main themes of the psalm. God is always – God.

main themes of the psalm. God is always – God.

PSALMS 71:1 724

and those who lay in wait for my life

conspire together, 11 Saying, “God has forsaken him. Persecute and take him,

1 In you, O LORD, I put my trust. Let me never be put to confusion. 2 Rescue me in your righteousness, and enable me to escape. Bend down your ear to me, and save me. 3 Be my strong dwelling place,

for there is no one to rescue him. 12 O God, do not be far from me. O my God, come quickly for my help. 13 Let those who are the enemies of my soul be put to shame and consumed. Let those who seek my harm be covered

to which I can continually resort. You have given the command to save me,

with scorn and dishonour. 14 But I will hope continually and will praise you still more and more. 15 My mouth shall declare your righteousness and your salvation all day, though I do not know its measure. 16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God. I will mention your righteousness,

for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hands of the wicked, from the hands of the unrighteous

and cruel man. 5 For you are my hope, O Lord God. You are my trust from my youth. 6 By you I have been upheld from birth. You are the one who took me from my

yours alone. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth; and to this day I have declared

mother’s womb. My praise will continually be of you. 7 I have become like a sign to many; but you are my strong refuge. 8 Let my mouth be filled with your praise and with your honour all day. 9 Do not reject me in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. 10 For my enemies speak against me,

your wonderful works. 18 Even when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me,

until I have declared your strength

to this generation, and your power to everyone who

is to come.

writer was facing old age (vs 9,18). Looking back over a lifetime of trials and difficulties (v 20) he praises God for His faithfulness, power, and especially for His righteousness. God’s righteousness is referred to five times – verses 2, 15, 16, 19, 24. So we may consider it one of the main themes of the psalm. God is always just and acts justly toward all. 71:1-3 These verses are very similar to the opening verses of psalm 31 penned by David. The writer has trusted Jehovah, the God of the Bible, the Creator of the universe. All his victories and blessings, all his hope flows from this fact. God’s power and righteousness are at work on behalf of those who trust Him. It is a just and righteous thing for God to keep His promises to His children, and therefore He will certainly do so. 71:3 Note on “Rock” at Deut 32:4. Notice the words, “to which I can always go.” The door of prayer, of God’s grace, of God’s protection stands always open to the believer. Never an hour, day or night, when he is not welcome to enter (compare Rom 5:2; Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19-22). 71:4 See 17:13; 22:20; 35:17; 59:2; 140:1,4. Why are there so many prayers in the psalms for protection against wicked men? Because wicked men would not refrain from trying to harm godly and zealous believers. 71:5 See 39:7; 146:5; Jer 17:7,13,17;

Rom 15:13; Col 1:27; 1 Tim 1:1. 71:6 See 22:10; Isa 46:3; Jer 1:4,5; Luke 1:15. 71:7 Many knew of his trials and dangers, and how God brought him wonderfully through them all. 71:8 Now in old age he has one theme only – God. 71:9 Verse 18. There is no danger of God forsaking believers when they are old, and we should never fear that He might (92:14; Isa 46:4; Heb 13:5). 71:10,11 See 3:2; 17:2; 31:13; 56:6; 83:3. 71:12 See 10:1; 22:11; 35:22; 38:21; 40:13; 70:1,5. 71:13 Note at 35:8. 71:14 Notice the word “continually” – v 3 speaks of continual access, v 6 of continual praise, v 14 of continual hope. Notice the words “all day long” in vs 8, 15, 24. Continual access to God’s presence gives continual hope which leads to continual praise. Compare Rom 5:1-5. 71:15,16 Countless mercies call for continual praise. Observe whose righteousness he praises; not his own as hypocrites and Pharisees do (Matt 6:1,2,5; Luke 18:9-12). Let us not be like those who praise themselves and boast in their own righteousness, not God’s. 71:17,18 The person who has God for his teacher has a great teacher indeed! And

725 PSALMS 72:7

19 Your righteousness also, O God, is very lofty, you who have done great things. O God, who is like you! 20 You, who have showed me great and severe troubles, will cause me to live again, and will bring me up again from the

A Psalm for Solomon

1 Give the king your judgments, O God, and your righteousness to the king’s son. 2 He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. 3 The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills,

depths of the earth. 21 You will increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. 22 And with the lyre I will praise you, and your truth, O my God. To you I will sing with the harp,

through righteousness. 4 He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces. 5 They will fear you as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. 6 He will come down like rain on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. 7 In his days the righteous will flourish, and abundance of peace as long as the

O Holy One of Israel. 23 When I sing to you my lips will greatly rejoice, and my soul, which you have redeemed. 24 My tongue also will speak of your righteousness all day long; for those who seek my harm are

disappointed, they are brought to shame.

the younger he begins to learn from God the better. But will God be willing to become our teacher? Yes, He will (25:4,5; 119:102; Isa 54:13; John 6:45; 14:26; Eph 4:21). If God Himself is the teacher why should men try to teach other men? One of the ways God teaches us is through men whom He has taught – Eph 4:11-13; 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 4:2. So the writer of this psalm is resolved to declare to others what He has learned of God. 71:19 35:10; Deut 3:24; Isa 40:18-26; Rom 11:33-36; Rev 15:3,4. 71:20,21 Nothing comes to a child of God that God has not sent, or in His wisdom permitted to come. This is a ground of great assurance and hope. God’s purpose is not to afflict believers or cause them to experience great difficulties, but to teach us, give us new life and raise us at last to new heights and give us new comfort. Compare Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28. 71:22-24 Meditating on the greatness and goodness of God brought strong determination to the writer – he will sing to God, praise Him, and speak of His righteousness all day long. 72 Title: This could also be translated “of (or by) Solomon.” Verse 20 indicates that perhaps it was a prayer of David. It may be that David in his old age, having appointed Solomon as his successor, prayed for him some of the things we have in this psalm, and that Solomon put them in the poetic form we have here. So it could contain David’s prayer and be Solomon’s psalm. In any case, this psalm, however much Solomon may be in it, is about one greater than Solomon. This, like psalms 2, 21, and 45, is a prophetic psalm concerning God’s

anointed King, the Lord Jesus Christ. His reign will be righteous and peaceful (vs 1-7), worldwide (vs 8-11), compassionate (vs 12-14), perpetual and prosperous (vs 15-17). 72:1 As for Solomon, he was a king and the son of king David. As regards Christ, He is God’s anointed King and the Son of heaven’s eternal King. Solomon’s reign in some measure is a type or picture of Christ’s. The writer describes an ideal ruler and an ideal reign. The first essential for this is to know God’s just decisions, to have a God-given sense of justice. Compare Solomon’s prayer for himself in 1 Kings 3:5-9. 72:2 Isa 9:7; 11:2-5; 32:1. 72:3 Isa 2:4; 9:5,6; Micah 4:3,4; Zech 9:10. Peace is a result of righteousness (Isa 32:17). One trouble with the world is that nations and individuals hope and seek for peace without righteousness. Observe the prominence given to righteousness in these opening verses. The great King’s compassionate heart is more fully described in vs 12-14. 72:5 This was not true of Solomon, but is eternally true of the Lord Jesus. 72:6 Blessings as refreshing showers will accompany Christ’s reign. But this verse speaks of more than blessings coming down. It speaks of the King Himself coming down. And come down He shall (1 Thess 4:16; Rev 19:11-16). 72:7 A great promise to those who are righteous! Now in this world to be righteous is often to be an object of scorn, opposition, and persecution (John 15:18-21; Heb 11:36-38). When King Jesus takes up His reign on earth there will be vast changes made. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

PSALMS 72:8 726

moon endures. 8 And he will rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before him, and his enemies will lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring presents. The kings of Sheba and Seba will offer gifts. 11 Yes, all kings will fall down before him, all nations will serve him. 12 For he will rescue the needy when he cries out, also the poor and the one who has no helper. 13 He will spare the poor and needy and save the souls of the needy. 14 He will redeem their soul from deceit and violence, and their blood will

and those of the city will flourish

like the grass of the earth. 17 His name will endure forever, his name will go on as long as the sun; and men will be blessed in him. All nations will call him blessed.

18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does wonderful things! 19 And blessed be his glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with

his glory! Amen, and Amen.

20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

BOOK 3 (Psalms 73 - 89)

be precious in his sight. 15 And he will live on, and to him the gold of Sheba will be given; also prayer will be made for him continually, and daily he will be praised. 16 There will be an abundance of grain in the earth on the top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon;

A Psalm of Asaph

1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,

72:8-11 Solomon never reigned over all nations. The One who is far greater than Solomon will (2:8,9; Isa 2:2-4; Zech 9:9,10; 14:9; Rev 19:15). “River” (v 8) – the Euphrates. “Islands” – or “coastlands.” 72:12-14 Here a reason is given why all will bring gifts to Him, bow before Him and serve Him. His character is surpassingly excellent, His deeds full of compassion. Though some rulers and leaders occasionally talk about helping the poor and needy, how many of them ever actually do so? The Lord Jesus will do more than talk about the poor and needy. He will stand up on their behalf and deliver them. He will truly abolish poverty from the earth, and destroy those who oppress the poor. 72:15-17 Then there will be no fear that some tyrant, some wicked ruler, will supplant the Lord Jesus. He will rule forever. 72:15 “For him” – the Hebrew here can also be translated “through him” or “for Him” or “in him.” His people pray through Him as mediator, they pray for Him when they pray for His kingdom to come, when they pray for His church or His work. And they pray in Him as members of His body. In general Hebrew prepositions have more than one meaning. 72:16 No famines will afflict mankind in Christ’s reign. 72:17 In Christ’s reign at last the blessings God promised to Abraham will be fully manifested (Gen 12:1-3). 72:18,19 Surely the above revelation should stir the hearts of believers to joy and praise and prayer for its fulfillment.

72:20 Other psalms David wrote appear later on in the book of psalms. But judging from this his last prayers before he died were concerning God’s kingdom. 73 Title: Note on Asaph at 50:1. Altogether twelve psalms are ascribed to him. 73:1 Here Asaph gives the conclusion he has reached after his struggles with doubt. He almost fell into unbelief about God’s goodness because of perplexing things that happen in the world. He came through the spiritual battle victoriously and is fully assured that God is good. Is God good to all? Yes, He is (145:9; Matt 5:45). He is good even to the wicked until it becomes no longer right to show them any more kindness. But God is especially good to His own dear people. God displays His goodness to the wicked to lead them to repentance (Rom 2:4). He is good to the righteous for their blessing, happiness, and sanctification.

Satan, who is the enemy of all goodness, will try to convince us God is not good at all. He will point to the world with its cruelty, suffering, and injustice. Satan will not say, of course, the truth that he and wicked men, not God, are responsible for all that. In this New Testament age when Satan tempts us to doubt God’s goodness we can look at the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ (something Asaph could not do), and be assured again that God is eternal love and everlasting goodness. 73:2 Asaph said God is good to the pure in heart – those in Israel who were true believers and who because of it tried to live holy lives (note on the pure in heart at Matt

727 PSALMS 73:21

they increase in riches.

my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no pangs in their death; but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble like other men, nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride surrounds them like a necklace; violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with fat; they have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff, and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak arrogantly. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, “How does God know?” and “Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 See, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world;

13 Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus”, see, I would have betrayed the

generation of your children. 16 When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God. Then I understood their coming end. 18 Surely you set them in slippery places. You cast them down to destruction. 19 How they are brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are completely consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awakes, so, O Lord, when you awake, you will despise their image. 21 Thus my heart was grieved,

5:8). Here he confesses his own weakness and folly. He realized he could hardly be classed with the pure in heart. Almost he had fallen away from God. 73:3 Here is the reason for Asaph’s spiritual struggle and near fall – envy. He compared his condition (vs 13,14) with the wicked who were prosperous, and he thought they were better off than he. On envy see Job 5:2; Prov 14:30; 23:17; 27:4; Matt 27:18; Acts 7:9; 13:45; 17:5; Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 3:3; Jam 3:14-16. 73:4-12 These verses are a vivid description of a certain class of people in their prosperity, pride, and ignorance. To understand fully Asaph’s folly in envying them we should remember an important fact. He was a Levite (God chose the Levites for service in the temple). The Levites were not supposed to desire material things. They had no inheritance in the land of Canaan. God Himself was their inheritance – Deut 10:9; 18:1,2. They were to devote themselves to the service of God and be supported by the offerings of the people of Israel – Num 18:21-26; Deut 14:27-29. For Asaph to envy the wicked in their prosperity was to show dissatisfaction with God’s calling for him. It was to forget that he had the greatest inheritance of all, and the greatest privilege and blessing of all men – God and God’s service. In these days many Christian workers commit Asaph’s blunder. And many do not come through this spiritual test as victoriously as he did. 73:10 “Waters of a full cup” – probably indicates an abundance of everything they want. 73:13,14 In his doubts and lack of understanding he concluded that any effort to be holy and spiritual was useless. All he got for his efforts was God’s chastisement,

every morning and all day long. He had expected better rewards for faithful service than that. So he thinks he has grounds to quarrel with God. How easy it is for us also to forget the purpose of God’s punishment and chastisement (Heb 12:5-11). God’s taking such pains to correct Asaph shows that Asaph was chosen of God and very precious.

On the whole, God is not much concerned with making His children materially prosperous. He wants to make them holy, faithful, trusting, and true. He is not in the business of building fortunes for them – He is building their character, something far more important than money and property. See also Psalm 37. 73:15,16 In this carnal condition he still had respect for the people of God and did not want to be a cause of stumbling to them. So he very wisely kept quiet about his doubts and inner turmoil. 73:17-20 Understanding began to dawn in Asaph’s mind when he got into God’s presence. There alone can we come to right opinions about things. The wicked enjoy their prosperity only for a little while. Then they are cut off and sink down to terrors, misery, and destruction. How foolish to envy those whose end is so dreadful! From the New Testament point of view, with its emphasis on eternal life, Lazarus, for example, had no need to envy the rich man, but the rich man had much cause to envy Lazarus (Luke 16:19-24). 73:21,22 This is the result of questioning God’s goodness and envying the wicked. Such sins make men like beasts without spiritual understanding (2 Pet 2:12; Jude 10). Asaph had been appointed to sing joyful songs to God (1 Chron 15:16,17), not to question God’s justice in His dealings with men. Grief and bitterness of spirit will re-

PSALMS 73:22 728

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God,

and I was pierced in my inmost being. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast in your presence. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with you. You hold me by my right hand. 24 You will guide me with your counsel, and afterwards receive me into glory.

that I may declare all your works.

A maskil of Asaph

25 Whom have I in heaven but you ? And there is nothing on earth that I

1 O God, why have you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the

desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart,

sheep of your pasture? 2 Remember your congregation which you purchased of old, the tribe of your inheritance which you

and my portion forever. 27 For, see, those who are far from you will perish. You destroy all those who go from you

redeemed, this mount Zion, where you have dwelt. 3 Lift up your feet to the perpetual ruins,

acting like a prostitute.

to know God and live joyfully in His presence forever. The way to obtain this good is to make Him our refuge. The result will be that we will want to declare His goodness to others. 74 Title: This psalm is ascribed to Asaph. He lived during David’s reign and it is certain that at that time the events described in vs 3-8 did not take place. And v 9 was not true then, for Nathan the prophet was living, David himself was a prophet, and Asaph was a seer – another name for a prophet (2 Chron 29:30). A seer could look into the future and describe events that had not yet taken place as though they had. Asaph wrote this psalm by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit regarding future calamities. Let no one think this a strange thing (see Isa 46:9,10). In Psalm 22 David wrote of the crucifixion of Christ that took place a thousand years later.

sult from such quarrels with God. Here when Asaph confesses his folly he begins to be restored to a healthy spiritual state. 73:23 “Nevertheless” – this word coming here has great meaning. It is the difference between salvation and destruction, peace and despair. Asaph had failed, had doubted, had quarreled with God’s ways, but God had not left him for a single moment. As a father holds the hand of a little son stumbling on a dark path so God held Asaph’s hand (compare John 10:28). 73:24 Because of God’s grace, complete assurance floods back into Asaph’s heart. God Himself will be his guide and lead him all the way to the place of eternal glory. The prosperity of the wicked has to do only with this earth and for their little time here. The believer has his inheritance in God Himself and so it will never pass away – Rom 8:17; Eph 1:14,18; 1 Pet 1:3,4; Matt 6:19-21. 73:25 Asaph returns to his proper spiritual position as a Levite who has God for his portion. In this New Testament age believers are priests and Levites in a spiritual sense (note at Ex 28:1). Happy is the person who can truly say that he wants nothing on earth but God Himself.

There are many other examples of writings in the Old Testament which describe future events using verb forms in Hebrew that we would call in English past or present tenses. See, for example, Isaiah chapter 53. Here Asaph puts himself in the place of these future people of God and speaks as though he were one of them. In this way the Holy Spirit provides a prayer for those in the future who would actually experience the disaster described here.

“Nothing” – or “no one.” 73:26 How weak and deceiving are our own hearts – Prov 28:26; Jer 17:9. There is nothing in ourselves that we can depend on – Rom 7:18; 2 Cor 1:9; 3:5. God is the strength of our heart (or “Rock” – the literal meaning of the Hebrew word used here. Note at Deut 32:4). See 18:1,2; 27:1; 62:7; 84:5; 2 Cor 12:9. 73:27 This will be the fate of those who despise God’s goodness and will not repent at His kindness. Since they spurn His grace that would save them they will taste of His justice which condemns them.

“Maskil” – probably a literary or musical term. 74:1 See 44:9; 77:7. There is no confession of sin in this psalm, only perplexity at God’s dealings with His people (vs 10,11). When strange events occur, when God’s anger seems to be aroused, it is no mistake to ask God for the cause. For of one thing we may be sure – God does nothing without a very good reason.

“Sheep” – 79:13; 95:7; 100:3. 74:2 “Redeemed” – Ex 15:13,16; Deut 32:6; Ps 78:35 (note); Isa 63:9. “Zion” – 9:11; 68:16; 76:2; 132:13. 74:3-9 This language points to a time long after the temple in Jerusalem had been

“Acting like a prostitute” – a phrase used by the writers of the Old Testament to indicate unfaithfulness to the one true God, and running after false gods. 73:28 The supreme good for man is just this –

729 PSALMS 75:2

all that the enemy has destroyed in the

You dried up mighty rivers. 16 The day is yours; the night also is yours. You prepared the light and the sun. 17 You set all the borders of the earth. You made summer and winter. 18 Remember that the enemy has taunted you, O LORD, and that the foolish people have

sanctuary. 4 Your enemies roared in your meeting places; they set up their banners as signs. 5 A man was famous for lifting up axes on the thick trees. 6 But now they have broken down its carved work all at once with axes and

hammers. 7 They have set your sanctuary on fire, they have defiled the dwelling place

blasphemed your name. 19 O do not deliver the soul of your dove to the horde of the wicked. Do not forget forever the congregation

of your name by casting it down

to the ground. 8 They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting

of your poor. 20 Have regard for the covenant. For the dark places of the earth are

full of the habitations of cruelty. 21 Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed! Let the poor and needy praise your name. 22 Arise, O God, plead your own cause! Remember how the foolish man scorns you

places of God in the land. 9 We do not see our signs. No longer is there a prophet, nor is there anyone among us who knows

how long. 10 O God, how long will the foe taunt you ? Will the enemy blaspheme your name

daily. 23 Do not forget the voice of your enemies. The uproar of those who rise up against

forever? 11 Why do you withdraw your hand, your right hand? Take it out of your bosom and destroy them ! 12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13 You divided the sea by your strength. You broke the heads of the monsters in

you increases continually.

To the chief musician, al taskith,

a Psalm, a song of Asaph

1 To you, O God, we give thanks, to you we give thanks, for your wonderful deeds declare that

the waters. 14 You broke in pieces the heads of leviathan and gave him as food to

your name is near. 2 “When I choose the proper time I will

the people living in the desert. 15 You split open the fountain and the flood.

destroyed. Both this verse and v 9 indicate a time after Jeremiah’s day (he described the destruction of the temple in Jeremiah chapter 52). So Asaph was looking several hundred years into the future. 74:10 See 6:3; 13:1,2; 35:17; 80:4; 89:46; 90:13; Rev 6:10. 74:11 God’s ways are not our ways and are not to be understood by mere human reason (Isa 55:8,9; Rom 11:33,34).

Creator to act in behalf of His people as He did before. They are like a dove, their enemies like fierce beasts trying to destroy them completely. He could not understand God’s inaction when people curse Him and mistreat His dear people. But God has His purposes in that too, and when they are fulfilled He will arise to judge the world. 75 Title: Al-taskith probably indicated the tune to be used when singing this psalm. It means “Do not Destroy.” 75:1 “Thanks” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13. In the previous psalm Asaph prayed that God would judge the wicked. Here there is thanksgiving for God’s answer. There Asaph cries out “How long?” Here is the assurance that God will act at the proper time. God’s name means His person, His attributes. He is near to help His people – Deut 4:7; 34:18; 145:18; 148:14; Deut 4:7; Isa 55:6. 75:2-7 In v 2 God Himself begins to speak. He sees the turmoil in the world and the persecution of His people. He hears the

“Destroy them” – note on such prayers at 35:8. 74:12-17 Here Asaph reminds God that He has previously acted in behalf of His people, and that He is the all-powerful Creator and Ruler of the world. Vs 13,14 probably refer to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptian armies in Exodus chapter 14. Happy is the person who can say as Asaph did “God is my king.” For God is the most benevolent of rulers, always seeking the highest good of His people. Of course, He demands their complete loyalty, trust, and obedience. 74:18-23 Asaph appeals to God the great

PSALMS 75:3 730

His name is great in Israel. 2 Also his tabernacle is in Salem, and his dwelling place in Zion. 3 There he broke the arrows of the bow, the shield and the sword of battle. Selah 4 You are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. 5 The brave have been plundered; they sleep their sleep; and none of the mighty men have found

judge uprightly. 3 The earth and all its inhabitants melt away, I hold up its pillars. Selah 4 I said to the boasters, ‘Do not boast’, and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up

your horn, 5 Do not lift up your horn on high. Do not speak with an arrogant neck.’” 6 For exaltation does not come either from the east or from the west or from

the south, 7 But God is the judge. He puts down one, and sets up another. 8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red. It is fully mixed, and he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth

the use of their hands. 6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the charioteer and horse have

been cast into a deep sleep. 7 You, you alone, are to be feared. And who can stand in your sight when

drain it, drinking it to its dregs. 9 But I will declare this forever. I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 I will also cut off all the horns of the wicked; but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.

you become angry? 8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth was afraid and became quiet, 9 When God rose up for judgment to save all the meek of the earth. Selah 10 Surely the wrath of man will praise you. With the remainder of wrath you arm

To the chief musician, on neginoth,

a Psalm, a song of Asaph

yourself.

1 In Judah God is known.

boasting of wicked and arrogant people. He knows exactly how long He should let such things go on. God has set times to perform certain acts (Dan 8:19; 11:27,35; Hab 2:3; John 7:30; Acts 17:31). Until He arises to judge the world He Himself keeps the pillars of the world, the foundations of society from crumbling. And He has a message for all those who wickedly exalt themselves on earth: “Do not lift up your horn.” In the Bible horn sometimes signifies strength, authority, sometimes honor (89:17,24; 92:10; 148:14; 1 Sam 2:1,10; Lam 2:3,17; Zech 1:21; Luke 1:69).

76:1 The greatest possible blessing for a people or an individual is to have the knowledge of the true God. In those days this was the blessing the people in Israel had. Now this true and only God is known among Christ’s believers scattered here and there throughout the whole world. See John 17:3. 76:2 “Salem” – Jerusalem. “Zion” – 74:2. 76:3 This psalm is a triumphant hymn after a battle in which God had fought for His people and conquered their enemies – vs 5-9. Some scholars believe the event referred to was the defeat of Sennacherib’s army described in 2 Chronicles chapter 32 and Isaiah chapter 37. This psalm is ascribed to Asaph and Sennacherib’s invasion occurred long after Asaph’s death. If that invasion is meant (and we cannot be sure of this) Asaph was writing of the future as if it had already happened. See note on the title of Psalm 74. 76:4 See 1 Tim 6:16; Jam 1:17; 1 John 1:5. 76:7 Notes on fear of the Lord at 34:11-14; 111:10; Gen 20:11; Prov 1:7. On “stand” see Ezra 9:15; Nahum 1:6; Mal 3:2; Rev 6:17. Notes on wrath at 90:7-11; Num 25:3; etc. 76:9 Observe why God pours out His wrath on wicked enemies. It is necessary for the sake of justice and for the salvation of the humble. 76:10 “Surely the wrath of man will praise

“Lift up” or exalt is one of the key themes of this psalm – vs 4,5,6,7,10. A man may lift himself to some high place but it will be only to fall – v 10. God’s people should quietly wait for God to lift them up (1 Sam 2:6-8). Let not the man who exalts himself by deceitful tricks or human strength vainly imagine that it is God who lifts him up. 75:8 The ancients sometimes offered to criminals before their execution wine mixed with stupefying drugs. That seems to be the picture here. Compare Isa 51:17-23; Jer 25:15,27; 49:12; Ezek 23:32-34; Rev 14:9,10. 75:9 Note on God of Jacob at 146:5. 75:10 The wicked rise only to fall. The righteous are abased only to be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14). 76 Title: Neginoth means string instruments.

731 PSALMS 77:16

11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfil them. May all who are around him bring

6 I remembered my song in the night. I meditated in my own heart,

and my spirit made diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will he be favourable no more? 8 Is his mercy completely gone forever? Does his promise fail for evermore? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his tender mercies?

presents to him who ought to be feared. 12 He will cut off the spirit of princes. He is awesome toward the kings of the earth.

