Day 668 - 1 Timothy 3.14 - 4.16 & Psalm 111

Michelle

Here Paul is telling them he is sending instructions in case he doesn't make it to them.  The beginning of chapter 4 immediately made me think of times today, when it stated that some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.  It goes one, but that really stood out to me cuz I think we can see that right now.  It says that we must point things out in order to be good brothers and sisters.  Set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.    

This psalm speaks highly of the Lord and gives examples of such.  At the end it says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."  And I think we have read this very line before.

Julie

That same part stood out to me too and I agree that it really does speak to today. Marriage is under fire in certain ways and people are removing things from their diet that was created by God...we are being deceived in so many ways.

I believe that is repeated a few times.

Day 667 - 1 Timothy 3.1-13 & Psalm 110

 Michelle

This chapter speaks of what kind of character the Overseers and Deacons are to have.  They are to be above reproach and manage his family well.  It says if anyone does not know how to manage their family, how can he take care of God's church.  He cannot be a recent convert.  The Deacons are to be much the same, except they can drink wine but not in excess and they must keep deep hold of the truths of the faith.  They are the first to be tested before becoming a deacon.  This one speaks of women too, but in a different way saying that we are to be worthy of respect and not to be malicious talkers but be trustworthy in everything.  

This psalm kind of has me lost.  The beginning says to sit at the right hand of God until your enemies become your footstool.  Then it talks about his troops and how God will not change his mind.  I am at a loss for what all this means.

Julie

I think you covered it very well. I can't think of anything else to add to that.

The explanation says that this is a Psalm that is looking toward the coming of the Messiah. There is something significant about Melchizedek that I cannot recall right now. I think I have it written down somewhere...

Day 666 - 1 Timothy 2 & Psalm 109

 Michelle

So... this reading kind of took me by surprise.  At the start it says it's instruction for worship and says he urges that first there be petitions and prayers and thanksgiving for all people.  Then it goes on to say he has been appointed a herald and an apostle, and that he is not lying.  He says men everywhere should pray without anger or dispute.  Then women should dress modestly and to adorn themselves only with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.  Then it says that we should learn in quiet and submission, which I understand to mean we need to listen and submit to God in all things.  But then it sounds like men are not held accountable for Adam's part in the fall from grace and all blame is put on Eve.  Maybe it's my mindset today, but this section seemed a little sexist?  It goes on to say that women are saved through childbearing, but they must continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

This psalm seems kind of negative to me for some reason.  He seems to be cursing his enemies and their children, then at the end he is asking God for assistance.

Julie

Yes, I agree...this one was a little hard to swallow, especially the part about Adam and Eve. Mostly because my understanding was that they were both to blame...in the end. Could be that we are missing something here...

You're not entirely wrong. He is praying for what he feels his attackers deserve and then does appeal to God. However, the one thing that is pointed out about this Psalm in the explanation as that this author does not take any responsibility for anything happening to him.

Day 665 - 1 Timothy 1 & Psalm 108

 Michelle

This seems to be a letter to Timothy, but I am not sure.  It starts with what he wants Timothy to do regarding false teacher.  What stands out in this is verse 8 and on.  He says that the law is good if one uses it properly and that it is made not for the righteous but for the lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, murderers, sexually immoral, those practicing homosexuality, slave traders and liars and perjurers and anything else contrary to the doctrine.  He goes on to share how he was once a blasphemer and sinner and how he was given grace after accepting Jesus.  It's a good example of how God uses the worst of us to show his grace as they redeem themselves.  I didn't really understand the end talking about handing over some people to Satan and preparing for a battle.

I am not certain I am understanding this one well.  It seems he is praising the lord with instrument and song, yet later in the reading he is asking God to aid them against their enemies.  

Julie

In the explanation it says that Hymanaeus was a false prophet and "handed over to Satan" is basically a term for those that are excommunicated. They still have a chance to repent though.

It is only with the help of God that they can tread down their foes...I think that is what they are saying.

