A plea for justice (vs. 1-5)—In this song, David again trusts the Lord to vindicate him based on the king’s righteousness: “I have walked in my integrity, I have also trusted in the Lord” (v. 1). Such is the only way we can be vindicated. David asks the Lord to test him, “prove me, try my mind and my heart” (v. 2). He’s not challenging God, he’s asking for the Lord to purify him; it is through such tests and trials that much of our spiritual growth is actuated. David keeps the Lord’s “lovingkindness” ever before him, and walks in God’s truth (v. 3). Avoiding the wicked and hating evil is part of that (vs. 4-5).
“I have loved the habitation of thy house” (vs. 6-8)—Before we can truly approach “the altar,” we should wash our hands “in innocence” (v. 6). “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 15:8), because Jehovah knows that such worship is done in hypocrisy. But David wanted to “proclaim…all Your wondrous works,” and do so “with the voice of thanksgiving” (v. 7). When we truly think of the wondrous works of God in our lives, then it is impossible not to be thankful, and not to love “the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth” (v. 8). What comfort and solace there is in house of God!
Protect me from sinners (vs. 9-10)—Yet the world and its attractions are powerful; Satan will never leave us alone when we try to serve God (I Peter 5:8). Even the king himself succumbed many times to the temptations of the flesh (see II Samuel 11 and 24 for examples). So, even when we feel confident in our relationship with Him, we should always remember to pray for protection from sinners, “bloodthirsty men in whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes” (vs. 9-10). God will not tempt us with evil (James 1:13), but He can, through His providence and our adherence to His word, help us overcome and resist sin.
“I will walk in my integrity” (vs. 11-12)—David pretty well comes full circle as he closes this psalm. He started out talking of his integrity, and ends with the same thought (v. 11). But even then, he realizes his need for redemption and mercy (v. 11). It doesn’t matter how righteous we are attempting to live, sinless perfection is simply beyond us. Thus, while there are times when we can, and should, feel good about our relationship with God—indeed, hopefully, we always feel that way, though there are certainly ups and downs for all of us—we must never forget that our works do not save us (Eph. 2:9) and we need the “riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Yet if we will stand “in an even place”—on level ground, spiritually—then “in the congregations will I bless the Lord” (v. 12).
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Psalm 25
A prayer for deliverance, guidance, and forgiveness (vs. 1-7)—This is a lovely song, encompassing much of David’s desires unto Jehovah. It begins with a statement of trust (v. 1), and then there are several requests, the first four of which are “let” such and such happen—let not God’s people be ashamed, but let some limitations be placed upon those who deal wickedly (vs. 2-3). David asks for guidance in verses 4 and 5: “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me,” and he acknowledges that only God can do such. Then, “Remember…Your tender mercies and lovingkindnesses,” but don’t remember my sins and transgressions (v. 7). And David acknowledges that all of this is based on the mercy and goodness of the Lord (v. 7).
The goodness of God (vs. 8-11). After making these requests, David recognizes some of the wonderful qualities of God. He is good and upright (v. 8), and He will teach sinners and the humble to follow His ways. For “all the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,” but only for those who “keep His covenant and His testimonies” (v. 10). God’s blessings are always conditioned upon our obedience to Him. David’s own humility is in evidence in verse 11: “Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” Any humble person, regardless of how righteous they might be, will believe his/her sin to be great. Indeed, the closer one draws to God, the further the distance between seems to be. A better understanding of the holiness of God will produce greater humility and appreciation for just how merciful He had been to us. Note that David wants his sins forgiven, “for Your name’s sake, O Lord.” Shine the spotlight on the mercy and grace of God, where it truly belongs, and not of sinful, unworthy humans who have no right to boast in any of their actions.
The man who fears the Lord (vs. 12-15)—Those who reverence Jehovah will be taught “in the way He chooses” (v. 12), “shall dwell in prosperity” (v. 13), and “his descendants shall inherit the earth” (v. 13). First, he will have descendants—something very important to ancient man—and they shall be blessed with sustenance from the earth. Furthermore, the fearful will have a better understanding of God (v. 14), and “He will show them His covenant.” If we keep our eyes on Him, He will deliver us from trouble (v. 15).
