.199 That one day. 00:21:41.659 --> 00:21:42.859 There will be. 00:21:43.159 --> 00:21:44.379 A Jerusalem again. 00:21:44.979 --> 00:21:46.439 A visible sign. 00:21:46.879 --> 00:21:47.779 That Yahweh. 00:21:48.179 --> 00:21:49.319 Was indeed king. 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:51.119 That is what this. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.399 Psalmist. 00:21:52.719 --> 00:21:53.500 Longs for. 00:21:55.159 --> 00:21:56.059 So let me. 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:56.719 Bring it. 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:58.379 Back to how I started. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.099 This sermon. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.519 What then. 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:02.240 Should we make. 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.119 Of verses eight. 00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.079 And nine. 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:07.879 Having seen. 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:08.839 The godly. 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:09.480 Devotion. 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.379 Of this man. 00:22:11.079 --> 00:22:11.679 We cannot. 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.359 Relegate. 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:13.039 These verses. 00:22:13.279 --> 00:22:13.819 To mere. 00:22:14.379 --> 00:22:14.879 Sinful. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:15.339 Human. 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.139 Expressions. 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.000 Or to sub. 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.099 Christian. 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.819 Ethics. 00:22:18.899 --> 00:22:19.339 As some. 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:20.139 Commentators. 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:20.439 Do. 00:22:21.379 --> 00:22:21.740 This. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:22.579 Psalmist. 00:22:22.659 --> 00:22:23.379 Loves God. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:24.500 He vows. 00:22:24.599 --> 00:22:25.000 To make. 00:22:25.199 --> 00:22:25.759 God's. 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.079 Reign. 00:22:26.159 --> 00:22:26.359 His. 00:22:26.439 --> 00:22:26.899 Highest. 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:27.460 Joy. 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:28.439 How. 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:28.799 Then. 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:29.220 Can he. 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:29.939 Suddenly. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:30.460 In verses. 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:30.720 Eight. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.179 And nine. 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:32.920 Do something. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.500 That is so. 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.200 Out of place. 00:22:34.380 --> 00:22:34.920 And vent. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:35.980 Ungodly. 00:22:36.160 --> 00:22:36.660 Vengeful. 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.160 Anger. 00:22:38.660 --> 00:22:38.860 No. 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:39.519 Here is a man. 00:22:39.560 --> 00:22:40.080 Of faith. 00:22:40.320 --> 00:22:41.000 Here is a man. 00:22:41.360 --> 00:22:42.000 With godly. 00:22:42.080 --> 00:22:42.519 Devired. 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:43.799 Desires. 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:45.259 There is nothing. 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.160 In the text. 00:22:46.820 --> 00:22:47.299 Or this. 00:22:47.440 --> 00:22:47.759 Psalm. 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:48.620 That should make us. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:49.060 Think. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:49.940 Otherwise. 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:51.220 Which brings us. 00:22:51.580 --> 00:22:52.420 To the third. 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:53.220 Section. 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:54.200 Verses. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.640 Seven. 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.740 To nine. 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.640 The petition. 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.259 For God's. 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.820 Justice. 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:01.060 The petition. 00:23:01.059 --> 00:23:01.839 For God's. 00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:02.279 Justice. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:02.759 Verses. 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.240 Seven. 00:23:03.919 --> 00:23:04.399 To nine. 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:05.679 This. 00:23:06.119 --> 00:23:06.519 Psalmist. 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.500 Calls on God. 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.220 To remember. 00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:09.019 Those. 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:09.659 Who acted. 00:23:09.879 --> 00:23:10.279 Against. 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.159 Jerusalem. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:11.740 On the day. 00:23:11.819 --> 00:23:12.460 That it fell. 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:13.839 Now when he. 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:14.559 Says. 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.299 To God. 00:23:15.399 --> 00:23:15.839 Remember. 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:16.480 Do you think. 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.079 He is saying. 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:17.799 That God. 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.579 Sort of. 00:23:18.819 --> 00:23:19.679 Lost his memory. 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:21.919 In the bible. 00:23:22.859 --> 00:23:23.399 Remembrance. 00:23:23.539 --> 00:23:23.740 Or. 00:23:24.139 --> 00:23:24.700 Remembering. 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.059 Something. 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:25.899 Is. 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:26.839 Recalling. 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:27.319 Something. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.019 To mind. 00:23:28.139 --> 00:23:28.579 In order. