Psalm 63 - Confidence and delight

There were two periods in David’s life when he was forced to live in the desert. One was before he became king when Saul was pursuing him and the other was after he became king when his son Absalom rebelled against him. Since he refers to himself as the king (v. 11), he must have written this psalm during the time his son was challenging him for the throne.

David’s heart was matching his surroundings as he wrote this psalm. He was physically in a wilderness, but he was also longing for God similar to how a creature would long for water in a desert. The experience of God that he was longing for was what was revealed about the Lord in the tabernacle (sanctuary). But the experience  was not confined to there.

What would he have seen at the sanctuary? There, he would see evidences of God’s power and glory revealed in his steadfast love. The tabernacle itself reminded the worshippers of how God had been with their forefathers as they travelled from Egypt to Canaan. It also reminded them of their great privilege in being the only nation on earth among whom God had a special location where his people could draw near to him in public. Further, it was the only place on earth where legitimate sacrifices were offered for sin, reminding them of the amazing fact that their holy God had provided the means of atonement for them (vv. 2-3).

Thinking about God in such ways led David to dedicate himself to the worship of God. His dedication would mark his life, for however long he would live. He understood the bigness of his God, that he is constantly worthy of the most heartfelt worship that his people can give (v. 4).

Such thoughts of God as his helper also brought great satisfaction to David as his spiritual thirst was met. The experience is like a good meal, it is better than sleep, and gives him great joy. It provides him with security (under his wings) and confidence. David pursues after the God who is already holding on to him. (vv. 5-8). His experience is the opposite of what will happen to his opponents. God will use his power to destroy them utterly (vv. 9-10).

The outcome will be that David will rejoice in the Lord, all who are devoted to God will praise him, and the wicked will be compelled to be silent. In other words, God’s kingdom will continue to develop even although the current circumstances linked to the rebellion were personally sad for David. But he knew where to go for help - to his God.

The word translated ‘earnestly’ in verse 1 can also mean ‘early’. Some translations use early and this has led some churches to regard the psalm as a morning psalm. Both ‘earnestly’ and ‘early’ indicate priority and strength of desire in meeting with God. 

Psalm 62 - Serene before God

David is under attack from opponents when he writes this psalm. Yet he is not worried about what they are doing because he contrasts them with God. He mentions various divine attributes and actions that give him this assurance (vv. 1-2, 5-6). God alone is his deliverer and his protector, which means that while some noise is made by his opponents, it will not amount to much. 

In contrast to the noise they are making, he can approach God with silence, a way of indicating his confidence and calmness because he knows that the Lord will help him. Yet we know from other psalms that this was not always the response of David when in trouble and difficulty.

He describes his opponents in verses 3 and 4. They imagine that it would be easy to get rid of David because they assume that he is only by himself, with little support. Their conspiracy does not take God and his plan into account. They use deception and lies in their speech, but David knows what is going on in their hearts. 

Therefore David repeats the reasons for his confidence in God in verses 5 and 6 and expands them in verse 7, probably for the benefit of others whom he mentions in verse 8. David knew what God had promised him and he assures his supporters that he is resting in God, who is not only his refuge but theirs as well.

When facing difficulties from humans, whether low or high, it is important to realise what they are - lighter than a breath (v. 9). What power do they have in comparison to God? None. David indicates that his opponents gained their influence by sinful financial means (v. 10). Yet they seem to have power.

In response to those circumstances, David stresses that only God is truly powerful (v. 11). But how will he use his power? As far as his people are concerned (v. 12), divine power will be expressed in covenant faithfulness (as described by David already in the psalm when he says God is a fortress and a refuge). In contrast to their experience, the wicked will discover that God will use his power to bring punishment on them because of their sinful deeds (v. 12).

One of the common responses to difficulties is panic. On this occasion, David did not panic because his faith in God included the assurance that divine power was at work in protecting him from the conspiracy. Therefore, he could assure others that their God would help them too. As he comforted them, he also challenged them to trust fully in the Lord. 

One commentator points out that this psalm teaches that while we have nothing to fear from man we have no reason to hope for anything from man either. That is an important lesson to learn.

Psalm 61 - Praying for the King

It is not clear when David wrote this psalm. In verse 6, he prays that the king would have long life. While it is possible that he is praying for himself, it is more likely that he is praying for someone else. The options would be his predecessor Saul or his successor Solomon. Given that Saul was a bad king, it probably is not him that is prayed for by David. So Solomon is the best option, which indicates that David wrote the psalm towards the end of his own reign. Maybe this psalm is a prayer of an old man.

In the first four verses, David expresses his confidence in God as the hearer of prayer. No matter where he is or what he feels, David knows that he can speak to God. He uses the pictures of isolation from people and weakness of spirit in verse 2. Yet although he is weak, he knows that God will help him by leading him to a place of security - a high rock where he would be above whatever was threatening him.

David can make this prayer with confidence because of his previous experiences of God’s help. On numerous occasions, God has protected him from opponents (v. 3). He knows that this divine refuge will last into the future (v. 4). His prayer is that he wants to be in the presence of God in the sense that he can worship him in his tent. That is David’s desire, to worship the One who delivered him from his sins. 

The reference to wings of safety could be an illustration taken from the security a mother bird gives her young. But it could also be a reference to the wings of the cherubim above the mercy seat. That location was the real place of security for sinners in Israel who recognised that God is a Saviour.

In verse 5, David continues his references to his worship of God. He was able to make and keep vows because his God was gracious to him, having given to him a wonderful spiritual heritage. The defining evidence of having this heritage is reverence of God, a fear that acknowledges his holiness but which also recognises that he is full of mercy.