A final prayer (vs. 16-22)—There is a slight change of tone in the final few verses of the psalm. David seems to be in greater distress than at the opening of the song. “I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged” (vs. 16-17). He asks for mercy (v. 16) and deliverance (v. 17). Perhaps some trouble had come upon David before he finished composing this song, but more than likely, it simply refers to the condition that mankind often faces—trials and tribulations—and directs us to the One who can save us from them. This theme is followed through the remaining verses—affliction and pain (v. 18), enemies and hatred (v. 19), and shame (v. 20). With the “let me not be ashamed” of verse 20, David returns to a thought he mentioned earlier in the psalm (v. 2), but again, with seemingly a bit more urgency here at the end. He beseeches God for mercy (v. 16), deliverance (v. 17), forgiveness (v. 18), physical protection from his enemies (v. 19), spiritual protection for his soul (or life—v. 20), and redemption for all of Israel (v. 22). He doesn’t ask these favors unconditionally—“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You” (v. 21). Once more, if we want God’s blessings, then we must be willing to give Him something in return.
The goodness of God (vs. 8-11). After making these requests, David recognizes some of the wonderful qualities of God. He is good and upright (v. 8), and He will teach sinners and the humble to follow His ways. For “all the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,” but only for those who “keep His covenant and His testimonies” (v. 10). God’s blessings are always conditioned upon our obedience to Him. David’s own humility is in evidence in verse 11: “Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” Any humble person, regardless of how righteous they might be, will believe his/her sin to be great. Indeed, the closer one draws to God, the further the distance between seems to be. A better understanding of the holiness of God will produce greater humility and appreciation for just how merciful He had been to us. Note that David wants his sins forgiven, “for Your name’s sake, O Lord.” Shine the spotlight on the mercy and grace of God, where it truly belongs, and not of sinful, unworthy humans who have no right to boast in any of their actions.
The man who fears the Lord (vs. 12-15)—Those who reverence Jehovah will be taught “in the way He chooses” (v. 12), “shall dwell in prosperity” (v. 13), and “his descendants shall inherit the earth” (v. 13). First, he will have descendants—something very important to ancient man—and they shall be blessed with sustenance from the earth. Furthermore, the fearful will have a better understanding of God (v. 14), and “He will show them His covenant.” If we keep our eyes on Him, He will deliver us from trouble (v. 15).
A final prayer (vs. 16-22)—There is a slight change of tone in the final few verses of the psalm. David seems to be in greater distress than at the opening of the song. “I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged” (vs. 16-17). He asks for mercy (v. 16) and deliverance (v. 17). Perhaps some trouble had come upon David before he finished composing this song, but more than likely, it simply refers to the condition that mankind often faces—trials and tribulations—and directs us to the One who can save us from them. This theme is followed through the remaining verses—affliction and pain (v. 18), enemies and hatred (v. 19), and shame (v. 20). With the “let me not be ashamed” of verse 20, David returns to a thought he mentioned earlier in the psalm (v. 2), but again, with seemingly a bit more urgency here at the end. He beseeches God for mercy (v. 16), deliverance (v. 17), forgiveness (v. 18), physical protection from his enemies (v. 19), spiritual protection for his soul (or life—v. 20), and redemption for all of Israel (v. 22). He doesn’t ask these favors unconditionally—“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You” (v. 21). Once more, if we want God’s blessings, then we must be willing to give Him something in return.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s (vs. 1-2)—Not only its physical features, but those who dwell therein (v. 1). Everything ought to belong to Him, since He created all.