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.299 To act. 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:30.000 Upon it. 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:31.200 So. 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.099 In Genesis. 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:32.519 Six. 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:32.980 To nine. 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:33.680 Where it says. 00:23:34.099 --> 00:23:34.579 That God. 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:35.400 Remembered. 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:35.779 Noah. 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:37.460 It's not that he forgot. 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.480 That he was in the boat. 00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:41.259 It's that he remembered him. 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:41.859 In order. 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.779 To do something. 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.579 And that is. 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:45.440 To remove the waters. 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:46.580 And let the boat. 00:23:46.580 --> 00:23:47.039 And let the boat land. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.559 On dry earth. 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.820 And so it is here. 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:51.640 When the psalmist. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.559 Is saying to God. 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:53.180 Remember. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.720 He's not trying to. 00:23:54.920 --> 00:23:55.840 Jog God's memory. 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:56.480 He's saying. 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.140 Act. 00:23:57.840 --> 00:23:58.320 Remember. 00:23:58.900 --> 00:24:00.320 What the people. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:00.759 Did. 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.900 To Jerusalem. 00:24:02.900 --> 00:24:03.980 And he mentions. 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.019 Two parties. 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.799 Two groups. 00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:06.740 First of all. 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.580 The Edomites. 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.420 In verse seven. 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:09.460 Remember. 00:24:09.600 --> 00:24:10.019 Oh Lord. 00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:11.220 Against the Edomites. 00:24:11.320 --> 00:24:11.920 The day. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.200 Of Jerusalem. 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:14.100 How they said. 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:14.880 Lay it. 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:15.519 To bear. 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:16.279 Lay it. 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:16.860 To bear. 00:24:17.060 --> 00:24:17.500 Down. 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:18.860 To its foundations. 00:24:21.300 --> 00:24:21.820 Now. 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:22.140 What. 00:24:22.320 --> 00:24:22.660 Was it. 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.720 That the Edomites. 00:24:24.200 --> 00:24:24.480 Did. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.700 To Jerusalem. 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:26.920 Well. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.180 In. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.000 589 BC. 00:24:29.340 --> 00:24:30.200 The Babylonians. 00:24:30.320 --> 00:24:30.920 Besieged. 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:31.539 Jerusalem. 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:32.900 And we know. 00:24:33.060 --> 00:24:33.800 From historical. 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:34.820 Records. 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:35.360 That there was. 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.140 Some kind of. 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:36.900 Collusion. 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.019 It's mentioned. 00:24:38.320 --> 00:24:38.480 In. 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:39.519 The Bible. 00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:41.160 That the Edomites. 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:41.519 Sort of. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.019 Joined. 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.799 Forces. 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:43.559 With. 00:24:43.879 --> 00:24:44.759 The Babylonians. 00:24:44.879 --> 00:24:44.980 Now. 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.299 Why. 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:45.920 Is that. 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.700 Surprising. 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:48.639 Who. 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:49.779 Did the Edomites. 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.440 Descend. 00:24:50.599 --> 00:24:50.859 From. 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:52.460 Esau. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:53.839 Twin. 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:54.339 Brother. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.039 To Jacob. 00:24:55.879 --> 00:24:56.139 So. 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:56.480 Jacob. 00:24:56.599 --> 00:24:57.279 Is the father. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:57.920 Of Israel. 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:58.900 Esau. 00:24:59.000 --> 00:24:59.519 Is the father. 00:24:59.639 --> 00:25:00.119 Of Edom. 00:25:01.160 --> 00:25:02.000 And of all. 00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:02.639 The nations. 00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:03.379 Who should have. 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:03.680 Come. 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.579 To their aid. 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:05.500 It was. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:05.879 Edom. 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.079 But what. 00:25:07.139 --> 00:25:07.240 Do. 00:25:07.240 --> 00:25:07.559 Edom. 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:07.839 Do. 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.180 They. 