Read Psalm 32

Summary

There are few things worse in life than suffering the anger and condemnation of others, especially when it is justified. And one of the sweet joys in life is the relief and reconciliation we feel when we receive forgiveness. This is even more so in our relationship with God.

Psalm 32 speaks of the free and rich grace of God to forgive us of our sin. The psalm speaks of the blessing of forgiveness with a personal testimony. It then encourages God’s people to seek God’s forgiveness and follow his teaching, rejoicing in their forgiveness.

Our passage explained

v1-2

Speaking with the voice of wisdom, David opens his psalm speaking of the blessing of forgiveness. Using three different words (in Hebrew) to describe sin, David proclaims “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered … against whom the Lord counts no iniquity” (vv.1-2). 

Forgiveness is receivable for rebelling against God, for “missing the mark” by generally offending God, and for distorting or twisting God’s ways. Forgiveness is then described as a taking away, a covering, or not counting against us. Sin is removed, and in the forgiven ones “spirit there is no deceit” (v.2; that is, no presence of sin).

v3-7

David uses a personal testimony to establish the blessing of forgiveness. At some point he “kept silent” in confessing his sin to God, and as a result felt the burden of God’s anger physically as “my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long” (v.3). The physical effects from his spiritual condition were caused by God’s hand upon him, sapping his strength like the hot sun (v.4).

God’s discipline drove David to confess his sins, not trying to cover them up himself (v.5). He then experienced God’s free grace as God “forgave the iniquity of my sin” (v.5).

David’s experience of the blessing of forgiveness compels him to encourage all God’s people to seek God’s forgiveness too. He encourages “everyone who is godly”, that is God’s people, to “offer prayer to [God] at a time when you may be found” (v.6). Those who reach out to God in faith will be protected (v.7), even when “the rush of great waters” (v.6) look like overcoming him.

v8-11

David’s encouragement is supported by God’s own words in verses eight and nine. God states he will “instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” and “counsel you with my eye upon you” (v.8). God encourages his people to accept his teaching and guidance.

The acceptance God seeks is a willingness to follow, not stubborn and reluctant following. We should not be like a horse or a mule which must be reluctantly guided by a bridle or bit in the mouth (v.9). Instead we should joyfully seek to follow God’s ways.

If we joyfully seek God’s ways and seek his forgiveness, joy and assurance are the reward. The wicked who do not see forgiveness from God will endure many sorrows, in this life or the next. But God’s covenant love “surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD” (v.10).

Therefore, David encourages God’s people to “be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (v.11). Gladness, rejoicing, and joy belong to those who rest in God’s free grace.

Our passage applied

The Apostle Paul refers to this psalm in Romans 4, when he discusses how salvation is an act of God’s free gift of grace, and not works. This psalm reminds us that our justification, that which declares us right with God, is received by grace alone through faith alone, not because of our works. 

Just as it was for Abraham and the Patriarchs (see Hebrews 11) and for David, so too it is the case for us. We cannot justify ourselves by our works, we are forgiven by an act of God’s grace.

What a blessing to be forgiven! This psalm reminds us that, in the Apostle John’s words, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God does not require deeds but instead freely forgives the iniquity of our sin.

In this psalm is a great encouragement to us to seek forgiveness from God. We cannot hide our sins from God, nor should we. Instead, like David, we should seek God’s forgiveness and offer prayer to him when he may be found. Like the weeping woman who knew God’s forgiveness granted to her through Jesus and loved Jesus accordingly (Luke 7:36-50), we too can experience great joy and rejoicing in God’s free grace given through Jesus.

Our joy and love in the blessing of forgiveness then motivates our response which is loving service and obedience to God. Not because we feel compelled like a horse with a bridle, but out of devotion and love for what we have received.

As we walk in God’s ways, experiencing God’s free grace, we can be glad, rejoice, and shout for joy. The blessing of forgiveness.

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Read Psalm 31

Summary

When I was a teenager, bracelets with WWJD and FROG were big in some Christian circles. They were meant as reminders to think “What Would Jesus Do?” in situations, or to proclaim that you were “Fully Reliant On God”. But what does it mean to be fully reliant on God?