Who can approach Him? (vs. 3-6)—Thus, who has the right to approach this holy, awesome God? Since His “place” is “holy,” only a certain quality of character may “ascend” His hill (v. 3). This portion of the song is similar to Psalm 15, but not as comprehensive. Three characteristics are necessary: clean hands and a pure heart, those who don’t worship false gods, and the one who guards his tongue and speaks honestly (v. 4). This is the one who “shall receive blessing from the Lord,” and be pronounced righteous (v. 5). This is the true “Jacob,” or “Israel;” not physical Israel, but the one who seeks God (v. 6).
The King of glory (vs. 7-10)—In verse 7, David address the “gates” and “everlasting doors.” The allusion is a little obscure, but since those gates allow the “King of glory” to enter, it seems plausible that this refers to a triumphal entry into the city by a victorious monarch. David repeats this refrain, for emphasis, in verse 9. Verse 8 tends to support this “victory” idea by referring to the Lord being “strong and mighty” and “mighty in battle.” Who is the King? Only Jehovah, and the ASV’s use of that name is good, because only Israel had “Jehovah” for a god. Many peoples could call their god “lord.” He is Jehovah “of hosts”—of all, as verse 1 tells us.
This whole song emphasizes the majesty of Jehovah God. He is creator of all things, He is so holy that only a certain type of people may approach Him, and He is the victorious King of Glory. David not only knew this God personally, but he understood something about the respect that he (who was a king himself) owed to that God. We should love Him, but we should also revere Him.
Who can approach Him? (vs. 3-6)—Thus, who has the right to approach this holy, awesome God? Since His “place” is “holy,” only a certain quality of character may “ascend” His hill (v. 3). This portion of the song is similar to Psalm 15, but not as comprehensive. Three characteristics are necessary: clean hands and a pure heart, those who don’t worship false gods, and the one who guards his tongue and speaks honestly (v. 4). This is the one who “shall receive blessing from the Lord,” and be pronounced righteous (v. 5). This is the true “Jacob,” or “Israel;” not physical Israel, but the one who seeks God (v. 6).
The King of glory (vs. 7-10)—In verse 7, David address the “gates” and “everlasting doors.” The allusion is a little obscure, but since those gates allow the “King of glory” to enter, it seems plausible that this refers to a triumphal entry into the city by a victorious monarch. David repeats this refrain, for emphasis, in verse 9. Verse 8 tends to support this “victory” idea by referring to the Lord being “strong and mighty” and “mighty in battle.” Who is the King? Only Jehovah, and the ASV’s use of that name is good, because only Israel had “Jehovah” for a god. Many peoples could call their god “lord.” He is Jehovah “of hosts”—of all, as verse 1 tells us.
This whole song emphasizes the majesty of Jehovah God. He is creator of all things, He is so holy that only a certain type of people may approach Him, and He is the victorious King of Glory. David not only knew this God personally, but he understood something about the respect that he (who was a king himself) owed to that God. We should love Him, but we should also revere Him.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my Shepherd” (vs. 1-6)—This is probably the most well-known of all of the 150 psalms and there is no way a human commentator can do it justice. David, of course, was a shepherd in his youth and uses that knowledge to write this great song. The shepherd had total responsibility for the well-being of the sheep. A human shepherd is frail and subject to fiasco, but the Lord is the perfect shepherd and will unfailingly perform His duties: thus, “I shall not want” (v. 1). He leads us to the richest of sustenance—“green pastures”—and there is nothing to fear—“still waters,” not rushing streams where a sheep might be swept away. There is also spiritual protection: “He restoreth my soul”—mercy when we need it. “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness”—if we follow Him, as the sheep is supposed to do, we will be protected from the consequences of evil. And notice, He does it “for his name’s sake” (v. 3)—for His glory and honor, which is our purpose on this earth. Man can find his highest fulfillment and rationale for life in serving God. Pursuing our own selfish desires will only lead to disappointment, for we shall never find true satisfaction in the vanity of this world; there will always be something beyond that we will want. God simply did not constitute man so that material things will satisfy us. We are created in His image—our spiritual nature is the true reality, for it will last long after this flesh has returned to the earth. And thus, living “for His name’s sake” is where true contentment and purpose for our existence is found.
