Psalms Explained: A Bible Study

Bible Explained
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Who wrote the Psalms? What is the Book of Psalms about? The Book of Psalms is the prayer book of the Church, capturing the full range of human emotion—from the heights of glorious praise to the depths of desperate lament. In this expansive Bible study, we walk verse-by-verse through the songs of Israel to see how they point us to Christ, sustain us in suffering, and teach us how to speak to God. This exposition provides rigorous, biblical depth while remaining accessible for daily Christian living. Speaker: Dr. Toby Holt Dr. Toby Holt is the President of New Geneva Theological Seminary. Dr. Holt's sermons have reached over 1.9 million listeners on SermonAudio. He focuses on clear, verse-by-verse teaching that makes the Bible easy to understand. Support New Geneva: To support Dr. Holt's ministry at the seminary, please visit: newgeneva.org/give.

  1. Towering Yet Tender God

    27 May

    Towering Yet Tender God

    Why would a God this great care about you? In Psalm 8, David looks at the night sky and asks, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" Dr. Toby Holt shows how God is both towering above all things and tender toward each of us. David is overwhelmed by God's majesty — the heavens, moon, and stars, all the work of His fingers. Against that vastness, people seem tiny. Yet the wonder is that this towering God stoops to care for us, crowning humanity with honor and dignity. We bear His image, and the God who set the stars in place is mindful of you. Questions this study answers: 1. What is so striking about Psalm 8? That the God who made the vast heavens also cares about small, sinful people. His greatness and tenderness meet here. 2. Why does David focus on the "name" of God? Because God's name carries His nature and majesty. To praise His name is to praise who He truly is. 3. What proof do you have that God loves you? That the towering Creator stoops to be mindful of you and crowns you with dignity. "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" — Psalm 8:4 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    24 min
  2. The Lord Is My Shepherd

    01/08/2025

    The Lord Is My Shepherd

    What does it mean that the Lord is your shepherd? In Psalm 23, the most beloved psalm in the Bible, David calls the Lord "my shepherd." Dr. Toby Holt unpacks why this short psalm has comforted God's people for three thousand years. To call the Lord "my shepherd" is a bold, personal claim — and admits we are sheep, prone to wander. The psalm gives two pictures: God as Shepherd who guards, provides, and leads, and God as gracious Host who anoints our head and fills our cup. Jesus took up this image as the Good Shepherd. Its hope reaches to "the house of the LORD forever." Questions this study answers: 1. Why is Psalm 23 the most beloved psalm? Because it speaks of God's personal care in life and in death. Its comfort meets people in their deepest needs. 2. What does it mean to call the Lord "my shepherd"? A claim of trust — and an admission that we are sheep who need leading, providing, and protecting. 3. What does it mean to be one of God's sheep? Knowing the Shepherd's voice and following Him, kept safe by the One who laid down His life for them. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." — Psalm 23:1 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    28 min
  3. How Long O Lord (The Cry Of God's People)

    25/07/2025

    How Long O Lord (The Cry Of God's People)

    Is it okay to ask God "how long"? In Psalm 13, David cries out "How long, O LORD?" four times in just six verses — and then ends in worship. Dr. Toby Holt shows that honest lament and real faith can go together. David feels forgotten and overwhelmed, and tells God so plainly. Our struggle is often the duration of hardship, not only its severity. Yet David does not stay in despair: he remembers God's past faithfulness — rescue from the lion, the bear, and Goliath — and chooses to trust again. Questions this study answers: 1. Why did David, "a man after God's own heart," feel abandoned? Because faith does not erase real pain. David honestly voiced his anguish even while continuing to trust God. 2. What does this psalm teach about honest prayer? That God welcomes our raw, honest cries. Lament is not the opposite of faith; it can be an act of it. 3. How can worship rise even from pain? By remembering God's past faithfulness and trusting His mercy. David sang again because he recalled how God had dealt bountifully with him. "But I have trusted in Your mercy… I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me." — Psalm 13:5-6 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    28 min
  4. Why Do The Nations Rage

    18/07/2025

    Why Do The Nations Rage

    Why do people rage against God? In Psalm 2, the nations and their rulers conspire against the Lord — a rebellion as old as the human heart. Dr. Toby Holt unpacks this psalm's picture of human defiance and God's enthroned King. The kings of the earth plot to throw off God's rule, but God in heaven is unmoved. Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm pointing to Christ, God's appointed King, who will one day rule the nations. For now, God shows patience, calling rebels to "kiss the Son" before judgment comes. "Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him." Questions this study answers: 1. Why does God "laugh" at earthly rulers? Because their rebellion against the Almighty is futile. Nothing they plot can shake His throne. 2. How is this psalm both political and prophetic? It speaks to real rulers who oppose God, and points ahead to Christ, the King God has installed over all nations. 3. How should we respond to God's King? By trusting and submitting to the Son rather than resisting Him. Those who take refuge in Him are blessed. "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?" — Psalm 2:1 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    27 min
  5. The Omniscience (Knowledge) Of God