Day 664 - Psalm 107

 Michelle

The majority of this psalm seems to be positive and singing praise to God, telling people to let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.  It seems he is giving examples of people being redeemed and then toward end it speaks of them being decreased in number, but then starts back about how God lifted the needy out of their affliction.  It seems a good example of God redeeming people even after they have turned from him.  He is always calling us back to him and forgives us when we do that.

Julie

...and to remember the steadfast love of the Lord.

Day 663 - 2 Thessalonians 2.13 - 3 & Psalm 106

 Michelle

Paul is asking the Thessalonians to pray that their message of God spreads rapidly and that they will be delivered from wicked and evil people.  He goes on to warn them against being idle.  This verse stands out, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat' ".  I found this interesting.  He calls it a rule though and it makes it sound like it may not be from God, even though I am certain God doesn't want us to be idle.  It also tells them to not associate with people who do not obey their instruction, but to warn them as they would a fellow believer.  I feel like this shows that people have free will to think for themselves and make their own decisions, and as we know God wants us to choose to follow him.

The beginning and the end stand out here.  In the beginning he says to give thanks to the Lord because his love endures forever, then at the end it says praise God and say "Amen".  This made me think of a song that has these words in it.  Throughout the rest of the psalm, he speaks about all the times God gave the people what they asked for and it didn't work out the way they wanted, it seems a reminder that we are to wait for God's timing.

Julie

So it seems that his words were said because people were refusing to work for a living. It's interesting that it seems we are moving into something very similar right now where people want things given to them and want those that are considered "rich" to take care of them.

...and that he always keeps his word.

Day 662 - 2 Thessalonians 2.1-12 & Psalm 105

 Michelle

This seems to be talking about end times maybe.  He speaks of the man of lawlessness who will proclaim himself to be God or above God.  It goes on to say that his secret power is already at work, and I think we can see that in today's environment.  At the end it says that he will be revealed, and Jesus will overthrow him.  It says he will display powers thru signs and wonders and will deceive those that will perish because they refuse to be saved.  This seems a reminder to remain in God no matter what is happening in life because in the end, we want to be with God and not with the lawless man.

These long ones are hard to read sometimes.  I start to get distracted part way through.  I tried to just wait for a verse to stand out so I could talk about one vs. the whole passages.  It seems like the writer is just going through things God did for the people.  The first verse reminds us that we are to share what God has done throughout the generations.  We are to give praise and make known what has come to pass.

Julie

That is how I was understanding this too. It's interesting how they are were explaining this so long ago and the people at that time were already thinking this had happened. 

Yes, this seemed to be telling of the works God has done, but it also seems to be reminding the people that there are those that have shown true faithfulness during these times. It reiterates that story of Joseph when he was sold into slavery and continued to be faithful and trusting in God regardless of his current situation. 

Day 661 - 2 Thessalonians 1 & Psalm 104

 Michelle

This seems to be another letter to the people of Thessalonica.  I am reading from a different bible so don't have the preface of the one at home that gives more info.  But it goes into how they should be thankful always and pray constantly.

This psalm talks about God's splendor and majesty.  It then goes into detail about how he takes care of each species on the earth and what he gives them, and how the natural elements listen to him.  At the end it's asking for the sinners to vanish from the earth and the wicked to be no more.

Julie

They seem to be thanking the people of Thessalonica for their faithfulness to God and telling them that although they might be experiencing persecution that they are are on the right side of God. They care continuing to pray for the people as they are experiencing these things.

That is how I read it as well.

Day 661 - 1 Thessalonians 5.12-28 & Psalm 103

 Michelle

This reading is final instructions for the people of Thessalonica.  It goes through basic guidance for how to live their lives and treat others according to God's will.  

This psalm is basically saying to Praise the Lord.  The song, Oh my Soul, came to mind as I was reading this.  

Julie

Another of my favorite verses is in this reading. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing..." These are a constant reminder to see the joy in everything and to rejoice for all that we are given and to always turn to God in prayer. 

I always start singing that song too when I read this one. 