Selah 10 And I said, “This is my infirmity, but I will remember the years of the

To the chief musician, to Juduthun,

a Psalm of Asaph

right hand of the Most High. 11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD. Surely I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all your work, and talk of your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary. Who is as great a God as our God? 14 You are the God who does wonders. You have declared your power among the

1 I cried out to God with my voice, yes, to God with my voice, and he gave ear to me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was unceasingly stretched out

in the night. My soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God and was troubled. I complained and my spirit was

people. 15 With your arm you redeemed your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

overwhelmed. Selah 4 You hold my eyes open. I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

Selah 16 The waters saw you, O God,

vain to express the distress of the mind, the longings of the heart. Even the Holy Spirit uses groans in the human heart to appeal to God the Father (Rom 8:26). 77:7-9 These are the words of a man experiencing great suffering of mind. He seems to have lost all fellowship with God and feels that God is angry. See also Job 6:4 and Lamentations 3:1-18. Such an experience may come to any of us. When it does we have this psalm to guide us. 77:10-12 Asaph while seeking God resolved to meditate on God’s former great deeds toward His people. Such remembrance is food for faith. Faith grows stronger by it and triumphs over depression. Peace of heart does not come by looking within at self, but by looking without to God’s acts of redemption. Verse 10 in Hebrew is quite obscure and there have been a number of different translations of it. Probably the KJV is best here. 77:11 Here Asaph determines to do what the Word of God commands (Deut 7:18; 8:2,18; 32:7). 77:12 1:1,2; 143:5; 145:5; 1 Tim 4:15. 77:13 The first thing Asaph remembers is that God’s way is perfectly holy. Therefore God’s dealings with him were just and good and without possibility of mistake (18:30). On God’s holiness see Lev 20:7; on His greatness see – 71:19; 86:8; Ex 15:11; Deut 32:31; Isa 40:25. 77:14 See 72:18; 86:10; 136:4. 77:15-20 He remembers the exodus from Egypt, the way through the Red Sea, the journey through the desert. All this brings

you. With the remainder of wrath you arm yourself” – this seems a better translation of the somewhat obscure and difficult Hebrew than others which have been made. God can and does turn all the doings of men, including their anger against God’s people, to His own glory and His people’s good (Gen 50:20; Ex 9:16; Acts 2:22-24; Rom 9:17). Also God can and does use men’s anger against Him as a weapon against them (compare Ex 14:5-28; Esther 7:10). 76:11 “Vows” – 50:14. “Presents” – 68:29; 2 Chron 32:22,23. 76:12 See 47:2. 77:1 Asaph in this psalm writes of a time of great depression. Compare psalm 42. He could not understand God’s dealings with him, and his faith was being severely tested. We may divide the psalm into three parts: Asaph’s depressed condition and prayer (vs 1-9); his decision to call to mind God’s greatness (vs 10-12); and the works of God in particular which he remembered. 77:2 When one is depressed and sad this is one part of the remedy. Seeking God will bring new life, strength, and joy – 9:10; 22:26; 34:10; 40:16; 69:32; 70:4; 105:3. Asaph refused all human comfort, all comfort which did not meet his need. He wanted God’s comfort alone. 77:3 Thoughts of God brought thoughts of former joys (vs 5,6), and increased his mental distress. Sighs and groans are sometimes the best prayers. A mother hears her baby’s cries when it has no words. 77:4 Sometimes words seem empty and

PSALMS 77:17 732

I will utter difficult sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, and which our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, declaring to the generation to come

the waters saw you. They were afraid; the depths also were troubled. 17 The clouds poured out water. The skies sent out a sound. Your arrows also went abroad. 18 The voice of your thunder was in the heavens. The lightning flashes lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way is in the sea and your path in the great waters, and your footsteps are not known. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful

deeds which he has done. 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers,

that they should make them known to

their children, 6 That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born; who should arise and declare them to

their children, 7 That they might set their hope on God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments, 8 And might not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare their

A maskil of Asaph

1 Give ear, O my people, to my law. Bow down your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable;

to his mind God’s love and faithfulness (vs 15,20), God’s power and glory (vs 16-18), and God’s mysterious dealings with His people (v 19). Remembrance of these matters was just the remedy Asaph needed for his gloomy depression. For peace of mind we do not need to know all the mysteries of God’s ways, we need only trust Him for His grace and follow His guidance through the barren wilderness of this world. Now, of course, believers can look to God’s acts of redemption in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and find comfort and help in times of depression. 77:17 “Arrows” – flashes of lightning. 78 Title: Maskil was probably a literary or musical term. 78:1 In this psalm Asaph speaks as a prophet (see Matt 13:35 where v 2 of this psalm is referred to). Here we have a contrast between God’s grace and mighty deeds, and Israel’s rebellion and sin. It was intended as an exhortation and a warning to the people based on their history (see also psalms 105 and 106). It also gives the reason why the tribe of Ephraim was put down and Judah exalted. It teaches the true meaning of the events of history, and we can learn much needed lessons from it for today.

have as much light and revelation from God as they had (and with the New Testament in our hands we have much more light than they had). There is much in this psalm on the fruits and penalties of unbelief. Unbelief causes people

To turn back (v 9), Be disobedient (v 10), Be forgetful of God’s great mercies (v 11), Go on sinning and rebelling (v 17), Live a life of futility (v 33), Flatter and lie (v 36), Limit God (v 41), And be disloyal and unreliable (v 57). And unbelief brings on men the anger of God and great loss.

78:2-8 These verses, particularly vs 7,8, give the reason why Asaph wrote this psalm. He is doing what God commanded His people to do (Ex 12:26,27; 13:8,9; Deut 4:9,10; 6:7,20-25; 11:19; 32:46). It is the solemn responsibility of parents to train up their children in the discipline and teaching of the Lord (Eph 6:4), and each generation of believers must instruct the next generation. 78:2 These words are applied to the teaching method of the Lord Jesus in Matt 13:35. 78:7,8 There are two kinds of examples in the Bible – good ones which we should follow, and bad ones which we should avoid. The brief history of Israel recorded in the rest of this psalm gives many of the second kind of example. Those people went astray for the three reasons given in v 8 – they would not obey God; they would not make their hearts right with Him; they would not be faithful to Him. The second of these reasons is the cause

Men often slander God because He does not give them all they desire, or behave as they think He ought, or because He punishes sin and rebellion. In this psalm we see God’s true righteous character and man’s depravity very strikingly and clearly revealed. Here we can learn much of what God is and what we are. We have no grounds for thinking that by nature we are in any way better than the people of Israel described here. And we have no excuse if we indulge in their rebellion and sins, if we

733 PSALMS 78:32

heart rightly, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. 9 The children of Ephraim, armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. 10 They did not keep the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law, 11 And they forgot his deeds and his wonders that he had shown them. 12 He did marvellous things in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, and he made the waters stand like a heap. 14 Also in the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of the fire. 15 He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the

Can he give bread also? Can he provide meat for his people?” 21 Therefore the LORD heard this and was angry. So a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel, 22 Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in his salvation, 23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and had opened the doors of heaven, 24 And had rained down manna on them to eat, and had given them the grain of heaven. 25 Man ate angels’ food. He sent them food to the full. 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he brought in the

south wind. 27 He also rained meat on them like dust, and feathered birds like the sand

great depths. 16 He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

of the sea, 28 And let them fall in the middle of their camp, around their homes. 29 So they ate, and were well satisfied, for he gave them their own desire; 30 They were not turned away from their craving. But while their food was still in their mouths, 31 The wrath of God came on them, and killed the stoutest of them, and struck down the chosen men of Israel. 32 In spite of all this they still sinned, and did not believe even though

17 And they sinned still more against him by provoking the Most High in the desert. 18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking for their desired food. 19 Yes, they spoke against God. They said, “Can God prepare a table in

the wilderness? 20 Look, he struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed.

of the other two. Preparing the heart and making sure the inner life is right with God is the most important duty of all. It is far more important than any outward service, for without it outward service will not be pleasing and acceptable to God (Prov 4:23; Luke 6:45). 78:9 During and after the conquest of Canaan Ephraim rose to a place of prominence among the tribes. Joshua and Gideon were both from this tribe. Ephraim is mentioned particularly because it failed in its leadership. We do not know to what battle Asaph refers – possibly to the times in general described in the book of Judges. 78:10,11 This was true, not merely of Ephraim, but of the whole nation. However, it was more markedly true in Ephraim than in the other tribes. 78:12 See Exodus chapters 7-13. Zoan was the city of Pharaoh, the capital of that part of Egypt near Goshen where the people of Israel lived. 78:13 Ex 14:21,22. 78:14 Ex 13:21,22; 14:24. 78:15,16 Ex 17:6; Num 20:11; Ps 105:41; 114:8. 78:17 A sad verse indeed. All God’s miracles on their behalf did not work in them an

effective change, did not produce a living faith or obedient heart. Actually miracles by themselves never produce true faith and obedience (vs 22,32; Matt 11:20-24; John 6:26). To produce these God’s work in the heart is required and true repentance. The awful depravity of human nature is not overcome by outward things, including powerful miracles. 78:18 Ex 17:6; Deut 6:16; Ps 95:9; 106:14; 1 Cor 10:9. 78:19 Ex 16:3; Num 11:4; 20:3; 21:5. Compare Ps 23:5. 78:20 Num 11:18. 78:21 Notes on God’s anger at 90:7-11; Num 25:3; etc. 78:22 Here is the reason for God’s anger. Their unbelief was in the face of great evidence of God’s power and goodness. It was willful, blameworthy unbelief. Doubting so great a God who had displayed such great grace was a great sin. 78:23-28 Ex 16:4,14,15. 78:26-28 Ex 16:13; Num 11:31,32. 78:29-31 See 106:14,15; Num 11:33,34. 78:32-42 Neither gracious miracles nor severe punishments changed the hearts of the people. They were incorrigible. But the rest of mankind is no better than they, and by nature we ourselves are in no way su-

PSALMS 78:33 734

and did not stir up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away and

they saw his wonderful works. 33 Therefore, he consumed their days in futility, and their years in trouble. 34 When he killed them, then they sought him, and they turned back and soon inquired

does not come again. 40 How often they provoked him in the wilderness, and grieved him in the desert!

after God. 35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they flattered him with their mouth and lied to him with

41 Yes, they turned back and tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

42 They did not remember his hand, or the day when he delivered them from

their tongues. 37 For their heart was not right with him, they were not firm in his covenant. 38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their wickedness, and did not destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away,

the enemy, 43 How he appointed his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan, 44 And turned their rivers and their streams into blood,

forgiveness, freedom, and an eternal inheritance. Jesus stands up for believers against their spiritual enemy Satan. He will destroy this one who has brought death on the human race, and will restore to man all that he lost by falling into Satan’s hands. The Lord Jesus has redeemed His people that collectively they might become His holy, spiritual “bride” to bring forth fruit for God. See Matt 20:28; 26:28; Rom 3:24; 7:1-4; 8:23; Gal 3:13,14; Eph 1:7,14; 4:30; 5:25-33; Col 1:14; Heb 9:12; 1 Pet 1:4,18,19; Rev 1:5; 5:9,10; 19:6-9. 78:36,37 Will men lie to God and try to deceive Him? Yes, of course. Men will try anything to evade the responsibility of truly repenting and living a life of obedience to God. 78:38 Ex 34:6; Num 14:18-20; Isa 48:9. If God did not restrain His just anger against men, none of them would be left alive. 78:39 See 103:14-16; Gen 6:3; Jam 4:14. 78:40 See 95:8-10; 106:43; 107:11; Heb 3:16; Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30. 78:41 “Limited” – this seems to the author of these notes to be a better translation of the somewhat obscure Hebrew word than others which have been offered. But is not God all-powerful? Can man limit God in any way? God is all-powerful (Gen 18:14; Jer 32:27; Matt 19:26). But men can limit Him in the good He would do for them. Compare Matt 23:37-39; Mark 6:1-6. Sin keeps people from experiencing the good they might otherwise receive (Jer 5:25), and an unbelieving attitude toward God is one of the worst of sins (it is the same as calling God a liar – 1 John 5:10). God has so arranged matters that people’s faith enables His power to work among them to bring blessing (Matt 9:29; 17:19,20; Mark 11:22-24), and their unbelief prevents it from working. In this area unbelief limits the omnipotent One. By not trusting God as we ought, are we limiting what God wants to do in us and through us? 78:42 Judges 3:7; 8:34. This was a deliberate refusal to remember, and this was blameworthy indeed. 78:43-51 Exodus chapters 7-13.

perior (Rom 3:9). These verses are a sad commentary on man’s fallen nature in which we all share. People in general are sinful and unbelieving (v 32), turning to God only in time of trouble (v 34), but even then insincere (vs 36,37), feeble in all they can do (v 39), continually grieving God (v 40), setting limits to God’s power (v 41), and easily forgetful of all God’s mercies (v 42). This is what human nature reveals itself to be when put to the test. Even God does not attempt to reform it. He says it is worthy of death, and gives a new nature altogether to the believer in Christ (Rom 6:3-5; 7:4-6; 2 Cor 5:14-17; Eph 2:1-10; 4:22-24; Col 3:1-4). 78:33 Israel went around in the desert for forty years without a goal. Emptiness of heart and futility of life and fear of the future and death – these are the sad fruits of sin, rebellion and unbelief. If our lives are fruitless and vain and empty and plagued by various fears, let us learn to trace these things to their true source. 78:35 The Hebrew word translated here “redeemer” (goel) is used 46 times in the Hebrew Old Testament, sometimes of God, sometimes of men. It had various meanings. A redeemer was one who delivered from trouble and bondage (Gen 48:16; Deut 13:5); a close relative who would buy a person’s lost property and restore it to him (Lev 25:25); an avenger of a family member who had been killed (Num 35:12); a close relative who would marry the widow of a family member and raise up progeny for him, besides buying up her lost property (Ruth 2:20); and one who takes the side of his people against oppressors (Prov 23:11). As Redeemer God saved His people from bondage, restored them to the land, and punished their enemies (Isa 49:25,26; Jer 50:33,34).

In the New Testament the word has more spiritual meanings. There the Lord Jesus is the Redeemer. He paid the price to release us from sin’s bondage. The price was His own blood. By His blood believers have

735 PSALMS 78:72

bow. 58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their

so that they could not drink. 45 He sent swarms of flies among them which devoured them, and frogs which destroyed them. 46 He also gave their crops to the caterpillar, and their labour to the locust. 47 He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost. 48 He also gave up their cattle to the hail, and their flocks to flaming thunderbolts. 49 He cast on them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and

carved idols. 59 When God heard this, he was enraged, and greatly abhorred Israel, 60 So that he forsook the tabernacle at Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men, 61 And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy’s hand. 62 He also gave his people over to the sword, and was angry with his inheritance. 63 The fire consumed their young men, and their maidens were not given

trouble, by sending destroying angels among them. 50 He made a path for his anger. He did not spare their soul from death, but gave their life over to the plague, 51 And struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the

in marriage. 64 Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation. 65 Then the Lord awoke like one out of sleep, and like a mighty man who shouts

tents of Ham, 52 But caused his own people to go out like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness

because of wine. 66 And he beat back his enemies; he put them to continual shame. 67 Moreover, he refused the tent of Joseph, and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which he loved. 69 And he built his sanctuary like heights, like the earth which he established

like a flock. 53 And he led them on safely, so that they were not afraid; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. 54 And he brought them to his holy territory, to this mountain, which his right hand had obtained. 55 He also drove out the nations before them, and apportioned an inheritance to them, and caused the tribes of Israel to

forever.

70 He also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds, 71 From following the ewes great with young. He brought him to feed his people

live in their tents. 56 Yet they tested and provoked the Most High God, and did not keep his testimonies, 57 But turned back and behaved unfaithfully like their fathers. They were turned aside like a deceitful

Jacob, and his inheritance Israel. 72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of

his hands.

78:52,53 Ex 14:19,20,27,28; 15:22. 78:54,55 Josh 1:1-3; 4:23; 10:40-42; 24:11-13. 78:56-58 These verses speak of the sin of the generation following the death of Joshua (Jud 2:7-13). They soon fell into the grievous and forbidden sin of idolatry (Ex 20:3-5; etc). A change of location did not mean a change of heart. They were as sinful and rebellious and unbelieving as their ancestors, as all men. 78:59 Notes on God’s anger at 90:7-11; Num 25:3.

tabernacle. Shiloh was in the territory of Ephraim (v 9). 78:61 The symbol of His strength and the place where His glory was displayed was the ark in the tabernacle. Because of the people’s sin He gave the ark into the hands of enemies (1 Sam 4:1-11). 78:62-64 Jud 20:21; 1 Sam 4:10,11. 78:65-72 In these concluding verses Asaph in poetic language describes a new work of God. He rejected the leadership of Ephraim, brought another tribe to power, caused a new king (David) to be anointed, chose a new place for the ark (Jerusalem), and crushed the enemies of Israel. This is a summary of events recorded in various chapters of 1 and 2 Samuel. 78:72 David is the great Old Testament type of Christ as victorious warrior, king, and

“Abhorred” – Lev 20:23; 26:30; Deut 32:19; Ps 5:6; 10:3. Evil is always disgusting to Him and all who practice it are offensive to Him. 78:60 Their sin was so great that God left the place He had chosen for His

PSALMS 79:1 736

and on the kingdoms that have not

called on your name. 7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place. 8 Oh, do not remember former our evil deeds against us. Let your tender mercies come speedily

A Psalm of Asaph

1 O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps. 2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the heavens, the flesh of your saints to the

to us, for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; and rescue us, and purge away our sins,

for your name’s sake. 10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let it be known among the nations,

beasts of the earth. 3 They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. 4 We have become objects of reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to those who are

in our sight, that you avenge the blood of your

servants which has been shed. 11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come before you. In accordance with the greatness of

around us.

5 How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that have not known you,

your power preserve the dying. 12 And repay seven times as much into the bosoms of our neighbours the scorn

with which they scorned you, O Lord.

shepherd of His people. 79:1 This psalm is very similar to psalm 74. See note on Asaph there. In the first four verses of this psalm he sees a great future calamity as though it were then present. But it did not take place for several hundreds of years. In the remaining verses Asaph gives an inspired prayer that would be suitable to the people when the event occurred. 79:2 Deut 28:26; Jer 7:33. 79:3 Jer 14:16; 22:18,19. 79:4 See 44:13. 79:5 See 13:1; 74:1,9,10; 85:5; 89:46. On God’s jealousy see Ex 20:4-6; Deut 29:20; Ezek 36:5; 38:19. 79:6 Note on such prayers as this at 35:8. Not knowing or acknowledging the one true God is blameworthy. Men willfully refuse the knowledge of God (Prov 1:29), and suppress what God has revealed about Himself (Rom 1:18). If any person really wishes to know and serve Him God would be willing to move heaven and earth if necessary to get instruction to that person. We know this from the revelation of God’s character in the Bible. The sad truth is that people do not wish to know Him and they make no attempt to call upon His name or seek His face. Therefore they are very guilty indeed, and God’s anger will certainly come on them (2 Thess 1:8). 79:8 See Ex 20:5; 34:6,7; Lam 5:7. Asaph here is speaking of national sin and guilt, and prays that God will not send punishment for it. There is such a thing as an accumulation of national sin which affects following generations. At last great punishment comes

on the nation in a single generation. One example of this is the Amorites in Canaan (Gen 15:16). When their sin was full God sent Israel into Canaan to destroy them. Another example was Israel punished in the days of king Nebuchadnezzar for previous sins (2 Kings 23:26,27; 2 Chron 36:15-19). Another example is the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of Israel by the Romans in 70 A.D. as prophesied by the Lord Jesus in Matt 23:35,36.

God is patient and long-suffering. But at last when the accumulated sins of a nation become so great that justice can delay no more, God pours out His anger on that nation. In the cases given above each generation of a people became what all previous generations made it, and what they themselves decided to be, the final generation being the worst and the most guilty of all. This is the story of human history. The only way God’s punishment can be averted on either an individual or a nation is repentance and sincere turning to God for mercy (2 Chron 7:14; Isa 55:7; Ezek 18:30-32; Jonah 1:1,2; 3:6-10; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 3:19). 79:9 The concern of godly people is not merely that they may receive God’s grace and mercy and escape from His wrath, but that God’s name may be glorified (57:5). If a person has no concern for the glory of God’s name he knows nothing of the true spiritual life. 79:10 Note on vengeance at Ex 21:23-35; Num 31:20. 79:11 See 102:20; Isa 61:1. 79:12 Note at 18:25,26.

737 PSALMS 80:17

7 Restore us again, O God of hosts, and cause your face to shine; and we will be saved.

13 So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will declare your praise to all

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations and planted it. 9 You prepared room for it and caused it to take deep root, and it filled the land. 10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and the mighty cedars with its branches. 11 It sent out its boughs to the sea, and its branches to the Euphrates River. 12 Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass by the way

generations.

To the chief musician, on Shoshannim-eduth

A Psalm of Asaph

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who dwell between the cherubim,

pick its grapes ? 13 The boar out of the woods ruins it, and the wild beast of the field devours it. 14 Return, we beseech you, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see,

shine forth. 2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up your strength, and come and save us. 3 Restore us, O God, and cause your face to shine; and we will be saved.

and visit this vine, 15 And the vineyard which your right hand has planted, and the branch that you made strong for

4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with the prayer of your people?

yourself. 16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down. They perish at the rebuke of your countenance. 17 Let your hand be on the man of your right hand, on the son of man whom you made strong

5 You feed them with the bread of tears and give them a great many tears to drink. 6 You make us an object of strife to our neighbours, and our enemies laugh among themselves.

79:13 “Sheep” – 74:1; 95:7. 80 Title: Shoshannim-eduth probably indicated the tune to be used when singing this psalm. It means “Lilies of the covenant.” This is similar to psalms 74 and 79. Israel’s enemies have triumphed, God’s people are in great trouble. Note on Asaph at Ps 74. 80:1 “Shepherd” – 23:1; 78:52; Gen 50:24; Isa 40:11; Jer 31:10. “Cherubim” – 99:1; Ex 25:22; 1 Sam 4:4; 2 Sam 6:2. 80:2 The mention of the tribe of Joseph in verse 1 and the tribes descended from Joseph’s two sons, along with Benjamin indicate that the disaster described in this psalm probably had to do with the northern kingdom and took place many years after Asaph wrote. In the march of Israel through the wilderness Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin were together immediately behind the ark (Num 2:18-24), and Ephraim became the leading tribe in Israel before the rise of Judah under David (78:9,67,68). 80:3 Verses 7,19. This prayer for restoration would have been fitting for many occasions in the history of Israel, and is still fitting for us today. The first phrase could also be translated “revive us.” Prayers for revival are always important to God, always necessary for men. It is something He wants to do (85:6; 2 Chron 7:14; Isa 57:15; Hos 6:2; Hab 3:2).

angry with the prayers of His people? Yes. And He is angry with them when they indulge in evil and refuse to repent (Isa 1:15-17). 80:5 Tears for both food and drink! And notice that God Himself has done it. 80:8-16 The nation Israel here is compared to a vine. See also Isa 5:1,2,7; Jer 2:21; 12:10; Ezek 17:6; 19:10. 80:8 See 44:2; Josh 13:6; 2 Chron 20:7. 80:11 At its greatest extent under Solomon Israel controlled the area between the Euphrates river and the Mediterranean Sea (“the sea”). 80:12 Walls speak of God’s protection around His people (Job 1:10). God may remove it for purposes of testing or chastisement or punishment. 80:13 The surrounding nations. 80:14-16 Asaph reminded God that it is God’s vine that is being destroyed and begged Him to look after His own property. A prayer, no doubt, God is not reluctant to answer. 80:17 Benjamin (v 2) means “son of the right hand.” But the complete fulfillment of this prayer can be seen only in the Lord Jesus. The Son of man is a title which He very often used of Himself (note at Matt 8:20). Benjamin was the son of Jacob’s right hand. Jesus is the Son of God’s right hand – the one especially honored and exalted (Acts 5:30,31). When He bore our sins as our substitute God’s hand was on Him to

“Shine” – 4:6; 31:16; Num 6:25. 80:4 Is is possible that God would ever be

PSALMS 80:18 738

7 You called out in trouble,

for yourself. 18 Then we will not turn back from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name. 19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; cause your face to shine,

and I rescued you. I answered you in the secret place of

thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah 8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify to you. O Israel, if only you would listen to me! 9 You must have no foreign god among you, nor worship any alien god. 10 I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 But my people would not listen to my voice, and Israel would have none of me. 12 So I gave them up to their own hearts’ desire; and they walked in their own counsels.

and we will be saved.

To the chief musician, on Gittith.

A Psalm of Asaph

1 Sing aloud to God our strength! Make a joyful sound to the

God of Jacob! 2 Take up a psalm, and assign the tambourine, the pleasant harp with

the lyre. 3 Blow the trumpet in the new moon at the set time, on our solemn feast day. 4 For this is a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob. 5 He ordained this in Joseph for a testimony, when he went throughout

13 Oh, that my people had listened to me, and Israel had walked in my ways! 14 I would soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their

adversaries. 15 The haters of the LORD would have submitted themselves to him, and their time would have gone on forever. 16 He would also have fed them with the finest of the wheat, and with honey out of the rock I would

the land of Egypt, where I heard a language that I did

not understand.

6 God says “I removed the burden from his

shoulder. His hands were freed from the baskets.

have satisfied you.”

punish sin. Later the same hand exalted Him to the highest place in the universe – Eph 1:19-22; Phil 2:9-11. 80:18 When God’s hand is on the Son of His right hand it will have eternal results. He is the one who will keep His people from turning away from God. To enable us to call on God as we ought in spirit and in truth we need to be given new life. And when we are given this new life we will certainly call on God. 81 Title: Gittith was probably a musical term. 81:1-5 Joy is the result of putting God first in life, of obeying His will. Here the subject is the joy of God’s people at the time of one of the national festivals (Leviticus chapter 23). To understand this psalm it is not necessary to identify which one is meant here. 81:5 The tribe of Joseph was the leading tribe of Israel in Egypt and here seems to signify the whole of Israel. The phrase “a language that I did not understand” is obscure in Hebrew. Does Asaph mean the words that follow which were spoken by God? Does he identify himself with Israel in Egypt and mean the language of the Egyptians? The literal translation is “I will hear a lip I did not know” – a voice not known. 81:6-16 In all these verses God is speaking through Asaph. See 2 Pet 1:21. 81:6 Ex 1:8-14. 81:7 Ex 2:23-25; 19:19; 20:18; 17:6,7;

Num 20:13. 81:8 God longs to bless His people but cannot justly do so unless they listen to Him – vs 13-16. 81:9 Ex 20:3; Deut 5:7; 32:12. 81:10 It is not men who beg God to be allowed to come to Him and be cared for by Him. It is God who has to beseech men! It is God who constantly has to urge men to pray, not men who have to try to get God to let them pray. God is far more eager to bless men than they are to seek His blessing. God wants to fill His people with good things. The mouth here of course represents the whole person. God will give us all we need, both material and spiritual things. It is our part to fully open our minds, our hearts, our lives to Him (37:4; 107:9; Matt 7:7-11). 81:11 This was the sin, the tragedy of Israel throughout most of its history. 81:12 A very terrible punishment but a perfectly just one (Prov 1:30,31; Rom 1:24,26,28; 2 Thess 2:10-12; Rev 22:11,12). The person or the people who will not listen to God is in grave danger (Heb 12:25). 81:13-16 These are only a few of the blessings God promises His people when they listen and obey. Notice the word “soon” in v 14. It indicates God’s heart to bless His people when it is just and right to do so.