    11/07/2025

    The Omniscience (Knowledge) Of God

    How well does God know you? In Psalm 139:1-6, David says God has "searched" and "known" him completely. In this study on God's attributes, Dr. Toby Holt explores the omniscience, or all-knowing, of God. God knows our sitting down and rising up, our thoughts, even our words before we speak them. His knowledge is not gained over time the way we get to know a friend — He knows all things instantly and perfectly, and is never surprised. The comfort: the God who knows us fully, sin and all, loves us still. Questions this study answers: 1. How does God's omniscience bring both conviction and comfort? It convicts us, because He sees everything; it comforts us, because He knows us fully and loves us anyway. 2. Is God ever surprised or learning? No. God knows all things at once and perfectly. He never grows in knowledge or discovers anything new. 3. How should God's all-knowing reshape how we live? It moves us to honesty before Him and trust in Him. The God who knows everything also knows what is best. "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it." — Psalm 139:6 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    28 min
  6. The Omnipotence (Power) Of God

    04/07/2025

    The Omnipotence (Power) Of God

    Just how powerful is God? In Psalm 2, the nations rage against God — and He simply laughs. In this study on God's attributes, Dr. Toby Holt explores the omnipotence, or all-power, of God. Earthly rulers conspire against the Lord and His Anointed, but God, enthroned in heaven, is utterly unthreatened. "Omnipotent" means God can do anything He wills, though He cannot act against His own nature. He has set His King — His Son — on His holy hill, and that King will rule over all. The wise response is to trust the Son. Questions this study answers: 1. What does God's power look like in the face of rebellion? Unshaken. While rulers plot, God remains enthroned and in complete control. Their defiance changes nothing. 2. Why does the psalm say God laughs at earthly rulers? Because their rebellion is futile against the Almighty. Their threats are nothing before His infinite power. 3. How should we live in light of God's omnipotence? By trusting Him rather than fearing the powers of this world. The all-powerful God invites us to take refuge in His Son. "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision." — Psalm 2:4 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    29 min
  7. Growing Up (Take Your Faith Seriously)

    27/06/2025

    Growing Up (Take Your Faith Seriously)

    How does a Christian grow up in the faith? In Psalm 119:9-16, the psalmist asks, "How can a young man cleanse his way?" and answers: by God's Word. Dr. Toby Holt shows what it means to take your faith seriously and grow up spiritually. Spiritual maturity means taking personal ownership of your faith through steady time in God's Word — not growing godly "by osmosis." The psalmist hides God's Word in his heart so he will not sin, treasures it above riches, and meditates on it. Ignoring Scripture is like assembling a complex set without the instructions. Questions this study answers: 1. Why is God's Word essential for spiritual growth? Because it is how God cleanses, guides, and matures His people. There is no growing up in the faith apart from it. 2. What does it take to develop lasting convictions? Hiding God's Word in the heart and valuing it above everything else — built by treasuring Scripture, not skimming it. 3. How do we move from shallow to serious faith? By intentional, regular time in God's Word — meditating on it and delighting in it. Maturity comes by ownership, not osmosis. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." — Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    30 min
  8. A New Start And An Old Promise

    20/06/2025

    A New Start And An Old Promise

    What does Psalm 103 teach us in A New Start and an Old Promise? In this New Year's sermon on Psalm 103, Dr. Toby Holt of New Geneva Theological Seminary teaches that while everything in life changes, the character of God and His covenant love for His people never do. Drawing on King David's own hardships, Holt contrasts the merciful, gracious God of Scripture with the dispassionate pagan deities of the ancient world, showing that God does not deal with us according to our sins but removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. The abiding hope of the believer is an old, unchanging promise: God's mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him and keep His covenant. Questions this sermon answers: 1. What is the main issue in this passage? In this New Year's sermon on Psalm 103, Dr. 2. How does this text point us to Christ? It shows the need for God's grace and the hope fulfilled in the gospel. 3. How should Christians respond? With faith, repentance, and renewed trust in the Lord's Word. "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities." - Psalm 103:8-10 (NKJV) Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.

    23 min
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About

Who wrote the Psalms? What is the Book of Psalms about? The Book of Psalms is the prayer book of the Church, capturing the full range of human emotion—from the heights of glorious praise to the depths of desperate lament. In this expansive Bible study, we walk verse-by-verse through the songs of Israel to see how they point us to Christ, sustain us in suffering, and teach us how to speak to God. This exposition provides rigorous, biblical depth while remaining accessible for daily Christian living. Speaker: Dr. Toby Holt Dr. Toby Holt is the President of New Geneva Theological Seminary. Dr. Holt's sermons have reached over 1.9 million listeners on SermonAudio. He focuses on clear, verse-by-verse teaching that makes the Bible easy to understand. Support New Geneva: To support Dr. Holt's ministry at the seminary, please visit: newgeneva.org/give.

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