Day 660 - 1 Thessalonians 4.13-5.11 & Psalm 102

 Michelle

Sometimes when I read about the coming of the Lord and what is considered the end times, it gets confusing.  Reading this today, it seems to allow a different perspective on it for some reason.  It seems to be talking about those that have already died or "fallen asleep" will already be with Jesus and those of us still in the world of the living, will be taken to God later at an unknown time.  It doesn't really reference this happening to everyone all at the same time, but that seems to be how people interpret it.  He also talks about the Day of the Lord and how we will not know this day, but God will come like a thief in the night.

It sounds like the psalmist is asking God to answer his prayers quickly.  And as we know all things happen in his time not ours.  

Julie

It's interesting that people interpret it as everyone being taken at once. I think most people see it like the books had interpreted it where all of a sudden people were just gone. I don't know that I believe that it will happen that way. This does, however, tell us that we will not know the exact time of the coming of Christ and that it will be a surprise to us all but that we can either be prepared for it or not.

I agree.

Day 659 - 1 Thessalonians 4.1-4.12 & Psalm 101

 Michelle

Ok, so a couple of things stand out in this reading.  First, we are to live to please God and no one else.  He goes into specifics in regard to our bodies and immoral behavior or being impure.  Then talks about our love for one another.  The end stands out most though and I am not sure why.  "Yet we urge you, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life:  You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody".  This seems to say we should not be sticking our nose where it doesn't belong, but also that we should maintain the work of our hands.  It seems like this is saying we don't have to boast or make a show of whatever we are doing.  I am not sure how to properly convey the thoughts in my head on this one.

The writer of this psalm is saying he will be careful in life and try to be blameless.  It says he will not tolerate the evil things people do.  

Julie

So I looked up the explanation for the end of this reading because I was not sure that I was interpreting it correctly. According to the explanation we are to work for our own things and not expect others to provide for us. 

They titled this "I will walk with integrity" which seems to sum it up pretty well.

Day 658 - 1 Thessalonians 2.17 - 3 & Psalm 100

 Michelle

This reading seems to be Paul telling the people he is thankful that Timothy has brought back a positive report regarding their faith and how they are "standing firm in the Lord".  He goes on to say he continues to pray for them.

Shout joy for the Lord.  Remember he is who made us and enter his gates with thanksgiving and praise.

Julie

Yes, I read it that way as well.

His steadfast love endures forever.

Day 657 - 1 Thessalonians 2.1-2.16 & Psalm 99

 Michelle 

This reading seems to be Paul talking about his ministry in Thessalonica.  He just goes on about why he is thanking God for these people and how they need to continue to follow God share with the Gentiles.  

I am struggling to understand things again today.  I think this psalm is just sharing about how God is mighty, and we should worship him.  It seems to give short examples of things he has done.

Julie

Yes, that is how I read it too.

Worship the Lord, ask him and he will answer.

Day 656 - 1 Thessalonians 1 & Psalm 98

 Michelle

I was very distracted during this reading and had to read it like 6 times.  I think he is just giving thanks for their faith in God as it sounds like they are converts to the faith.

We are singing songs to God in this psalm.  It really talks about shouting for joy and using instruments to make music.  At the end it says God will judge the people with equity.

Julie

It also sounds like he is letting them know what will happen to those that have not chosen the path of God.

I read it the same way.

Day 655 - Psalm 97

 Michelle

What stands out in this reading is how creation is reacting in the presence of God.  It makes for an impactful vision of how we should also be reacting to God and all he does for us.  Reverence. 

Julie

...and that we should be reacting as creation is reacting.

Day 654 - Colossians 3.12-4 & Psalm 96

 Michelle

If you think about it, these are some long letters being written.  I can imagine that they would gather everyone in the area and read aloud like in church, so that everyone could hear at once.  Some things that stand out:  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, as you were called to peace; be thankful and share this letter with others; instructions for Christian households, that include how wives and husbands should treat each other and how parents should treat their children, as well as how masters should treat their slaves (this makes me think employer/employee relationship as I read it, however, I understand in this time they may have "owned" them); do everything for the Lord no matter your station or purpose; and devote yourselves to prayer.   

When I started reading this psalm, the movie Footloose came into my head when he is in the City Council meeting reading from the bible.  I don't recall this being a verse he quotes, but it took me there for some reason.  What also stood out was "Let all creation rejoice before the Lord". 