739 PSALMS 83:3

children of the Most High’. 7 But you will die like men, and fall like one of the rulers.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth, for you will inherit all nations.

A Psalm of Asaph

1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods. 2 “How long will you judge unjustly, and show favouritism to the wicked?

Selah 3 Defend the poor and fatherless. Deal out justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy. Rescue them from the hand of the wicked. 5 They do not know, they do not understand, they walk on in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are

A song, a Psalm of Asaph

1 Do not keep silent, O God; do not be quiet and do not be still, O God. 2 For, look, your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate you have lifted up

their head. 3 They have craftily plotted against your people, and conspired together against your

hidden ones.

John 10:34. He defines who the “gods” of this psalm are as those “to whom the Word of God came.” The Word of God came to the leaders, rulers, and judges of Israel, all of whom at various times judged the people. They were God’s representatives. Their national relationship to God was as children to a father. Individually many of them may have been wicked men who did not know, trust, or serve God, and were not God’s spiritual children. 82:7 Though they had a very high position and were called “gods”, they would die like everyone else, and perhaps even be destroyed suddenly as indicated by the word “fall.” 82:8 These human judges had become so blind and corrupt that Asaph prays that God Himself will come and do the work of judging. This prayer God will yet answer (96:13; 98:9; John 5:22,27; Acts 17:31; Rev 20:11,12). 83 Title: In the recorded history of Israel we never read of the exact alliance against Israel of all the nations mentioned in this psalm. It is probable that Asaph is reviewing attacks on Israel made by different nations at different times. In other words, all Israel’s enemies were of one mind through the centuries to destroy it from being a nation. 83:1 God’s enemies were not silent – v 2. Let God speak and silence them. 83:2 God raised up the nation Israel to be the channel for bringing His Word, His truth, His salvation to the world. Those who hated Israel were haters of light, of truth, of God. Today those who hate Christ’s believers are in the same sad condition. They are haters of God – John 3:20; 15:18,24; Rom 1:30; 1 John 3:13. 83:3 “Hidden ones” – or possibly “treasured ones” or the combined idea of hidden treasure. To God that is what believers are. 83:4-8 Diverse people who have no common interests are united in one thing – they all oppose God and would like to

82:1 “Gods” – or it could possibly be translated “mighty ones” or “rulers.” Who are the people mentioned in this verse and in v 6? They were not the gods worshiped then by some people in the land of Israel or by the nations outside Israel. God had nothing to do with such “gods”, and was not speaking to them in this psalm. In fact, God says they are not gods at all and that He alone is God (Ex 20:3; Isa 37:19; 44:6,7; 46:9; Jer 16:20; 1 Cor 8:4-6; Gal 4:8). The “gods” in this psalm were the leaders, the judges in Israel. In Hebrew they are called “gods” in Ex 21:6 and 22:7,8 (translated “judges” in the KJV). God called them gods because they were appointed by God and acted as God’s representatives and judged on God’s behalf.

The work of determining punishment for evil doers and clearing the innocent is the work of God or of those whom God delegates to do so (Deut 1:17; 19:17; 2 Chron 19:6,7; Rom 13:1-4). Judges must understand that they themselves will be judged by God. The judges in Israel had become corrupt, and were perverting justice. So God Himself speaks to them through the mouth of Asaph. Since judges stand in God’s place to administer justice, any perversion of justice, any partiality, any taking of bribes is a terrible sin not merely against men but against God. 82:2 “How long?” – God now begins to speak to the judges. 82:3,4 See 10:18; 41:1; Deut 24:17; Isa 1:17; 11:4; Jer 22:16. 82:5 “They” – God speaks of the unjust judges.

“They do not know” – Jer 4:22; Micah 3:1-3. Darkness signifies both ignorance and wickedness. Because of the perversion of justice the whole of society shakes and totters. If the foundation is rotten how can the building stand? 82:6 The Lord Jesus quoted this verse in

PSALMS 83:4 740

and as a flame sets the mountains on fire, 15 So pursue them with your tempest, and frighten them with your storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame, so that they may seek your name, O LORD. 17 Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever; yes, let them be put to shame, and perish, 18 That men may know that you, whose name alone is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.

4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off as a nation, so that the name of Israel may be

remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one purpose; they have formed an alliance against you: 6 The tents of Edom, and the Ishmaelites, of Moab, and the Hagarenes, 7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek, the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria too has joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot. Selah

9 Do to them as you did to the Midianites, to Sisera, to Jabin, at the Kishon river, 10 Who perished at Endor; they became like refuse on the ground. 11 Make their leaders like Oreb and like Zeeb; yes, all their princes like

To the chief musician on gittith,

a Psalm for the sons of Korah

1 How lovely are your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the

Zebah and Zalmunna, 12 Who said, “Let us take possession of the pastures of God for ourselves.” 13 O my God, make them like a rolling wheel, like chaff before the wind. 14 As the fire burns a forest,

living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself

where she may put her young,

note the psalms of Asaph are at an end. 84 Title: Note on the sons of Korah at psalm 42. Here, as there, we do not know whether this psalm was written by one of the sons of Korah or for them as a group to put to music and sing. It sounds like a psalm of David but we cannot be sure that it is his. Gittith was probably a musical term. 84:1 “Lovely” – the Hebrew word could be translated “beloved” or “dearly loved.” The writer is not admiring the beauty of God’s dwellings, but revealing how much they mean to him, how he longs to be there.

destroy the people of God. So Herod and Pilate, former enemies, became allies and friends at the crucifixion of Christ (Luke 23:12. See Ps 2:2). 83:4 Pharaoh in Egypt, the nations around Canaan, Haman in Persia, and many others since including Adolph Hitler in Germany have tried to crush the Jews and exterminate them as a people. All such attempts failed and cannot but fail. God has always had His purposes with Israel and He will certainly fulfill them. Likewise there have been attempts made by various peoples at various times to exterminate the followers of Christ. It is utterly impossible to do so (Matt 16:18). In fact such attempts have often resulted in an increase in their numbers, power, and purity. 83:6-8 The enemies mentioned here were on all sides of Israel, east, south, west, and north. 83:9-12 Asaph bases his prayer on the history of Israel. Jud 4:7,15,21-24; 7:1-25; 8:12,21. 83:12 Israel’s “pastures” belong to God. 83:13-15 Note on such prayers at 35:8. 83:16-18 The inspired psalmists always had good reasons for praying for their enemies’ defeat or destruction (see 7:6-9). Here Asaph gives two reasons: that men may seek the true God (v 16), and may know that Jehovah alone is the God of the universe (v 18). So Asaph’s prayer does not arise from a vindictive heart or motives of human revenge, but from a desire for God’s glory and the good of those who will seek God and come to know Him. On this high

“LORD of hosts” – note at 1 Sam 1:3. 84:2 See 42:1,2; 63:1,2. From this we judge that the writer is at a distance from Jerusalem and unable to get there. But just the thought of being there to worship God brings joy to his heart. The worship of God in the congregation of other believers was a delight to him. No one had to force him to go to such meetings. The compulsion was inward and constant. How is it with us in regard to attending places where Christ is worshiped? 84:3,4 He could even envy the birds who find some place in the tabernacle compound to live. And he thinks of the priests who dwell there and so have daily opportunities to join in worship. Observe how he addresses God with assurance and joy “my King, my God.” Verse 4 gives us the first of three “blessed”s in this psalm. We might call this psalm “the blessed life.”

The blessed are those who are near God (v 4),

741 PSALMS 85:1

a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the

even your altars, O LORD of hosts,

my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will always be praising you. Selah

house of my God, than live in the

tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD will give grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the ways of

pilgrimage, 6 who when passing through the valley of Baca make it a spring. The rain also fills the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears in Zion

those who walk in integrity. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

in the presence of God. 8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer. Give ear, O God of Jacob.

To the chief musician, a Psalm for the sons of Korah

Selah 9 See, O God our shield, and look on the face of your anointed. 10 For a day in your courts is better than

1 LORD, you have been favourable to your land. You have brought Jacob back from captivity.

who are strong in God (v 5), who are pilgrims in heart (v 5), and who trust in God (v 12).

clearly the attitude we should have toward the worship and service of God. One day spent before God is more valuable than three years spent somewhere else. Doing the most menial task God gives us to do is more satisfying and important than all the activities of the sinful world. God’s least is far better than the devil’s best. Humble service for God is so far above all the luxuries, riches, and pleasures of wicked people that there is really no comparison.

For other references to “blessed” see note at 1:1. 84:5 “Strength” – 18:1,2; 28:7; 31:4; 73:26. Some of the appointed religious festivals in Israel were times when God’s people came from all over the land up to Jerusalem to worship. The writer here says the blessed person is not the one who physically treads the ways leading to Zion, but the one who has the ways in his heart, the one who delights to be a pilgrim, a traveler to the city of God. This speaks of the pilgrim life that believers are now to lead, moving on from this sad and sinful world to the heavenly Zion (Heb 11:13-16; 1 Pet 2:11). 84:6 Baca probably means “weeping.” We do not know where this valley was or why it was called the valley of weeping. We do not need to know. It is enough to know that even through the vale of tears, the sad experiences of the pilgrim life, and the desolations of the rocky desert, faith can make it all a well of comfort, joy, and refreshing (Acts 16:22-25; 2 Cor 1:5; Phil 2:17; Col 1:24). 84:7 In the long journey, instead of finding themselves growing weaker and weaker, they find more and more strength (103:5; Isa 40:30,31; 2 Cor 4:7-10,16; 12:9,10). Every pilgrim arrived at last in God’s presence – Ex 23:17; 34:23; Deut 16:16. Every real pilgrim, every true believer, will at last appear with joy before God’s presence in the heavenly Zion (John 14:3; 17:24; 2 Cor 5:1; Eph 1:4; Col 3:4; Jude 24,25). 84:8 See 4:1; 5:1; 54:2; 140:6. The writers of the psalms could not be satisfied with unanswered prayer. Note on the God of Jacob at 146:5. 84:9 See 3:3; 5:12; 28:7; 35:2. This is a prayer for the king. 84:10 Words could hardly express more

The Korahites, by whom or for whom this psalm was written, were actual doorkeepers at the house of God (1 Chron 9:19). We will not be the kind of people God wants us to be until we have right views about the service of God. It should be our delight to do something, to do anything, for our Saviour who has done everything for us. 84:11 God is the one who gives light on the pilgrim’s path and protection from their enemies. And He gives all we need for the journey now and honor hereafter (John 1:16; Rom 5:2; 1 Cor 1:4; 15:10; 2 Cor 12:9; John 12:26; 17:22; Rom 2:10; 8:17,18; 2 Cor 4:17; Col 1:27; 2 Tim 2:10; Heb 2:10; 1 Pet 1:7). “Good” – 34:9,10; 37:25; Matt 7:11; Rom 8:28; Phil 4:19. But we must leave the choice of what is good for us (and what is not good) to God. And we should see that our walk is blameless before Him. 84:12 See 2:12; 40:4. Faith is the hand that receives all of God’s blessings. 85 Title: See note at psalm 42. This psalm divides naturally into three parts. In the first 3 verses the author remembers God’s favor shown at a previous time. In vs 4-7 he pleads for God to act again in the same way. In vs 8-13 he gives the message he has received from God. 85:1 We do not know what specific time the writer had in mind. He may be referring to several different events such as are

PSALMS 85:2 742

2 You have forgiven the wickedness of your people. You have covered all their sin.

so that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed

Selah 3 You have removed all your wrath. You have turned away from the

each other. 11 Truth will spring out of the earth, and righteousness will look down

fierceness of your anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause your anger toward us to cease. 5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your mercy, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. 8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak; for he will speak peace to his people,

from heaven. 12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its crops. 13 Righteousness will go before him, and will set us in the way of his steps.

A prayer of David

and to his saints. But let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,

1 Bow down your ear, O LORD, hear me; for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my soul, for I am godly.

recorded in the book of Judges.

85:10 These four great attributes of God meet and embrace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Especially at the cross of Jesus we see these all combined. At Calvary there was the greatest display of God’s grace and mercy it is possible to conceive. There the truth of man’s nature, Christ’s nature, and God the Father’s nature brilliantly shines forth. There the righteousness of God which demands punishment for man’s sin is fulfilled and peace between a holy God and sinful man flows forth (Rom 3:21-26; 2 Cor 5:18,19; Col 1:19,20). Peace must be based on righteousness (Isa 32:17). Peace not based on righteousness is no real peace at all. 85:11 Isa 45:8. Through the work of Christ on the cross it is as though the seed of truth was planted in the earth, which will continue to spring up and produce an abundant harvest. Righteousness will look peacefully, smilingly down from heaven. The earth still waits the complete fulfillment of this verse. 85:12 See 84:11; Jam 1:17. 85:13 See 89:14. Where God goes righteousness will always go too and where righteousness goes grace and truth will follow. When we follow after God all these will be ours. 86 Title: In this third division of the psalms this is the only one ascribed to David. It is called a prayer, and in it he not only gives his personal prayer but shows us the grounds on which we may expect to get answers to our prayers. Let us observe them very carefully. They will help us in our praying. 86:1 The first reason David gives that God should answer his prayer is his deep need and the fact that he prays to the LORD (Jehovah), the true and only God, the God who had made a covenant with Israel and whose nature is compassionate and merciful (v 15; Ex 34:6,7). 86:2 Another reason why God should answer his prayer is the relationship he has

“Brought back. . .from captivity” – or “restored the well-being of.” The Hebrew can mean to deliver from either physical or spiritual captivity, or from afflictions of various kinds (14:7; 53:6; 68:18; Job 42:10). 85:2 Note at 32:1,2. 85:3 See 78:38; 106:23. Sin is what brings the anger of God. When sin is forgiven and covered the anger of God departs. Notes on God’s anger at 90:7-11; Num 25:3. 85:4 If God had already restored them and withdrawn His anger why this prayer that He would do so? Evidently the people had once again fallen into sin. Compare Jud 2:11-19; Ezra 9:5-10. 85:5 See 74:1; 79:5; 80:4. 85:6,7 There is no real joy without spiritual life and an experience of God’s grace and salvation. Since God wants His people to forsake their sins and be happy this is a prayer based on the solid foundation of the will of God. 85:8 It is not enough to speak to God. We must also let Him speak to us. If we listen to what He says to us He will listen to what we say to Him. And if we do not stop praying before He answers but look forward in faith, He will surely answer. Here the psalmist has received a message of peace and righteousness. Righteousness is used three times in the remaining verses and so is a key word. God’s people will quickly lose God’s peace if they turn back to foolish, sinful ways. 85:9 God’s glory dwelt in Jerusalem because there were still some in the land who feared God. It departed from the temple in Ezekiel’s time – Ezek 10:18,19; 11:23. With the coming of Christ God’s glory came again to Israel in a deeper, fuller way (John 1:14). Notes on the fear of God at 34:11-14; 111:10; Job 28:28; Gen 20:11; Prov 1:7.

743 PSALMS 86:17

11 Teach me your way, O LORD. I will walk in your truth. Unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forevermore. 13 For great is your mercy toward me, and you have delivered my soul from

O my God, save your servant who trusts

in you. 3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry out to you daily. 4 Cause the soul of your servant to rejoice, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who

the depths of hell. 14 O God, the proud have risen up against me, and a mob of violent men have

call on you. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, and be attentive to the voice of my

sought my life, and have not set you before them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, slow to get angry, and abundant in

supplications. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me. 8 Among the gods there is no one like you, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All nations whom you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord, and will glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wonderful things. You alone are God.

mercy and truth. 16 Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maid servant. 17 Show me a sign for good, so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; because you, LORD, have helped me,

and comforted me.

with God. God is his God, the one he trusts and loves. He is God’s worshiper, God’s servant. The prayer of the wicked is an abomination, and God does not hear sinners – 66:18; Prov 15:29; 28:9; Isa 1:15; John 9:31. But God hears His servants who walk righteously and try to keep His Word.

willingness in the preceding verses. Now he speaks of God’s ability, and contrasts it with the inability of all others that are called gods. See how He speaks of God’s power – He has made all nations. Therefore He can answer people when they call. David speaks as a prophet when he says all nations will come to God (compare Micah 4:1,2; Zech 14:16; Rev 7:9; 21:24-26). For the time will come when the world will realize that the God of the Bible is the great Creator, the only God there is. 86:11-17 David knew both God’s willingness and ability to answer prayer. Knowing that God will answer him, he now continues his requests. 86:11 “Teach” – see note at 25:5. An undivided or united heart is the opposite of a double mind (Jam 1:6-8). It means to have a heart resting in one object – God Himself, and not struggling between different aims, motives, and desires.

Another good reason why God should hear him is that he trusts in God. If we trust in ourselves, or in false gods or idols we have no ground for expecting God to answer us. But when our trust is in Him alone He will give us all we need (37:5; Mark 11:24; Heb 11:6,32-34). 86:3 A further reason why God should hear him – he does not faint and give up but continues in faith and expectation. Jesus taught how important persistence is in prayer – Luke 11:5-10; 18:1-8. 86:4 David gives a further reason why God should answer him. He seeks help in God alone and not from some other source. 86:5 The last ground for believing prayer is the character of God. David does not claim perfection for himself. He knows there are things in his life that will require forgiveness. But God is always ready to forgive (103:3; 130:4; 1 John 1:9). He shows great love to all who call on Him – will He not also to us? See Rom 10:12. 86:6,7 The reasons David has given that God will answer him are good and sufficient, so his faith is firm and he is sure God will hear his prayer. We too should learn to pray with the same confidence. 86:8-10 If the God to whom we pray is to answer our prayers two things are required – He must be willing to answer, and He must be able to answer. David has shown God’s

“Fear” – 34:11-14; 111:10; Job 28:28; Gen 20:11; Prov 1:7; etc. See how David prays that he might have a proper fear of God. He knew it was the very foundation of the spiritual life. 86:12 The only proper response to answered prayer is this. 86:13 See 30:3. “Hell” – “Sheol” – note at Gen 37:35. 86:14 This was the cause of his sad condition described in v 1. David may be referring either to his persecution by king Saul, or the time of Absalom’s rebellion. 86:15 See 86:5; 103:8; Ex 34:6,7. 86:16 See 18:1; 28:7; 31:4. 86:17 He wants manifest proof of God’s blessing and help that others can see so

PSALMS 87:1 744

he will record that this one was born there.

Selah 7 Both the singers and the musicians will say, “All my springs are in you.”

A Psalm, a song for the sons of Korah

1 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know me. See Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia:

A song, a Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief musician on Mahalath-leannoth,

a maskil of Heman the Ezrahite

1 O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. 2 Let my prayer come before you. Bow down your ear to my cry, 3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. 4 I am counted with those who go down into the pit.

this one was born there. 5 And it will be said of Zion, “This one and that man was born in her;

and the Most High himself

will establish her.” 6 When the LORD writes up the register of the peoples,

the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem two thousand years ago? Because of those events, and those alone, we may be born again and the nations of the world brought to God. The fountains of eternal life were not in Athens, city of philosophy, nor in Rome, city of imperial power, nor in Babylon, city of idolatry. They flow from Jerusalem alone, city of the great King of heaven. 88 Title: Heman is mentioned in 1 Chron 6:33,42, but we know very little about him. This is the only psalm of his we have. Of all the psalms this is the saddest one. There is not a hint of happiness in it. It reveals a heart very badly depressed, a mind filled with gloomy thoughts. In this regard it is similar to certain utterances of Job (chapters 3,6,7) and parts of Lamentations (3:1-18).

they will stop their persecution. 87:1 This is a very remarkable psalm and one of the most remarkable chapters in the Old Testament. In it we see the nations surrounding Israel, Israel’s ancient enemies, united with Israel and become the “children” of Jerusalem by a new birth. The psalm is an expansion of 86:9. The holy mountain is Mt Zion. It was holy because it was sanctified by God’s temple and God’s presence. 87:2 God chose Jerusalem over all the cities of Israel, all the cities of the world to be His capital city. He did not love it because it was the largest or most beautiful of cities; it was neither. Rather, He loved it because of its spiritual associations. It contained His temple; it represented His chosen people; it was a symbol of the Jerusalem which is above; it was the city where Christ would show His eternal love for men and for God. 87:3 Some of these glorious things are recorded in the next verses. 87:4-7 Rahab here probably means Egypt which had persecuted Israel (89:10; Isa 51:9). Babylon was later to destroy Jerusalem and take captive God’s people. The Philistines also engaged in frequent wars against Israel. Tyre became a great and proud city that opposed God.

God’s servants sometimes may be called to go through such experiences (see 66:11,12; Isa 50:10). At such times prayers like these are acceptable to God. He does not ask us to try to hide from Him what we feel and think. In every experience of life we can pour out our hearts before Him – 62:8.

Mahalath leannoth may have indicated the tune to be used when singing this psalm. It means “Suffering Affliction.” Maskil was probably a literary or musical term. 88:1 Observe carefully that in all the darkness that comes over him, and in all the troubles he is immersed in, he holds to one great truth. The LORD (Jehovah) is the God of his salvation (see also 22:1; 42:5). And he continues to cry out to God though he thinks he has not yet been heard (v 9. Compare 22:2; 86:3; Luke 18:7) – a good example to us all. 88:2 See 18:6; 31:2; 86:1. 88:3 “Grave” – “Sheol” – note at Gen 37:35. 88:3-6 He is so troubled that he feels he is already in the realm of the dead. He probably was suffering with a severe illness. His strength is gone and he thinks he will not live much longer. Illness of the body

“Ethopia” – in Hebrew “Cush.” This was the region of the upper Nile river including a part of present-day Ethiopia, and here probably represents more distant peoples of earth. This verse gives a prophecy of a great change that will take place. These nations will come to know God, they will be born in Zion. This is repeated in v 5 and v 6.

The meaning is this – Jerusalem will become the source of spiritual life to the nations of the world, the new birth of individuals and peoples will be closely connected with events that take place there. All fountains of spiritual life, of eternal joy and gladness are there. Can this refer to anything other than the crucifixion and resurrection of

745 PSALMS 89:3

in the morning my prayer comes

I am like a man who has no strength, 5 Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more and who are cut off from the care of your hand. 6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths. 7 Your wrath lies heavy on me, and you have afflicted me with all your

before you. 14 LORD, why do you cast away my soul? Why do you hide your face from me? 15 I am afflicted and about to die from my youth up. I suffer your terrors and I am perplexed. 16 Your fierce wrath has come over me. Your terrors have cut me off. 17 All day long they came around me like water. They altogether engulfed me. 18 You have put loved one and friend far from me, and my acquaintance into darkness.

waves.

Selah 8 You have put away my acquaintances far from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am shut up, and I cannot get out.

9 My eye wastes away because of misery. LORD, I have called out daily to you, I have stretched out my hands to you. 10 Will you show wonders to the dead? Will the dead rise up and praise you? Selah 11 Will your loving kindness be declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in

A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite

1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever. With my mouth I will make known your

faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, “Mercy will stand firm forever; you will establish your faithfulness in

the place of destruction? 12 Will your wonders be known in the place of darkness, and your righteousness in the land of

the very heavens.” 3 You have said “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;

forgetfulness? 13 But to you I have cried out, O LORD, and

may cause depression of the mind. 88:7 He mentions God’s wrath and terrors again in vs 15,16. His experiences made him think that God was angry with him. And it is possible that he was conscious of some sin which brought God’s anger against him. But it may be that he was not guilty, and that God was not angry but only testing His servant as He did Job (Job 6:4; 16:9-17; 31:23). Sickness or other difficult experiences that may come to us are not evidence in themselves that God is angry with us (Job chapters 1 and 2). 88:8 Verse 18; 31:11; 142:4; Job 19:13,19; 30:10. 88:9 See 6:7; 31:9. 88:10-12 In the days in which the author lived little had been revealed about the realm of the dead. Note at Job 10:21,22. 88:11 “Destruction” – in Hebrew “Abaddon.” 88:13 See 5:3; 30:2; 119:147. 88:14 See 13:1; 43:2; 44:9,24; Job 13:24. 88:15-17 All day and every day he faced nothing but experiences which caused fear and pain. His were much like Job’s experiences. 88:18 Can one go deeper into depression than the experience seen in this psalm? No light, no comfort, no help, no cheer, no understanding of what was happening – only darkness surrounded him. But after writing this did he not, like Job, find joy in God

again? It is not impossible to believe so (Jam 5:11). 89 Title: This is another psalm of the Messiah – one contains a prophecy about the Lord Jesus Christ. The author is Ethan, a colleague of Heman and Asaph in the days of king David (1 Chron 15:19). This is the only psalm of his we have. He may have written it in very old age at the time of the division of the kingdom of Israel into two parts during the time of Rehoboam. Maskil was probably a literary or musical term. 89:1 Here he gives the theme of the psalm – the mercy and faithfulness of the LORD (Jehovah), the covenant God of Israel. God’s faithfulness is mentioned by name in vs 1, 2, 5, 8, 14, 24, 33, 49. The same attribute is indicated by the words “I will not lie” in v 35, and “I have sworn” or “you swore” in vs 3,35,49. God’s mercy is spoken of in vs 1, 2, 14, 24, 28, 33, 49.