Psalm 31 expresses some of the meaning behind being truly, fully, reliant on God. Psalm 31, which again raises themes of lament and thanksgiving we have seen in previous psalms, expresses the thankfulness David felt for his deliverance by God. David’s full reliance on God flowed from God’s steadfast love, which sustained him. In Psalm 31, David expresses a prayer of trust for deliverance by God, and thanksgiving for answer to his prayer.

Our passage explained

v1-8

Psalm 31 begins with a prayer of trust for deliverance by God. David proclaims his trust in God by declaring that “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge” and asking God to deliver him (v.1). He desires God to be a refuge place and a fortress, and hear his cries (v.2).

His desire is then expressed in trust, as he declares that God is his refuge and fortress, leading and guiding him and rescuing him (vv.3-4). He expresses complete confidence in God when he declares “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God” (v.5). He does not trust in useless idols or think much of those who do, because he trusts in God (v.6). Instead he rejoices in God’s faithfulness to him, which sees God recognise David’s troubles and rescue him from them (vv.7-8).

v9-18

In verse nine onwards David expands on his prayer for deliverance. He is in distress and grief, experiencing sorrow (vv.9-10). David acknowledges that his own heart is filled with sin, and his condition makes him like an old man struggling along (v.10). His problems are many; he faces enemies, his neighbours shun him, and even his friends abandon him, leaving him to feel as if he is dead (vv.11-12). He faces slander and death threats alone (v.13).

Despite this, David trusts in God and confesses faith in him to save (v.14). All the circumstances of his life “are in your hand” (v.15), so he can appeal to God to deliver him from his enemies and demonstrate God’s covenant love in salvation (v.16) as God had promised (Numbers 6:24-25).

David calls on God to deliver him from his enemies, and for his enemies (instead of him) to “be put to shame” (v.17); that is, to be disgraced. He wishes them dead, where they cannot attack him again. He also asks that the slanderous words (v.13) are silenced, so the righteous such as him will no longer be troubled (v.18).

v19-23

In the remainder of the psalm, David expresses thanksgiving for answer to his prayer. David proclaims the abundant goodness of God “which you have stored up for those who fear you” and displays towards them in the sight of all (v.19). God’s presence with his people covers and hides them from sinners’ schemes and protects them (v.20).

The abundant goodness of God has been displayed to David himself, who proclaims “blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me” (v.21) and responded to David’s situation of distress (v.22). God heard David’s cry for mercy (v.9) and acted out of his unchangeable loving kindness.

Because God is good, and faithful to his promises, David’s psalm ends with an encouragement to all God’s people to “Love the LORD” who shows mercy and preserves his people (“the faithful”, v.23). In times of trouble, we should wait for God to act, being “strong, and let[ting] your heart take courage” because of God’s covenant love for his people.

Our passage applied

This psalm reminds us of two important truths. Firstly, it reminds us of God’s abundant goodness which flows from his nature to all his people. A repeated theme of this psalm is David’s confidence that God cares for his people, and acts to save. David prays to God for help on that basis, he proclaims his trust in God on that basis, and he rejoices in God’s help given. Singing or meditating on this psalm reminds us of God’s goodness to us.

Secondly, this psalm reminds us that we can place our trust in God because of God’s goodness. Nowhere has this been better expressed than on the Cross, as sinless Jesus died for our many iniquities; quoting verse five of this psalm “calling out with a loud voice… ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’” (Luke 23:46). In his life and death Jesus trusted God’s goodness, trusting himself to God as he took his last breath accomplishing salvation.

Because of Jesus’ full reliance on God through his life and death, we too can trust in God’s goodness to save us. Jesus demonstrates God’s goodness to save us from our sins and from death. Because of Jesus, we can commit our spirit into God’s hands.

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Read Psalm 30

Summary

Whether fiction or nonfiction, stories of healing and recovery from illness always seem to fill both our hearts and those in the story with joy. Families and friends rejoice that their loved one has come through the dark night of sickness and entered a new day of renewed health and healing.