Perhaps David had gone to the tabernacle to worship God after discovering that Solomon would be his successor. The prayer in verses 6 and 7 could have been offered then. He prayed that the new king would have a long reign marked by God’s gracious protection. 

Yet we can see from the description that it goes beyond an earthly monarch to someone who would rule for ever in the presence of God and experience divine favour continually. David knew that the Messiah would come from his royal line.

The thought of this reality, whether the experience that Solomon or his greater Descendant would have, caused David to praise God and renew his commitment to him. After all, such a response should mark everyone who gets access to God and receives blessing from him in return (v. 8).

The psalm encourages us to look back and recall God’s favours and to look ahead with faith to the blessings that God will give through the Ruler of his kingdom.

Psalm 60 - Prayer after a defeat

David in this psalm initially records how God had prevented his people from defeating their enemies in battle. The outcome was that they faced national disaster as the everyday structures were under threat. David recognised that the reason for the defeat was not the military superiority of the enemy. Instead, it was evidence that God was angry with his people, that instead of knowing his blessing they were experiencing great difficulties (vv. 1-3). 

Moreover, the defeat seemed surprising to the Israelites. It is difficult to identify when this defeat occurred, but scholars suggest it was during the period when David won many victories over surrounding peoples (2 Samuel 8). When he was away elsewhere winning battles, the Edomites took the opportunity to rebel against him. Perhaps David and his advisors had forgotten about this possibility or had become too confident in their arrangements. Whatever the reason, God had allowed it to happen and the Israelites were in a state of shock. 

Nevertheless, David recognised that the Lord’s cause had not been defeated completely. Rather, his banner was still flying and it was possible for those who feared him to go there for safety (v. 4). The imagery of flight in this sense is a good picture of repentance, of returning to God.

Then David and those with him pray to God for deliverance (v. 5). It looks as if verses 6-8 are the Lord’s answer, perhaps conveyed to David by a priest or a prophet, which indicates that the land and the people belong to God and that he will yet triumph over the enemy nations. 

On hearing this promise, David asks the question about who will lead the advance into Edom (v. 9). The title of the psalm indicates that Joab eventually was the one chosen to do so, but it seems that David at the time of writing was praying for guidance about who should do so. 

David continues his prayer for deliverance in verses 10-12. He prays to the God who has arranged for a defeat to be their experience. Yet David had learned the lesson that they needed God’s constant protection. Depending on human help turns out to be a false refuge. But when God is on our side, victory will happen because he will deal with our foes.

A New Testament verse that comes to mind is the warning of Jesus to his disciples when he said, ‘Without me, you can do nothing.’ At the same time, we can think of Paul’s statement, ‘I can do all things through him who gives me strength.’ 

We can also see from this psalm that defeat can occur at the same time as victories are happening. It is the case that we can be making progress in some areas but lose a battle in another area. That loss can be a reminder from God that we are not being careful. But we can also see that his banner is flying, inviting us to go to him.

Psalm 59 - Hunted, but on Way to Victory

Sometimes we read or hear about a person who is being hunted by the authorities because of an action that has been committed. David at this time was being searched for by the agents of King Saul. An obvious place for them to watch was his home. David knew that they were determined to get rid of him because he was a threat to their regime (vv. 1-3).

What did David do? He took his case to God, but he also wrote it down in the form of a psalm. To begin with, he recognised the motives of his opponents. They were not looking for him because he had done a wrong action. Yet God did not seem to be doing anything about it (vv. 3-4), that he needed to be roused.

 

David also saw his own case as part of a global phenomenon in which nations are rising against God’s people, Israel. The same divine action was required for the nation’s deliverance as for his own deliverance (v. 5). David knew that the powerful God who had made a covenant with Israel would help them, including himself. 

 

In verses 6 and 7, David details the constant methods of his opponents. They made a lot of noise, although the important response would be God’s reaction. Since the Lord laughs at the antics of nations, what effect would David’s opponents have on hindering the divine plans? David realised that the Lord was his personal refuge, the One who would give him strength until he obtained complete victory over his enemies (vv. 8-10).

 

It would have been easy for God to remove those opponents in a quiet manner. Yet David argues in his prayer that such a method would not help his cause. It would be better if the Lord dealt with them in a very public way. Their verbal sins were such that only clear demonstration of divine wrath would be adequate, especially since such a public action would reveal that the only One who is fully enthroned is the Lord. Moreover, such an expression of divine judgement would reveal the focus that God has for the progress of his kingdom (vv. 11-13).

 

David closes his prayer by contrasting his enemies’ behaviour with his own experience. Since they cannot find him despite their searching, they growl and moan like hungry dogs. In contrast, David can sing about the Lord’s deliverances, of the displays of his power and protection. Such a faithful God deserves the praises of his people (vv. 14-17).

 

The psalm reminds us that individual believers are involved in a much bigger battle than their own circumstances. Life is an expression of a war between two kingdoms. Christians have God on their side and sometimes they sense that only a dramatic divine answer will deal with the situations facing them. Such occasions require prayer in which suitable arguments are made for God to act in a way that continues the growth of his kingdom. Thinking of God’s commitment to his kingdom enables them to realise afresh his commitment to them as individuals. 

 

 

Psalm 58 - Unjust rulers

Some psalms fall into the category of imprecatory psalms and this is one of them. In such psalms, the authors pray to God to intervene and judge sinful people. David, in this psalm, complains about unjust rulers. It was common to address them as gods, which David does here. Instead of judging righteously, they planned evil and used their power cruelly to compel obedience from their subjects (vv. 1-2). 

Why do they do this? David’s answer may seem surprising. They have been deceitful from birth, a reminder of the effects of original sin. Not that such a nature is an excuse. Within them is poison and they are deaf to what other people think or advise. In fact, they are stone deaf, like the snake that merely judges by what it sees (vv. 3-5). But David does link their adult practices to their birth.