Julie

What stood out to me, in addition to what you mentioned, was the beginning where it talks about being a loving and compassionate person having humility, meekness, and patience. Above having love.

We should shout to the Lord and sing his Praise! I think it means we should be singing to God with joy and love.

Day 653 - Colosians 2.6-3.11 & Psalm 95

 Michelle

I did not realize I was behind.  

I am struggling to stay focused today, so not sure that I really got all I should from this reading.  But, he seems to be saying that as believers in Christ, we have the fullness of Christ in us and that we should not allow others to judge what we do or if we do not follow traditions because God is the head of it all.  We were made alive in Christ when he died for us.

This psalm is interesting to me as it is telling us if only we could hear God's voice when he was telling the people not to harden their hearts.

Julie

Me too..

I think that he is also saying that we need to let go of the earthly things and focus on the Godly if we have given ourselves to God. 

It seems like it is also saying not to fall in the same trap as those before them. That they should learn from what happened to them.

Day 652 - Colossians 1-2:5 & Psalm 94

 Julie

Paul begins his letter to them by praying for them and thanking God for them. He praises them for their faithfulness to God. He is also, I believe, telling them to stay true and holdfast in their beliefs and not let negativity take over.

The Lord will not forsake his people. If we are true believers he will protect us and guide us. While we might deal with evil people he will not let them take over our lives if we will let him protect us.

Michelle

I think you are correct.  It also sounds like he is telling them that he is tasked with letting the Gentiles know of what God wants for them, that they are included in the blessings.  These chapters are all letters and it seems to be written to people he hasn't met yet.

This psalm talks about how God will avenge his believers.  It also sounds like he is asking if anyone around him will stand up for him as well, but that God will always stand by his side.

Day 651 - Psalm 93

 Julie

I am not really sure what to say about this psalm. It's praising the Lord and talking about how he reigns over all.

Michelle

This psalm seems to be talking about the majesty of God and how mighty he is.

Day 650 - Philippians 4:4-23 & Psalm 92

 Julie

"Rejoice in the Lord always...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." These are what I believe are some of the most powerful words in this book. Or maybe it's just because they are the ones I need to hear most often. 

It says this is a song for the Sabbath. One that gives thanks to the Lord for all that he does. 

Michelle

Those are the standout verses.  He seems to be telling his audience to rejoice in the Lord no matter the situation and he will be with you always.  Keep your mind on God and think about what is right and put it into practice.  Something that stood out to me also was, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances".  I think this is what we strive for.  Contentment.  I am seeking contentment in whatever situation I am facing.  That is hard to do, but when you find it, it is really freeing.

This does seem to be saying praise the Lord and that he is glad by all the things God has done for him.

Day 649 - Philippians 3-4.3 & Psalm 91

 Michelle

I did not really understand the beginning of this reading when it talked about the flesh, other than when it said the evildoers are mutilators of the flesh.  What I did comprehend was the part when he says to follow the good examples of those who live as Paul and his '"co-workers" do, living and acting as Christ did.  

If you dwell in the Lord and trust in God, no disaster will befall you and you will be lifted up and have salvation.

Julie

I think he is trying to give justification for his righteousness in Christ. I am not sure if I am understanding that correctly though.

I can't really say much more than you did.

Day 648 - Philippians 1:27 - 2 & Psalm 90

 Julie

He uses the example of Christ's humility to show how we should also be humble. 

I am not really sure what to say about this psalm. 

Michelle

There were some familiar verses in this reading.  It does speak of imitating Christ's behaviors toward others and how we should hold them above ourselves.  We live in a time of selfishness, and we don't see this behavior much right now.  More people should be looking to this section for guidance.

Yeah, this one seemed all over the place.  What stood out was that they are being consumed by God's anger and terrified by his indignation.  All their secrets are shown in his presence.  It's like their true selves are being revealed to God and they didn't realize the power he had over their lives, but they are beginning to see.  At the end he says, "establish the work of our hands", like he is asking God to guide them.