Psalm 30 is a song of thanksgiving for healing from illness. It separates neatly into two stanzas (or verses, if you will). The first stanza generally outlines David’s illness and deliverance, while the second stanza expands on the first with a detailed description of his deliverance.

Our passage explained

v1-3

Psalm 30 begins with a song of thankfulness for his deliverance. David promises that he will “extol you, O LORD” (v.1) because God had “drawn me up” like a bucket from a dark well. In verse three, the idea of being drawn up is expanded on where God has “brought up my soul from Sheol” and “restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.” Sheol, the place of death is often described as a dark gloomy place like the bottom of a pit or a well.

The other reason for extolling God is that he did “not let my foes rejoice over me” (v.1), but instead when David cried to God for help he healed him (v.2). Presumably, the foes would be happy at David’s death by sickness, as he would no longer get in the way of their plans.

v4-5

In verses four and five David encourages all of God’s people to join him in extolling God. He wants all God’s “saints” to praise God’s name for his deliverance of David (v.4). The term saints refers to everyone in a covenant relationship with God.

David’s encouragement to praise is because of God’s lovingkindness. Speaking of the triumph of mercy over judgment, David proclaims “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (v.5). 

While God’s anger lasts only a short time, God’s love and mercy endures forever. The interruption of sadness may intrude for a season, but God’s love chases it away like the sun’s dawn rays chase away the darkness.

v6-9

In the second stanza of this psalm, David provides more details of his deliverance. We learn that David had been self-reliant in his prosperity before his sickness (v.6), forgetting health and prosperity are gifts from God (v.7). When God took away his strength and hid his face, “I was dismayed” (v.7).

Realising his condition, David turned to God for help. He cried out to God, pleading for mercy (v.8), arguing “what profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?” (v.9). 

v10-12

From David’s perspective, if God allowed him to die there would be no gain, as it would stop David from glorifying God in this life. Casting aside his earlier self-reliance, he asks God to “be merciful to me” and “be my helper” (v.10).

Expanding on verses four and five, David describes the deliverance from sickness he received. God takes away David’s sorrow, described outwardly as mourning. He removes his “sackcloth” (v.11), common clothes worn in mourning, much like we often wear black to funerals. Instead he is given signs of joy, as mourning becomes “dancing” and sackcloth becomes garments of “gladness” (v.11).

Instead of mourning and death, God has healed him and clothed him in gladness so that he “may sing your praise and not be silent” as he would have been if he had died (v.12). For this, David “will give thanks” to the “LORD my God … forever” (v.12).

Our passage applied

David admits in this psalm to self-reliance. Like David, we can fall into the trap of thinking our good health and prosperity is entirely of our own making, rather than a gift of God which could be removed. This psalm reminds us that self-reliance is something we should always seek to avoid in our hearts. 

Instead, we should seek to trust and rely on God, as David did when he fell into sickness. Indeed, it is entirely biblical to turn to God when sickness and affliction strikes. God is sovereign over all things, and perhaps he will respond to our requests for healing positively. 

This trust and reliance should also feature when things go well, praying God will continue to keep us prosperous and with opportunities to sing praises to his name among the nations.

But this psalm also reminds and encourages us that God’s mercy triumphs over judgment for all who trust in him. God may or may not grant health in this life, but if he does not then we will not be silenced forever. One day, redeemed in Christ, we will stand in God’s presence where he will wipe away every tear, singing praises for eternity. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Resources

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Read Psalm 29

Summary

We live in a society where many gods are worshiped, whether in temples with names or in lives given over to desires and passions which reign as deities. This situation is no different to the days of the early Church, or the days of Israel when false gods competed for the devotion of God’s covenant people and the nations surrounding.

Psalm 29 asserts that only God is truly powerful and reigns, using themes from the surrounding pagan nations and ascribing them not to their false gods (eg, Baal), but to Yahweh, our God. This psalm calls us to worship God, praise him for his power and glory, and praise him as our enthroned king.