What can a righteous person do about such evil rulers? He can pray to God to remove them in such a way that they no longer have any role at all in authority. David uses several illustrations to describe the complete removal that he desires. He wants their power, which is like the teeth of lions, to be removed quickly (vv. 6-9). 

When that happens, the righteous will rejoice because of their deliverance, and others will see that there is a God who defends his people (vv. 10-11).

It is obvious that this psalm is very relevant for today because there are many unjust rulers. The psalm also reminds us that the most effective way to bring change is to pray, which usually is the last option that is used. It also calls us to observe when unjust rulers are removed and to remind ourselves that there is a God who judges in his providence.

The psalm is also a reminder that we can use our imagination or use illustrations as we pray. David uses numerous descriptions of those unjust rulers - they are lions and snakes, but he wants them to be like powerless slugs. That is three examples, but there are more. They give strength and clarity to our requests.

   

   

    

   

Psalm 57 - Song in a cave

As we can see from the heading, this psalm by David is connected to the time when he was hiding in the cave of Adullum when Saul was trying to find him in order to kill him. It is obvious that David regarded his experiences as suitable themes for the worshippers in Israel to sing. 

What does he mention in this song? In verse 1, he states that God is a refuge in times of trouble, and that during the time in which he is a refuge he will show mercy and compassion to his people. That did happen with David.

In verse 2, he mentions his confidence in the sovereignty of God. The Lord has a plan which includes this period of rejection. It also includes David’s future deliverance. David does not doubt that this will happen. He knows it will take place because he knows the character of God as faithful and committed to his covenant.

In verses 4 and 6, he describes the nature of his opponents. He is realistic about them and is aware that they are cruel and determined to get him. Yet he can praise God in verse 5 because he has overruled the intrigues of the enemies and caused them to bring about the demise of his opponents. Here David acknowledges the wisdom of God.

In verses 7-10, David describes his determination to serve God even although he is going through a difficult time. He does not let his current exile diminish his anticipation of the fulfilment of God’s promises to him. Since thinking about God’s dealings has given him confidence, he resolves to sing. He tells us when he will sing, where he will sing, and why he will sing.

Regarding when he will sing, he intends to start at dawn, which would be about 6am. Perhaps he is indicating that he will sing all day or maybe he is saying that praising God will be his priority every day, the first thing he will do each day. Concerning where he will sing, he says he will do it among the nations, which may be how he describes his current location among other tribal groups. His praise will be a form of witness to those peoples about his God. And the reason why he will sing is because his God is faithful to his promises.

His personal contribution of praise includes the desire for his God to be praised everywhere (v. 11). David would not know what was above the heavens, but whatever is there should be full of praise of God. Neither did David know the size of the earth, but whatever its size, he wanted the Lord to be praised everywhere.

The lessons for us are obvious. Remember the fact that God is a refuge, that he is faithful, that he works according to his plan, that we should not judge the future by the present, and that we should long for the time when God is praised everywhere.

            

   

Psalm 56 - Trust in God’s Word

David was obviously in trouble, having been forced to seek safety among his Philistine enemies who would have known about his exploits against them which had led to him receiving great praise in Israel. There was no likelihood of Saul coming to his aid; indeed he had gone to Gath because he was fleeing from Saul. Gath was the place where Goliath had come from, so the residents and rulers would no doubt want to deal with the man who had killed their champion. 

Despite the circumstances David knew that he could turn to the Lord, which he did. Doing so led him to lose his initial sense of fear (vv. 1-3). The enemies he describes are not the Philistines; rather they are the Israelites led by Saul who had caused him to flee from Israel. He found comfort from God’s word, which may refer to the divine promise given to him that he would yet be king. Since God’s word is sure and certain, David realised that no man or no amount of men could prevent him becoming king eventually. Nevertheless, he knew that those persistent opponents would need to be removed by God (vv. 4-7). 

David found comfort from reminding himself that God cared for him, even collecting his tears and writing down his concerns. Those illustrations indicate that David’s affairs were constantly before the Lord who would deal with those causing his distress. Again he realised that he could depend on the promise of God and did not need to be afraid of human enemies, no matter how many they were (vv. 8-11).

David resolved that when the opportunity would arise he would acknowledge the faithfulness of God at the tabernacle and present thank-offerings to his divine Protector. Even although he was in Gath, the Lord was his guardian, his upholder. Despite appearances, going to Gath was not a step from getting the throne, but part of the journey to the throne.

We know that David eventually was able to leave Gath by pretending to be mad. This was wise on his part, although clearly it made others think he was a fool. 

As far as we are concerned, the message of the psalm is that we should focus on God’s promises in times of trouble.

    

   

   

Psalm 55 - Should we moan to God?

In this psalm, David is again facing opposition which is overpowering him. The attacks have disturbed him to the extent that he is restless, constantly moaning and complaining to God. Yet he senses that God has not yet indicated that he will intervene, and that sense adds to his burden, especially as his opponents are piling on trouble (vv. 1-3). A reminder that trouble often comes in great amounts.

His inner state is overwhelmed by the distress he has. He is in such anguish that he fears he might die. Such is his fear that his body trembles. The circumstances and the prospects bring horror into his soul. What he desires is immediate peace far away from the storm (vv. 4-8) - a dove can fly very fast. Yet that will not happen. So where can he go? To the God who does not seem to be listening.

Therefore, he asks the Lord to divide the opponents. He sees the effects of their decisions and actions. The capital city is in a mess, marked by violence and strife everywhere, with oppression and fraud in the markets where people get what they need to live. The problem is made worse because one of the leaders of the opposition is an old friend who has turned against him, one with whom he used to worship God, with whom he had enjoyed fellowship. David wants God to destroy them because of the damage and trouble that they are bringing on God’s cause because of their evil designs and practices (vv. 9-15).