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:08.799 Betray. 00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:09.420 Their brother. 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:10.359 Betray. 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:10.859 Their brother. 00:25:10.859 --> 00:25:12.479 And join forces. 00:25:13.139 --> 00:25:14.139 And destroy. 00:25:14.719 --> 00:25:15.259 Jerusalem. 00:25:16.159 --> 00:25:17.539 Now what's interesting is the word. 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:19.119 Foundations here. 00:25:20.759 --> 00:25:21.039 It. 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.059 Of course. 00:25:22.139 --> 00:25:23.899 Refers to the physical foundations. 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.159 Of the city. 00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:26.359 But in the Psalms. 00:25:26.419 --> 00:25:27.559 This word is used. 00:25:27.959 --> 00:25:29.159 To speak of God. 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:30.319 Finding the earth. 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.599 And of God. 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.399 Finding. 00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.219 His people. 00:25:33.379 --> 00:25:33.839 Israel. 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.139 It's a word. 00:25:35.140 --> 00:25:37.160 Associated with God's sovereignty. 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:39.140 His established order. 00:25:39.140 --> 00:25:39.900 And rule. 00:25:40.880 --> 00:25:41.200 Therefore. 00:25:41.280 --> 00:25:41.680 There may be. 00:25:41.800 --> 00:25:43.220 An allusion here. 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.640 To the Edomites. 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.200 Wanting. 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:46.800 God's sovereignty. 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:47.640 Brought down. 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:48.259 Because if. 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:48.980 Jerusalem. 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.040 Symbolizes. 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:50.900 God's reign. 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.520 On the earth. 00:25:51.860 --> 00:25:52.540 And Edom. 00:25:52.820 --> 00:25:53.320 Esau. 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:53.900 Is saying. 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.520 Tear it to the ground. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:56.880 Destroy it. 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.140 To its foundations. 00:25:59.340 --> 00:25:59.940 He's saying. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:01.520 Let's tear God down. 00:26:02.360 --> 00:26:03.220 Let's actually. 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:04.539 Remove Yahweh. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:08.420 And then there is. 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:09.500 The group. 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:11.500 The nation. 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:12.500 Of Babylon. 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:13.740 O daughter. 00:26:14.339 --> 00:26:15.059 Of Babylon. 00:26:15.380 --> 00:26:15.940 Doomed. 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:17.539 To be destroyed. 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:19.200 Blessed shall he be. 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.720 Who repays you. 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.740 With what you have done. 00:26:21.860 --> 00:26:22.319 To us. 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.360 These words. 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:25.120 Are a naked. 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.220 Appeal. 00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:27.240 For retribution. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.839 They are of the same. 00:26:28.860 --> 00:26:29.259 Mold. 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:29.799 Of an eye. 00:26:29.900 --> 00:26:30.400 For an eye. 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:30.920 And a tooth. 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.600 For a tooth. 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:32.860 Which. 00:26:32.859 --> 00:26:33.659 Incidentally. 00:26:33.659 --> 00:26:34.859 In the Old Testament. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:35.539 Was not a. 00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:37.879 Did not allow. 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:39.259 For personal vengeance. 00:26:39.459 --> 00:26:40.119 That law. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:40.539 An eye. 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:41.059 For an eye. 00:26:41.139 --> 00:26:41.519 And a tooth. 00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:41.959 For a tooth. 00:26:41.959 --> 00:26:42.759 Was actually. 00:26:42.959 --> 00:26:44.279 Part of the Old Testament. 00:26:44.859 --> 00:26:45.919 Justice system. 00:26:46.579 --> 00:26:47.240 That God. 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.359 Had ordained. 00:26:48.619 --> 00:26:49.419 Through Moses. 00:26:49.959 --> 00:26:50.459 The prophet. 00:26:51.599 --> 00:26:51.879 And so. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:52.759 What this psalmist. 00:26:52.899 --> 00:26:53.839 Is calling for here. 00:26:53.979 --> 00:26:54.740 Is exact. 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:56.039 Retribution. 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:57.659 It's what he says. 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.259 In verse 9. 00:26:58.359 --> 00:26:59.759 Blessed shall he be. 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.819 Who takes your little ones. 00:27:01.819 --> 00:27:03.159 And dashes them. 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.779 Against the rock. 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:07.259 Now in the ancient Near East. 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.740 In warfare. 00:27:10.419 --> 00:27:12.059 What an enemy would do. 00:27:12.220 --> 00:27:13.759 Was destroy the babies. 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.539 Of the nation. 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:15.059 That it was. 00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:16.220 Conquering. 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.519 So that. 00:27:17.899 --> 00:27:19.139 It was the complete. 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.099 Destruction. 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:20.939 Of that nation. 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.519 So there was no progeny. 