With the Lord as our Shepherd, there is no fear in death: “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” He will meet us when we cross over the Jordan into the heavenly Promised Land. We are comforted by His rod and staff (v. 4). If we get a little out of line, a touch of His staff brings us back into harmony with Him—we can be sure that He constantly watches over us to make sure we do not stray. He prepares us a spiritual feast (v. 5), such to make our enemies jealous. He pours rich blessings upon us, yea, so many that “my cup runneth over” (v. 5). All we need to do is trust Him: “’Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it’” (Malachi 3:10). Following our Shepherd will lead to “goodness and mercy” following us “all the days of [our] lives.” And in the end, eternal life: “And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (v. 6).
What more could we want? Gentle reader, “trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Following the True Shepherd will provide us a straight, contented path in this life, one that leads directly to eternal life with Him.
With the Lord as our Shepherd, there is no fear in death: “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” He will meet us when we cross over the Jordan into the heavenly Promised Land. We are comforted by His rod and staff (v. 4). If we get a little out of line, a touch of His staff brings us back into harmony with Him—we can be sure that He constantly watches over us to make sure we do not stray. He prepares us a spiritual feast (v. 5), such to make our enemies jealous. He pours rich blessings upon us, yea, so many that “my cup runneth over” (v. 5). All we need to do is trust Him: “’Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it’” (Malachi 3:10). Following our Shepherd will lead to “goodness and mercy” following us “all the days of [our] lives.” And in the end, eternal life: “And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (v. 6).
What more could we want? Gentle reader, “trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Following the True Shepherd will provide us a straight, contented path in this life, one that leads directly to eternal life with Him.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Psalm 22
Feeling forsaken by Jehovah (vs. 1-21a)—Whether this psalm is wholly Messianic or whether David’s sufferings and eventual euphoria are a type of Christ is not clear to all Bible students. That there are verses here that refer to Christ is undeniable. Here they are:
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me” (v. 1);
“He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him” (v. 8);
“They pierced My hands and My feet” (v. 16);
“They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots” (v. 18).
These four are clear allusions to the crucifixion of Jesus. The whole psalm is probably Messianic, though placed in the historical circumstances of David’s life, and I’ll write my comments below from David’s perspective, yet I encourage the reader to remember that “David” probably means “Jesus.”
Regardless, David feels forsaken by God (vs. 1-2), a feeling we all have at times in our lives. He does not deny—nor should we—the holiness of God (v. 3), and that trust has brought, and will bring, deliverance (vs. 4-5). It simply hadn’t happened to David yet. He feels virtually worthless—“I am a worm” (v. 6)—and all the people have turned against him as well; he is ridiculed and mocked (vs. 7-8). Yet, he knows that it is God Who “took me out of the womb” (v. 9); he has never turned from God (v. 10), and, at the moment, there is no one else to turn to (v. 11). He is surrounded by strong, vicious enemies (vs. 12-13), “poured out like water” (v. 14), without strength and near death (v. 15). In what can only be references to Jesus, “they pierced My hands and My feet” (v. 16), and “divide My garments among them” (v. 18). If we apply this in any way to David the king, it must only be poetic and figurative, for these things never literally happened to him. There is a final request (vs. 19-21a) for Jehovah to deliver him. And indeed…
“You have answered me” (vs. 21a-31)—The remainder of the song is a praise to the Lord for just that fact, and an encouragement to others to do the same. Because of His great deliverance, “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You” (v. 22). Others—“you who fear the Lord” should also “praise Him” (v. 23). Jehovah does not forever hide His face; when we cry to Him, He hears (v. 24). Our praise should be public (“in the great assembly”), and we should be faithful in our commitments to Him (v. 25). He takes care of even the lowliest of His people (v. 26). One of the evidences of faithfulness is indeed praise: “Those who seek Him will praise the LORD” (v. 26). “All the ends of the earth” will, at some point, “remember and turn to the Lord,” and “shall worship before You” (v. 27). He’s the King and “rules over the nations” (v. 28). The prosperous “shall eat and worship,” and those near death “shall bow before Him” (v. 29). One cannot help but reminded of Paul’s great eulogy in Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It will happen some day, and both David in Psalm 22 and Paul in Philippians 2 are agreed upon it. David ends Psalm 22 by announcing that God’s greatness will live on and on, from generation to generation (vs. 30-31).