In verses 16-19, David’s sense of divine help changes because he has now become confident of the Lord’s help. He had prayed frequently, even although his prayer had not been much more than complaining and moaning. In Romans 8, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit groans along with his people, so often complaints and moans are signs of his involvement. David’s deliverance begins with his soul and then to his circumstances, and not the other way round. The numerical strength of his opponents is not now a problem because the sovereign God, who reigns always, will listen to their evil plans and deal with them by humiliating them. David can now leave his case with God to sort out.

David is still distressed by his former friend’s behaviour (vv. 20-21). Yet he now recognises that his friend had never been true, either in his words or actions. That person’s actions distressed David. So what did he do? He cast his burden on the Lord (v. 22), as he tells us to do when in distressing circumstances, no matter who they are caused by. Only the Lord can keep his people and prevent them from being shaken. In contrast, the prospects of the wicked are short, even when they seem powerful (v. 23).

The proper response in all circumstances is to have the resolve of David in verse 23, which is to trust in the Lord. But sometimes we have to reason and pray our way to this state of mind, which is what David does here.

We live in times where wickedness abounds, where some friendships are fickle, and when the prospects for God’s cause seem low. Yet we should still trust in the Lord because he has the power to change things. But perhaps we need to learn to groan and moan and complain in our prayers!

Psalm 54 - Delivered again

As we can see from the title, David wrote this psalm after his whereabouts were revealed to Saul by the Ziphites. David had gone there to seek safety but discovered that the Ziphites were unreliable. But then they would have judged things by how they looked, which is always how unbelievers see things. They did not consider whether God had anything to do with David’s plight.

What could David do? He prayed about his circumstances and once again writes down what he prayed for. It looks as if he added the final two verses after his prayer had been answered, so there are lessons there for us about recording answers to prayer and what caused the prayer to be offered.

Why does he pray to God? Obviously he prays about the situation, but that is not the main reason why he prayed. Many pray when in a predicament, but soon forget about the matter if it seems to be solved. The reason David prayed was because he knew God’s character (his name) and that he would vindicate his people (v. 1). In other words, he put his case into the hands of God (v. 2). 

How does he pray? The little word ‘O’ is important because it expresses his earnestness. He also prays specifically, detailing the circumstances to God. He does not detail them to inform God; rather he details them because they are the circumstances he is concerned about. But as someone has said, specific prayers get specific answers and general prayers get general answers.

Because he knows the character of God, David can also pray with confidence (vv. 4-5). God has consistently helped him in various troubles and protected him according to his promise that David will yet be acknowledged as king of Israel. This meant that all who opposed him would be punished by God.

The tone changes in verses 6 and 7 to David anticipating making a thank-offering at the tabernacle. Once again, he has been delivered by God, and delivered in a comprehensive way. But he does not want to leave it there. He knows that he is duty bound to keep his vows of acknowledgement, and they were usually done in public, at the tabernacle. After all, why should someone avoid thanking God in a time of worship especially after experiencing his power in an unusual way.

There are lessons for us here. One is to take note of God’s answers to prayer. Another is to tell his people what God has done for us.

   

    

    

   

Psalm 53 - God delivers his people

David in this psalm is concerned about an attack on Israel by foreign nations. The psalm is very similar to Psalm 14 except that Psalm 14 is addressed to Jewish opponents whereas Psalm 53 speaks to Gentiles. This may also explain why David uses the more general divine name God in Psalm 53 whereas in Psalm 14 Yahweh is used several times rather than Elohim. Paul quotes verses 1-3 in Romans 3 when describing the universal reality of sin.

The fool is not a person with no knowledge, but he is a person with no wisdom, a person who cannot use or chooses not to use true knowledge correctly. He assumes that God does not exist, and the outcome is that there is no restraint on how he lives. The outcome is terrible practices with no desire for doing good (v. 1).

Moreover, they do not realise that they are under divine scrutiny, and because they do not bear this reality in mind they also continue to practice sin (vv. 2-3). Their attack on the Israelites was evidence of this outlook; they had no idea that God could protect his people (v. 4). On this occasion, God caused them to panic, even although there was no need to do so. How easy it was for him to defeat the foes of his people and give an astonishing victory to them (v. 5).

This victory led David to pray for more displays of divine deliverance from his powerful God. When God would provide them, there would be great joy among his people (v. 6).

We live in a society which dismisses the existence of the true God. People today are like those in David’s time, unaware that they are under the scrutiny of God. Much of what they do is directed against his kingdom. But they do not appreciate that he can dismiss their attacks easily, should he choose to do so. We should pray that he would, and in doing so give us reasons to praise him for his wisdom and power. 

Psalm 52 - Does God punish wicked people?

As the title of the psalm indicates, David composed it while thinking about the dreadful act of Doeg in murdering the priests at Nob on the orders of his master, Saul, to whom he had reported that the priests had helped David by giving him and his men some food (1Samuel 20-21). 

David must have heard that Doeg was boasting about what he did (v. 1). Doeg may never have known that he was analysed in a psalm. Despite his powerful position in Saul’s court, he was unaware of the steadfast love of God expressed daily for his people. But, then, Doeg was an Edomite, a hater of Israel.

In verses 2-4, David explains Doeg’s action. He focussed on how Doeg used his tongue, which we might find surprising, given what he had done to the priests. But his actions were consistent with his words, and his words revealed his character. He liked to speak about destruction, liked to tell lies, and liked to use words of violence. 