00:27:22.639 --> 00:27:23.200 There was no. 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.319 Descendants. 00:27:24.439 --> 00:27:25.659 There was no future. 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.220 For that. 00:27:27.559 --> 00:27:27.939 Nation. 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:30.000 And by calling. 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.820 On Babylon. 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:32.059 To get. 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:33.220 What they gave. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:34.820 Implies. 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.600 That when they. 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.840 Besieged Jerusalem. 00:27:37.080 --> 00:27:38.019 That is exactly. 00:27:38.259 --> 00:27:39.059 What they did. 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:40.320 They took the babies. 00:27:40.320 --> 00:27:41.279 Of the Israelites. 00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:43.039 And they smashed them. 00:27:43.320 --> 00:27:44.480 Against the rocks. 00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:47.460 And in a sense. 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:48.580 Then this psalmist. 00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:50.000 Is holding up a mirror. 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:52.279 To the Babylonians. 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:55.019 To their atrocities. 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:56.139 For what they did. 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:57.119 To Jerusalem. 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:57.980 Now I'm not saying. 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:59.240 It makes it any easier. 00:27:59.240 --> 00:27:59.899 To stomach. 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:02.059 That a Christian. 00:28:02.879 --> 00:28:04.200 A devout Jew. 00:28:04.639 --> 00:28:05.299 In the Bible. 00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:07.259 Would say this thing. 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.259 I'm not saying. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:09.519 It makes it any easier. 00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:10.119 I'm not saying. 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:11.019 It resolves. 00:28:11.519 --> 00:28:12.720 Our problem with it. 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.480 But at least. 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.639 We're seeing. 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.839 The proper context. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.220 The context here. 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:18.319 Is one. 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:19.740 Of judicial. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:21.059 Justice. 00:28:21.059 --> 00:28:21.220 Justice. 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:22.960 Not personal. 00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:23.700 Vengeance. 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.980 Judicial. 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:25.919 Justice. 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.740 This isn't. 00:28:27.059 --> 00:28:27.799 A person. 00:28:28.179 --> 00:28:28.700 Wanting. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.139 His own. 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.639 Personal. 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:30.319 Revenge. 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.039 This is. 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.740 Legal. 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:32.899 Language. 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:33.480 And note. 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.139 Who it's. 00:28:34.379 --> 00:28:34.980 Orientated. 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:35.519 Towards. 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:36.799 This is not. 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:37.579 Orientated. 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:38.099 Towards. 00:28:38.159 --> 00:28:38.579 A person. 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.539 Remember. 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.179 Oh. 00:28:40.379 --> 00:28:41.000 Lord. 00:28:42.419 --> 00:28:42.940 Against. 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:43.819 The Edomites. 00:28:45.579 --> 00:28:46.639 The petition. 00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:47.379 For justice. 00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.059 Is taken. 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:48.859 To God. 00:28:49.139 --> 00:28:49.659 In prayer. 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:50.599 Exactly. 00:28:50.599 --> 00:28:51.399 What we see. 00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:52.619 In Romans. 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.599 Chapter 12. 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:54.959 Ultimate justice. 00:28:54.959 --> 00:28:55.740 Is left. 00:28:56.399 --> 00:28:57.219 With God. 00:28:58.399 --> 00:28:59.099 But there is. 00:28:59.259 --> 00:28:59.819 One more thing. 00:28:59.879 --> 00:29:00.779 That may help us. 00:29:00.879 --> 00:29:01.559 Come to terms. 00:29:01.559 --> 00:29:02.439 With these words. 00:29:03.139 --> 00:29:04.419 Just as we must let. 00:29:04.919 --> 00:29:05.559 Jerusalem. 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:07.759 The symbolic. 00:29:08.079 --> 00:29:08.439 Force. 00:29:08.439 --> 00:29:09.139 Of Jerusalem. 00:29:09.139 --> 00:29:10.000 Help us. 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:11.379 In interpreting. 00:29:11.379 --> 00:29:11.699 This. 00:29:11.699 --> 00:29:12.259 And so. 00:29:12.579 --> 00:29:13.399 We must let. 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.059 The symbolic. 00:29:14.059 --> 00:29:14.559 Force. 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.240 Of Babylon. 00:29:16.119 --> 00:29:16.699 Help us. 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:17.339 In interpreting. 00:29:17.459 --> 00:29:17.819 Verses. 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.139 Eight. 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:18.839 And nine. 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.639 In the Bible. 00:29:21.399 --> 00:29:21.839 Babylon. 00:29:22.179 --> 00:29:23.720 Is a physical city. 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.619 With buildings. 00:29:24.619 --> 00:29:25.339 And people. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.079 But Babylon. 