“All generations” – through this psalm Ethan has been declaring the faithfulness of God for about 3000 years of generations. 89:2 God’s mercy and faithfulness are permanent, fixed, and eternal (103:17; 114:89,90). There is no change of mind, no going back, no shadow of turning with God (1 Sam 15:29; Titus 1:2; Jam 1:17), and no one can separate His loved ones from His love (Rom 8:38,39). 89:3,4 Here Ethan refers to the covenant

PSALMS 89:4 746

hand is exalted. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Mercy and truth go before your face. 15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound. They will walk, O LORD, in the light of

I have sworn to my servant David: 4 I will establish your offspring forever, and make your throne firm to all

generations.”

Selah 5 And the heavens will praise your wonders, O LORD, and also your faithfulness in the

your countenance. 16 In your name they will rejoice all day long, and in your righteousness they will be

congregation of the saints. 6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty

exalted. 17 For you are the glory of their strength, and by your favour our horn will be exalted. 18 For the LORD is our defense, and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

can be likened to the LORD? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the

assembly of the saints, and to be regarded with reverence by

19 Then you spoke in a vision to your holy one, and said, “I have granted help to one who is mighty. I have exalted one chosen from the people. 20 I have found David my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil. 21 With him my hand will be established; my arm will also strengthen him. 22 The enemy will not make him a debtor, nor will the son of wickedness oppress him. 23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague those who hate him. 24 But my faithfulness and my mercy will be with him, and in my name his horn will be exalted. 25 I will also set his hand over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers. 26 He will cry out to me, ‘You are my father, my God,

all those who are around him. 8 O LORD God of hosts, who is powerful

like you, O LORD? Your faithfulness surrounds you. 9 You rule the raging of the sea.

When its waves rise up, you still them. 10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, like one who is slain. You have scattered your enemies with

your strong arm.

11 The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours. As for the world and its fulness,

you have founded them. 12 You have created the north and the south. Tabor and Hermon will rejoice in your name. 13 You have a mighty arm. Your hand is strong, and your right

throne. God will not turn a hair’s breadth from perfect justice and holiness. This is indeed a cause of rejoicing all day long. 89:17,18 Ethan encouraged himself by these facts. God is gracious, God is mighty, and God has Israel under His protection and has chosen Israel’s king. “Horn” here means strength. 89:19-37 With the mention of the king in v 18 Ethan returns to the theme of God’s covenant with David. The person in v 19 to whom the vision came was Nathan the prophet (2 Sam 7:4,17). The mighty one is David. 89:20 See 1 Sam 13:14; 16:1-13. 89:21 See 18:35; 80:17. 89:23 See 18:40; 2 Sam 7:9. 89:24 Horn means power, strength, authority. This verse and those following up to v 37 refer to David, but also to the Lord Jesus the son of David. David the king was a type of the Lord Jesus the king of heaven and earth (132:17; Luke 1:69). 89:25 See 72:8. 89:26 “Father” – 2 Sam 7:14; John 17:1,5,11,21,24,25.

God made with David. See 2 Sam 7:8-16. From here to the end of the psalm he writes of God’s love and faithfulness as they relate to this covenant. 89:5-13 Ethan is disappointed by the way in which God has dealt with the house of David (vs 38-51). It seems to him that such ruin is beginning in Israel that the fulfillment of God’s promise is endangered. Why should this be? Is God not able to fulfill His word to David? In these verses (5-13) Ethan reminds himself of God’s almighty power. There is no one like Him (vs 6,8). He controls the elements of nature (v 9); He subdued Egypt and other enemies (v 10); He is the Creator who possesses all things (vs 11,12). God is well able to do all He said to David (v 13). 89:10 “Rahab” – 87:4. 89:14-16 God is not only able to keep His promises, His whole character must cause Him to do so. Verse 14 is a very wonderful verse. On earth all too often dishonesty, corruption, and injustice reign supreme. But we can and should rejoice that righteousness and justice are the very foundations of God’s

747 PSALMS 89:46

and the rock of my salvation.’ 27 Also I will make him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. 28 I will keep my mercy for him forevermore, and my covenant will stand firm with him. 29 I will also cause his offspring to remain forever, and his throne as long as the days of heaven. 30 If his children forsake my law, and do not walk in my judgments, 31 If they break my statutes, and do not keep my commandments, 32 Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, and their wickedness with blows.

in the heavens.”

Selah 38 But you have cast him away and abhorred him. You have been angry with your

anointed one. 39 You have spurned the covenant with your servant. You have defiled his crown by throwing

it down on the ground. 40 You have broken down all his walls; you have brought his strongholds to ruin. 41 All who pass by the way plunder him. He is an object of reproach to his

neighbours. 42 You have set up the right hand of his foes. You have caused all his enemies to rejoice. 43 You have also turned away the edge of his sword, and have not caused him to stand in battle. 44 You have made his glory cease, and cast his throne down to the ground. 45 You have shortened the days of his youth. You have covered him with shame.

33 Nevertheless, I will not completely take my loving kindness from him, or allow my faithfulness to fail. 34 I will not break my covenant, or alter what has gone out of my lips. 35 Once I have sworn by my holiness that I will not lie to David. 36 His offspring will remain forever, and his throne as long as the sun

Selah

before me. 37 It will be established forever like the moon, and like the faithful witness

46 How long, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?

“Rock” – Deut 32:4. 89:27 Firstborn means the one who has the pre-eminence (2:7; Col 1:15,18; Rev 1:5).

89:38-45 Ethan now reveals what has troubled his mind. He can’t understand why God has been acting toward the house of David as He has. He uses very strong language to God and even accuses Him of ignoring His covenant with David. Ethan knows this cannot be true, but it seems to be true; so he pours out his heart to God. We do not know the circumstances that called forth these words. Perhaps it was something God revealed to Ethan that would happen in the future. The destruction of Judah by the Babylonians and the captivity there of Judah’s king and people would fit the language here. But Ethan lived several hundreds of years before that event – unless the author of this psalm was an Ethan other than the one who lived in David’s time.

“Highest” – 72:11; Rev 19:16. “Make him” – indicates this is not based on order of birth but has to do with high position. A person born first, before any other child, cannot be “made” the firstborn – he is the firstborn. 89:28,29 Observe the word “forever.” As long as the heavens endure so long will remain the throne of David, and the Lord Jesus will occupy it (Isa 9:7; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30). The covenant God made with David went far beyond the earthly rule of a small kingdom in western Asia. It concerned the eternal rule of God’s Son over the whole world. 89:30-37 These verses apply first of all to David’s descendants, but they are true also of all who are children of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. From Bible history we know that many of David’s descendants violated God’s covenant and failed to follow God’s law. God’s children now likewise fail in many ways. They may prove, and in fact, often do prove, to be unfaithful. But God will not be unfaithful because they are (Rom 3:3,4; 2 Tim 2:13). Nothing will keep Him from fulfilling His promises to David. He will punish unfaithfulness on the part of His people. He will chastise all of His sons (Heb 12:5-13). But He will never make void the covenant He made with David. David’s royal house (the meaning of throne here) will last forever.

Observe here that Ethan says that the source of all the calamities that have come on David’s house is God Himself – “You have cast him away and abhorred him”, “You have spurned,” etc. Whatever human instruments were involved, Ethan was sure that it was God who was behind it all. And because of God’s action David’s throne, which God said would remain forever, was cast to the ground (v 44). This was a puzzle to Ethan.

Many things in life will puzzle and dismay believers if they are too much occupied with circumstances. We must get our theology and find our rest, not in what seems to be happening in the world, but in God’s unchanging and faithful Word. 89:46-51 He longs for and prays for a

PSALMS 89:47 748

BOOK 4 (Psalms 90 - 106)

Will your wrath burn like fire? 47 Remember how short my time is. Why have you made all men in vain? 48 What man is there who lives who will not see death? Will he deliver his soul from the hand

A prayer of Moses the man of God

of the grave?

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or before you had formed the earth and

Selah

49 Lord, where are your former acts of loving kindness, which you swore to

the world, even from everlasting to everlasting,

David in your truth? 50 Remember, Lord, the scorn your servants have endured, how I bear in my heart the taunting of

you are God.

3 You turn man to dust, and say, “Return, you children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night. 5 You carry them away like a flood. They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass growing up;

all the mighty people, 51 The scorn with which your enemies have taunted, O LORD, with which they

have taunted the footsteps of

your anointed one. 52 Blessed be the LORD forevermore. Amen, and Amen.

forget that their present home and their eternal habitation is God. 90:2-6 Moses now contrasts God’s eternity with man’s brief, frail life. 90:2 God was there before creation and will be there when the present creation passes away. Creation added nothing to God, the passing of creation will take nothing away from God (93:2; 102:24,27; Deut 33:27; Jer 10:10; Rom 1:20). 90:3 But man was taken from the dust and will return to it (Gen 3:19; Ps 104:29). Oh, but how proud these frail and ignorant creatures are, even to the denying of the existence of the God who made them! 90:4 2 Peter 3:8. For us time drags by and we feel a hundred years to be a long time. With God even a thousand years is like a day – even less. A “watch” was a four hour period. Since there are six such “watches” in a twenty-four period, in God’s eyes man’s recorded history is only a day long, and the lifetime of an individual is only a few minutes. History to us seems like a film shown in very slow motion. To God it is otherwise. From His point of view, the point of view of eternity, it is as if Adam sinned very early in the morning and Christ came the same day and died for Adam and for all of us, and is prepared to come again the same day at midnight. It may be, as others have suggested, that God lives in the eternal “now” – where there is no passage of time, and all events are so clear to Him that it is as if there were happening together in rapid succession. 90:5 God lives on forever, but mankind, generation after generation, passes away like foam and bubbles on the top of a swiftly flowing river.

restoration of God’s favor to the house of David. He gives several reasons why he thinks God should answer his prayers – the brevity of life, the vanity of life without God’s favor (vs 47,48), the promises of God (v 49), the suffering of God’s people and the triumph of God’s enemies (vs 50,51). See how fitly the last sentence in v 50 applies to the Lord Jesus. 89:48 “Grave” – “Sheol” – note at Gen 37:35. 89:52 Here is victory and peace for troubled hearts. No matter what seems to be happening, God is still the faithful God worthy of all praise (Phil 4:6,7). 90 Title: It is certain that a man of God will be a man of prayer. In the book of Psalms this is the only one attributed to Moses. This is one of the oldest poems in existence, being written about 3,400 years ago. In subject matter and choice of words it is weighty and solemn, much like the other writings of Moses we have. 90:1 Moses and the people of Israel were in the wilderness living in tents. They were coming from a land not their own to a land they had not possessed. They were like pilgrims and strangers on earth. But they had a fixed and permanent dwelling place – the Lord God Himself.

This is true also of believers in this New Testament era (John 17:21; Col 3:3; 1 John 4:15). When God is our home we have no business envying the rich for their mansions, or the kings for their palaces. Long after those mansions, those palaces crumble to dust the true home of believers, the living God, will still be there. Now if believers must inhabit poor huts and hovels or wander about in tents or seek refuge in caves (Heb 11:37,38), they should never

749 PSALMS 90:15

6 In the morning it flourishes and grows up, in the evening it is cut down and withers. 7 For we are consumed by your anger and are dismayed by your wrath. 8 You have set our evil deeds before you, our secret sins in the light of your

11 Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is in accordance with

the fear of you.

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain hearts of wisdom. 13 Return, O LORD, how long? And relent concerning your servants. 14 Oh, satisfy us early with your mercy, so that we may rejoice and be glad all

countenance. 9 For all our days are passed away in your wrath. We spend our years as a tale that is told. 10 The days of our lives are seventy years, and if because of strength they are

our days. 15 Make us glad according to the days in which you have afflicted us, and the years in which we have seen

eighty years, still their prime is

labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

evil.

90:6 Man is like grass that hardly survives a day (Isa 40:6-8; 1 Pet 1:24). 90:7-11 In these verses Moses sets forth the reasons why man’s life is so brief, so full of trouble, so sorrowful. It is all the result of God’s anger against man’s sin. Remember that Moses was leading the people of Israel in the desert. Because of their unbelief and rebellion the whole generation that came out of Egypt who were 20 years of age and over were destroyed. We read of God’s anger repeatedly coming on them (notes on His anger at Num 25:3 and Deut 4:25). Since God’s anger was on His own people we can be sure it is on all the rest of mankind in its sin and unbelief (John 3:36; Rom 1:18).

our years like a sigh [or groan].” 90:10 A time that falls far short of the age of the ancients who lived nearly a thousand years (Genesis chapter 5). But still long enough for suffering believers. And too long for unrepentant sinners who, the longer they live, the more they store up wrath and punishment for themselves (Rom 2:4,5).

“Prime” – or “best of them”, as it could be translated (the basic meaning of the Hebrew word is “pride”). Even the best years, the proudest, strongest years of our lives are soon over and are not free of trouble and sorrow. 90:11 God’s anger is so great, so fierce against sin that no man can know it or understand it. It is revealed in terrible words in some parts of the Bible (see Lev 26:14-39; Deut 4:25; 28:15-68; Isa 24:1-6; 30:33; Mark 9:42-49; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thess 1:6-10; Rev 14:9-11; 16:1-21; 20:11-15; 21:8). But the power of God’s anger is never exaggerated. In fact, it is impossible to exaggerate it. No words can really describe how terrible, how awe-inspiring, how fearful is God’s anger. Think of the folly of men who do not fear it, who count it a light thing, or who even deny it altogether! 90:12-17 Here is the beginning of the prayer of Moses. All else is leading up to this. 90:12 In the light of all the above our one great concern should be to have wisdom (to know God and to have the true fear of God), to understand how brief our life is, and to make sure that our eternal dwelling will be God Himself. 90:13 See 6:3; 74:10. 90:14,15 But are satisfaction, gladness, and joyful singing possible when the truth of vs 7-11 is recognized? Moses evidently thought so. He well knew that even though the dark clouds of God’s wrath hang above sin, the bright beams of love, mercy, compassion and grace shine through them. He knew, as all believers now know, that there is forgiveness of sins and there is a joy that comes when the conscience is clear, when God’s face shines on them (5:11; 16:11; 30:5; 32:11; 35:27; 42:4; 51:8; 132:9,16). Though believers dwell in the midst of

But is God’s anger on believers in this age of grace? God is always angry with sin wherever it is found. It is perfectly true that believers have been delivered from the wrath of God that will burn against all unbelievers in hell (Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 1:10; 5:9). But God is certainly angry with the sin that is in believers and with the sins they commit, and sometimes shows His anger in very clear ways (Eph 5:6; 1 Cor 11:27-30). Immorality, selfishness, deceit, lying, greed, envy, malicious gossip – such sins are no less hateful to God in believers than in unbelievers. God will always hate sin and fight against sin no matter where it is found. 90:7 Observe that the reason that men fade and wither away like grass and die is God’s anger, and not merely some inevitable process of nature. 90:8 Here the reason for God’s anger is stated. God has His holy, searching gaze on all the sins of men, their inner, secret sins as well as their outward, obvious transgressions. 90:9 Notice Moses’ strong expression “all our days.” But is it possible that God’s people dwell in God and at the same time are surrounded by His anger? Indeed, yes. Dwelling in God means being in the bosom of God’s holy nature, and this holy nature always burns like fire against all sin, all wrong. So believers are at the very heart of infinite anger against the evil that is in men. Their safety is in the love and grace which are also there.

“We spend our years as a tale that is told” – this could also be translated “we end

PSALMS 90:16 750

His truth will be your shield and buckler. 5 You will not be afraid of the terror at night, or of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Or of the plague that walks in darkness, or for the destruction that lays waste

16 Let your work appear to your servants, and your glory to their children. 17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us; and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

at noon. 7 A thousand will fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes you will look and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, the Most High,

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the

shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in him I will trust.” 3 Surely he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will trust.

your habitation, 10 No evil will befall you, no disaster will come near your dwelling. 11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you in

all your ways. 12 They will lift you up in their hands, so that you do not dash your foot

God’s holy anger against sin, they dwell in the heart of His holy joy also.

the believer’s God. These names together show how perfect, how sure is the security God gives those who dwell in Him, who trust Him for protection. 91:3 In this and the following verses the author gives a number of dangers from which God’s protection is needed. “Snare” is the first. The believer is like a bird which the hunter tries to catch. Satan will lay snares for his feet. By “plague” the author may have had in mind the fearful plagues in Egypt and the safety of Israel through them all. 91:4 “Wings” – 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; Matt 23:37.

Observe that Moses knew that when Israel was afflicted it was God who afflicted them, and when they rejoiced it was God alone who enabled them to rejoice. 90:16 “Work” – 44:1; 77:12; 92:4; Deut 32:4. It was the children of those wilderness wanderers who would inherit the promised land. Moses prays that they would behold God’s glory as their fathers once had. 90:17 As a servant of God he wanted to accomplish a work that would endure, that would have the stamp of God’s blessing on it. Should not we? (John 15:16; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Rev 22:12). Then let us earnestly pray as he did. 91:1-16 Many scholars have thought that Moses wrote this psalm, but we cannot be sure of it. In any case it is a psalm that fits very well after psalm 90, a prayer of Moses. Both psalms speak of God as being the dwelling place of believers (90:1; 91:1,9). But 90 emphasizes the anger of God against sin; this one emphasizes the complete protection and victory God gives. The apostle Paul gives the essence of this psalm in Rom 8:31.

“Shield” – 3:3; 5:12; 28:7; 35:2. “Buckler” – a smaller shield. 91:5,6 God is just as capable of protecting His people from enemy attacks at night as He is from dangers by day. In all circumstances the believer can have peace of mind and a complete sense of security. 91:7 The believer sheltered by God is indestructible. As long as it is God’s will for him to live he cannot die. Nothing can touch him except what God in His wisdom decides is for his good. 91:8 See 37:34; 58:10. He will see this, if not in this life then in the final judgment when God arises to judge the world. 91:9 The great promises surrounding this verse are only to those who experience its truth. See 90:1. 91:10 See 23:4; 41:2; 121:7; Prov 1:33; 12:21; 2 Tim 4:18. 91:11,12 Satan partly quoted these verses in the temptation of Christ (Matt 4:6). The promise of angelic help is not a mere poetic figure. The angels are real and powerful beings whom God sends to minister to His people (34:7; Dan 6:21,22; Acts 12:11; Heb 1:14). The angels can guard these dwellers in God from even small obstacles such as a stone that could cause

“Almighty”(v-1) – in Hebrew “Shaddai” (Gen 17:1). 91:1 The great promises made in this psalm are only for those who abide under God’s protection. They are not for those who live as they please and try to use God only when danger or trouble comes. 91:2 “Refuge” – 7:1,2. Notice the different names for God the writer uses in these first two verses – “Most High” is the one who can raise the believer far above all dangers; “Almighty” is the one who has infinite power to protect the believer; “LORD” (Jehovah) is the God who made covenants and promises to His people and faithfully keeps them; “my God” is the Creator who has become

751 PSALMS 92:14

against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and cobra; the young lion and the serpent you will

with a solemn sound. 4 For you, LORD, have made me glad through your deeds. I will exult in the works of your hands. 5 O LORD, how great are your works! And your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the evildoers flourish, it is for them to be destroyed forever.

trample under foot. 14 The LORD says, “Because he has set his love on me, I will deliver him. I will set him on high,

because he has known my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.”

8 But you, LORD, are most high forevermore. 9 For look at your enemies, O LORD, for, look, your enemies perish. All the evildoers will be scattered. 10 But you will exalt my horn like the horn of a wild ox. I will be anointed with fresh oil. 11 My eye will also see my desire fulfilled on my enemies, and my ears will hear my desire fulfilled

A Psalm, a song for the Sabbath day

1 It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to your name,

on the wicked who rise up against me. 12 The righteous will flourish like the palm tree; he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bring forth fruit in old age; they will be fresh and flourishing,

O Most High, 2 To declare your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night, 3 On an instrument of ten strings, on the lyre, on the harp,

them to stumble and fall. 91:13 Such a mention of a lion and a serpent brings to mind Satan, a roaring lion going about to devour (1 Pet 5:8), and a serpent full of deadly poison (Rev 12:9). Dwellers in God have power to trample even such a mighty foe under foot. See Luke 10:19,20; Jam 4:7. 91:14-16 Here God Himself speaks directly through the writer. Notice that the promises here are only for those who truly love God. Such people God will deliver, exalt, answer, protect, honor, and satisfy. The promise of long life is in accordance with other Old Testament promises such as Ex 20:12 and Deut 5:33; 6:2 (this is not an emphasis of the New Testament). Only love God, and the Bible has many great promises for you. 92 Title: This is the only one of the psalms specifically stated to be for the Sabbath day (note on Sabbath at Ex 20:8-11). This does not mean that other psalms were not to be read or sung then, but that this one was especially suited for that day. The reason is that it is a psalm of rest and gladness, of praise to God for His works. Verse 4 gives the essence of it. There is no gloom here, no depression, no doubt, no questioning of God’s ways. There is only rest of heart, peace of mind, joy in God. This was the real meaning of the Sabbath. 92:1 On thanksgiving and praise see Lev 7:12,13 (note); Ps 50:14. 92:2,3 See 89:1,2. God’s love and

faithfulness are the twin themes of many scriptures. 92:4 A right view of God’s works, of God’s dealings with mankind, an attitude of complete trust and submission will bring joy and gladness to the believer (4:7; 9:1,2; 21:6,7; 64:9,10). 92:5 See 33:11; 40:5; 111:2; 136:4; 139:17; Isa 55:8,9; Rom 11:33,34; Rev 15:3. 92:6 The Hebrew words translated “senseless” and “fool” indicate those who have no spiritual enlightenment, those who because of a love for sin refuse to let God teach them. They have no true moral and ethical understanding. 92:7 Here is one thing the senseless and foolish do not understand. The very things the wicked pursue and delight in will finally bring them to utter ruin. 92:8 See 83:18; 93:4; 113:5. There is no need then for believers to worry about the administration of the universe. 92:9 See 37:20; 73:27; 89:10. 92:10 See 75:4,5; 89:17; 112:9; Luke 1:69. 92:11 See 54:7; 91:8. 92:12-14 In the Bible believers are frequently compared to fruitful vines and trees – 1:3; 52:8; Gen 49:22; Hos 14:5,6; John 15:1-5. Observe some truths here about the righteous.

They will continue to grow spiritually They are planted in the house of

PSALMS 92:15 752

15 To declare that the LORD is upright. He is my rock, and there is no

unrighteousness in him.

1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs; O God, to whom vengeance belongs,

shine forth! 2 Rise up, O judge of the earth! Mete out repayment to the proud!

1 The LORD reigns. He is clothed with majesty, the LORD is clothed with strength, with which he has arrayed himself. The world also is established,

3 LORD, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph? 4 How long will they speak and say hard things, and all the evildoers boast of themselves? 5 They break your people in pieces, O LORD, and afflict your inheritance. 6 They kill the widow and the foreigner, and murder the fatherless. 7 Yet they say, “The LORD does not see, the God of Jacob does not pay

so that it cannot be moved. 2 Your throne is established of old; you are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yes, than the mighty waves of the sea. 5 Your testimonies are very sure. Holiness makes your house beautiful,

attention to it.”

8 Understand, you senseless among the people. And you fools, when will you be wise? 9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?

O LORD, forever.

God– that is, they have their roots in holy ground and grow up in God’s fellowship, surrounded by a holy atmosphere

prompted by a desire for personal vengeance. It is prompted by desire for justice to prevail and for the persecuted to be rescued. Vengeance must be left to God to work out in His time and way (Ex 21:23-25; Num 31:2; Nahum 1:2,7; Rom 12:19; Heb 10:30,31). 94:2 Here is a name of God. He is one who will judge the world – 58:11; Gen 18:25; Acts 17:31. 94:3 See 6:3; 74:10; 90:13. 94:4 Notice the link between evil ways and boasting (10:3; 52:1). 94:5 Believers are God’s people, God’s inheritance. Will He forever let them be crushed? Absolutely not. 94:6 According to the law of God, the people of Israel were to show special compassion for widows, strangers, and orphans – Ex 22:21,22; Deut 10:18,19; 14:28,29; 24:19,20; 27:19. Instead, these wicked rulers murdered them. 94:7 See 10:11; 14:1. The wicked are atheists at heart no matter how pious and religious they may try to appear. They suppress the truth about the one true and holy God, and would like to deny Him altogether. 94:8-11 The author points out the extreme folly of godless unbelievers. They may be highly educated and look down on humble believers, but they are fools, and believers have far more reason to look down on them (though they should not do so). Can these unbelievers think of the human ear, that marvelous instrument of hearing, and imagine that it had no Maker, or that He is deaf? And that wonderful instrument of vision, the human eye – only the fool can

Even in old age they are spiritually vigorous and productive

The essence of their message is not their own righteousness but God’s.

92:15 “Rock” – note at Deut 32:4. “No unrighteousness” – Rom 9:14; 1 John 1:5. 93:1 96:10; 97:1; 99:1. The theme of this psalm is given in the preceding one (92:8) – the LORD (Jehovah) God, the God of Israel, is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. 93:2 See 45:6; 90:2; Lam 5:19; Heb 1:8,9. 93:3,4 Jehovah God is able to control all forces of nature, and all the turbulent uproar of nations (sometimes compared to floods and to waters – 18:4; Isa 59:19; Jer 46:7,8; 47:2; Rev 17:15). 93:5 See 19:7. The author here moves from the subject of God’s rule over creation to His revelation in the Bible. The Bible is where God reveals the facts about His kingdom and sets forth the principles of His rule. And holiness is the beauty of His house – 29:2; 96:9; 1 Cor 3:17. 94:1 The author, who is unknown to us, was suffering under the oppression of wicked people in places of authority and disturbed at the perversion of justice in the nation. The rule of the people was in the hands of evil men (v 20), who crushed God’s people (v 5), and murdered the weak and helpless (v 6). So he prays that God will take vengeance on them. This is not a prayer that is

753 PSALMS 95:7

10 He who corrects the nations, does he not judge rightly ? He who teaches man knowledge,

21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood. 22 But the LORD is my defense, and my God is my rock of refuge. 23 And he will bring on them their own evil, and will cut them off in their own wickedness; yes, the LORD our God will cut them off.

does he not know ? 11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. 12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and teach from your law, 13 That you may give him rest from the days of trouble, until the pit has been

dug for the wicked. 14 For the LORD will not cast away his people, he will not forsake his inheritance. 15 But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against

1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us make a joyful sound to the rock

of our salvation! 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful sound to him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills also are his. 5 The sea is his, and he made it; and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down! Let us kneel before the LORD our maker! 7 For he is our God,

those who do evil? 17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in silence.

