Psalm 92 - The Day of Rest

As the heading indicates, this psalm was regarded as suitable for use on the Sabbath. Perhaps it was used in the temple in Jerusalem in a particular way. Verses 1-4 highlight the appropriateness of praise, with meetings in the morning and in the evening to praise God for his faithfulness expressed in his loving commitment to his covenant. Those meetings could have been connected to the morning and evening sacrifices.

 

Although it could have been used corporately, verse 4 indicates the necessity of individual gratitude for the worship to be authentic. Singing along or singing aloud is not sufficient; there has to be singing about God’s deeds, and singing with admiration and affirmation. The author mentions three themes for us to think about.

 

First, the day of rest was an opportunity to reflect on divine providence. A wide range of divine activity can be discerned there. Such reflection is not for those who lack wisdom, which is different from lacking intellectual ability. The wise man knows that God will deal with the wicked, no matter how numerous they are. Their rebellion will not reduce his sovereignty. Clearly, a matter for consideration on the Sabbath is the sovereignty of God in the ways that he protects and advances his kingdom on earth (vv. 5-9).

 

Second, the author also considers his personal circumstances and how the Lord has worked for him in providence (vv. 10-11). He had been opposed strongly by evil enemies, but God had used the situation for the benefit of the worshipper, perhaps by arranging for them to be condemned in a public way (his eyes had seen and his ears heard their fate). The psalmist was now standing strong because he had received refreshing help directly from the Lord. God had shown him grace. We should do the same on the day of rest and take time to consider how God has dealt with us in our lives, whether recently or more distant in the past.

 

Third, on the Sabbath, it is good to think about spiritual prosperity (vv. 12-13). Such prosperity is like fruitful and strong trees. It is constant, even lifelong, and does not reduce when physical powers fail. Throughout life, they gather to worship on the Sabbath in the place of public worship (the house of the Lord which is the temple) to announce features connected to his faithfulness revealed in the spiritual sustenance and security (rock) that he provides.

 

Those three themes of providence in general, providence in particular, and the blessing of spiritual growth are important matters to think about frequently.