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:26.919 In the Bible. 00:29:27.419 --> 00:29:29.000 Also symbolizes. 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:30.519 Opposition. 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:31.259 To God. 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:32.119 Babylon. 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:32.259 Babylon. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.500 Is the epitome. 00:29:34.339 --> 00:29:35.240 Of opposition. 00:29:35.439 --> 00:29:35.799 To God. 00:29:35.879 --> 00:29:36.480 Just think about. 00:29:36.599 --> 00:29:37.000 The tower. 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:37.539 Of Babel. 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:39.259 What did God. 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:39.899 Tell the people. 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:40.399 To do. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:41.839 In Genesis. 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.319 Chapter. 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.139 Nine. 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:45.320 To multiply. 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:45.980 And. 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.280 Spread out. 00:29:47.340 --> 00:29:48.140 Across the world. 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:49.160 And what does the tower. 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:49.600 Of Babel. 00:29:49.880 --> 00:29:50.320 Symbolize. 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:51.460 Human. 00:29:51.780 --> 00:29:52.259 Opposition. 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.380 To God's purposes. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:29:54.600 Instead of. 00:29:54.800 --> 00:29:55.520 Spreading out. 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:56.620 They gathered. 00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:57.580 And they stayed. 00:29:57.580 --> 00:29:58.460 In one place. 00:29:59.240 --> 00:30:00.440 And they built a tower. 00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:01.500 For themselves. 00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:02.600 To make a name. 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:03.340 For themselves. 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.680 This is the beginning. 00:30:04.820 --> 00:30:05.360 Of Babylon. 00:30:06.820 --> 00:30:07.380 Total. 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:08.700 Defiant. 00:30:09.280 --> 00:30:09.840 Deliberate. 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:10.620 Opposition. 00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:11.480 To God. 00:30:11.860 --> 00:30:12.800 And his purposes. 00:30:13.140 --> 00:30:15.100 And that is what. 00:30:15.500 --> 00:30:16.820 Daughter of Babylon. 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:17.880 Symbolizes. 00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:20.800 They are the epitome. 00:30:21.540 --> 00:30:22.540 Of opposition. 00:30:22.740 --> 00:30:23.180 To God. 00:30:23.400 --> 00:30:24.440 And what's interesting. 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:25.620 Is if you read. 00:30:26.340 --> 00:30:27.000 The prophets. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:28.160 Of the Old Testament. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.920 A number of nations. 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.800 Are condemned. 00:30:31.120 --> 00:30:31.940 By the prophets. 00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.000 Moab. 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:34.280 Ammon. 00:30:34.820 --> 00:30:35.300 Edom. 00:30:35.780 --> 00:30:36.180 Babylon. 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:37.940 But actually. 00:30:38.120 --> 00:30:38.880 With all the other. 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:39.620 Nations. 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.560 There is hope. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.360 Held out. 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:42.960 But never. 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:43.720 With Babylon. 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:44.759 Babylon. 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:44.880 Babylon. 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:45.500 Is never. 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.120 Offered. 00:30:46.120 --> 00:30:46.900 Any hope. 00:30:46.900 --> 00:30:47.779 It's never. 00:30:47.940 --> 00:30:48.440 Offered. 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:49.579 A rescue. 00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:51.500 Why? 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:53.079 Because it is. 00:30:53.360 --> 00:30:53.900 The kingdom. 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:54.860 Of Satan. 00:30:56.059 --> 00:30:57.140 It symbolizes. 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:58.279 All that opposes. 00:30:58.440 --> 00:30:58.680 God. 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.140 And this. 00:30:59.240 --> 00:30:59.640 Samus. 00:30:59.819 --> 00:31:00.380 Is calling. 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.019 For absolute. 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.160 And total. 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:03.980 Destruction. 00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.259 Of everything. 00:31:05.860 --> 00:31:06.579 That would oppose. 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:07.019 God. 00:31:07.100 --> 00:31:07.740 Or stand. 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:08.319 In the way. 00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:09.779 Of his sovereign. 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.240 Reign. 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.480 The babies. 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.160 In a sense. 00:31:12.160 --> 00:31:12.819 Symbolize. 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:13.620 The future. 00:31:14.440 --> 00:31:15.079 Opposition. 00:31:15.079 --> 00:31:16.000 Against God. 00:31:16.640 --> 00:31:16.920 And this. 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:17.380 Psalmist. 00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:17.900 Is saying. 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:18.839 Not even. 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:19.380 That. 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:20.940 Can be tolerated. 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:22.839 In this regard. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:23.319 When verses. 