18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your mercy, O LORD, held me up. 19 In my many anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. 20 Will the throne of wickedness, which creates trouble by law, have fellowship with you?

think it had no Maker or that its Maker is unable to see. And can man, proud of his little scraps of knowledge, imagine that God has none at all? God punishes whole nations; can He not deal with these wicked individuals? The vanity and wickedness of man’s thoughts! When a man thinks God is nothing he becomes nothing himself. 94:12-15 Now the tone of the psalm changes. The writer expresses his quiet confidence in God. God, he is sure, has a loving purpose in the troubles that have come from wicked men. God will use those troubles to chastise and teach him (v 12), and in spite of them all give rest of heart (v 13). And God will restore righteous judgment to the people (v 15). 94:12 Here is a wonderful truth (Deut 8:5; Job 5:17; Ps 119:71,171; Prov 3:11,12; Heb 12:5,6). God’s chastening is painful, but we should welcome that which does us so much good. 94:13 Men dig pits to catch wild beasts. The wicked, like wild beasts, try to tear God’s sheep, and so pits will be dug for them to fall into. 94:14 See 37:28; 1 Sam 12:22; Lam 3:31; Rom 11:2; Heb 13:5. 94:15 See 97:2; Isa 42:3; Micah 7:9. 94:16 Ex 32:26. 94:17 He means he would be dead if the Lord had not helped him. 94:18 See 38:16; 73:2. 94:19 Anxious thoughts will naturally come to us in times of trouble and injustice, but

we do not need to be overcome by them. God wants us to have joy in trials and difficulties. 94:20,21 Sometimes rulers make laws that enable them to oppress people and work evil. God has no part in such regimes. 94:22 “Defense” – 18:2; 31:3; 71:3. “Rock” – Deut 32:4. 94:23 7:16; 140:9,11; Deut 32:35. 95:1,2 Judging from Heb 4:7 David wrote this psalm. Of course, the true author of this psalm (and all the psalms) is God’s Holy Spirit (see Heb 3:7; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21). There are three interwoven themes in this psalm – a call to worship the true God, reasons why His people should worship Him, and a warning against hardening our hearts. Joy, singing, and worship are natural results of a proper spiritual relationship with God (66:1,2; 81:1; Eph 5:19,20). True worship is not in mere outward form; it flows from a heart made right with God (John 4:23,24). 95:3-7 The writer gives good reasons why God’s people should worship Him. He knew that they needed encouragement and exhortation to do what they should do. The reasons he gives for worship are these:

Jehovah God is great, therefore He is greatly worthy of worship;

He is the King of the universe, higher than all else that is called God or god;

He is the Creator of the world and mankind – the rivers, hills, and mountains where other gods are sometimes worshiped were

PSALMS 95:8 754

and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if you will hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your heart, as in the time of provocation, and as in the day of testing in the

his wonders among all peoples. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised. He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

wilderness, 9 When your fathers tested me, put me on trial, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways’; 11 To whom I swore in my wrath that they would not enter my rest.”

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O you families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering and come into his courts. 9 Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations that the LORD reigns. The world also is established so that it

1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name, speak forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations,

will not be moved. He will judge the people righteously.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad.

all made by Him;

96:1 Most of the words of this psalm are included in a larger one recorded in 1 Chronicles chapter 16. A new song indicates a new thing that God has done or will do. This psalm is addressed to “all the earth”, so this new work of God is related to the world at large and not just to the nation Israel. 96:2 The first reason for this new song is this: God’s salvation is made available to all the world. This looks forward to a time future to David’s day. For this salvation surely means the salvation the Lord Jesus provided by His death on the cross and which He told His disciples to preach in all the world (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47,48). 96:3 See 145:10-12; John 1:14; Acts 3:13; 2 Cor 3:7-11; 4:6. The glory of God is revealed in Christ and in Him God performed the wonderful deeds of reconciliation, resurrection, and the ascension. These wonders are now being declared among all nations. 96:4 See 95:3. 96:5 One immense difference between the LORD (Jehovah) God and all others called gods is just this: He is the mighty Creator, they are idols created by men and without power. See 96:5; 115:4-11. 96:6 See 27:4; 50:2; 93:1; 104:1. 96:7,8 He is saying that all peoples of earth should cast their idols to the winds and ascribe glory to the only one worthy of it. 96:9 See 29:2. Holiness is beautiful. Sin is ugly.

He has a special relationship to His people – they can say “He is our God, we are His people, His sheep under His care.”

Surely these are sufficient reasons why His people should sing to Him joyfully and praise Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength. 95:8-11 Now he gives a severe warning. But what connection does it have with the foregoing exhortation to joyfully worship God? It seems to be this: if God’s people are reluctant to worship Him, if there is no longer any joy in His presence or any recognition of His greatness and goodness, it indicates a hardening of their hearts. There may be danger of them becoming like their ancestors in the desert who continually murmured and complained against God, but rarely worshiped Him with joy. For Meribah and Massah see Ex 17:2-7; Num 20:13; Deut 6:16. Meribah means quarreling, Massah means testing. In the desert Israel tested God instead of trusting Him – 78:18; Num 14:22; 1 Cor 10:9. 95:10 On God’s anger against them see Num 14:26-35; Josh 5:6; Acts 13:18; Heb 3:10,17. Their habitually went astray – they were wanderers both in the desert and in heart. Wandering in heart came first. If they had not wandered away from God there they would not have had to wander in the desert. Above all things men should keep their hearts – Prov 4:23. If we go astray in our hearts we will go astray in everything. 95:11 Carefully observe the result of hardness of heart and the unbelief which accompanies it.

“Tremble” – 2:11; 33:8; 114:7; Isa 66:2. 96:10-13 Here is another reason for the new song he urges the nations to sing – the

755 PSALMS 98:1

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. 7 May all those who serve graven images, who boast of idols, be put to shame. Worship him, all you gods.

Let the sea, and its fulness, roar. 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice 13 Before the LORD. For he comes, for he comes to judge

the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness,

8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced

and the people with his truth.

because of your judgments, O LORD. 9 For you, LORD, are high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. 10 You who love the LORD, hate evil. He preserves the souls of his saints. He rescues them from the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of

1 The LORD reigns! May the earth rejoice! May the multitude of islands be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the

foundation of his throne. 3 A fire goes before him and burns up his enemies all around. 4 His lightnings lit up the world. The earth saw and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the

his holy name.

A Psalm

1 Oh, sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvellous things.

whole earth.

“Glory” – 98:2; Isa 40:5; 66:18. 97:7 “Shame” – 16:4; Isa 42:17; 44:9,11; Jer 10:14,15; Zech 14:9. This will result when Jehovah reveals Himself as the one true God. The command to the “gods” are spoken in contempt. It does not indicate that these so-called gods are real gods. See 96:5; 115:4-11. 97:8 The above results will bring great joy to the worshipers of the one true God (48:11; Zeph 3:14).

judgment of God and His just rule over all the earth. This is a prophecy to be fulfilled at the second coming of Christ (Isa 2:1-4; 11:1-10). Then creation itself will be released from bondage and shout for joy (Rom 8:19-22). Observe that the coming of the LORD (Jehovah) in the Old Testament is the coming of the Lord Jesus in the New Testament. That is, Jesus is the incarnation of Jehovah. See also 23:1; 24:7-10; 96:10-13; Gen 16:7; Ex 3:14; Isa 6:1; Zech 12:10. The following three psalms are on this same theme – the coming of Jehovah to rule as King over the whole earth. 97:1 The opening words could be translated “The LORD has become King”, or “The LORD has begun to reign.” Of course, the LORD (Jehovah) is King of the universe and always has been. But this psalm refers to His manifest rule over earth after His coming described in the last verse of the preceding psalm. 97:2-9 In these verses we have the effects of the coming of Jehovah. The picture is one of perfect holiness and justice. Compare these verses with Ex 19:9; Deut 4:11; 1 Kings 8:12; Ps 18:11. “Righteousness” – 89:14; Isa 9:7; 11:4,5; 32:1. 97:3 See 18:8; 50:3; Dan 7:10; Mal 4:1; 2 Thess 1:7,8; Heb 12:29. 97:4 See 18:7; 77:16-18; Ex 19:16; Heb 12:26-28. 97:5 See 46:6; Amos 9:5; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5. 97:6 See 19:1-4; 50:6; 89:5.

“Daughters of Judah” – this is an ambiguous phrase. If we take it literally the meaning is the women of Judah, if we take it as an idiom or figure of speech the meaning is the towns and villages of Judah (see Isa 1:8). 97:10-12 In the light of the above what kind of lives should we live? – Titus 2:11-13; Heb 12:28; 2 Pet 3:10-14. 97:10 “Hate evil” – 34:14; Prov 8:13; Amos 5:15; Rom 12:9; Jude 23. God Himself hates evil (note at Lev 20:7), and there is no evil whatever in Him (1 John 1:5). Those who love God must be prepared for a continual fight against all sin and evil. We must choose either God or evil – we cannot have both. And the more we love God the more we will hate evil and vice versa. 97:11,12 While we wait for the glorious appearance of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ He would have us experience light and joy. And for them we should continually give thanks to Him. 98:1 This psalm is very similar to psalm 96. It begins with the same words as that

PSALMS 98:2 756

His right hand and his holy arm have

gotten him the victory. 2 The LORD has made known his salvation. He has openly revealed his righteousness

1 The LORD reigns! May the peoples tremble! He sits between the cherubim. May the earth be moved! 2 The LORD is great in Zion, and he is high above all the peoples. 3 May they praise your great and awe-inspiring name, for it is holy. 4 The king’s strength also loves justice. You have established equity; you have ordained justice and

in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the

salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful sound to the LORD, all the earth. Make a loud sound, and rejoice,

and sing praise. 5 Sing to the LORD with the harp,

righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool, for he is holy. 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel among those who called on his

with the harp and the sound of a psalm; 6 With trumpets and the sound of a ram’s

horn make a joyful noise before the

LORD, the King. 7 May the sea and its fulness roar;

name; they called to the LORD, and he answered them. 7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar. They kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. 8 You answered them, O LORD our God. You were a God who forgave them, though you took vengeance on their

the world, and those who live in it. 8 May the floods clap their hands,

may the hills be joyful together 9 Before the LORD;

for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the people with equity.

misdeeds.

99:2 See 48:1; 97:9; 113:4; Isa 12:6. 99:3 “Awe-inspiring name” – Deut 28:58; Ps 76:1.

and has the same theme. The first three verses speak of what God has done, the next three speak of what men should do because of what God has done, and the last three speak of the proper response of the world and mankind at the coming of the LORD (Jehovah).

“Holy” – Lev 20:7. 99:4 11:7; 17:2; 33:5; 98:9; 103:6; 146:7; Jer 23:5. 99:5 “Exalt” – 34:3; 107:32; 118:28. Footstool here may mean the ark of the covenant or God’s temple in Jerusalem (132:7; 1 Chron 28:2; 32:7; Isa 60:13; Lam 2:1). 99:6 All three of these men acted as priests, though only Aaron was high priest in Israel (Lev 8:13-30; 1 Sam 9:13). All three worshiped and exalted God in the way the writer of this psalm exhorts men to do, and all three called on God and received answers to their prayers (Ex 18:19; 32:11-30; Num 11:2; 14:9; 21:7; Deut 5:5; 9:18,19; 1 Sam 7:9; 12:23; Ps 106:23). 99:7 “Pillar” – Ex 33:9; Num 12:5. These three were among the few who did obey God. 99:8,9 See 78:38; Num 14:20. In these verses not only the three mentioned in the preceding verses but the people of Israel are in view. Observe that though God forgave them He also punished them. In other words, chastisement is consistent with forgiveness. God fights against sin no matter where it is found (Ex 32:28; Num 20:12; 2 Sam 12:13,14; see Ps 90:7-12). He is absolutely holy (Ex 15:11; Lev 20:7; Isa 6:3), and we should praise and glorify Him because He is that way.

“Marvelous things” – 40:5; 96:3; 136:4. “Right hand” – Ex 15:6; Ps 118:15,16; Isa 51:9. 98:2 Isa 52:10. 98:3 “Remembered” – Luke 1:54,72. “Ends of earth” – 22:27. 98:4-7 To God’s wonderful display of victory over evil, of righteous salvation, of grace and faithfulness, these verses give the proper response (66:1; 99:3; 100:1; Isa 44:23). The author exhorts all the earth to sing for joy, because all the earth will at last participate in God’s victory and salvation, and experience His righteous rule. 98:7-9 See 96:11-13. 99:1 This psalm begins with the same words as psalms 93 and 97 and deals with the same subject – God’s reign on the earth. In this psalm the emphasis is somewhat different from the emphasis in those psalms. In this one the holiness of God is mentioned thrice (vs 3,5,9), and His mountain is called holy (v 9). And examples of God’s holy and righteous dealings in the past, and of those who rendered to God holy worship are given – vs 6-8.

“Cherubim” – 80:1; Ex 25:22; 1 Sam 4:4.

757 PSALMS 101:5

9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy hill, for the LORD our God is holy.

His mercy is everlasting, and his truth

continues to all generations.

A Psalm of David

A Psalm of thanksgiving

1 I will sing of mercy and justice. I will sing to you, O LORD. 2 I will conduct myself wisely in a perfect way. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes. I hate the deeds of those who turn

1 Make a joyful sound to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness. Come before his presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who has made us,

aside. They will not cling to me.

and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his

4 A perverse heart will depart from me. I will not become acquainted with

pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good.

wickedness. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbour, him I will cut off. I will not endure one who has a haughty 100 Title: “Thanksgiving” – or “praise.” The Hebrew word is usually translated “thanksgiving” in the KJV, as in v 4. 100:1 This is the last in this series of psalms concerning the reign of the LORD (Jehovah) on the earth. It looks forward to the time when all the peoples of the earth (“all you lands”), and not just Israel, become His people and His sheep. Compare Ex 19:5; Deut 4:20; 7:6; Ps 73:1,2; 79:13; 95:7. This is one of the reasons the writer gives for the joyful thanksgiving and praise which are the theme of this psalm. It is an interesting fact that this is the only psalm which has the title “of thanksgiving,” though, of course, many of them contain much thanksgiving to God. 100:2 Rom 6:12,13; 12:1; 14:17; 15:13. 100:3 The writer is still addressing the whole earth. Jehovah is not a small god of a little nation. He is the one true God, the Creator of all. He wants all men to know this, for there can be no true service to God, no real joy, without this knowledge. But when all the earth does know this, when all peoples become His people and His sheep, what joy and praise will fill the whole wide earth! (98:3; Isa 11:9; 45:6; Hab 2:14). 100:4 “Thanksgiving” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18; Heb 13:15; Rev 11:17. 100:5 Further great reasons for joy and thanksgiving. The only true God is good, gracious, and faithful, and will remain unchangeably so forever. 101:1,2 David wrote this psalm, not as a private person, but as king. He had found in the LORD (Jehovah) perfect grace and perfect justice. God knows just when and to whom to show mercy, and just when and whom to judge and punish. Now David

praises Him for that and resolves to strive ever to follow the King of heaven and be blameless in his conduct as the leader of his people and in the administration of the kingdom.

This is a great resolution and one every leader of Christian organizations and churches needs to make before God. David never achieved perfection, but he aimed at it. It is far better to aim at perfection and miss it than to aim at imperfection and achieve it. See the prayer in the midst of the resolution. He knew that if his resolution was to stand and produce fruit he needed God’s presence and power with him.

“Perfect” – or “blameless” or “with complete integrity.” 101:3-8 David resolved that he would keep himself from all evil and would not permit evil persons to serve in the palace or in the administration of the kingdom. He would choose only those who were faithful to God, people of integrity. He refused to select anyone as workers, ministers, or administrators simply because they were relatives or friends, or of the same tribe or community. He knew how ruinous nepotism can be, how it leads to corruption and abuse of power. No matter who people were, if they were evil, slanderers, proud, deceitful, or liars they had no part in his work or kingdom. Today we need such wise, holy, and determined leaders. 101:3 No vain or wicked thing would be a model for him. He refused even to contemplate such. And he was aware that when we come into contact with evil it can stick to us (1 Cor 15:33). So he kept his distance from evil men and evil deeds. 101:4 Prov 11:20. 101:5 See 15:3; 50:20; Prov 10:18; Jer 6:28. As the leader of God’s people David

PSALMS 101:6 758

look and a proud heart. 6 My eyes will be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. The one who walks in a perfect way,

I am in trouble, but bow down your ear to me. In the day I call, answer me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned like a hearth. 4 My heart is beaten down and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread. 5 Because of the sound of my groaning my bones cling to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.

he will serve me. 7 He who acts deceitfully will not dwell in my house. He who tells lies will not remain in my sight. 8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, so that I may cut off all evildoers

from the city of the LORD.

8 My enemies taunt me all day long, and those who act like madmen against

A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours

me swear an oath against me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with weeping, 10 Because of your indignation and your wrath. For you have lifted me up and

out his complaint before the LORD

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to you. 2 Do not hide your face from me in the day

considered that a slanderer or a proud man should have no place in God’s work – see also 10:4; 18:27; Prov 6:17; 21:4; 30:13; Isa 2:11. 101:6 Faithfulness to God and blamelessness of life were the two qualifications David looked for. To him they were more important than talent, intellect, strength, courage, or any other such quality. If a person did not have integrity he had no place in David’s work. 101:7 See 5:6; 52:2-5; Prov 6:16-19. If liars and deceivers were not fit for David’s palace how much less fit are they for the palace of the heavenly King! If David would not have them near him can we vainly imagine that God will? See 15:1-3; 24:3,4; Rev 21:8,23-27; 22:14,15. 101:8 Court was held in the morning and judgment given. David was determined to rid the nation of evil doers. For sins that required the death penalty under the law see note at Ex 21:36. It is a very sad thing that sins which were considered worthy of death under the law of Moses are often viewed with complacency in some Christian circles and nothing is done about them. Often this is not because leaders want to show God’s grace, but because they abuse His grace.

102 Title: The author was passing through an experience of deep grief when he wrote this, and in vs 1-11 he expresses this sorrow in very picturesque language. His sadness is tied up altogether with the ruined condition of Jerusalem (vs 13,14. Compare Lam 1:1-13; 2:1,2; 3:1-6; Luke 19:41-44). Verses 25-27 of this psalm are quoted in Heb 1:10-12, and applied to the Lord Jesus. So this can be called a Messianic psalm. One theme of it is the future restoration of Jerusalem – vs 15,21, 22. In this regard this psalm is similar to psalms 95 - 100.

All this will happen when the LORD (Jehovah) appears in glory – v 16. This refers to the coming of God’s kingdom. But before that wonderful time comes there will be much sorrow and affliction for the people of God, as appears in the opening verses of this psalm. And there will be earnest prayers that the kingdom of God might come (Matt 6:10). 102:2 See 10:1; 13:1; 17:6; 18:6; 27:9; 31:2; 56:9; 66:13; 71:2. 102:3 See 6:2; 31:10; 35:10; 37:20; 42:10. 102:4 See 90:5,6; 37:2; Job 33:20; Ezra 10:6. 102:5 See 22:14,17; Job 19:20. 102:6,7 Indicates loneliness and desolation of heart. 102:8 See 31:11; 42:10. 102:9 Ashes are symbolic of mourning (2 Sam 13:19; Esther 4:1,3; Job 2:8; 42:6). This may mean that the ashes on which he sat or poured on his head became mixed with his food. Or perhaps he is using the word metaphorically.

Of course, it is not the business of the church to execute the death penalty for offenses against God’s law. But it the business of the church to try to keep itself pure and holy, and to maintain standards of integrity. God’s heavenly city is a holy place prepared for a holy people. This was David’s desire for the earthly city of Jerusalem. Dare we desire it less for the church and Christian organizations?

“Weeping” – 42:3; 80:5. 102:10 He traces his sorrow and affliction to God’s anger. See note at Ps 90:7-11.

759 PSALMS 103:1

thrown me down. 11 My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I am withered like grass.

and his praise in Jerusalem, 22 When the peoples and the kingdoms are gathered together to serve the LORD.

12 But you, O LORD, will remain forever, and the remembrance of you to all

23 He brought down my strength in the way; he shortened my days. 24 I said, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; your years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your

generations. 13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for the time to favour her, yes, the set time, has come. 14 For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour to its dust. 15 So the nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth your glory. 16 For the LORD will build Zion; he will appear in his glory. 17 He will have regard for the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer. 18 This will be written for the generation to come; and the people who are yet to be

hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; yes, all of them will become old like

a garment; like a cloak you will change them,

and they will be changed. 27 But you are the same, and your years will have no end. 28 The children of your servants will continue, and their offspring will be established

before you.”

created will praise the LORD. 19 For he looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven the LORD saw the earth, 20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner, to free those who are dying, 21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion,

A Psalm of David

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me,

102:11 See 109:23; Job 14:2. An evening shadow is soon gone, swallowed up in night’s darkness.

to the Hebrews (Heb 1:10-12) these words were spoken to the Lord Jesus before His incarnation. In the Hebrew of v 24 there is the usual Old Testament word for God. This is further proof that the writers of the New Testament regarded Jesus as God, the incarnation of Jehovah of the Old Testament, the great Creator of the universe. 102:25 Gen 1:1; John 1:1-3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:10. 102:26 Isa 34:4; 51:6; Matt 24:35; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 20:11. Creation is like a garment God wears. Clothing speaks of someone who made it or who wears it. Those who worship creation, the sun, moon, stars, or any other material object, are occupied, not with God, but with garments which are getting old and will perish. 102:27 See Isa 41:4; 43:10; Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8. 102:28 See 69:36; 89:4. Because God is eternal, His children, though on earth frail and soon to pass away, can safely trust Him to fulfill His word and His plans. 103:1 “Praise” – seems a better translation than “Bless.” See Hebrews 7:7. This is a hymn on God’s goodness. The theme, given in v 8, is based on God’s revelation of Himself in Ex 34:6. David wanted the praise he offered to such a good God to be inward, sincere, overflowing from the heart. On

“Grass” – 90:5,6; 103:15. 102:12-28 With v 12 the tone of the psalm changes. The writer has spoken of the brevity of his own life. Now he speaks of God’s eternal being. And thinking of God’s greatness brings hope and assurance to his sad heart. He knows things will change, that God has a wonderful plan which He will fulfill. 102:12 See 9:7; 10:16; 135:13; Ex 3:15; Lam 5:19; Rev 11:15. 102:13 Isa 54:8,10; 60:10,11; Zech 1:16,17; 2:10,11. 102:14 Stones and dust mean the city’s ruins. 102:15 See 138:4; 72:11; Isa 59:19,20. 102:16 See 147:2; Isa 60:1,2. 102:17 See 22:24; 31:22; 69:33. 102:18 Deut 31:19; Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11. 102:19 See 14:2; 53:2; Deut 26:15. 102:20 See 79:11; 107:10-13; 146:7; Ex 2:23-25; Luke 4:17-20. 102:21,22 For complete fulfillment these words still look to the future. 102:23 See 39:5; 89:45. 102:24 The writer longs to live until he sees the restoration of Zion, the fulfillment of his own words. 102:25-27 According to the inspired writer

PSALMS 103:2 760

praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; 3 Who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and

or repaid us according to our evil deeds. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who

fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our

tender mercies; 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like

transgressions from us. 13 Like a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him. 14 For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass. He flourishes like a flower of the field. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those

the eagle’s.

6 The LORD administers righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to get angry,

and has abundant mercy. 9 He will not always contend, nor will he retain his anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, 18 To those who keep his covenant,

praise see note on 33:1-3. 103:2 Deut 4:9; 6:12; 8:11. Forgetfulness of God’s benefits is a great fault and will rob us of much joy and consolation. 103:3-5 To inspire his praise David meditates on five ways in these three verses in which God has shown His grace toward him. God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies. Of course this list is not exhaustive (40:5). 103:3 “Forgives” – 86:5; 130:8; Ex 34:7; Isa 43:25; Matt 12:31; Eph 1:7; 1 John 1:9. Forgiveness is the foundation blessing. Without it all other blessings lose much of their value. What are health, wealth, vigor, or satisfaction of desires, if we do not obtain God’s forgiveness? if we enjoy them only for a little while and then perish forever?

because of unbelief and rebellion learned only God’s acts and these they speedily forgot (78:11; 106:13). Like Moses we should pray that God will teach us His ways so that we will have some understanding of His acts (25:4; 27:11; 86:11) – not that we can ever on this earth learn all of God’s ways (Isa 55:8,9; Rom 11:33). 103:8 Ex 34:6; Num 14:18; Neh 9:17; Ps 86:15; 145:8; Lam 3:22; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Matt 9:36; Jam 5:11. 103:9 See 30:5; Isa 57:16; Jer 3:5,12; Micah 7:18. 103:10 Ezra 9:13. If God dealt with us according to our sins we would all be in hell and not one of us would escape. 103:11 See 36:5; 57:10. David meant an immeasurable distance, as he does also in the next verse. 103:12 Isa 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Jer 50:20; Micah 7:19; Heb 9:26. 103:13 The fatherhood of God spoken of in a small measure in the Old Testament is fully and gloriously revealed in the New Testament (68:5; 1 Chron 22:10; Isa 9:6; Matt 6:4,8,9; John 1:14,18; Rom 8:15; 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 3:14,15; 4:6). God has the nature all fathers should have but which many do not. He is loving, compassionate and understanding, and He considers the welfare of His children above all else. 103:14 See 78:39; Gen 3:19; Eccl 12:7. 103:15 See 90:5; Isa 40:6; Jam 1:10,11; 1 Pet 1:24. 103:16 Job 7:10; 8:18; 20:9; Isa 40:7. 103:17 David contrasts man’s frailty and brief life with God’s eternal being and perpetual favor (25:6; John 10:29; 1 Pet 1:3-5). 103:18 All the benefits mentioned in this psalm are for a certain type of people – those who fear God (vs 11,13), and those

“Heals” – 30:2; Ex 15:26; Matt 9:35. This was David’s personal experience. It is not a promise that God will always heal every disease of every person. But there is such a thing as God’s healing which can be received by faith (Matt 9:28,29; Jam 5:14-16). 103:4 “Redeems” – note on God as Redeemer at 78:35.