Our passage explained

v1-2

As with many of the psalms, Psalm 29 begins with a call to worship God in verses one and two. Using repetition, these two verses encourage us to worship God for his “glory and strength” (v.1). This glory is “due his name” (v.2) through his glorious acts in history, where he reveals himself. Even the “heavenly beings” (v.1) are called to submit and bow before the only powerful God.

v3-4

In verses three to nine, God’s power and glory is praised as a divine presence controlling a thunderstorm. There are seven separate references to the “voice of the LORD” which demonstrates God’s complete control and power over the storm.

In verse three, God’s power is over the thunderstorm gathering its strength at sea (“over the waters”). This demonstrates God’s power over chaos and nature, which was often described in terms of the power of the sea (cf. Genesis 1 where God creates land and order from the waters). God’s voice roars out like “thunder” exercising control.

In verse four, “the voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty”. Much as a storm is powerful and looks majestic in the sky as it approaches with lightning flashes and thunder rolling, so too God is powerful and majestic, imposing himself over nature.

v5-9

In verse five, the voice of the LORD “breaks the cedars of Lebanon” as the storm moves from the sea onto land. The cedars of Lebanon were well known for their size and strength and associated with this nation to Israel’s north. They were used in the building of Solomon’s temple to God (1 Kings 5). Yet God is more powerful than the strength of a foreign land; he snaps them like we snap twigs.

In verse six, the storm moves further over Lebanon and Sirion (Mount Hermon, the border of Israel’s conquest). There it makes the land “skip like a calf… like a young wild ox”. Not even the solid ground can withstand God’s power metaphorically described in the storm. The land bucks and weaves like in an earthquake at God’s power.

In verse seven, the voice of the LORD “flashes forth flames of fire”. God’s power is likened to lightning striking the land, setting alight flammable material. Nothing escapes God’s power and judgment.

In verse eight, the voice of the LORD “shakes the wilderness …the wilderness of Kadesh”. God’s power and control extends over vast territories, not just small parts of the world.

In verse nine, the voice of the LORD “makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare”. God’s power can upset the natural world, causing animals to give birth and flattening forests. Yet despite this, in God’s presence there is peace as “in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

v10-11

Faced with this description of God alone as the one whose power and control extends beyond challenge over all things, the psalm concludes in verses ten and eleven to praise God as our enthroned King. God sits enthroned “over the flood” (v.10), that is, over Creation (recalling Genesis 1) and the floodwaters that fell in Noah’s day (Gen. 6)  as “king forever”.

The strength that belongs to God, demonstrated in the power of the storm, is available for God’s people. So the psalm concludes asking God to “give strength to the people” (v.11) and blessing them with his peace.

Our passage applied

This psalm encourages us to recognise that God is the only powerful God, who controls nature and whose control extends over vast territories – over all Creation! His power and control is complete. Nothing can thwart God’s will, or master him. No matter what happens, God is ruling over it and “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28).

It does not matter what, where, or how powerful anything other than God is, they are no match for him. This is the God who we worship and ought to devote our lives to, not other deities or the desires of our bodies.

This is who we ask for strength and peace from, to endure the troubles of the day. The same God who rules all Creation is he who gave us peace in Christ, at whose birth the angels proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). He is the only powerful God.

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Read Psalm 28

Summary

Nobody likes receiving injustice. It hurts when we are taken advantage of, abused and hurt, or in some way punished for a wrong we did not commit. Many of Psalms 23 through 28 bring up recurring themes of a desire for justice and deliverance by God, and the righting of wrongs committed.

In Psalm 28 we read of a king crying out on behalf of his people for justice against enemies from within their own people. After a general plea to God, King David seeks justice from God against his enemies, and then sings praise to God for the deliverance received from God.

Our passage explained

v1-3

Psalm 28 begins with a general plea to God. David cries to God, his covenant Lord, who is his “rock.” (v.1) He asks God to listen to his prayers, and not be deaf (that is, inactive) to his pleas for mercy (v.2). It is life or death, because if God does not respond he will “become like those who go down to the pit” of death (v.1). His pleas for mercy are directed worshipfully towards God, present in his holy place in the innermost place of the Temple (v.2).