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:23.940 Eight and nine. 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.120 Are understood. 00:31:25.120 --> 00:31:25.940 As a prayer. 00:31:26.099 --> 00:31:26.640 For God's. 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:27.400 Justice. 00:31:28.059 --> 00:31:29.059 And for all. 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:29.660 Opposition. 00:31:29.660 --> 00:31:30.500 Against God. 00:31:30.920 --> 00:31:31.680 To cease. 00:31:31.900 --> 00:31:32.319 Forever. 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:34.679 They make us. 00:31:34.679 --> 00:31:35.039 Wonder. 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.740 If we have not. 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:36.539 Been sympathetic. 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:37.279 Enough. 00:31:38.059 --> 00:31:38.740 With this. 00:31:39.099 --> 00:31:39.700 Psalmist. 00:31:40.500 --> 00:31:41.179 Because let's. 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:41.819 Face it. 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:42.579 Brothers and sisters. 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.939 We also. 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:44.740 Live in Babylon. 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:48.200 We live in a world. 00:31:48.200 --> 00:31:49.200 That is opposed. 00:31:50.159 --> 00:31:50.700 To God. 00:31:50.799 --> 00:31:51.700 And his ways. 00:31:53.179 --> 00:31:53.839 A world. 00:31:53.960 --> 00:31:54.200 That lives. 00:31:55.119 --> 00:31:55.839 In proud. 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:56.639 Arrogant. 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.480 Defiance. 00:31:57.659 --> 00:31:58.139 Of God. 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:58.539 A world. 00:31:58.659 --> 00:31:59.339 That hates. 00:31:59.799 --> 00:32:00.359 The name. 00:32:00.419 --> 00:32:01.480 Of Jesus Christ. 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.420 And his. 00:32:02.420 --> 00:32:03.180 Exclusive. 00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:04.039 Claims. 00:32:04.120 --> 00:32:04.700 Just pick up. 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:05.880 A newspaper. 00:32:06.079 --> 00:32:06.620 This weekend. 00:32:06.819 --> 00:32:07.039 Just. 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:08.220 Read something. 00:32:08.339 --> 00:32:08.920 On the internet. 00:32:09.120 --> 00:32:10.200 Switch on the TV. 00:32:12.860 --> 00:32:13.420 London. 00:32:13.860 --> 00:32:14.720 Is Babylon. 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.279 London. 00:32:16.880 --> 00:32:17.319 The great. 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:17.839 London. 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.480 The beautiful. 00:32:19.279 --> 00:32:19.920 But London. 00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:20.500 The Babylon. 00:32:22.140 --> 00:32:23.400 This is our world. 00:32:23.539 --> 00:32:23.779 I mean. 00:32:24.099 --> 00:32:24.740 Just think. 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.920 About the madness. 00:32:26.620 --> 00:32:27.700 Of the same sex. 00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:28.420 Marriage bill. 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:30.579 Total. 00:32:30.579 --> 00:32:31.779 Utter. 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:31.819 Utter. 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:32.699 Defiant. 00:32:32.699 --> 00:32:33.419 Rebellion. 00:32:33.419 --> 00:32:34.559 Against our creator. 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.839 God. 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:36.939 Has stitched. 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:38.299 Into nature. 00:32:39.639 --> 00:32:40.799 The beautiful. 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:41.559 Ordinance. 00:32:41.679 --> 00:32:42.319 Of marriage. 00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:43.419 And what are we doing? 00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:45.480 We are destroying it. 00:32:45.980 --> 00:32:46.779 By passing. 00:32:46.899 --> 00:32:47.839 A bill like this. 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:49.240 And brothers and sisters. 00:32:49.399 --> 00:32:49.799 This. 00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:51.379 Is where we live. 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.379 We live in Babylon. 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:52.580 Babylon. 00:32:54.580 --> 00:32:56.120 And this psalmist. 00:32:56.260 --> 00:32:57.420 Rather than being somebody. 00:32:57.660 --> 00:32:59.480 We stand and judge. 00:32:59.660 --> 00:33:01.300 For his closing words. 00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:01.920 Actually. 00:33:02.260 --> 00:33:02.920 His words. 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:04.020 Should challenge us. 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:06.000 And they should challenge us. 00:33:06.120 --> 00:33:06.460 Us. 00:33:06.540 --> 00:33:07.440 In two ways. 00:33:08.560 --> 00:33:09.120 First. 00:33:09.900 --> 00:33:10.960 They challenge us. 00:33:11.020 --> 00:33:12.100 To ask the question. 00:33:12.660 --> 00:33:14.080 To which city. 00:33:14.220 --> 00:33:15.040 Do we belong? 00:33:15.300 --> 00:33:16.520 Babylon was a city. 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:17.240 State. 00:33:17.880 --> 00:33:19.180 It was an actual city. 00:33:19.180 --> 00:33:19.900 Which is. 00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:21.060 In modern day. 00:33:21.240 --> 00:33:21.700 Iraq. 00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:24.180 It was a city. 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:24.600 And the. 00:33:25.080 --> 00:33:25.519 Jerusalem. 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:26.279 And Babylon. 00:33:26.460 --> 00:33:27.799 Are the two cities. 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:28.480 In the Bible. 00:33:29.580 --> 00:33:30.400 And as I was saying. 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:31.320 To the boys and girls. 00:33:31.380 --> 00:33:31.700 Earlier. 00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:32.480 The whole Bible. 00:33:32.480 --> 00:33:33.440 Can be summarized. 00:33:33.500 --> 00:33:34.360 By a story. 00:33:34.360 --> 00:33:35.480 Of two cities. 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.080 God's reign. 00:33:37.580 --> 00:33:38.539 And the opposition. 00:33:38.539 --> 00:33:39.620 To God's reign. 00:33:40.560 --> 00:33:41.160 And the by. 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:42.000 And the psalmist. 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:42.660 Is basically. 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.000 Challenging us. 00:33:44.060 --> 00:33:44.220 Tonight. 