“Destruction” signifies death, or possibly the unseen world of darkness and punishment, or both, and Jehovah God alone can save from them (16:10; 49:15; 56:13; Heb 2:14,15).

“Crowns” – 8:5. God gives far better crowns than any kingdom of earth can offer. 103:5 “Satisfies” – see 21:2; 37:4; 145:19; Matt 7:7,8; Isa 40:31. 103:6-18 Now David considers God’s goodness to the nation Israel, indeed to all who fear Him. 103:6 See 12:5; 99:4; 146:7. 103:7 Moses prayed to learn God’s ways and God answered him (Ex 33:13). The people

761 PSALMS 104:15

so that it would never be moved. 6 You cover it with the deep as with a garment. The waters stood above the mountains. 7 At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they

and to those who remember his

commandments, to do them. 19 The LORD has prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, who excel in strength, who do what he says, listening to the voice of his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his hosts, you ministers of his, who fulfil his pleasure. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

hurried away. 8 They went up over the mountains; they went down by the valleys to the

place which you founded for them. 9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, so that they do not turn back to cover

the earth. 10 He sends water from the springs into the valleys, which runs among the hills. 11 They provide drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 The birds of the heavens have their nests by them, singing among the branches. 13 He waters the hills from his chambers. The earth is filled with the fruit of

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty, 2 You who cover yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. 3 He lays the beams of his chambers in the waters. He makes the clouds his chariot. He walks on the wings of the wind. 4 He makes his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. 5 He laid the foundations of the earth,

your works. 14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for the service of man, so that he may bring food out of the earth, 15 And wine that makes the heart of man glad, and oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.

who obey Him. If we do not revere God and attempt to be obedient to Him it is useless for us to try to claim the blessings He gives. For notes on the fear of God see 34:11-14; 111:10; Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Prov 1:7. 103:19-22 God is so great, so good, the universal sovereign – 47:2. Therefore David exhorts the whole of creation to praise Him. 103:19 See 11:4; 47:2,8; Isa 66:1; Dan 4:17,25; Matt 5:34; Rev 4:2. 103:20 See 68:17; 91:11; 104:4; Gen 16:7 (note). 103:22 David returns to the opening word of the psalm. He will not urge others to do what he will not do himself. 104:1 This is a hymn to the Creator of the world. It is a song of pure praise and joy. The writer does not ask God for anything for himself. He only wants his meditation to be acceptable to God. In its main outline the psalm follows the story of creation given in the first chapter of Genesis. One difference between this psalm and that chapter is that the creation there is in the past, here it is still going on. After God made the world He did not withdraw somewhere and cease His work forever. True, He ceased to work on the seventh day (Gen 2:2). But He

resumed His activities and still works (John 5:17). He is not an idle God. This is clearly seen in this psalm. The Creator continually sustains and renews His creation.

As we see in v 2 the splendid garment of God is the light (compare Dan 7:9; Mark 9:2,3; 1 Tim 6:16; Rev 1:14-16). God Himself is invisible to the eye of flesh, but His glory is revealed in His creation by means of light. 104:2-4 This is based on Gen 1:3-8. 104:2 Isa 40:22. 104:3 See 18:9,10; Isa 19:1; Amos 9:6. 104:4 See 148:8; Heb 1:7; 2 Kings 2:11; 6:17. 104:5-9 This is based on Gen 1:9,10. 104:5 See 24:2; Job 38:4. 104:6 Gen 1:2. 104:7,8 Gen 1:9. 104:9 Job 38:10,11; Jer 5:22. 104:10-18 This is based on Gen 1:11,12, 20,24,27. 104:10 See 107:35; Isa 41:18. 104:11 Job 39:5. 104:12 Matt 6:26; 8:20. 104:13 See 65:9; 147:8; Jer 10:13. 104:14,15 See 147:8; Job 38:27; Acts 14:17.

PSALMS 104:16 762

16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon which he has

There is that leviathan,

which you have made to play there. 27 These all wait on you, that you may give them their food in due season. 28 They gather what you give them. You open your hand; they are satisfied

planted, 17 Where the birds make their nests. As for the stork, the fir trees are her

house. 18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks for the rock badgers. 19 He appointed the moon for seasons. The sun knows its going down. 20 You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the beasts of the

with good things . 29 You hide your face; they are troubled. You take away their breath; they die,

and return to their dust. 30 You send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the

face of the earth. 31 The glory of the LORD will remain forever. The LORD will rejoice in his works. 32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles. He touches the hills, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I

forest creep forth. 21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises; they gather together, and lie down in their dens. 23 Man goes forth to his work and to his labour until the evening. 24 O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your riches. 25 So is this great and wide sea, in which teem innumerable things, both small and great creatures. 26 There go the ships.

have my being. 34 My meditation of him will be sweet. I will be glad in the LORD. 35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!

104:16 They are called the trees of the Lord because He originally planted them and caused them to grow. 104:17,18 God made a place for each animal and put each animal in its place. 104:19-23 This is based on Gen 1:14-18. 104:19,20 See 19:6; 74:16; Isa 45:7. 104:21 See 145:15; Job 38:39; Joel 1:20. 104:23 Gen 3:19. 104:24-26 This is based on Gen 1:21. 104:24 136:5; Prov 3:19; Jer 10:12; 51:15; Rev 4:11. 104:26 “Leviathan” – see 74:14; Job 41:1; Isa 27:1. 104:27-30 All animals, fish, and birds are dependent on God for life and food. God ceaselessly provides, continually creates and renews. 104:27 Job 36:31; 38:41; Ps 136:25; 145:15; 147:9. 104:29 “Hide” – 30:7; Deut 31:27. “Take away” – 146:4; Job 34:14,15. 104:30 Gen 1:2; Job 33:4; Ezek 37:9. 104:31-35 The keynote here is joy – both God and men rejoicing in creation. 104:31 Gen 1:31. 104:32 See 97:4,5; 114:7; Jud 5:5; Hab 3:10. 104:33 See 63:4; 146:2. While men praise unworthy objects and gods of wood and stone (Dan 5:4; Rev 9:20), Bible believers praise the great Creator of the universe. 104:34 “Meditation” – 19:14. “Be glad” – this is true spiritual joy – God rejoices in His believers, they rejoice in Him.

104:35 In the whole of earth’s creation, and in this whole psalm, the only thing that mars, the only sad note, is found here. Sinners pollute and ruin God’s creation. They have proved themselves completely unworthy of it (Isa 24:5). Therefore the writer expresses the desire that they be removed from it. He wants creation made perfect again and holy. We know from the last chapter of the Bible that this will take place.

“Praise the LORD” – in Hebrew “Hallelu Yah.” Yah is often used in Hebrew for Jehovah (Yahweh). 105:1-7 This psalm reveals God’s sovereignty over both the history of Israel and the acts of sinful men. Notice carefully how God was involved in ruling over everything – vs 14, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, etc. He was continually at work to fulfill His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – vs 8-10. We might say this is the psalm concerning God’s covenant with Abraham, just as psalm 89 is the psalm of His covenant with David. Like psalms 78 and 106 this one deals with history. Psalm 78 was given chiefly for the purpose of teaching and exhortation. Psalm 106 is a confession of Israel’s many sins. But this psalm rejoices in the mighty acts of the LORD (Jehovah) God and there is no mention at all of the sin of Israel. The first 15 verses are found in 1 Chron 16:8-22. From that reference we may judge that David wrote it.

In the introduction (vs 1-7) David sets forth seven duties or privileges of God’s

763 PSALMS 105:22

11 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, the portion of your inheritance,” 12 When they were only a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it. 13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, 14 He did not allow anyone to wrong them; yes, he rebuked kings for their sakes, 15 Saying , “Do not touch my anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” 16 Moreover, he summoned a famine to the land. He destroyed the whole supply of bread. 17 He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a servant, 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters. He was put in irons, 19 Until the time that his word came. The word of the LORD tested him. 20 The king sent and released him; the ruler of the people sent

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD. Call on his name. Make his deeds known among the people. 2 Sing to him, sing psalms to him. Talk of all his wonderful works. 3 Glory in his holy name. May the heart of those who seek the LORD

rejoice. 4 Seek the LORD, and his strength. Seek his face always. 5 Remember his marvellous works that he has done, his wonders and the judgments of his mouth, 6 O you offspring of his servant Abraham, you children of Jacob his chosen one. 7 He is the LORD our God. His judgments are in all the earth. 8 He remembers his covenant forever, the word which he commanded,

for a thousand generations, 9 The covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath to Isaac. 10 And he confirmed it to Jacob as a law, to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

and let him go free. 21 He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.

people –

105:8-11 David now begins the main theme of the psalm. For God’s covenant with Abraham see Gen 12:7; 17:2,8; 22:16-18; 26:3; 28:13-15. 105:11 This is a chief part of the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land of Canaan was given to their offspring as their portion forever – Gen 13:15; 15:18; 17:8; 2 Chron 20:7. 105:12,13 When God made the promise to give Canaan to them the nation of Israel was at its beginning. They had no strength to conquer Canaan or any other land, and were like a wandering tribe. Only God could fulfill His promise, not they. 105:14,15 Gen 12:17; 20:3; 35:5. This refers to the three men Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. All were prophets – Gen 20:7; 27:27-29,39,40; 49:1-28. 105:16 Gen 41:54. The great famine in Joseph’s time is here said to have been brought about by God. This does not mean that He causes every famine in every place. Some result from man’s doings. But whenever there is a famine men should seek the mercy of the one true God, the Creator of men and rain and soil and seed. 105:17 Gen 45:5; 50:20,21. 105:18 Gen 39:20; 40:15. 105:19 “Came” – here probably means “was fulfilled” – Gen 40:20-22; 41:12-14.

Giving thanks, Praying, Making known God’s deeds, Singing to God or about God, Glorying in Him, Seeking Him, And remembering His wonderful works and words.

Following these instructions will result in a healthy spiritual life in any believer. 105:1 “Give thanks” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18; note at Lev 7:12,13. “Call” – 50:15; 91:15; 145:18; Luke 18:1. “Make. . .known” – 67:2; Matt 28:19,20; Luke 24:46,47. 105:2 “Sing” – 96:1; 98:5; Eph 5:19. “Talk” – 9:11; 66:16; 75:9; 96:3. 105:3 See 13:5; 28:7; 33:21. 105:4 Note at 27:8. 105:5,6 Deut 8:2,18; 9:7; 2 Tim 2:8. Though the psalm was originally addressed to the nation of Israel, the physical seed of Abraham, we should not forget that now believers in Christ are the spiritual seed of Abraham (Rom 4:11; Gal 3:29). 105:7 See 10:5; 36:6; Rom 11:33. Though the majority of the world’s people are not aware of it, God’s judgments are continually being worked out in the lives of individuals and nations.

“Tested him” – note at 66:10-12. 105:20-22 Gen 41:14,40-44.

PSALMS 105:23 764

23 Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob stayed in the land of Ham.

38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen on them. 39 He spread a cloud as a covering, and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and he brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out. They ran in the dry places like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and his servant Abraham. 43 And he brought out his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness, 44 And gave them the lands of the nations; and they inherited the labour of the peoples, 45 That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise the LORD!

24 And the LORD increased his people greatly, and made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their hearts to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants. 26 He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron whom he had chosen. 27 They showed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they did not rebel against his word. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and killed their fish. 30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the rooms of their kings. 31 He spoke, and various kinds of flies came, and lice inside all their borders. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. 33 He also struck their vines and their fig trees, and broke down the trees inside their

borders. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came, and caterpillars without number, 35 And they ate up all the plants in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. 36 He also struck all the firstborn in their land, the first of all their strength. 37 He also brought the people out with silver and gold, and not one feeble person was among

1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD,

for he is good, for his mercy continues on forever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all his praise? 3 Blessed are those who maintain justice, and the one who practices righteousness

at all times. 4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour

their tribes.

105:23 Gen 46:6. 105:24 Ex 1:7,9. 105:25 Ex 1:8,10; 4:21. God uses even the hatred and cunning of men for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His purposes. 105:26 Ex 3:10; 4:12,14. 105:27 See 78:43-51. 105:28-36 Exodus chapters 7-12. 105:37 Ex 12:35,36. 105:38 Ex 12:33; 15:16. 105:39 See 78:14; Ex 13:21; Neh 9:12. 105:40 Ex 16:12-15; Num 11:31; Neh 9:15; John 6:31. 105:41 Ex 17:6; Num 20:11. 105:42-44 All God did He did to fulfill His covenant and promises. To do that God would be willing to move heaven and earth. 105:45 This was God’s command and good purpose in all He did for Israel (Deut 4:1,40). All He has done for believers now is also with this end in view (Rom 14:7-9; Col 3:16,17; 1 John 2:3-6).

purpose here is different. Here we have a confession of Israel’s many sins and a description of how God dealt with them because of their sins. The first 6 verses are an introduction. Then there are alternating portions describing Israel’s sins and God’s response. In v 7 we see Israel’s sins in Egypt, in vs 13-33 their sins in the wilderness, and in vs 34-43 their sins in the land of Canaan. Of all their many sins three are repeated three times – forgetting (vs 7,13,21), rebellion (vs 7,33,43), and idolatry (vs 19,28,36-39).

The recurring lesson of the psalm is this: when God’s people sin they must expect God’s chastisement. He is a God of love, mercy and holiness, and so cannot let His people rebel and transgress His laws without punishing and disciplining them. That would be to encourage them to sin, and to ruin their character.

“Praise the LORD” – see note at 104:35. 106:1 See 7:17; 100:4,5; 105:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1. 106:2 See 40:5; 71:15; 139:18. 106:3 See 15:2; 24:4; Isa 33:15,16. 106:4 See 44:3; 119:132.

“Praise the LORD” – in Hebrew “Hallelu Yah.” See note at 104:35. 106:1-6 This psalm, like 78 and 105, is a review of the history of Israel, but the

765 PSALMS 106:30

that you have toward your people. Oh, visit me with your salvation, 5 That I may see the good enjoyed by your chosen ones , that I may rejoice in the gladness of

but sent leanness into their soul. 16 They also envied Moses in the camp, and Aaron, the saint of the LORD. 17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. 18 And a fire blazed in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. 19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the cast metal image. 20 Thus they exchanged their glory for the likeness of an ox that eats grass. 21 They forgot God their saviour, who had done great things in Egypt, 22 Wonderful deeds in the land of Ham, and awe-inspiring things by the Red Sea. 23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen one stood

your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance. 6 We have sinned along with our fathers. We have done evil. We have acted wickedly. 7 Our fathers did not understand your wonders in Egypt. They did not remember your many deeds

of mercy, but provoked you at the sea,

at the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless, he saved them for his name’s sake, so that he might make his mighty power

before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath so that he would

known. 9 He also rebuked the Red Sea, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths,

not destroy them.

24 Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They did not believe his word, 25 But murmured in their tents, and did not listen to the voice of the LORD. 26 Therefore he raised his hand against them, to overthrow them in the desert, 27 To overthrow their offspring also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 28 They joined themselves also to Baal-Peor, and ate sacrifices made to the dead. 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their deeds; and the plague broke out among them. 30 Then Phinehas stood up and executed

as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of the one who hated them , and redeemed them from the hand of the

enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies; not one of them was left. 12 Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. 13 They soon forgot his works. They did not wait for his counsel, 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request,

to insist that God answer prayers not in His will. The answer He gives may result in great trouble to both body and soul. 106:16-18 Num 16:1-3,32,35. 106:19 Ex 32:4. 106:20 Jer 2:11; Rom 1:23. Such is the amazing darkness and sinfulness that reign in the human heart. 106:21 See 78:11. 106:22 This means they refused to keep those things in mind and to live in the light of them. 106:23 Ex 32:10-14. 106:24 Num 14:31. If they had believed God’s promises they would have gone in and possessed the land. True faith always produces action in obedience to God’s Word. 106:25 Num 14:2. 106:26 Num 14:28-35. Sin brings penalties. It is not a light thing that God can overlook in His people. 106:27 Lev 26:33; Deut 4:27. 106:28-31 Num 25:1-13. God observes and honors those who take a righteous stand for Him.

106:5 See 105:3; 118:15. 106:6 Like all the saints in the Bible the author knows that he and his generation are no better than the previous generation that sinned grievously against the Lord (1 Kings 8:47; Ezra 9:7; Neh 1:7; Jer 3:25; Dan 9:5). 106:7 “Did not remember” – forgetting God’s gracious deeds is a sin that is the root cause of many other sins (78:1,41; Jud 3:7).

“Provoked him” – 78:17; Num 14:1-4, 10-12; Deut 1:26; 9:24. 106:8 Ex 9:16; Rom 9:22. 106:9-12 See Ex 14:21-31; 15:1-21; Ps 78:42,53; Isa 51:10. God saved Israel from Egypt, not because they were good, but because He is. 106:13-33 Their sins in the wilderness were many and very grievous. These verses mention events recorded in Exodus chapters 15, 16, 17, 32 and Numbers chapters 11, 14, 16, 20, 25. They give a sad picture of continual unbelief and rebellion. 106:13 Ex 15:24; 16:2; 17:2. 106:15 See 78:29. It is dangerous for us

PSALMS 106:31 766

42 And their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought low under their hand. 43 Many times he rescued them, but they rebelled against him with

judgment, and so the plague was stopped. 31 And that was counted to him as righteousness to all generations

their counsel, and were brought low for their wickedness. 44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry, 45 And for their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented in accordance with his

forevermore. 32 They also angered him at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses on their account; 33 Because they provoked his Spirit, so that Moses spoke rashly with his lips. 34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD had given

many deeds of mercy. 46 He also caused them to be pitied by all those who carried them away captives. 47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, and to triumph in your praise. 48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting; and let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD!

command to them, 35 But mingled with the nations, and learned their deeds. 36 And they served their idols; which became a snare to them. 37 Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, 38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of

their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. And the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus they were defiled with their own actions, and behaved like a prostitute with

BOOK 5 (Psalms 107 - 150)

their own deeds.

40 Therefore the wrath of the LORD burned against his people, so that he abhorred his own inheritance. 41 And he gave them into the hands of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them.

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy continues on forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so , whom he has redeemed from the hand of

106:32,33 Num 20:2-13. 106:34-43 Israel did not stop sinning when they finally arrived in Canaan. A change of location did not mean a change of heart. They went on sinning and God continued to punish them for it. 106:34-36 Jud 1:21,27-36; 2:12; 3:5,6. 106:37 See Deut 12:31; 32:17; 2 Kings 16:3; 17:17; Ezek 16:20,21; 1 Cor 10:20. 106:38 Num 35:33; Deut 18:10; Ps 94:21; Isa 24:5; Jer 3:1,2. 106:39 “Like a prostitute” – Lev 17:7; 18:24; Num 15:39; Jud 2:17; Ezek 20:18; Hos 4:12. In the Bible unfaithfulness to God, especially turning from Him to worship other gods, is compared to adultery and prostitution. See Jeremiah chapter 3, and Ezekiel chapters 16 and 23. 106:40 “Wrath” – 78:59; Jud 2:14; notes at Num 25:3; Ps 90:7-11. 106:41 Jud 2:14; Neh 9:27. 106:42 Jud 4:3; 10:12. 106:43 Jud 2:16-18; 6:6; Ps 81:12. 106:44-46 Though God had to punish them for their sins He remained faithful, compassionate, and loving (Mal 3:6). The unchangeable goodness of God is the only

ground of hope for any of us. 106:47 See 147:2; 1 Chron 16:35,36; Dan 9:17-19. 106:48 See 41:13; 72:18; 89:52. Praise be to God for all His love, compassion, mercy, goodness, faithfulness and patience. 107:1 The great theme of this psalm is clear – God is good and worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. In His great goodness He watches over men and hears and answers prayer. After an introduction (vs 1-3), the writer in vs 4-32 gives four examples of God delivering men from trouble. Since God has done it, it is only right to give God thanks for it. This exhortation to give thanks is found in vs 1, 8, 15, 21, 31. It is found also in many other places in the Bible (106:1; 118:1; 136:1; 1 Chron 16:34; Jer 33:11; 1 Thess 5:18). In vs 33-41 he speaks of God’s judgments in the world (105:7). He is a great king over all the earth. Those who are really wise will be able to see something of God’s wisdom, grace, and love in His dealings with mankind.

“Thanks” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. 107:2 “Redeemed” – Isa 35:9,10; 62:12;

767 PSALMS 107:21

They fell down, and there was no one

the enemy, 3 And gathered out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the

to help. 13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their

north, and from the south. 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate path; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their

distresses. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains apart. 15 Oh, that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the

children of men! 16 For he has broken the gates of brass, and cut through the bars of iron.

distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for

their dwelling place. 8 Oh, that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful deeds to the

17 Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their wicked deeds,

are afflicted. 18 Their soul abhors all kinds of food, and they draw near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and he saves them out of their distresses. 20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from what brought

children of men! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. 10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons, 11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High. 12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour.

them down. 21 Oh, that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful deeds to the

children of men!

Rom 3:24; Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 1:18,19. Note at Ps 78:35.

can speak to us of spiritual bondage too. Though this bondage was the result of sin, God did not reject the peoples’ prayer when they turned to Him. 107:10 See 102:20; 143:3; Job 36:5; Isa 42:7; Micah 7:8; Luke 1:79. 107:11 See 78:40; 106:7; Lam 3:42. Rebellion against God will inevitably bring us into some kind of bondage. 107:14 See 86:13; 116:16; Jer 2:20; 30:8; Nahum 1:13; Luke 13:16. 107:16 Isa 45:1,2. No gate, no bars are strong enough to keep God’s people locked in when He arises to deliver them (Acts 12:5-11). 107:17-22 The third example of God’s deliverance in answer to prayer. The case here is of disease brought on by sin and rebellion. Those afflicted were at the point of death before they cried to the LORD (Jehovah) – v 18. In v 17 they are called “fools.” Their foolishness is revealed by their sin and rebellion and by the fact that they waited so long to turn to God. But observe here God’s great goodness. He answers even the prayers of fools when they seek Him. And He will begin the process of making them wise. 107:17,18 Lev 26:14-16. 107:19,20 See 30:2; 103:3; 147:3; 2 Kings 20:5; Jam 5:13-15.

“Say” – God’s people must speak up and tell others what God has done for them (9:11; 73:28; 118:17; Matt 10:32; Acts 1:8; Rom 1:15,16; Rev 12:11). 107:3 Some scholars think this shows that this psalm was written after the return from the captivity in Babylon in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. It may be so. 107:4-9 Here is the first example of God’s deliverance in answer to prayer. It speaks of troubles encountered by exiles on the journey home. Though physical difficulties are here described, it would be no mistake for us to apply it also to the believer’s spiritual pilgrimage now and the difficulties along that way. 107:6 This is what we should do always (34:6,17; 50:15; 91:14,15). If there is a sincere turning to God He will either bring us out of trouble, or give us grace and strength to endure trouble and make it all turn out for our good. 107:8 Verses 15,21,31. 107:9 See 22:26; 34:10; 63:5; 103:5; 146:7; Isa 55:1,2; Matt 5:6; John 4:14; Rev 22:17. 107:10-16 The second example of God’s deliverance in answer to prayer. Though this is a picture of physical bondage these terms

PSALMS 107:22 768

22 And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his deeds with rejoicing. 23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, 24 These see the deeds of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. 25 For he gives a command and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves. 26 They mount up into the sky; they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses. 29 He calms the storm, so that its waves become still. 30 Then they are glad, because they are quiet. So he brings them to their desired haven.

and dry ground into springs of water. 36 And he causes the hungry to dwell there, that they may prepare

a city for habitation, 37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which yield fruitful harvests. 38 He blesses them also, so that they greatly increase in number; and he does not let their cattle decrease. 39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and

sorrow, 40 He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in the

wilderness, where there is no path. 41 Yet he sets the poor on high, away from affliction, and makes

families for him like a flock. 42 The righteous will see it and rejoice, and all wickedness will shut its mouth. 43 Whoever is wise, and will observe these things , they will understand

the loving kindness of the LORD.