The question is, what will God do about Doeg? David has no doubts (vv. 5-7). God would bring him to a sudden end (like what happens when a wild animal drags a sleeping man from a tent and devours him). This divine action will be understood by the righteous, and will cause them to fear God. Moreover, Doeg, instead of having people praise him as a warrior, will be regarded as a fool because he trusted in the riches accrued from his military career rather than in God. 

Doeg, after all, had been detained before the Lord when David came to see the priests. That detaining sounds like some kind of religious activity. But instead of continuing with it, he chose another path which led to his downfall and subsequent derision. What he assumed would protect him led to his destruction.

David, in contrast, knew that he was secure in the household of God (vv. 8-9). He knew that the best response was to trust in the faithfulness of the covenant God. The right response was to use his tongue to praise God and to wait upon him with his people. He would yet be king because God would keep his promises. 

Psalm 51 - Confession

As we can see from the title, David wrote this psalm after God had sent Nathan the prophet to confront him over his sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. He was guilty of immorality, possibly rape, and then arranging the death of Uriah in battle. For over a year, he does not seem to have been bothered about what he did, although his schemes had not completely protected him because his military commander Joab suspected what had gone on. The obvious detail from David's behaviour is that even the man after God's own heart committed grievous sins.

It is obvious from the psalm that David was helped by writing out his confession. No doubt he was inspired by the Spirit regarding the words. Yet we can take a lesson from David in this. His confession is frank, honest and detailed. This psalm was composed before he found forgiveness, whereas other psalms that seem to deal with the same circumstances, such Psalm 32, were written after he was restored.

David's concern is to receive mercy from the covenant God of Israel whom he knew to possess abundant mercy. He makes no attempt to mitigate his actions but confesses that they were dreadful. In his description of his wrongs, he uses the three words usually describing them - sin, transgressions and iniquities. He realised that he had broken God's laws and he was distressed deeply because he knew God could punish him. Restoration depended on God working radically within him (vv. 1-4).

David knew that he was guilty of original sin (v. 5), which is probably regarded as a kind of technicality today, but it was a matter that previous generations took very seriously. A believer should say, 'It is not only the source of my sinful actions, it is my source of my sinful actions. I am responsible for original sin' (v. 5).

Nevertheless he knew that God could work within him despite his sinfulness. He knew that God could make him love truth and wisdom so that he would not repeat his sinful actions. Instead of possessing a defiled character, he could be cleansed and restored, and able to live for God again. His concern about inner renewal is very challenging, but such inward change is at the core of sanctification. Indeed, his desire is surprising in that he anticipates a restoration of spiritual joy once the Lord removes his chastening hand (vv. 6-8).

He pleads with God to show favour to him by dealing with his sins and by bringing about internal change. His concern is that God would throw him away and remove the Holy Spirit from his life. It is easy for us to say that, doctrinally, that could not happen, but when you are in the mire, such concepts may not help. The proof of his spiritual recovery will be the presence of restored joy as God upholds him by giving him a spirit that is determined to serve God (vv. 9-12).  

The outcome will be a restoration of his role as a teacher of others, with many sinners following his instructions to repent and turn to the Lord. Every teacher that God uses is a sinner, even if they have not committed the same sins as David, and their communicating of God's truth should indicate that they are penitent (v. 13).

David also says that when he is recovered, he will participate in praising God for his salvation (he stresses that he regards the Lord as the God of his salvation). He knows that God is not content with mere rituals in his worship. God is very pleased when a worshipper is marked by deep repentance (a broken and a contrite heart) and who has learned not to rely on his or her own abilities (vv. 14-17).

The psalmist closes with a prayer for the prosperity of Zion. Perhaps his personal recovery led him to pray for ongoing growth in others (who would want them to have such a disastrous fall?). When that happens, God will be pleased with the rituals of worship because they will express the truthful desires of dedicated hearts.

This psalm has much to teach us about the grace of God and his amazing mercy to great sinners. But it also speaks to us about the depth of our repentance and of the attitude we have towards our sinful nature as well as towards any wrong actions that we do. Sin of any kind is ugly, awful, offensive and filthy. Earnest prayer is evidence that we have grasped its seriousness and of how it hinders our sanctification.

Psalm 50 - God judging his people

This psalm was composed by one of the singers in the temple. His theme is the role of God as the Judge. He is a powerful judge, but he also judges as the One who is in a covenant relationship with Israel (seen in the name Yahweh). In the psalm he comes to judge his people and he calls all the earth to observe (v. 1). 

His location is a place of great beauty and his appearance is awe-inspiring, disturbing the created order, similar to how he appeared at Mt. Sinai when he gave the law to Israel. Only now he appears on Mt. Zion. None of his people can hide because heaven and earth help him regarding the gathering. Those he is judging are privileged because they belong to him in a unique manner - they are his covenant people (vv. 2-5).

The Lord has come to rebuke them for their sins, including religious rituals. Their sacrifices have not been acceptable because of their lifestyles. They may have imagined that he needed those sacrifices as if they were a meal for him, but he reminds them that he already owns all the animals. Such a view of God was ridiculous. He did not want fed. Rather he wanted spiritual sacrifices of gratitude, obedience and prayer. He would delight in answering them, and they would praise him in return (vv. 6-14).

Instead they are practicing wickedness. They don’t value God’s requirements and hate his teaching about how to live. They approve of those who break God’s commandments against stealing, immorality and lying. Even family relationships are used for sinful speech. The worst sin is that they assumed God did not mind their behaviour because he had not punished them immediately. But eventually he will act, as he did here (vv. 15-21).

Such are exhorted to remember that God will eventually deal with rebellion. What is important is that we are marked by gratitude to God and live obediently for God. Those who do will experience his deliverances at many levels, including salvation and at times in his providence (vv. 22-23).