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:45.060 So which city. 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:46.080 Do you belong to? 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:47.580 He would have been. 00:33:47.660 --> 00:33:48.779 Challenging his fellow. 00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:49.660 Jewish. 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:50.680 Friends. 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.000 And family. 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:52.720 And Israelites. 00:33:53.079 --> 00:33:53.799 What city. 00:33:53.920 --> 00:33:54.539 Do you belong to? 00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:56.079 Do you now count yourself. 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:57.539 A citizen of Babylon? 00:33:58.759 --> 00:33:59.839 You've lived there. 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:00.339 For now. 00:34:00.420 --> 00:34:00.879 Many years. 00:34:01.079 --> 00:34:02.059 Or are you still. 00:34:02.059 --> 00:34:03.059 Viewing yourself. 00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:04.700 As one. 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:05.299 Committed. 00:34:05.859 --> 00:34:06.619 To Jerusalem. 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:08.960 And that is the challenge. 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:09.960 For us this evening. 00:34:11.059 --> 00:34:11.840 There is no. 00:34:12.420 --> 00:34:13.300 Intermittent group. 00:34:13.400 --> 00:34:13.960 There's no group. 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:14.920 That sits in the middle. 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:15.679 On a fence. 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.380 You're either. 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:17.880 A citizen of Jerusalem. 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:19.460 Or a citizen. 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.700 Of Babylon. 00:34:20.700 --> 00:34:21.320 You're either. 00:34:21.320 --> 00:34:22.300 For God. 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:23.740 And his purposes. 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:25.140 Or you are opposed. 00:34:25.800 --> 00:34:26.280 To God. 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.340 And his purposes. 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:30.220 And the psalmist. 00:34:30.340 --> 00:34:31.200 Gives us a warning. 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:32.119 In verse 8. 00:34:33.119 --> 00:34:34.500 That if we are citizens. 00:34:34.500 --> 00:34:35.260 Of Babylon. 00:34:36.099 --> 00:34:37.180 He warns us. 00:34:37.720 --> 00:34:38.800 That Babylon. 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:39.880 Is doomed. 00:34:40.380 --> 00:34:41.500 To be destroyed. 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:43.559 It is doomed. 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:45.300 To be destroyed. 00:34:45.300 --> 00:34:47.200 And you only need. 00:34:47.200 --> 00:34:48.320 To turn to Revelation. 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:49.200 Chapter 18. 00:34:49.320 --> 00:34:50.100 And you can see. 00:34:50.100 --> 00:34:51.140 That Babylon. 00:34:51.360 --> 00:34:51.760 One day. 00:34:51.980 --> 00:34:53.080 Will be finally. 00:34:53.760 --> 00:34:54.600 Destroyed. 00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:56.519 The Bible. 00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:58.460 Calls that hell. 00:34:59.480 --> 00:35:00.360 The eternal. 00:35:00.700 --> 00:35:01.640 Just punishment. 00:35:01.640 --> 00:35:02.280 Of God. 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:02.940 For people. 00:35:03.500 --> 00:35:04.900 Who have opposed him. 00:35:05.420 --> 00:35:06.480 All their lives. 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:10.860 The wonderful news. 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:11.680 Of the Bible. 00:35:11.860 --> 00:35:12.480 Is that you can. 00:35:12.680 --> 00:35:13.360 Get out. 00:35:13.360 --> 00:35:14.559 Of Babylon. 00:35:15.579 --> 00:35:16.980 You can get out. 00:35:17.460 --> 00:35:18.180 Of Babylon. 00:35:19.420 --> 00:35:20.200 And live. 00:35:20.440 --> 00:35:21.400 In another city. 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:24.519 A number of years ago. 00:35:24.640 --> 00:35:24.840 When. 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:27.059 The allied forces. 00:35:27.240 --> 00:35:27.840 Were bombing. 00:35:28.720 --> 00:35:29.360 Baghdad. 00:35:29.740 --> 00:35:30.960 In modern day Iraq. 00:35:31.079 --> 00:35:31.440 They would. 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.440 Drop. 00:35:32.800 --> 00:35:33.400 Leaflets. 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:35.700 On certain parts. 00:35:35.700 --> 00:35:36.460 Of the city. 00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:37.559 The days. 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:38.300 Before. 00:35:38.740 --> 00:35:39.380 They were actually. 00:35:39.460 --> 00:35:40.180 Going to bomb. 00:35:40.180 --> 00:35:40.960 Those areas. 00:35:41.460 --> 00:35:42.220 And the leaflets. 00:35:42.340 --> 00:35:43.260 Said one thing. 00:35:43.360 --> 00:35:44.480 Get out. 00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:46.019 Of Baghdad. 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:47.519 Get out. 00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:48.620 Of the city. 00:35:49.720 --> 00:35:50.539 You could have. 00:35:50.620 --> 00:35:51.300 Walked around. 00:35:51.800 --> 00:35:52.640 That day. 00:35:52.760 --> 00:35:53.320 When the bombs. 00:35:53.420 --> 00:35:53.900 Were falling. 00:35:54.039 --> 00:35:54.400 Wearing. 00:35:54.640 --> 00:35:55.960 An American hat. 00:35:56.400 --> 00:35:56.900 You could have. 00:35:57.019 --> 00:35:57.640 Walked around. 00:35:57.820 --> 00:35:58.280 Flying. 00:35:58.380 --> 00:35:59.380 A British flag. 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:00.220 From your house. 00:36:00.680 --> 00:36:01.720 It didn't matter. 00:36:03.640 --> 00:36:04.280 Destruction. 00:36:04.280 --> 00:36:05.300 Was coming. 00:36:05.820 --> 00:36:06.539 To the city. 00:36:07.340 --> 00:36:08.120 And people. 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:09.180 Were warning people. 00:36:09.640 --> 00:36:10.539 To get out. 00:36:10.579 --> 00:36:11.200 Of the city. 00:36:11.199 --> 00:36:13.799 And that is the story. 00:36:13.799 --> 00:36:14.439 Of the Bible. 00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:15.079 Babylon. 00:36:15.079 --> 00:36:16.039 Is doomed. 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:17.279 To destruction. 00:36:17.599 --> 00:36:18.179 And if you are. 00:36:18.359 --> 00:36:19.460 A citizen of Babylon. 