Day 647 - Philippians 1:1-26 & Psalm 89

 Julie

It is a prayer of thanks and praise for God's shared knowledge and they are praying that others experience this as well. He is also explaining the persecution that they are experiencing to help bring people to Christ.

Ok. So this starts off like a praise for the steadfast love of the Lord and praising him for all he has done before. However, it ends with questions as to why the Lord is not treating them as he had treated David. This seems a little contradictory because it starts off as if they are practicing faithfulness, but then do a 180 and say that they Lord is not treating them that way.

Michelle

I understood at the beginning that they were giving thanks for everyone and their partnership in God's word.  I didn't quite understand the second part about Paul's chains and how they are advancing the gospel.  You said it is about the persecution they are experiencing, until the part about he will not be ashamed but I'll have sufficient courage so Christ will be exalted by either his life or death.

You are right on this one.  It does seem to start of praising the Lord for many things.  But at the end he is asking how long God will hide from him, like he is being punished and tortured.  

Day 646 - Psalm 88

 Julie

This psalm seems to be a prayer of someone that is troubled and frustrated. They are asking God why is allowing them to experience all of these problems. 

Michelle

This bible says this is the Sons of Korah.  I don't know who they are, but I was getting the same interpretation as you.  It seems they feel that God is not hearing them cry out to him.

Day 645 - Ephesians 6.10 - 24 & Psalm 87

 Michelle

This last part talks about the Armor of God.  It says to put it on so that we can take a stand against the devil's schemes, as the fight isn't against the flesh but against the powers of dark in this world.  It goes through the different pieces of armor and what they stand for.  The Belt of Truth, the Breast plate of righteousness, your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit (which it says is the word of God).  What stands out most is the Sword, and then telling us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  That we must be alert and always praying.  I think all of this is relevant even now and in many situations people face.  

I don't really know what to say about this psalm.  I really got nothing from it today.  IT talks about Zion and how God loves it and how people will say "oh that person is from Zion", but I don't really get what this one is saying.  

Julie

There is so much here in so few words about how to use God's protection every day. While all of this can be difficult to do it is something we should practice every day.

I agree that this one is hard to understand. I even read the explanation and it didn't really clear anything up.

Day 644 - Ephesians 4:17-6:9 & Psalm 86

 Julie

As you have given yourself to the Lord then you should live in the way of the Lord. He is telling them not to revert back to their old ways and lose sight of the new life that they have. Reminding them not to let the evil take over their lives. Ephesians is such a beautiful book because it reminds us how to be good people and to live a life of Christ.

It's like a prayer of thanksgiving for all that God has done in protecting them and loving them.

Michelle

This book does tell us how to lead Christian lives in the way God wants us to.  It's a great instruction manual for everyday living really.  These are basic things we should incorporate in our daily lives, remembering that this is God's instruction.

I read this a few times and for some reason it didn't make sense to me.  

Day 643 - Ephesians 3 - 4:16 & Psalm 85

 Julie

The prayer for spiritual strength is one that is said a lot but that I am not sure that people truly listen to. God can do so much more than we can imagine and we need to have the strength and courage to let go and let him do his work.

Sometimes we need to be revived in our faithfulness and strength in Christ. We tend to get complacent and just go along without really putting in much effort. We should always be active in our faithfulness.

Michelle

That is so true.  How many times have we said we must let go and let God work?  One verse that stands out to me is, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace".  I am not sure why this one is so prevalent to me.  I think it's saying that when we learn to keep peace or remain and share peacefulness, then we stay united to the Spirit of God.  I can see how this would make a difference in the world.

It seems the psalmist feels that God is angry with them at this point and he's asking God to reveal himself and show them his unfailing love.  He goes on to say that he will listen to God and the promises of peace but he must not turn to folly.  This is a good warning or reminder to keep an open heart to God and stay focused on his love.

Day 642 - Ephesians 2 & Psalm 84

 Julie

"For by grace you have been saved through faith." God's grace has saved us if we have shown our faithfulness in trusting him.