Where do we go when we go to church to a worship service? We come to meet with God, and one way in which he is there is as the Judge. He judges us by his Word. Peter reminds us that judgement begins at the house of God, and Hebrews 12 tells us that we, who have come to Zion, have also come to God the Judge of all. The psalm is a reminder that mere rituals, even when ordered by God, are of no value if our hearts are not right or if we are breaking his commandments.

Psalm 49 - Remember the End

As with others of the psalms of the sons of Korah in this section of the Psalter, the author addresses a worldwide audience, including all levels of society. He also adopts a wisdom style of writing which was common with the practices of the wisdom teachers in Israel, and this method included within its range sources of wisdom from outside Israel. As a son of Korah, he would play music as he mused (vv. 1-4).

The issue that he contemplates is the inevitability of death and the futility of boasting about life. It is pointless for people to sin in obtaining wealth and then depending on and boasting about what they gather because no amount of riches can prevent a person’s life ending when God decrees. No-one lives forever (vv. 5-9). 

Death comes to everyone, even to the wise. All that the future brings is a permanent home in the grave, no matter how important and powerful a person was before they died. Their name may live on in a bit of real estate, but in reality those people are just like the lower creatures — they all die (vv. 10-12).

The author observes that great foolishness is revealed in how people react to death. Despite the fact that their predecessors died, their successors continue the same outlook of not preparing for death. They don’t realise that what is happening to them in time is that they are being gathered like sheep for a meaningless end, with the shepherd being death. This is a graphic picture of what is going on every day.

In contrast to them, the author has a hope after death. For the upright, they are not heading into the night; ahead of them is the morning of the eternal day. They will live in the presence of God because he has arranged for the ransom price to be paid for them. They have an eternal home whereas the worldly person will have nothing (vv. 13-15). What a contrast to what he prioritised on earth! Endless destruction awaits him, but the welcome of God awaits his people.

The obvious conclusions that we should make is that everything in this life is temporary, that we should not be surprised at the demise of prominent people who live only for this world, that the foolish opinions of worldly people don’t really matter in the longterm, that it is a disastrous end for unbelieving people, and that we should bear in mind the destiny of everyone in a very short time.

         

Psalm 48 - The Lord our deliverer

The Lord had protected his people from an invasion involving several armies (v. 4). Among them were the ships of Tarshish, perhaps transporting troops or supplies (v. 7). It certainly seems to have been a large force, no doubt confident of victory. But they had not taken the God of Israel into their thoughts. But soon they were forced to pay attention because the Lord sent a ferocious storm that brought their invasion to an end, as they were confronted by what he had at his disposal - the power of creation (vv. 6-7). Instead of celebrating a victory, they fled in panic (v. 5). 

The consequence was that great praise was made in Zion to the Lord. His people had seen his deliverance with their own eyes (vv. 3, 8). The place of seemingly certain defeat had become the place of divine triumph. They had witnessed the faithfulness of God and they focussed on that aspect as they worshipped him in the temple (v. 9). After all, it was his city, the place where he had chosen to dwell. His faithfulness gave them confidence for the future (v. 8).

They loved the city of God because it was there that they could meet with him. His presence made it a holy location, far surpassing in beauty anywhere else on earth. Real joy could be found in this city because it was his city, the place of his exploits. There the inhabitants had seen the actions of the Lord, actions that revealed he is a great God deserving great praise for his help that he had shown (vv. 1-3).

The news of this dramatic divine intervention on behalf of his people would soon spread around the world as other nations heard about the incredible way in which the Lord had displayed his faithfulness (v. 10). We should not be surprised at this - after all the Queen of Sheba travelled a long distance to Jerusalem because she had heard in her own land what people were saying about the God of Israel. Sometimes he does things that cause people to stop in awe because they realise that he, and he alone, has done them. 

The psalmist exhorts his fellow citizens to rejoice because once again they had been given evidence of their God's incredible power and faithfulness. He had judged their attackers and delivered his people. Such divine actions in providence should be observed (v. 11).  Indeed they should walk around the city and consider all the defences that God has provided for them. 

It was their responsibility to pass on the details to the next generation (vv. 12-13). It would be a calamitous failure not to do so. They acknowledged that they had been told about the greatness of God, and then afterwards they were privileged to see it as well. After all, it is from his actions in the past that we can measure his faithfulness in the future (v. 14).

We too can walk around the real Zion, where God dwells for ever - the church. We can consider what makes the church strong and secure. Not her numbers, not her skills, not her resolves. Rather we have the presence of God, we have the promises of the Bible, and we have the plan of God which nothing can change. Even when we are under attack!

Psalm 47 - God is King

In this psalm, the author calls on all nations to praise God, and to do so loudly and with great delight, expressed in his telling them to clap their hands. The reason why they should do so is because the Lord, who is the highest authority, who reigns over all the earth, is to be feared (vv. 1-2).

How does the psalmist know this? One reason is historical, that he gave the promised land to his people and gave them victory over the previous inhabitants. He did so because he loved them (vv. 3-4). Yet the process of victory had taken a long time, indeed centuries, because it looks as if the event he is celebrating is the arrival of the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem after David had captured the city from the Jebusites (v. 5).  This was an event that caused great celebration (v. 6).

There were two thrones in Jerusalem, if we wish to put in that way. One throne belonged to the house of David and it was visible to anyone who went to the royal residence. The other throne, and the most powerful throne, was on the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies, and that was where God ruled from, revealing his mercy as he allowed sinners to draw near to him.

Both events - the giving of the land of promise and the arrival of the ark - highlighted that the Lord is king over the nations. But that knowledge is only realised by those who have the eyes to see what had taken place. At one level, it was the realisation of the aspirations of Israel to have a capital city; at a higher level, it was an indication of the progress of God's kingdom, although it takes place unseen. And we know that the same invisibility surrounds an even higher level in its progress, which happened when Jesus ascended to the throne of God. And although unseen, he rules over the nations.