Again, it is best to look at this psalm, though written by David, as a summary of the work of Christ on Calvary and its resultant blessings. Jesus did come in the flesh, with all the emotions, feeling, frailties, doubts, and pains that such entailed. But His death is the ultimate cause for universal praise to God; without Him, nothing else written in the book of Psalms has any meaning at all. This great psalm reminds us of the entire theme of the Old Testament: Christ is coming for the redemption of mankind. That was promised by God all the way back in Genesis 3:15, and is kept before us, constantly, as we read through the Old Testament writings.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me” (v. 1);
“He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him” (v. 8);
“They pierced My hands and My feet” (v. 16);
“They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots” (v. 18).
These four are clear allusions to the crucifixion of Jesus. The whole psalm is probably Messianic, though placed in the historical circumstances of David’s life, and I’ll write my comments below from David’s perspective, yet I encourage the reader to remember that “David” probably means “Jesus.”
Regardless, David feels forsaken by God (vs. 1-2), a feeling we all have at times in our lives. He does not deny—nor should we—the holiness of God (v. 3), and that trust has brought, and will bring, deliverance (vs. 4-5). It simply hadn’t happened to David yet. He feels virtually worthless—“I am a worm” (v. 6)—and all the people have turned against him as well; he is ridiculed and mocked (vs. 7-8). Yet, he knows that it is God Who “took me out of the womb” (v. 9); he has never turned from God (v. 10), and, at the moment, there is no one else to turn to (v. 11). He is surrounded by strong, vicious enemies (vs. 12-13), “poured out like water” (v. 14), without strength and near death (v. 15). In what can only be references to Jesus, “they pierced My hands and My feet” (v. 16), and “divide My garments among them” (v. 18). If we apply this in any way to David the king, it must only be poetic and figurative, for these things never literally happened to him. There is a final request (vs. 19-21a) for Jehovah to deliver him. And indeed…
“You have answered me” (vs. 21a-31)—The remainder of the song is a praise to the Lord for just that fact, and an encouragement to others to do the same. Because of His great deliverance, “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You” (v. 22). Others—“you who fear the Lord” should also “praise Him” (v. 23). Jehovah does not forever hide His face; when we cry to Him, He hears (v. 24). Our praise should be public (“in the great assembly”), and we should be faithful in our commitments to Him (v. 25). He takes care of even the lowliest of His people (v. 26). One of the evidences of faithfulness is indeed praise: “Those who seek Him will praise the LORD” (v. 26). “All the ends of the earth” will, at some point, “remember and turn to the Lord,” and “shall worship before You” (v. 27). He’s the King and “rules over the nations” (v. 28). The prosperous “shall eat and worship,” and those near death “shall bow before Him” (v. 29). One cannot help but reminded of Paul’s great eulogy in Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It will happen some day, and both David in Psalm 22 and Paul in Philippians 2 are agreed upon it. David ends Psalm 22 by announcing that God’s greatness will live on and on, from generation to generation (vs. 30-31).
Again, it is best to look at this psalm, though written by David, as a summary of the work of Christ on Calvary and its resultant blessings. Jesus did come in the flesh, with all the emotions, feeling, frailties, doubts, and pains that such entailed. But His death is the ultimate cause for universal praise to God; without Him, nothing else written in the book of Psalms has any meaning at all. This great psalm reminds us of the entire theme of the Old Testament: Christ is coming for the redemption of mankind. That was promised by God all the way back in Genesis 3:15, and is kept before us, constantly, as we read through the Old Testament writings.
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