31 Oh, that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful deeds to the

children of men! 32 Let them also exalt him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. 33 He turns rivers into a desert, and springs of water into dry ground, 34 and a fruitful land into barrenness, because of the wickedness of those

A song, a Psalm of David

1 O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and give praise,

even with my glory. 2 Awake, lyre and harp. I myself will awaken early. 3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among

who live in it. 35 He turns the desert into pools of water,

the nations.

which reveal His absolute sovereignty in the affairs of men. 107:33,34 Lev 26:19; Deut 28:23,24; 1 Kings 17:1,7; Ps 74:15; Isa 42:15; 50:2. 107:35 See 105:41; 114:8; Isa 35:6,7; 41:18; 44:3. 107:40 This is taken from Job 12:21. An example of this is in Dan 4:28-33. 107:41 See 59:1; 113:7,8; 1 Sam 2:8. 107:42 The result of God’s righteous judgments (52:6; 63:11; Job 40:4; Rom 3:19). 107:43 Great things can be learned about God’s character by meditating on His deeds in the Bible. 108:1 This psalm is made up of parts of two others – 57:7-11 and 60:5-12. See notes on those psalms. We cannot be sure why or when this psalm was made this way, but we should notice that this is called a song, the other two are not. Sometimes to express praise and thanks to God for new mercies a new song is needed (96:1; 98:1). But sometimes old thoughts and old verses

107:22 See 50:14; 116:17; note at Lev 7:12,13. 107:23-32 The fourth example of God’s deliverance in answer to prayer. The dangers to sailing vessels in a storm are very great. For New Testament pictures of this see Matt 8:23-27 and Acts 27:14-44. On the believer’s life’s voyage to the heavenly harbor also there are many dangers and difficulties. 107:25 Compare this with v 29. There was not one god who brought the storm and another who rescued them from the storm, as was thought in much of ancient mythology and even today by some people. There is only one true God and He both brings storms and causes them to cease. 107:27,28 When we don’t know what to do we should turn to Him who always knows what to do and can also do it. 107:29 See 65:7; 89:9; Matt 8:26. 107:32 See 34:3; 99:5; Isa 25:1. 107:33-41 Here are other acts of Jehovah

769 PSALMS 109:9

4 For your mercy is great, higher than the heavens; and your truth reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and your glory above all the earth, 6 That your loved one may be delivered. Give salvation with your right hand,

To the chief musician, a Psalm of David

1 Do not remain silent, O God of my praise. 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful have opened against me. They have spoken against me with a lying

and answer me. 7 God has spoken in his holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem, and measure out

tongue. 3 They also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause. 4 In return for my love they are my accusers; but I give myself to prayer. 5 And they have repaid me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

the valley of Succoth. 8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; and Ephraim is the helmet for my head. Judah is my lawgiver. 9 Moab is my wash pot. Over Edom I will throw my sandal. Over Philistia I will triumph.”

10 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom? 11 Will not you , O God, who rejected us? And will not you, O God, go forth with

6 Set a wicked man over him, and let Satan stand at his right hand. 7 When he is judged, let him be condemned, and let his prayer become sin. 8 Let his days be few, and let another take his position. 9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.

our armies? 12 Give us help from trouble, for useless is the help of man. 13 Through God we will do valiantly, for he it is who will tread down our enemies.

perfectly fit the present case. 109:1 This is the last of the psalms which contain curses against enemies and it has the most terrible of these curses. For a note on this subject see 35:8. We should always remember when reading such psalms that they were written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and are not the writers’ desires for personal vengeance. They set forth perfect justice under the law. For when the law was broken it brought a curse (see Gal 3:10,13; Deut 27:14-26). These curses speak of offended righteousness that demands just punishment for evil doers who will not repent.

more true all this was in the case of the Lord Jesus than in David’s. Slander is one of the worst of sins. Violence may destroy a man’s property or his life; slander is an attempt to destroy his name, reputation, and ministry. 109:4 “Accusers” – 35:12; 38:20. This is the exact opposite of Christ’s standard of right behavior (Luke 6:27-31).

“Prayer” – there is always a place where the suffering believer can find help and strength – God’s presence. 109:5 John 10:31,32; 15:18,23-25. 109:6-20 This is a cry for exact justice to fall on a man who has abandoned himself to wickedness; a prayer in accordance with principles revealed in such verses as 18:26; Ex 21:23-25; Lev 26:23,24; Prov 24:12. 109:6 Wicked men deserve wicked opponents. “Wicked man” could be translated “the wicked one.”

Believers now are under the reign of grace and are not to make such prayers against enemies, but should imitate their Saviour and His disciples (Matt 5:43-45; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59,60). This psalm has been called the psalm of Iscariot because the apostle Peter applied some of the words of v 8 to Judas (Acts 1:20). No doubt this psalm perfectly describes the character of that wicked betrayer of the Lord Jesus. 109:2-5 In these verses David speaks of enemies in the plural. From v 6 he singles out an extremely wicked enemy and speaks of him alone up to v 20. In these opening verses the chief sins he charges against his enemies are slander and hatred. He showed them love; they responded with deadly malice. He lived a righteous life; they eagerly poured out lies about him. How much

“Satan” – compare Zech 3:1. 109:7 “Condemned” – he slandered and judged others harshly; let him be judged for his evil deeds.

“Prayer” – Prov 28:9. A wicked, unrepentant man’s prayers will be selfish, hypocritical, and unbelieving, and so will work for his condemnation. 109:8 “Few” – 55:23. “His position” – Acts 1:20. A man who does not use his office for God’s glory and men’s good, deserves to have it taken away from him. 109:9 Ex 22:24; Jer 18:21. This evil man

PSALMS 109:10 770

21 But you, O God the Lord, deal well with me for your name’s sake. Rescue me, because your mercy is good. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. 23 I am gone like the shadow when it lengthens. I am shaken off like a locust. 24 My knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh is thin and feeble. 25 And I became an object of scorn to them. When they looked at me they shook their

10 Let his children continually be vagabonds and beg; let them seek their bread also out of

their desolate places. 11 Let a creditor seize all that he has, and let strangers plunder his labour. 12 Let there be no one to extend mercy to him, no one to show favour to his fatherless

children. 13 Let his offspring be cut off, and in the following generation let

heads. 26 Help me, O LORD my God! Oh, save me according to your mercy, 27 That they may know that this is your hand, that you, LORD, have done it. 28 Let them curse, but you bless. When they arise, let them be ashamed,

their name be blotted out. 14 Let the wickedness of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and let not the sin of his mother be

blotted out. 15 Let them continually be before the LORD, that he may cut off the memory of them

but let your servant rejoice. 29 Let my accusers be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with

from the earth, 16 Because he did not remember to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man,

their own disgrace, as with a cloak. 30 I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yes, I will praise him among the great crowd. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those who condemn him.

that he might even kill the heartbroken. 17 Since he loved cursing, so let it come to him; since he did not delight in blessing,

so let it be far from him. 18 Since he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, so let it enter into his bowels like water,

and like oil into his bones. 19 Let it be to him like the garment which covers him, and like a belt tied around him continually. 20 Let this be the payment to my accusers, and to those who speak evil against my soul.

A Psalm of David

1 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make

your enemies your footstool.”

cared nothing for widows and orphans (compare John 12:4-6). Now he must reap the fruit of his loveless and selfish behavior. 109:10 See 59:15; Ex 20:5 (note); Job 30:5-8. 109:11 A judgment God may bring on evil men (Isa 1:7; Lam 5:2; Ezek 7:21). 109:12 He did not show mercy to others (v 16); now let him be judged in accordance with his own behavior. 109:13 See 9:5; 21:10; 37:28; Prov 10:7. 109:14 Num 14:18; Neh 4:5; Isa 65:6,7; Jer 18:23; 32:18. 109:15 See 34:16; Jer 16:17. 109:16 Justice cries out against such evil persons and justice will eventually overtake them and bring them down. 109:17-19 This evil man loved to heap curses on others; now this righteous man by God’s Holy Spirit calls down curses on him. He made cursing a continual part of his life; now let curses cleave to him. 109:20 See 54:5; 94:23; Isa 3:11; 2 Tim 4:14. No punishment will overtake the wicked man which he does not fully deserve.

109:21-28 In these verses David speaks to God of his own sad condition and appeals for help. 109:21 Foremost in David’s thinking is not his need, but God’s glory (23:3; 25:11; 79:9; 106:8). What a contrast this is with the character of wicked men! 109:22 “Needy” – 40:17; 86:1. “Wounded” – 143:4; Job 24:12; Prov 18:14. 109:23 “Shadow” – 102:11. “Locust” here indicates a thing of no account. 109:24 See 35:13. 109:25 See 22:6,7; Jer 18:16; Lam 2:15; Matt 27:39. 109:26,27 He wants God to be known in the help He gives. 109:28 If God blesses us, let men curse us if they will. Their curses will come to nothing. 109:29 See 35:26; 132:18; Job 8:22. 109:30 See 22:22; 35:18; 111:1. 109:31 Contrast this with v 6. Satan stands at a man’s right hand to accuse; the Lord stands there to save. 110:1 It is impossible to overestimate the

771 PSALMS 110:5

2 The LORD will send the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies. 3 Your people will be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness, from the

You have the dew of your youth.

4 The LORD has sworn, and will not repent: “You are a priest forever according to

the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at your right hand. He will strike through kings in the

day of his wrath.

womb of the morning.

importance of this psalm. It is one of the most significant of all the psalms concerning the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, and is the one most often quoted or referred to in the New Testament (Matt 22:41-45; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44; Acts 2:34,35; 1 Cor 15:25; Heb 1:13; 5:6; 7:17,21; 10:13. All references in the New Testament to Christ at God’s right hand are based on the first verse of this psalm – Matt 26:64; Mark 14:62; 16:19; Luke 22:69; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22). In this psalm we have words of the Most High God spoken to one called David’s Lord. How could David know that God spoke to his Lord, or what He said? See Mark 12:36. God’s Spirit revealed God’s words to David. The Messiah was to be the son of David (2 Sam 7:16; Matt 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 21:9; 22:42; John 7:42; Rom 1:3; Rev 22:16). How then could He be David’s Lord? The answer is He is far greater than David, being not merely David’s Lord but the Lord of all lords and of all men (Acts 10:36; Rom 14:9; Phil 2:10,11; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 19:16), the Lord from heaven (1 Cor 15:47). He is David’s son but He is also God’s Son, sharing God’s nature and seated now with God on His throne (Rev 3:21). There He will sit at God’s right hand until the hour strikes for the putting down of all earthly power and His coming to reign openly over the whole earth. See 2:8,9.

great plan. 110:3 “Be willing” could be translated “offer themselves” (compare Rom 12:1).

“Day of your power” – or “day of your army.” This whole age of grace is Christ’s “day of power” mentioned here, and His people gladly enlist under His banner and go forth to fight in His spiritual battle (Eph 6:10-18; 2 Tim 2:3). Christ wants no grudging service but only that which is hearty, voluntary, loving. Some commentators think that “beauties of holiness” may refer to the holy, beautiful garments worn by priests in Old Testament days (Ex 28:4; Lev 16:4). The mighty conquering King depicted in this psalm is a priest, as we see from the next verse, and all those who form His army are priests in the New Testament sense of the word (note at Ex 28:1). But the garments they are to wear are robes of righteousness and holy living. The last phrase perhaps could be translated “Your young men will come to you like the dew.” They will be like the dew in its myriads of drops, fresh every morning, sparkling and clean, not produced by man’s activities but by God (compare Micah 5:7). 110:4 The prophecy concerning Christ in this verse is introduced by very solemn words. God has made a promise, a decree, and there is no possibility of changing it. The decree is this: Christ shall be the priest for His people, not as Aaron was, but as Melchisedek was (see Gen 14:18-20). By this one word, God revealed His plan to lay aside the covenant He made through Moses at Sinai with its priesthood and animal sacrifices – Hebrews chapters 7-10. The priesthood and sacrifices under the law were mere shadows and pictures and types. Christ’s sacrifice of Himself and His eternal priesthood are the reality – Ex 25:9; 28:1; Lev 1:2; Heb 8:2,5; 10:1. Through Him we can come directly into God’s presence by a new and living way – Heb 10:19-22. 110:5 It is difficult to know who is speaking in this verse and to whom he is speaking. Is it the LORD (Jehovah) continuing to speak to Christ? Or is David speaking to Jehovah? Or David speaking to Christ? Perhaps the question does not need an answer. Jehovah and Christ are so completely at one in their purposes and work that anything such as this that can be said of one can also be said of the other. Christ is the incarnation of Jehovah. Certainly the two verses that follow speak of Christ. The day of His wrath is the time of judgment at the end of this age – 2 Thess 1:6-9; Rev 6:15-17; 11:18;

A good title for this psalm would be “The victorious King-Priest.” 110:2 The first sentence means that God will extend his rule. This verse seems to speak of a time before Christ’s enemies become a footstool for His feet, a time when He rules in their midst, without their destruction. The rule begins from Jerusalem and is extended from there to other places. This suggests the secret rule of Christ now over His church and in the affairs of men, and the spread of His Gospel throughout the world (Matt 28:18-20; Luke 24:46,47; John 17:2; Acts 2:32,33; Rev 1:5).

At present many of Christ’s enemies are still very much in places of authority on earth, but in the midst of them His power is displayed in the conversion of sinners and the protection of His Church, and no one can thwart His purposes or overturn His rule and authority (2:2-6; Matt 28:18-20; John 17:2). He overturns kingdoms and governments as He will, exalts one man to power and puts down another, even though they may not have the slightest knowledge of this. And in all of this He is working out His

PSALMS 110:6 772

works, by giving them the inheritance of the

6 He will judge among the nations. He will fill the places with dead bodies. He will crush the head of many countries. 7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore he will lift up the head.

heathen.

7 The works of his hands are in truth and justice. All his commandments are sure; 8 They stand firm forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people. He ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring.

1 Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,

in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out by all those who have

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his commands have

good understanding. His praise continues forever.

pleasure in them. 3 His work is honourable and glorious, and his righteousness continues on forever. 4 He has caused his wonderful deeds to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He has given food to those who fear him. He will always keep his covenant in mind. 6 He has shown his people the power of his

1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in his commandments.

15:1; 16:1; 19:15. 110:6 “Judge” – Isa 2:4; Joel 3:12; John 5:22,23,27; Acts 10:42; 17:31. “Head” – in Hebrew the word is in the singular. This “head” or ruler may refer to the one in the New Testament called the antichrist, the lawless one, the “beast” (in Revelation chapter 13). He will lead his armies against Christ and will be utterly crushed – Rev 19:19-21; 2 Thess 2:3-8. 110:7 The victorious King-Priest is here seen pursuing His enemies on the field of battle. He shall not be wearied in the fight until all ungodliness and opposition are put down. Compare Ps 45:3-5.

111:5 “Given food” – 37:25; Ex 16:13-35; Matt 6:31-33.

“Always” – 105:8,42; Luke 1:72; Heb 6:17,18. 111:6 Num 21:1-3,21-25,33-35; Josh 6:1,2; 10:40-43; 24:2-13. 111:7,8 See 19:7,9; 93:5; 119:160; Isa 40:8; Matt 5:18; Rev 15:3. 111:9 “Redemption” – Ex 20:2; Deut 7:8; Luke 1:68; Eph 1:7. Note at Ps 78:35.

“Awe-inspiring” – 99:3; Luke 1:49; Ex 20:7; Deut 28:58-61. 111:10 Job 28:28; Prov 1:7; 9:10. Other notes on the fear of the Lord at 34:11-14; Gen 20:11; etc. Without the fear of the Lord there is not even the beginning of wisdom. A man may have a powerful intellect, vast learning, and great skills, but if he does not have the fear of God he does not have wisdom. He may know all philosophy and all religion, but without the fear of God he does not have wisdom. He may think he is wise and others may think he is wise, but if he does not have the fear of God he does not have wisdom. See here what the fear of the Lord is and what it causes a person to do. True wisdom is not merely in knowing; it is in doing. A man who will not set himself to obey the God of the universe as revealed in the Bible is far from being wise. 112:1 “Praise the LORD” – note at 104:35. This psalm and the preceding one make a pair. Psalm 111 speaks of the LORD’s (Jehovah’s) righteousness and works, this psalm speaks of the believer’s righteousness and works. In this psalm we see the result in human hearts of the work of the God of psalm 111. Perhaps this is the greatest of all God’s works. If there is any

“He will drink from the brook by the wayside” – someone has suggested the translation “The One who grants succession will set him in authority.” This fits the context well, but the translation is very questionable. 111:1 “Praise the LORD” – see 104:35, and note on praise at 33:1.

“With my whole heart” – the highest and best occupation of men is praising God. To do it properly requires all of our faculties, our whole heart. Half-hearted praise is hardly praise at all – it may even imply criticism. 111:2 See 92:5; 40:5; 143:5. This is the theme of this psalm. God’s works are worthy of all praise and should be the constant subject of our meditation. The more we study and understand them the more wonderful they appear. 111:3 “Forever” is one of the key thoughts of this psalm – vs 3, 5, 8, 9, 10. Whatever God is He is that forever. He is the eternally unchanging one – Heb 1:12; 13:8. 111:4 See 86:5,15; 103:8; 145:8; Ex 34:6.

773 PSALMS 113:8

2 His offspring will be powerful on earth. The generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness continues on forever. 4 To the upright light dawns in the darkness. He is gracious, and full of compassion,

The desire of the wicked will perish.

1 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD,

and righteous. 5 A good man is gracious and lends. He will conduct his dealings with discretion. 6 Surely he will never be shaken. The righteous will be kept in

praise the name of the LORD! 2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to its setting the LORD’s name is to be praised. 4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high, 6 Who humbles himself to look at the things in heaven, and on the earth? 7 He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, 8 That he may set him with princes,

everlasting remembrance. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his

desire fulfilled on his enemies. 9 He has dispersed, he has given to the poor; his righteousness continues on for ever. His horn will be exalted with honour.

10 The wicked will see it, and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth, and waste away.

genuine righteousness in any man Jehovah is the one to be praised for it.

the righteous are exalted – 35:16; 37:12; Prov 10:28; 11:7. Hatred of good and envy of others are two of their ruling passions. 113:1 This begins a series of six psalms of praise which Israel used at their great religious festivals (Leviticus chapter 23). At the time of the Passover especially, psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the meal, and 115 – 118 after the meal. All six psalms emphasize the greatness and goodness of God, and call on His people to praise and thank Him. We cannot reasonably expect God to give us blessings in the future if we will not thank Him for those in the past.

“Blessed” – note at 1:1; etc. “Fears” – fearing the Lord is always closely connected with keeping His commands – 111:10. 112:2-9 See 102:28; 127:4. 112:3 “Riches” – Prov 3:16; 8:18. In Old Testament times the giving of wealth and riches was frequently God’s way of rewarding righteous behavior. In the New Testament spiritual wealth and riches are emphasized – Matt 6:19-21; 1 Tim 6:7-9. See Ps 1:3. And Jesus proclaimed a blessing on the poor – Luke 6:20,24; 12:33.

In this psalm God’s greatness is set forth in the first six verses and His goodness in the last three verses. In the opening verse God’s servants are called on to praise Him. True service should result in praise, and the praise must not be to the servants but to God who gives them the privilege of serving – 115:1.

“Forever” – the same words spoken of God in 111:3 are here spoken of those who fear Him. This is because their righteousness is from Him, is His gift – 1 Cor 1:30,31; Phil 3:8,9. 112:4 “Dawns” – 97:11; Prov 4:18. In times of darkness, doubt, and confusion those who are upright will see the right path when no one else knows what to do. They are gracious and compassionate because of God’s work in them (compare Eph 4:24). 112:5 See 37:21. This is one example of the kindness and compassion God wants to see in His people. 112:6 “Shaken” – 15:5; 55:22. “Everlasting” – Prov 10:7. Long after the great and mighty of earth have been forgotten the humble and righteous believer will be remembered before God. 112:7,8 Prov 1:33. Those who fear the LORD need not fear any thing or anyone else (Matt 10:28; Heb 13:6). God will deal with their enemies at the proper time and make all things work for their good. 112:9 Note at Ps 41:1. 112:10 The wicked cannot endure it when

“Praise the LORD” – note at 104:35. 113:2 God’s name is His character. Praising His name is not a repetition of one or another of His names but a joyful recognition of His nature and qualities (33:1). 113:3 From east to west in all places and at all times the true God is worthy of praise – Isa 24:15; 45:6; 59:19. 113:4-6 The LORD (Jehovah) is no local deity, the God of one nation only. He is the mighty Creator, so exalted that to view the heavens and earth He must stoop down (99:2; 138:6; Isa 40:15,22). 113:7-9 Here God’s goodness and compassion come into view. Though He is so great He has regard for the poor, the humble, the needy – 35:10; 68:10; 107:41; Gen 16:7-10; 21:17-19; 1 Sam 2:8; Isa 57:15.

PSALMS 113:9 774

with the princes of his people. 9 He causes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!

Who turned the rock into a pool of water,

the flint into a spring of waters.

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, because of your mercy and because of

1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of

your truth. 2 Why should the nations say, “Now where is their God?” 3 But our God is in heaven. He does whatever he pleases. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they do not speak. They have eyes, but they do not see. 6 They have ears, but they do not hear. They have noses, but they do not smell. 7 They have hands, but they do not feel. They have feet, but they do not walk. Nor do they speak with their throat. 8 Those who make them are like them;

foreign language, 2 Judah was God’s sanctuary, and Israel his dominion. 3 The sea saw it and fled; the Jordan turned back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. 5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back? 6 O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, you earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

and praise God. The desire of all of God’s true servants is that glory might come to God in everything. Those who serve to obtain fame, money, position, or glory from men are not true servants of God at all (and, alas, there are a great many such people even in Christian circles). God should have all the glory for He is a God of grace and truth who alone saves, protects and blesses His people and enables them to serve. 115:2 See 42:3. All true children of God will be sad at the reproaches of godless people. Because they cannot see our God, some people will vainly imagine that we have none. 115:3 But the true God is in heaven where He should be, ruling over the universe. None of His plans will fail, no one can defeat His purposes – 135:6; Isa 14:27; Dan 4:35. 115:4-11 Compare 135:15-20. Here we can see the folly of worshiping what man has made rather than the God who made man. It is seen also in Isa 40:18-26; 44:9-20, and other places. 115:5 The living God gives messages, but idols can give none (Jer 10:5). Perhaps one of the reasons for the popularity of idols is just this – they can’t see what is going on, or say anything about it. 115:6 No prayer is ever heard by an idol. The living God can hear anyone anytime – 65:2. 115:8 Idol worshipers become like their idols. They are unable to speak God’s messages, see God’s truth, hear God’s voice, or do anything at all for God. They have no spiritual understanding or ability, just as idols have none. And in God’s eyes they become worthless, just as their idols are worthless –

113:9 It is Jehovah God who gives children or withholds them – Gen 16:1,2; 20:17,18; 21:1,2; 25:21; 29:31; 30:22; 1 Sam 1:2,19,20. 114:1 This is a psalm about the exodus from Egypt in bold metaphor and beautiful poetic imagery (81:10; Ex 13:3; Lev 26:3). 114:2 The nation of Israel became God’s home on earth, the people of His kingdom – Ex 19:5,6; 25:8; 29:46. God is so exalted He must stoop to see the heavens and earth (113:5,6), but He is so loving that He comes to dwell with a sinful, stubborn nation. 114:3 Ex 14:21,22; 15:10; Josh 3:14-17. God’s power was revealed in His control of nature’s elements (compare Matt 8:23-27). 114:4-6 Ex 19:18,19; Jud 5:5; 2 Sam 22:8; Ps 18:7; 29:6. 114:7 Ex 15:14; 1 Chron 16:30; Heb 12:25-29. Note on the God of Jacob at 146:5. 114:8 An example of God’s loving care for His people – Ex 17:6; Num 20:11; 1 Cor 10:3,4. 115:1 This psalm gives us a contrast between the LORD (Jehovah God) and the idols worshiped as gods by the nations. He is in heaven; they are on earth. He is the possessor of all things, for He is the Creator; idols have been made by men, and have made nothing and can possess nothing themselves. He does whatever He wishes; they can do nothing at all. His worshipers will be blessed forever; their worshipers will be as useless to God as the gods they worship. On this solid foundation the psalmist exhorts God’s people to trust God

775 PSALMS 116:8

so is everyone who trusts in them.

time on and forevermore. Praise the LORD!

9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. 11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he has bowed down his ear to me, I will call to him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death surrounded me, and the pains of the unseen world took

12 The LORD has kept us in mind. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great.

hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O Lord, I beg you, rescue my soul!” 5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he helped me.

14 The LORD will increase you more and more, you and your children. 15 You are blessed by the LORD who made heaven and earth. 16 The heaven, the heavens above, are the LORD’s, but the earth he has given to the

7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears,

children of men. 17 The dead do not praise the LORD, no one who goes down to silence. 18 But we will praise the LORD from this

Jer 2:5. 115:9-11 No one then or now has ever had any need to turn to idols. The living God is there to trust. He is someone who can come to our aid in every circumstance of life and give us perfect protection.

to take the cup of salvation (v 13), to publicly fulfill the promise made to God (vs 14,18),

and to offer thanksgiving offerings (v 17).

Believers today in the light of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross can see God’s goodness even more clearly than the author of this psalm. And with him they should lovingly ask “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?” Love for God is the greatest of all qualities (Deut 6:4-6; Matt 22:36-38; 1 Cor 13:13). Love for God is a result of His love for us (1 John 4:10). He hears prayer, He delivers from trouble, He displays His great goodness toward us, and so we come to love Him more and more. 116:2 Answered prayer should encourage us to resolve as he did. See also Luke 18:1; Eph 6:18; 1 Thess 5:17. 116:3,4 See 18:4,5; 80:18; 118:5; 2 Sam 22:6. “Unseen world” (v 3) – “Sheol” – note at Gen 37:35. 116:5 This is why believers love Him. He is a God who has proved Himself in every way fully worthy of love. Three of His chief attributes are recorded in this verse (103:13; 129:4; 145:17; Ex 22:27; 34:16; John 17:25). 116:6 The worldly wise and crafty may think they can look out for themselves; the childlike believer has God’s protection. 116:7 The believer’s rest is in God alone (62:1; 131:2; Matt 11:29; Heb 4:1). And we can encourage ourselves to experience that rest. 116:8 A great deliverance! For God’s

“Help” – 20:2; 33:20; Ex 18:4; Deut 33:29. “Shield” – 3:3; 5:12; Gen 15:1. Trusting Him will result in complete protection and blessing. 115:12-15 The result of the writer’s trust was the full confidence that He would bless His people. They are always in God’s memory, in God’s heart – 98:3; 111:5; Isa 49:15. 115:15 Gen 1:1; 14:19. If we are blessed by the Creator of the worlds it little matters what men may do to us – Heb 13:6. 115:16 The earth also is God’s. But He has put it into man’s hands – 8:6-8; Gen 1:28. However, man has sinned and made a ruin of things on earth. 115:17,18 That is, the dead do not praise God on earth (which is the viewpoint of the psalmist). The saved dead do praise God in heaven – Rev 7:9-17; 14:1-3; 15:2-4.