The outcome at the time of writing of the psalm was that the rulers of Israel realised that their God was keeping the promises that he had made to Abraham about his seed being the route of blessing for the world (v. 9). He is the sovereign God, able to do what he wishes over the powers of earth - the weaponry of nations cannot prevent him. The obvious and only conclusion that can be made is that the Lord is highly exalted.

Psalm 46 - God in Control

The author begins by affirming a wonderful truth which is that God is the constant place of safety for his people, that he empowers them with what they need, and that he never leaves them no matter the trouble. This divine constancy means that should the worst possible scenario happen his people will not need to be afraid. 

The psalmist uses extreme physical changes to illustrate his point. I have no idea whether an earthquake has ever moved a mountain into the middle of a roaring sea. Perhaps the psalmist used this illustration because such an event was most unlikely. But even if it occurred, God’s people can trust in him. In other words, even in the worst of circumstances we can depend on God. 

Of course, the psalmist by using this illustration is also reminding us that difficult and disturbing events can happen. Faith in God does not help us evade those kind of circumstances. Rather, such faith enables believers to live through such events depending only on the Lord. Indeed, such drastic circumstances may remove other things that we might depend upon (vv. 1-3).

In verses 4-7, the author describes what happened when Jerusalem was attacked. From one point of view, the city was weak because of its low supply of water. Yet because God was with them, he ensured that the shallow stream of Siloam was more than enough for the city. After all, ‘little is much when God is in it.’ The attacking nations made a lot of noise, but their noise was but a whimper in comparison to the voice of God. When he speaks, he speaks with such power that the earth is affected. Therefore, it is important to realise that the God who leads the heavenly host is our defender, that he remembers his covenant he has made with his people, that he is the One in whom they can hide safely.

Therefore, in verses 8-10, the author invites or exhorts the people of God to look at the great deliverance the Lord had given his people. The outcome was desolation for the attackers, but peace and safety for his people. It is possible that the command in verse 10 to be still is addressed to the attacking nations to lead them to consider that it is the God of Israel who is in control of the earth. Or maybe it is addressed to the inhabitants of Jerusalem who had been afraid of what could have happened and had not been trusting in God.

The author closes his psalm with the refrain about the presence of God and the security that he provides (v. 11). His words remain true although the event he described took place long ago. It is well-known that Martin Luther was greatly helped by this psalm in his struggles at the Reformation (the psalm is the basis for his hymn, A Might Fortress is Our God). We can and should take to heart the relevance of the teaching revealed in this psalm.

    

   

      

Psalm 45 - Thinking about the King

The psalm is a meditation about a royal wedding, or a poem or song written for a king’s wedding. It goes beyond the wedding of an earthly king as we can see from verse 6 which says that the King’s reign is eternal. Moreover, this King is both God and man.

The theme of eternity also occurs in verse 2 where the author says that the King has been blessed by God forever. This is a description of the Messiah. In verses 3-5, he is described as about to go into battle. When we think about Jesus, he went forth with the gospel in an increased manner after his exaltation. Therefore, the reference to his beauty in verse 2 refers to his glorification when he received the Holy Spirit who would express powerfully the gracious truths that the Saviour would declare.

 

The sword and the arrows that are used in the battle is the gospel and its promises. Jesus will be victorious and many of his enemies will submit to him. The goal is to have a kingdom marked by truth, gentleness and holy living (vv. 4-5), a kingdom that will last forever (v. 6).

 

The glory of the King is described through the various items of splendour that marked royalty at that time in history, such as oils, robes and music. He is praised for his deity, for the endlessness of his reign, and for his holy character. Since that is the case, the Father has anointed him with a larger degree of oil, an oil that is shared by the King’s companions. The oil depicts the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit is said to be marked by joy. What makes him joyful is his involvement in the provision of salvation, whether at its onset in a person’s life or in other ways subsequent to that wonderful moment. The consequence of having received this oil (the Holy Spirit) is that all aspects of the Messiah’s glory (his robes) are very fragrant (vv. 6-7). His residence (the ivory palaces) is full of happiness (the music) and his retinue (the queen and the ladies of honour) is august. Heaven is marked by joy and inhabited by exalted persons who serve the king.

 

The bride is spoken to in verse 10. She has already consented to the marriage and ahead of her is a very different life. The glory to come is a place where current life on earth is forgotten. It is a place where the King focuses on his bride and where she serves him as her Lord (vv. 10-11). She will have the best of privileges (illustrated by the gifts from Tyre) and her attire is the best available (perfect holiness), provided by her King. The meeting with the King for the ceremony is anticipated with great delight (vv. 12-15).

 

The imagery changes to the royal family ruling on behalf of the King throughout the earth (v. 16). Since he reigns forever, they will as well. The author decides to make his contribution, which he has fulfilled by providing us with this song, a song that will utilised everywhere people meditate on and think about the King (v. 17).

It is amazing to see the grasp this author had of the Messiah. He knew that the Messiah would be God and man, and he was also aware that there is more than one divine person in the Godhead. He understood that the Messiah would have a worldwide kingdom over which his seed would reign.

Psalm 44 - Praying desperately in desperate times

This psalm is concerned with the situation in which God does not seem to help his people. The author is arguing with God in the sense that he is providing reasons for the Lord to come to their aid.

The first argument that he uses is historical (vv. 1-3). He describes how accounts have been handed down from previous generations of the way that the Lord gave to them the land of Canaan. They did not win battles because they were superior militarily. Rather, the Lord gave it to them because he delighted in them.