00:36:19.939 --> 00:36:21.000 Then the Bible. 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:21.819 Says to you. 00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:22.399 Get. 00:36:22.799 --> 00:36:23.159 Out. 00:36:23.699 --> 00:36:24.439 Of Babylon. 00:36:25.439 --> 00:36:26.299 And become. 00:36:26.359 --> 00:36:26.919 A citizen. 00:36:27.579 --> 00:36:28.519 Of Jerusalem. 00:36:28.519 --> 00:36:28.639 Jerusalem. 00:36:29.840 --> 00:36:30.699 As I said. 00:36:30.759 --> 00:36:31.179 To the boys. 00:36:31.179 --> 00:36:31.679 And girls. 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:32.599 This evening. 00:36:33.059 --> 00:36:33.559 The way. 00:36:33.619 --> 00:36:34.139 That you become. 00:36:34.219 --> 00:36:34.719 A citizen. 00:36:34.860 --> 00:36:35.500 Of Jerusalem. 00:36:36.460 --> 00:36:37.000 Is you get. 00:36:37.099 --> 00:36:37.300 To know. 00:36:37.380 --> 00:36:37.820 The king. 00:36:38.139 --> 00:36:38.880 Of Jerusalem. 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:39.420 And that is. 00:36:39.480 --> 00:36:40.300 Jesus Christ. 00:36:40.539 --> 00:36:40.980 The one. 00:36:41.079 --> 00:36:41.599 Who came. 00:36:42.259 --> 00:36:43.139 And who died. 00:36:43.259 --> 00:36:44.139 And rose again. 00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.259 He is the one. 00:36:45.320 --> 00:36:46.239 Who forgives us. 00:36:46.599 --> 00:36:47.239 Our sins. 00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:48.639 He is the one. 00:36:48.699 --> 00:36:49.300 Who died. 00:36:49.880 --> 00:36:50.619 So that we. 00:36:50.780 --> 00:36:51.579 Could be forgiven. 00:36:51.719 --> 00:36:52.519 For the opposition. 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:53.639 To God. 00:36:54.079 --> 00:36:54.619 That we have. 00:36:54.840 --> 00:36:55.320 Displayed. 00:36:55.320 --> 00:36:56.099 In our lives. 00:36:56.099 --> 00:36:59.059 And if we have. 00:36:59.360 --> 00:37:00.279 Trusted in Jesus. 00:37:00.480 --> 00:37:01.440 To rescue us. 00:37:01.579 --> 00:37:02.539 From God's coming. 00:37:02.880 --> 00:37:03.279 Judgment. 00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:03.679 Then. 00:37:04.159 --> 00:37:04.799 Listen to these. 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:05.860 Beautiful words. 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:06.699 Of Hebrews. 00:37:06.880 --> 00:37:07.699 Chapter 12. 00:37:08.679 --> 00:37:09.319 Describing. 00:37:09.659 --> 00:37:10.139 Citizens. 00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:11.739 Of Jerusalem. 00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:12.519 But you. 00:37:12.679 --> 00:37:13.679 Brothers and sisters. 00:37:13.679 --> 00:37:14.460 Have come. 00:37:14.659 --> 00:37:15.880 To Mount Zion. 00:37:16.539 --> 00:37:17.299 To the heavenly. 00:37:17.480 --> 00:37:17.940 Jerusalem. 00:37:18.119 --> 00:37:18.860 To the city. 00:37:19.219 --> 00:37:20.380 Of the living God. 00:37:20.460 --> 00:37:21.139 You have come. 00:37:21.139 --> 00:37:22.380 To thousands. 00:37:22.579 --> 00:37:23.519 Upon thousands. 00:37:23.659 --> 00:37:24.259 Of angels. 00:37:24.839 --> 00:37:26.000 In joyful assembly. 00:37:26.000 --> 00:37:26.860 To the church. 00:37:26.860 --> 00:37:27.880 Of the firstborn. 00:37:28.380 --> 00:37:29.239 Whose names. 00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:29.900 Are written. 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:30.460 In heaven. 00:37:30.980 --> 00:37:31.480 You. 00:37:32.019 --> 00:37:32.739 Have come. 00:37:33.500 --> 00:37:34.260 To God. 00:37:35.300 --> 00:37:35.860 Aren't those. 00:37:35.960 --> 00:37:36.860 Beautiful words. 00:37:37.880 --> 00:37:38.599 And if we are. 00:37:38.760 --> 00:37:39.219 Citizens. 00:37:39.219 --> 00:37:39.940 Of this. 00:37:40.219 --> 00:37:40.659 Heavenly. 00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:41.420 Jerusalem. 00:37:42.380 --> 00:37:43.280 Then the psalmist. 00:37:43.659 --> 00:37:44.460 Presents us. 00:37:44.820 --> 00:37:45.579 With a second. 00:37:45.739 --> 00:37:46.260 Challenge. 00:37:48.039 --> 00:37:49.380 While we live. 00:37:49.639 --> 00:37:50.179 In Babylon. 00:37:51.280 --> 00:37:52.260 But as citizens. 00:37:52.260 --> 00:37:53.079 Of Jerusalem. 00:37:53.260 --> 00:37:53.860 The psalmist. 00:37:54.079 --> 00:37:54.579 Asks us. 00:37:54.579 --> 00:37:55.340 This question. 00:37:55.340 --> 00:37:56.800 Is God. 00:37:56.800 --> 00:37:58.000 And his kingdom. 00:37:58.960 --> 00:38:00.280 Our highest. 00:38:00.880 --> 00:38:01.160 Joy. 00:38:02.280 --> 00:38:02.940 Is God. 00:38:03.039 --> 00:38:03.780 And his kingdom. 00:38:04.019 --> 00:38:04.680 Our highest. 00:38:05.320 --> 00:38:05.660 Joy. 00:38:06.620 --> 00:38:07.320 The psalmist. 00:38:07.440 --> 00:38:07.920 Laments. 00:38:08.039 --> 00:38:09.019 In verses 1 to 4. 00:38:09.120 --> 00:38:10.880 That there is no visible sign. 00:38:11.300 --> 00:38:12.360 Of God's kingdom. 00:38:12.920 --> 00:38:14.460 And in verses 5 to 6. 00:38:14.539 --> 00:38:15.440 He resolves. 00:38:15.820 --> 00:38:17.519 Never to take his focus. 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:18.180 Off God. 00:38:18.240 --> 00:38:19.000 And his kingdom. 00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:20.160 That God. 00:38:20.260 --> 00:38:21.420 Would be his highest. 00:38:21.800 --> 00:38:22.160 Joy. 00:38:22.159 --> 00:38:22.259 Joy. 00:38:23.259 --> 00:38:24.319 And as a New Testament. 00:38:24.500 --> 00:38:24.859 Christian. 00:38:25.000 --> 00:38:26.179 Surely his daily song. 00:38:26.319 --> 00:38:26.739 Would have been. 00:38:27.179 --> 00:38:27.460 Let. 00:38:27.699 --> 00:38:28.599 Your kingdom. 00:38:28.859 --> 00:38:29.219 Come. 00:38:29.559 --> 00:38:30.839 Let your will be done. 00:38:31.179 --> 00:38:31.839 On earth. 00:38:32.440 --> 00:38:33.579 As it is in heaven. 00:38:34.639 --> 00:38:36.199 And that is the challenge. 00:38:36.319 --> 00:38:36.779 That this. 00:38:37.199 --> 00:38:37.759 Psalmist. 00:38:37.899 --> 00:38:38.779 Leaves us with. 00:38:38.859 --> 00:38:39.379 This evening. 00:38:40.219 --> 00:38:40.819 Is. 00:38:41.239 --> 00:38:42.379 Our longing. 00:38:43.139 --> 00:38:43.719 Is our. 00:38:43.839 --> 00:38:44.279 All. 00:38:44.440 --> 00:38:45.039 Consuming. 00:38:45.279 --> 00:38:45.679 Passion. 00:38:45.879 --> 00:38:46.879 Is our highest. 00:38:47.420 --> 00:38:47.859 Joy. 00:38:47.860 --> 00:38:48.820 God. 00:38:48.820 --> 00:38:50.440 And his kingdom. 00:38:51.680 --> 00:38:52.340 Or are we. 00:38:52.460 --> 00:38:53.200 So comfortable. 00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:54.780 By the river. 00:38:54.940 --> 00:38:55.440 Thames. 00:38:56.340 --> 00:38:56.820 In luxurious. 00:38:57.640 --> 00:38:58.019 London. 00:38:59.740 --> 00:39:00.940 Have we lost. 00:39:01.380 --> 00:39:02.039 Our desire. 00:39:02.820 --> 00:39:03.539 For Jerusalem. 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:06.519 Let us pray.