“Praise the LORD” – note at 104:35. 116:1 There are two main themes of this psalm – God’s goodness and the psalmist’s response to it. God’s goodness is seen in hearing prayer (vs 1-4), in His gracious character revealed in His acts (vs 5,6), and in His work of deliverance (vs 8,9). The writer, experiencing God’s goodness, makes five resolutions:

he resolves to be a man of prayer as long as he lives (v 2),

to walk in God’s presence (v 9),

PSALMS 116:9 776

in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

and my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 10 I believed, therefore I spoke. I was greatly afflicted. 11 I said in my haste: “All men are liars.” 12 What shall I do to repay the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the LORD. 14 I will now fulfil my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, and the son of your

1 Oh, praise the LORD, all you nations! Praise him, all you peoples! 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD remains forever. Praise the LORD!

maid servant. You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will now fulfil my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 In the courts of the LORD’s house,

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; because his mercy continues on forever. 2 Let Israel now say, “His mercy continues on forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy continues on forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD now say,

released at last from the trials, pains, and troubles of this life. He gathers them to His bosom. Their death is precious to Him. What is precious in God’s sight should not be despised in ours. Let us imitate the apostle Paul in this – Phil 1:21-24; 2 Cor 5:1-5. How great the gospel of Christ that makes the death of believers precious to God and a gain to themselves! 116:16 See 68:6; 107:14; Isa 61:1,2; Nahum 1:13; Luke 4:17-19. 116:17 Here is the writer’s fifth resolution. Notes at 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. 116:18,19 He wanted all to know God’s goodness to him. Anyone who is trying to be a secret believer should take such verses to heart.

deliverance in some other matters see 7:1; 17:13; 22:20; 34:4; 39:8; 41:1; 43:1; 51:14; 54:7; 56:13; 69:14; 72:12; 79:9; 86:13; 91:3; 107:6,20; 120:2; 144:7. 116:9 Here is the writer’s second resolution. Many walk for the eyes of other men, concerned only with what others may think and say. The believer should learn to walk in God’s presence to please Him alone. Compare 2 Cor 5:9. 116:10 2 Cor 4:13. Believing does not mean believers will escape all troubles. Indeed, their troubles in this world may be increased because they trust in Christ – John 15:19; 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; 2 Cor 1:5; 4:17; Phil 1:29; 1 Pet 4:12-16. 116:11 Though God has saved many people from sin, freed them from lying and made them people of honesty and integrity, on the whole men’s words cannot be depended on (Jer 17:5; Rom 3:4). But not all men are liars. 116:12 Let all we who have tasted the Lord’s goodness heartily ask this, and get God’s answer. 116:13 Here is the writer’s third resolution. “Cup” – 16:5; 23:5; Lev 23:13; Num 15:5; Matt 26:27. What more can he give God to repay Him for His goodness? – the joy of seeing him pray (147:11; 149:4). God commands us to pray – 1 Thess 5:17. He delights in the prayers of the upright (Prov 15:8). 116:14 Here is the writer’s fourth resolution (compare 65:1; 66:13; Num 30:2; 1 Sam 1:11,21; Eccl 5:4). 116:15 God lovingly watches over the death of His people. He delights to have them

“Praise the LORD” – note at 104:35. 117:1 This is the shortest chapter in the Bible, but it is long in meaning.

“Praise the LORD” – note at 104:35. The God of the Bible (Jehovah), has made all nations. Any real blessings they have He has given. All peoples, then, should praise and glorify Him. And all nations will yet praise Him – this psalm has prophetic overtones. It points to a time when all nations will come to know Him. We know that God sent Christ to die for all and that people from all nations will receive Him by faith. 117:2 These are good reasons why He should be praised by all nations – He is the God of grace and truth. 118:1-4 This is the last of the psalms of praise (starting with 113) which the Jews used to sing at their religious festivals, especially at the Passover. As some think, it may have been the hymn sung by Jesus

777 PSALMS 118:20

“His mercy continues on forever.”

they were quenched like fire among thorns; for in the name of the LORD

5 I called on the LORD in my distress; the LORD answered me, and set me in

I destroyed them. 13 You pushed me violently to make me fall; but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and song, and has become my salvation. 15 The sound of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted. The right hand of the LORD does valiantly. 17 I will not die, but live, and declare the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous enter.

a spacious place. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is with me among those who help me, therefore I will see my desire

fulfilled on those who hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations surrounded me,but in the name of the LORD I destroyed them. 11 They surrounded me; yes, they came all around me, but in the name of the LORD I destroyed

them. 12 They surrounded me like bees;

and His disciples the night of their last Passover together (Matt 26:30). What psalm could have been better suited to the occasion? This is a psalm of victory over enemies, a song of the conqueror over all opposition. Though the events after the last Passover of Jesus for a little while looked like defeat, this state of affairs was only temporary. Jesus, despised and rejected by men, rose victoriously from the dead and became the great cornerstone of the New Testament Church.

help God gives and seeking the favor of men whose authority is only for a brief time on earth. Verse 8 is the central verse of the Bible; it also gives a central truth. 118:10-12 See 3:6; 37:9; 88:17. The presence, the help, and the name of the Lord give great confidence (1 Sam 17:45-47; 2 Chron 14:11,12; 32:6-8). 118:13 If the Lord helped him why was he pushed back and about to fall? God knows how to test our faith, and when to come to our rescue. 118:14 See 18:1; 28:7; 31:4; 62:2. 118:15 Eventually the righteous will gain full and perfect victory, and eternal joy shall be theirs. 118:16 He knows that victory and salvation and deliverance are God’s work and not man’s. And he wants God to have all the glory. Compare Eph 1:6,12,14. 118:17 See 64:9; 71:16; 73:28; Deut 32:3; Acts 1:8. 118:18 The attacks of enemies, his dangers and troubles have been God’s chastening to make him more trusting, more faithful, more holy (compare Jer 31:18; 1 Cor 11:32; Heb 12:5-11). 118:19,20 The gates of righteousness are the only gates that open into the presence of the righteous God. He has made these gates to shut out all who persist in evil (compare Rev 21:25-27). To enter these gates we must first of all be clothed with Christ’s righteousness and justified by His blood. Then as God’s people if we want Him to hear our prayers and accept our worship we must have righteousness of life (15:1-5; 18:23,24; 66:18). “Gates” – 100:4; Matt 7:13,14; John 10:7,8; Ps 100:4; Isa 26:2; 60:18; 62:10; Rev 22:14.

In this psalm the basis for the call to praise is God’s goodness and love. Though we are not of Israel’s or Aaron’s descendants, if we fear the Lord we are included in this invitation to praise. The God of the Bible is good. His nature is good, His plans are good, His motives are good, His acts are good. He alone is fully, perfectly, eternally good (Mark 10:18). He is a gracious God and will be eternally so (Eph 2:7). Never were His goodness and grace more clearly revealed than at the events surrounding the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus.

“Thanks” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. 118:5 See 18:6; 31:7; 77:2; 120:1; Heb 5:7. This is the best possible thing to do in times of trouble. Jehovah is a God who answers – 18:19; 31:8; 34:4; 66:12; 86:7; 116:1; 138:3. 118:6,7 Deut 31:6; 33:29; Josh 1:5; Heb 13:5,6. If God is with us, man can do nothing to us except what God permits. Why then should we fear frail men when the Almighty is our protector? 118:8,9 Men may deceive and fail us. God never will. Princes too are but men with all man’s failings. It is sad to see men neglecting the almighty refuge and unfailing

PSALMS 118:21 778

21 I will praise you, for you have heard me, and have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing. It is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I pray, O LORD. O Lord, I pray, now send success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We have blessed you from the house of

Bind the sacrifice with cords to the

horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you. You are my God; I will exalt you. 29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy continues on forever.

ALEPH

the LORD. 27 God is the LORD, and he has shown us light.

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

118:21 Answered prayer should produce thankful hearts. 118:22,23 The Lord Jesus applied these verses to Himself. See Matt 21:42. See also Acts 4:10,11; 1 Pet 2:7; Eph 2:20; Isa 28:16. The “builders” of the Jewish society rejected the Lord Jesus (Matt 26:63-68; John 1:13; Isa 53:3), but He has become the cornerstone of God’s spiritual temple (Eph 2:19-22). God the Father took His despised and rejected Son and made Him the most important stone in His temple, the stone without which there would be no true building at all (the cornerstone is the stone with which the whole building is aligned). All this was the work of God and it should be marvelous in our eyes too. 118:24 Here “day” could mean the day when God laid this cornerstone of the New Testament Church, or it could mean this whole age of grace in which believers are to rejoice and be glad. “Day” sometimes means extended periods of time (Isa 34:8; John 9:4; 2 Cor 6:2). 118:25 In vs 23-27 the plural “we” appears. The author prays as the representative of all the people of God. We should not be content without increase, progress, success in our spiritual life and work. 118:26 Matt 21:9; Luke 13:35; 19:38; John 5:43. Those who are in the house of the Lord (God’s presence) will praise Him (the Lord Jesus). 118:27 The LORD (Jehovah) is the one true God – 1 Kings 18:21,39; Isa 45:18,22. He alone gives spiritual light – 27:1; Num 6:25; Isa 58:10; 60:1,19,20; 2 Cor 4:4,6.

dedication to Him. 118:28 See 33:12; 146:5; Deut 33:29. If the God of the Bible is our God how blessed we are and how thankful we should be. And if He is our God we have no business exalting ourselves. He alone must be the object of our praise. 118:29 We return here to v 1 with, it is to be hoped, a fuller understanding of God’s goodness and grace from the study of this psalm. 119:1 This sublime psalm is a hymn of praise for the Word of God. In nearly every verse the writer uses one word or another to indicate God’s revelation – law, word, testimonies, judgments, etc. It is divided into 22 sections according to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In Hebrew each line of a particular section begins with the same letter of the alphabet. It is the believer’s alphabet of the praise, love, and use of God’s Word.

God’s Word applied as the writer does in this psalm is the only way to a truly spiritual life. In this connection remember that Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, the alpha and omega of all God has to say to man. We cannot separate the Lord Jesus from the written Word of God. When we apply it by God’s Spirit, we are drawing power, strength, and grace from the Lord Jesus. As love for the Word of God grows in us so does our love for the Lord Jesus grow and so does every flower of grace in our lives.

Ps 1:1-3 gives us the theme of the book of Psalms. Here the way of blessedness, briefly described there, is fully revealed. Here in v 1 (and throughout this psalm) the Hebrew word translated “law” also means “instruction”, “teaching.” God wants people to be blessed, so He gave us His Word. Blessing comes, not from merely having His Word, or listening to it, or teaching and preaching it, but from obeying it. Happiness results from holiness and eternal joy will come when believers are completely conformed to God’s Word. See other notes on blessing at Gen 12:3; Num 6:22-27; Deut 28:3-14; Matt 5:3-14; Luke 11:28; Acts 3:26; Gal 3:9,14; Eph 1:3.

“Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” – this could also be translated “With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar” or “Bind the festal sacrifice with ropes and take it up to the altar” (see the note on Hebrew at 14:7). Now believers in Christ are the sacrifice and the Lord Jesus the altar – Rom 12:1; Heb 13:10-14. Let us bind ourselves to Him completely, eternally with the cords of love. Let us never try to free ourselves from Him, or waver in our utter

779 PSALMS 119:14

BETH 9 How can a young man make his way clean? By keeping watch on it according to your word. 10 I have sought you with my whole heart. Oh, do not let me wander from your

2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, and who seek him with

their whole heart. 3 They also do no evil; they walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed, when I pay attention to all your

commandments. 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O LORD. Teach me your statutes. 13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

commandments. 7 I will praise you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep your statutes. Oh, do not utterly forsake me.

119:2 “Testimonies” – means God’s instruction through His law, or revealed word.

his good resolutions and sincere determination he has failed before and may well fail again (see v 176). He realizes that if God in His holiness and justice would treat him according to his sins, God would forsake him completely. Believers should value very highly indeed the promises of God not to forsake them (37:28; 94:14; 118:6; Deut 4:31; 31:6; Isa 41:17; Heb 13:5). If God seems to forsake them, it is only partial and temporary. 119:9 Surely this is one of the most important questions a young man can ask, and one of the highest ambitions he can have. The answer is clearly given in this and the following verses. Purity of life comes from using the Word of God (v 9), seeking God for His grace and power to do so (v 10), keeping His Word at the center of our thoughts and desires (v 11), learning from God Himself the meaning of His Word (v 12), speaking of God’s Word when one has learned it (v 13), and rejoicing, meditating, and delighting in it (vs 14-16). 119:10 Verse 2. It is easy to stray from God’s commandments. To do so is the natural tendency of our fallen natures. Hence the necessity of seeking God with the whole heart. 119:11 Deut 6:6-8. In the believer’s fight against sin hardly anything is so important as the Word of God (John 15:3,7; Eph 6:17; Col 3:16,17). It must occupy a central place in our thoughts, hopes, ambitions, desires, and meditations. It must be at the very spring of our actions. Observe that sin is against God – see 51:4. 119:12 If we are kept from sin this should not make us congratulate ourselves, but praise God who has done it. Nine times in this psalm the writer asks God to teach him – vs 12, 26, 33, 64, 66, 68, 108, 124, 135. See also 25:4,5; 143:8,10. This indicates the value he put on it and the earnestness with which he sought it. 119:13 The author delights to speak forth God’s laws because they have come from the very mouth of God (v 72; Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4). 119:14 The greatest possible joy comes

“Seek” – we cannot walk in God’s ways without seeking God and His grace, power, and presence. The more we truly seek God the more we will experience Him, the more obedient we will learn to be, and the more blessing we will have. The believer’s life should be a constant seeking and finding (1 Chron 16:11; Matt 7:7,8). This seeking must be with the “whole heart” – completely sincere, coming out of an understanding of its importance and a deep longing for God’s presence (Deut 4:29; Jer 29:13). 119:3 Those who do not live according to verses 1 and 2 will not walk in God’s ways. They will inevitably do wrong, and will fail to learn what true blessedness is. 119:4 God’s commands are not given merely to instruct the mind but to change the life. Our religion is vain if we do not try to do what God tells us – Matt 7:21-23; Luke 11:27,28; John 14:15,21; 15:10; 1 John 5:3. “Precepts” – means rules of conduct. 119:5 He implies that he is not yet fully experiencing the blessed life he has described. But though He knows his own weakness, sinfulness, and failure, he longs with all his heart to experience that blessed life. It is very important what our aims are. If we are content with poor spiritual standards and experience we will make little progress in the spiritual life.

“Statutes” – means things ordained or prescribed by law. 119:6 “Ashamed” – vs 46,80; 1 John 2:28. 119:7 The more a believer understands God’s Word the more he should be filled with thanksgiving for it. The Bible is one of God’s exceedingly wonderful gifts to men.

“Judgments” – here means decisions made with justice, declarations of the lawgiver. 119:8 See 27:9; 38:21; 71:9,18. He is resolved to live according to God’s Word. Then why does he plead with God not to forsake him? He is aware that in spite of

PSALMS 119:15 780

24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

15 I will meditate on your precepts, and pay attention to your ways. 16 I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.

DALETH

25 My soul clings to the dust. Revive me in accordance with your word. 26 I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts; so I will meditate on your wonderful works. 28 My soul melts from heaviness. Strengthen me according to your word. 29 Remove from me the way of lying, and graciously grant me your law. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have placed your judgments before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies. O LORD, do not put me to shame. 32 I will run in the path of your commandments, when you enlarge my heart.

GIMEL 17 Do good to your servant that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from your law. 19 I am a stranger on earth. Do not hide your commandments from me. 20 My soul breaks with the longing that it has for your judgments at all times. 21 You rebuke the proud, who are accursed, who go astray from your commandments. 22 Remove reproach and contempt from me, for I have kept your testimonies. 23 Princes also sit and speak against me; but your servant meditates on your

statutes.

from putting the Word of God into practice. Then it becomes more to us than silver and gold could ever be (v 72; 19:10; Prov 2:1-5). 119:15 Verses 97,148; 1:2. 119:16 See 112:1. 119:17 Judging from this verse and vs 22,23 the writer is in a time of trial and trouble. He knows what to do and is an example to all of us who are experiencing such things. He meditated on God’s instructions (v 23), delighted in them (v 24), and resolved to put them into practice (v 17). 119:18 There are wonderful things in the Word of God which we will never see until God opens the eyes of our understanding. Well might we pray as the writer did here. See Luke 24:45; Eph 1:17,18. 119:19 “Stranger” – the Hebrew word indicates a foreigner or temporary resident. See Lev 25:23; Phil 3:20; Heb 11:13. Did he feel that perhaps God should hide truth from him if God acted toward him as he deserved? 119:20 See 42:2; 84:2. If we had the intense longing to know God’s Word that he had, we would soon make great strides in the spiritual life. 119:21 See 5:5; Deut 27:26; Jer 20:7; 50:32; Dan 4:37. 119:22 See 39:8; 69:7; 79:4; Dan 9:16. 119:23 Verse 161; 31:13; 50:20; 101:5; 1 Pet 3:15,16. 119:24 The Word of God will infallibly teach us how to behave in a godless and hostile world. 119:25 See 44:25. Nine times in this psalm he asks God to revive him (vs 25, 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159) – indicating the importance of it in his eyes and the earnestness with which he sought it. A prayer for reviving means that he felt himself in a condition where his spiritual life seemed threatened. Whether this meant physical danger of death, or spiritual

depression and need of revival he does not say. The Hebrew word could be used for either condition. One thing is sure – often when believers desires to rise to the heights of spiritual experience with God they feel bound to the dust, in a condition that seems to them more like spiritual death than life. When God renews them it will always be in accordance with His Word.

“Revive” – this is a translation of the same Hebrew word translated “revive” in Ps 85:6; 138:7; Isa 57:15; Hos 6:2; 14:7; Hab 3:2. It can mean “to keep alive” or “to give life”, whether physical or spiritual life, “to quicken”, “revive”, “restore”, “cause to grow.” 119:26 He told God just what he had been doing. God wants us to be completely open and honest with Him and speak to Him as a child with a loving father (62:8; 142:1,2; Job 10:1,2).

“Teach” – v 12; 27:11; 86:11. 119:27 See 105:2; 145:5. 119:28 See 6:7; 116:3; Isa 51:11; Jer 45:3. This is sometimes the experience of godly men in this hostile world, and we will often need to pray as he did. 119:29 See 26:4; 101:7. He wanted nothing to do with deceit himself or with anyone who engaged in it. 119:30 See 26:3. No greater choice can be made (John 14:6). The way of truth is revealed only in God’s Word. There we have the way laid out, the signposts erected, the goal clearly defined. If we do not walk in the way of truth we are still in the way of deceit, the broad way that leads to destruction. Observe that the way of truth must be chosen. 119:31 If we do not want to be put to shame we too must make a firm, unyielding choice for truth and obedience. 119:32 We need a heart made broad enough for all of God’s commandments and

781 PSALMS 119:49

O LORD, your salvation, according to

H E

your word. 42 So I will have an answer for him who taunts me; for I trust in your word. 43 And do not take the word of truth completely from my mouth; for I have put hope in your judgments. 44 So I will keep your law continually forever and ever. 45 And I will walk in liberty; for I seek your precepts. 46 I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in your commandments, which I love. 48 I will also lift my hands to your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole heart. 35 Cause me to go in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Turn my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness. 37 Turn away my eyes from seeing worthless things, and revive me in your way. 38 Establish your word to your servant, who is devoted to your fear. 39 Turn away my reproach, which I fear; for your judgments are good. 40 See, I have longed for your precepts. Revive me in your righteousness.

ZAYIN

V A V

49 Remember the word to your servant, on which you have caused me to hope.

41 Also let your mercies come to me,

to take in every word God gives. And our obedience must not be a slow, hesitant, crawling thing but swift, zealous, and full. The writer does not imagine that he has it within himself to do this. He knows that God must be at work in him if he is to run and not faint in the way of truth (Isa 40:31; Phil 2:13; Col 1:29). 119:33,34 See 25:4,5; 1 Kings 3:9,10; Luke 24:45; 1 John 5:20. He realizes the great importance of understanding spiritual truth and knows that his own intellect is not sufficient for it. So he cries to God. Observe that he means to be fully, eternally obedient. Spiritual understanding is to result in a life lived in accordance with God’s Word and will. Otherwise it is all in vain. 119:35 He delights in God’s way and knows he should walk in it. But he knows also that by nature he is unable to do so (see Rom 7:18-25). God’s power alone can cause us to live a life pleasing to God. So this prayer. 119:36 Though he delights in God’s way he knows that in him there is a tendency to evil that would go after worldly things. He prays that his inner life might be right, that the motives, desires, and inclinations of his heart may all be toward God. God Himself must do this in us, but we must cooperate with Him. 119:37 Could not the author turn his own eyes away? Evidently he knew the power of the lust of the eyes and that only God could break this power (1 John 2:16,17). He is indicating his own helplessness and confesses his need of new life and strength. 119:38 Notes on this fear at 34:11-14; 111:10; Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Prov 1:7; 1 Pet 1:17; 2:17; etc. 119:39 Verse 22; 69:9; 89:51; Isa

25:8; 51:7; 54:4. 119:40 Verse 20; 42:2; 84:2. 119:41 Verses 76, 116, 154, 170. All that God does is in accordance with His Word. The more we understand His Word the more we will understand what He plans and does. 119:42 See 42:10; Col 4:6; 1 Pet 3:15,16. 119:43 This prayer is that God will not let him get into a situation or spiritual condition that would make him unable to speak for God. This had happened to David as recorded in psalm 51 (see 51:12-15). Paul requested prayer that he might always be able to speak as he ought (Eph 6:19,20). 119:44 A resolution made not in fleshly self-confidence but in hope of the fulfillment of the prayer in v 41. 119:45 See 18:19; 31:8; Job 26:16. 119:46 Matt 10:18; Acts 26:1,2. 119:47 Verses 77,143; 112:1. 119:48 See 28:2. The movement of the hands here is an outward expression of the love he had for God’s commands. Even a small child holds out his hands to that which he wants. 119:49 We could entitle this section “comfort in remembering.” He was suffering because of the scorn of ungodly men. But he encourages himself in the Word of God and in remembering God’s gracious attributes and ways. In all this he is an example to all God’s people who are unjustly suffering. He is speaking of some specific promises God had given him. In asking God to “remember” he is not suggesting God may forget. He is a man using man’s ways of speaking. God does not forget anything about His people except their sins (Isa 49:15; Heb 6:10; 8:12; 10:17).

PSALMS 119:50 782

50 This is my comfort in my affliction; for your word has revived me. 51 The proud have derided me greatly; yet I have not turned away from your law. 52 I remembered your judgments of old, O LORD, and have comforted myself. 53 Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked who forsake your law. 54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I remember your name, O LORD, in the night, and keep your law. 56 This has been my way, because I keep your precepts.

Be merciful to me according to your word. 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies. 60 I made haste, and did not delay to keep your commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten your law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all those who fear you, and of those who keep your precepts. 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy. Teach me your statutes.

TETH

KHETH

65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I have believed your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,

57 You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep your words. 58 I entreated your favour with my whole heart.

119:50 Some have comfort without suffering, others have suffering without comfort. Believers as a whole have both. The comfort of believers in times of suffering is this – the promises of God. They give a living hope that no trouble can destroy. 119:51 Verses 61, 83, 87. The object of the proud when they mock God’s people is to turn them from the right path. In this case their attempts were in vain. 119:52 For every trial and trouble there is comfort and encouragement in God’s Word if we will but seek it out (Rom 15:4). 119:53 The behavior of evil men will often make believers angry at the violation of justice and the dishonor done to God. Also they may often feel grief at the thought of the terrible fate awaiting godless men (v 136; Ex 32:19; Jer 8:18-22; Luke 19:41-44; Acts 17:16; 2 Cor 5:11). 119:54 Verse 172; 101:1; 138:5; Job 35:10; Eph 5:19. 119:55 Verse 62; 42:8; 63:6. In night when sleep does not come, far better to think of God’s gracious attributes than our own troubles and temptations (compare 36:4; Prov 4:16; Micah 2:1). 119:56 To be enabled to live according to the Word of God is the greatest of all blessings on earth. 119:57 In the section which follows, he finds in himself certain marks that all believers have or should have – they have God as their portion, and they want to obey God’s Word (v 57); they seek God in prayer (v 58); and they think about their actions and try to correct them (v 59). They should show eagerness to obey (v 60), should not be crushed by persecution (v 61), should be thankful (v 62), should seek fellowship with other believers (v 63), and should long for God to teach them (v 64).

“Keep” – vs 17,67,101. 119:58 Verse 41; 34:4; Deut 4:29; 1 Chron 16:11. 119:59 Lam 3:40; Hag 1:5,7. 119:60 Delay to obey is the same as disobedience. Many hasten to commit sin. Let us hasten to conquer sin by obeying God’s Word. 119:61 Verses 51, 83, 87. Mocking could not turn him from God’s Word, nor could persecution. 119:62 Verse 55. This is one of a great many things believers have to be thankful for.

“Thanks” – notes at 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. 119:63 See 15:4; 101:6,7; Acts 2:46; Heb 10:25. A person is known by the company he keeps. He chose his friends carefully. 119:64 “Full” – 33:5; Isa 6:3; Matt 5:44-48. “Teach” – v 12. 119:65 This section could be entitled “Learning by suffering” (vs 67, 71). If our troubles do not teach us any lessons or do not make us better people, they are useless to us. But if they do, they are a means of great gain. The writer was not made bitter by sufferings, but by them learned more of God’s Word and God’s goodness. See notes on suffering at Job 3:20; etc. In this verse the writer speaks of God’s goodness, not merely in giving him many blessings, but in sending these troubles that would teach him the things which he needed to learn. 119:66 Verse 12. 119:67 We walk about in good weather but head for home when the storm begins to roll in. Suffering taught him to return to his home in God (90:1), and to God’s Word and obedience. See Heb 2:10; 5:8. Since this principle is true we should not be so eager to avoid all trouble and suffering. Indeed we should welcome all experiences which make

“Portion” – 16:5; 73:26; Deut 32:9; Jer 51:19; Lam 3:24.

↑ Back to top