They are longing to dwell in the house of the Lord. They are saying that they would be happy with just one day in the court of the Lord instead of thousands of days in a world of wickedness. They are showing their faithfulness to the Lord.

Michelle

This section is a reminder to be Christlike in your behavior.  To show humility like Christ in that we value others above ourselves, doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather looking to the interests of others and helping them.  It also goes into doing everything without grumbling.  That we should always obey without complaint..so you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

The end of this psalm really sums it up well.  "Blessed is the one who trusts in you."  The part when they said they would rather one day in the court of the Lord, really stood out to me as well.  It makes me think they are being tortured by whatever is happening in their lives.  

Day 641 - Ephesians 1 & Psalm 83

 Julie

This was a prayer of thanks for the sacrifice God made for our salvation.

Seems like another prayer for protection.

Michelle

This and the last few books, all seem to be letters to different groups of people, who have turned to God.  In this one, he seems to be praying that God will give them wisdom and revelation, so they know him better and that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened so that they may know the hope of God.  

It seems like they are trying to tell God what is happening, like he doesn't already know, and asking God to bring them down.  

Day 640 - Psalm 82

 

Julie

Prayer asking God to help the weak and the needy.

Michelle

It sounds like they are asking for God to help those that are weak or in need, however, it also is asking how long the wicked and unjust will be allowed to go on.

Day 639 - Galatians 5:13 - 6 & Psalm 81

 Julie

This is where Paul tells them that the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." We should be loving and kind to each other and help each other. He also tells them that living in the flesh instead of in the spirit is wrong and gives all the ways that you are living in the flesh. He then tells them exactly what it means to live in the spirit. "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." I would guess that if you are actively practicing these then you are falling in line with the ten commandments and with the law of loving your neighbor as yourself. 

This so sounds like a plea from God saying that if only the people would listen to him would they be saved.

Michelle

This seems to be a reminder to live in the spirit and not in the flesh, and that we are to do good to all people.  Something that stands out is when he says that we should carry each other's burdens, but not to forget that we must take care of ourselves as well and first, in order to help others.

It sounds like God is saying that the people need to listen to him.  That if they would listen, they would be contented.

Day 638 - Galatians 4:21 - 5:12 & Psalm 80

 Julie

Paul is telling them that they are wrong in thinking that just following the laws is going to lead them to salvation. That the coming of Christ is what will lead them there. Sot it no longer matters if you are circumcised or uncircumcised, that if you have the faith required for salvation you will be saved. 

Some of these psalms sound like they are pleading when they are asking God to save or help them. It does show faithfulness that they are able to question but still say that they know that he does great things. However, is shows their humanity that they are questioning at all.

Michelle

This one got confusing.  I didn't understand the end of the Hagar and Sarah section, and then starting on 5, what I understood was that we have freedom in our belief in Jesus Christ.  It reminds us to walk by the Spirit so that we are not indulged by the flesh and led astray.

It does sound like they are pleading with God, almost whining about it though.  

Day 637 - Galatians 3-4:20 & Psalm 79

 Julie

This one was a little difficult to understand so I had to go into the explanation to see if I was understanding it correctly. This seems to be where Paul is explaining why it is ok to not be following the original laws that are used in the OT. That is not to say that all of those are null and void because the 10 commandments are definitely still relevant, but there are some of those laws that are no longer practiced by those that follow Jesus. The explanation says that the laws were in place to find the sinfulness in man and their need for a savior. It is also says that the law was never intended to last forever just until the coming of Christ.

It sounds like they are asking how long he is going to make them wait or suffer before he helps them. I think this is a common question that is asked when we are going through something difficult. 

Michelle

It seems like there is some confusion amongst believers as to what they should be following, and that some only want to follow the OT law and others want to dismiss it to only follow current law, but then there are yet others who don't think they should follow any law.  It's all a little confusing.  I believe what he is telling them is that they should believe by faith, follow God's commands including some from the OT and those brought about by Jesus Christ.  

It seems that the people think God is ignoring them because he is punishing them for the sins of their ancestors.  I am not sure that is what is actually happening though.  The people also tell God if he will help them then they will praise them, which seems backward to me, although that is usually what happens.