Context Study: Pagan Hymns

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)

Share that scholars have noted parallels between Psalm 104 and hymns of Israel’s neighbors (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Phoenicia) and wondered what influence the literature of these nations may have had on the composition of Psalm 104. State that some think this psalm may have been written as an argument for the one true God and as a rebuttal to the theology of these pagan poetic hymns [David Barker, pp. 59-61].

Provide the following points for support of this argument:

• Similar observations of nature were found in the hymns of Israel and her neighboring countries, but the object of worship was different.
• Aspects of nature were viewed as gods in the pagan hymns while, in Hebrew literature, God is the One Creator who controls and sustains nature.
• The psalmist’s allusions to these pagan hymns highlight the vast difference between worshipping God and worshipping nature.
  [Information was adapted from David Barker, Grace Theological Journal 7.1, “The Waters of the Earth: An Exegetical Study of Psalm 104:1-9,” pp. 59-61.]

Discuss: Is it a good idea today for Christians to use literature or other art forms used in worship to counter the erroneous philosophies and false religions of our culture? Why or why not?