The second argument that he uses is past personal experience (vv. 4-8). He mentions how he and others have the same outlook as those who were given Canaan, and had indeed experienced some divine help. Like them, he and his friends trusted only in the Lord and acknowledged that any victories only occurred because the Lord brought them about. When they had been given deliverances, they had praised God and thanked him for those expressions of divine help.

The third argument that he presents is current defeat and disgrace (vv. 9-16). The armies of Israel have been defeated and the country devastated. The inhabitants have been exiled and surrounding countries laugh at them. And the psalmist acknowledges that God has brought this about. The same power that helped his ancestors and even him and his friends previously has now been used against them. He is aware of the disgrace of the situation in which God’s people are powerless and are unable to do anything about the disaster.

The fourth argument that he uses is current personal devotion (vv. 17-22). He states that he and his friends have remained faithful to the covenant made with God and endeavoured to walk in his ways. They have not been like others who departed from God and worshipped idols. Yet despite their loyalty they are suffering for their dedication, with some experiencing death. Their commitment means nothing to those in power, although the implication is that he knows it means a great deal to God.

In verses 23-26, we have the psalmist’s appeal for divine action. He asks the Lord why he is sleeping. Of course, he knows God is awake, otherwise he would not send his prayer to him. But he speaks as to the situation seems to him. Not only does he say that God is sleeping, he also says that has chosen not to look at them and is forgetting about their needy circumstances. But he also knows about the Lord’s covenant love, his delight in mercy and his power to rescue his people. So he pleads powerfully.

What lessons come from this Psalm? One is to recognise the sovereignty of God when difficulties come. Another is to acknowledge the silence of God when we would prefer that he would make his actions obvious. Connected to that is the appropriateness of expressing our concerns to God with strength of feeling. Moreover we should know the history of God’s kingdom and use his previous actions as evidence of what we know he can do for his people. And we cannot assume that lives of devotion may not encounter profound problems in providence.

      

Psalm 43 - Prayer for Deliverance

This psalm is sometimes regarded as having been originally part of Psalm 42 because it does not have a title although it is found in a series of psalms connected to the sons of Korah. It also contains a similar theme of a downcast musician unable to participate in worship at the sanctuary (v. 4).

The author is under attack from evil persons and needs divine vindication. He had turned to God for help, but so far his pleas for deliverance had not been accepted as far as he could tell. His circumstances had not changed, and this had led to ongoing sadness (vv. 1-2).

Nevertheless, he knew that God alone could help him and he persists in prayer for divine help. What does he mean by light and truth? Perhaps he uses light in contrast to the darkness he experiences in providence and he uses truth in contrast to the falsehoods of his opponents. He wants his God to clear a path for him to return to the sanctuary by removing the obstacles he currently faced. Then he would go to the sanctuary and resume his role in God’s worship (vv. 3-4).

We should observe how he regarded God. He says he was in a personal relationship with God. But he says much more. This personal relationship filled him full with pleasure and delight. It may seem surprising that a believer, sad because of providence, can rejoice greatly in the God of providence. But then, as Paul wrote, we can be sorrowful and always rejoicing. The psalmist does not forget to think about God while in trouble (v. 4).

Verse 5 repeats the refrain of Psalm 42 about him speaking to himself about the certainty of resuming his attendance at the sanctuary. Despite his circumstances, he was confident that his God would answer his prayer and deliver him. 

This psalm reminds us to bring God into our circumstances even when prayer seems to be going nowhere. Faith sees a God of grace even when the clouds of providence hide his face.

    

      

Psalm 42 - Longing for the sanctuary

This psalm is the first in Book 2 of the Psalter. In Book 1, the only author that is named is David, but in Book 2 several authors are mentioned, including the sons of Korah as in this psalm. The sons of Korah were Levites who participated in the worship music that was played at the tabernacle and temple. In this psalm, one of them describes his response to not being able to fulfil his regular role because he is away in the north of the country, near to Mount Hermon (v. 6). 

The author has a strong sense of isolation. He is unable to go to Jerusalem and take part in the festivals, in which he played a prominent role (v. 4). As he recalls previous occasions when he had taken part, he laments his current circumstances which prevented him from being there. His sense of isolation is increased by the taunts of others who deride him for wanting to worship a God who does not seem to be helping him (v. 3). 

Yet he is aware of a very strong inner longing to meet with God. Perhaps in his desert location, he had seen a deer searching for water, crying out from its thirst. He saw in its search a picture of his own heart which needed fresh supplies of grace. Yet because of his circumstances he could not even suggest when he would next be able to participate in God’s worship (vv. 1-2). 

The psalmist realises that he cannot allow himself to mope about his circumstances. So he exhorts himself to think differently. He reminds himself that he can hope in God because sooner or later he will be able to go to Jerusalem and resume his role (v. 5). 

Because he has adjusted his thoughts, the psalmist’s experiences change somewhat. He recognises that his current circumstances are part of God’s providence; the Lord has arranged the barriers that have come his way (vv. 6-7). Previously, his experience of day and night had been one of tears (v. 3); now his experience of day and night was contact with God (v. 8).

In verses 9-11, he repeats some of the thoughts he had previously about his sense of the absence of God, his sadness at the accusations of his opponents about God, and his realisation that he will yet join the praise at the festivals in Jerusalem. He is arguing with himself about his current mood while at the same time speaking with God and telling him the thoughts of his heart. 

This psalm raises important issues. One is the priority of public worship. The psalmist engaged in personal worship, but he knew that his spiritual experience would be at a higher level when he joined with others to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. 

Another issue is the strength of our spiritual appetite for God. It was not enough for the psalmist to have pleasant memories about previous worship occasions. He wanted to have current divine provision. 

A third issue is the necessity of fellowship. In the psalm, the author can talk to God but he cannot talk with the people of God. And that inability bothered him greatly because he was being deprived of fellowship.