David’s general plea to God for mercy and hearing is followed by a cry for justice. He does not want to be associated with wicked people. He asks “do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts” (v.3). 

v4-5

The wicked whose ultimate end is being dragged off to judgment and death are notable for three things: they commit evil deeds, they speak (outwardly) nicely to their neighbours, but have evil desires and intentions inwardly. That they are spoken of as behaving pleasantly outwardly to their neighbours suggests that the enemies discussed here are part of the broader community, not outside enemy nations.

David asks that God “give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward” (v.4). David is asking for retribution – that the enemies receive the due penalty for their evil deeds which is legally due to them.

The enemies should receive retribution because “they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands” (v.5). The works of the evildoers are not in obedience and respect of the works of God’s hands. Because of this, David prays that God will “tear them down” in judgment (v.5).

v6-9

The final half of Psalm 28 praises God for the deliverance received by David and the people from their enemies. Verses 1 through 5 as a whole sought God’s intervention and judgment of the wicked. Verses six through nine make it clear that God has intervened.

Firstly David announces a prayer of thanksgiving. “ Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy” (v.6). God has not been deaf to his pleadings (see v.1) but has listened to his pleas for mercy (v.2). He confesses “The LORD is my strength and my shield” and his deliverance as “in him my heart trusts, and I am helped” (v.7). It concludes with David singing “my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (v.7).

Not only does David confess that God is his strength and shield, but “the LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed” as well (v.8). Not only is the king God’s anointed, but also the people are God’s anointed ones, to whom God lends his strength.

To conclude his thanksgiving, he prays that God will “save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever” (v.9). He seeks God’s continued protection of the people, that God’s name might be blessed with a people calling on his name. Echoing Psalm 23, he asks God to be the peoples’ shepherd, caring and protecting his people.

Our passage applied

When we read passages which speak of seeking retribution for our enemies, it causes us discomfort. After all, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44). We seek the repentance of those who oppose Christ, not their immediate judgment. Yet we must remember that for those who consistently rebel against God will in the end receive the due punishment for their errors, whether they are outside the church or false teachers within. It is for us in the meantime to warn that some may repent.

We can take heart that this Psalm demonstrates justice will ultimately be done. Those who do not regard God’s works and commit evil deeds will receive the due punishment for their sins, because God is not deaf to our pleadings, but is a refuge and strength to all his people. Nor will he treat us as we deserve, because he will answer our pleas for mercy through the forgiveness we receive in Jesus Christ.

Resources

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Read Psalm 27

Summary

Reflecting on God’s goodness to us and to others in days past helps us to feel and express confidence in God to follow through on his promises. As we reflect on times when God has been our help in the days before, and has been a help to fellow believers in ages past, we are encouraged to express confidence in the present day.

Psalm 27 expresses David’s confidence in God to deliver him from opposition. David expresses confidence in God, confidence in God’s presence in the sanctuary, confidence that God would deliver him expressed through prayer, and confidence in waiting for God to act.

Our passage explained

v1-6

David’s psalm begins by expressing confidence in God. God is “my light and my salvation” who illumines David’s path and delivers him from enemies, so “whom shall I fear?” (v.1). He reinforces this idea by describing God as “the stronghold of my life” so he has no reason to be afraid.

David’s confidence in God as a deliverer and a stable protection against foes is expanded through two examples of attack. Firstly, when evil men attack to “eat up my flesh” (either metaphorical wild enemies or slanderers) it is they who “stumble and fall” (v.2). Secondly, even if an “army encamp against me” cutting off Jerusalem from food or “war arise against me” (v.3) he will still be confident in God to deliver.

Next we see confidence in God’s presence in the sanctuary. David asks in verse four of God “that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.” David wants to dwell in God’s presence and remain there as a place of joy.

In God’s presence, David would most fully know God’s protection. There God “will hide me in his shelter…conceal me under the cover of his tent” and “lift me high upon a rock” safely away from trouble (v.5). Because of this protection his “head shall be lifted up” above his enemies and David will respond in thanksgiving by “offer[ing] in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD” (v.6).

v7-11

Then the psalm shifts to express David’s confident prayer for deliverance. He cries to God to show compassion in his time of need (v.7), and acknowledges he is seeking God’s presence to bring his request (v.8; cf. Deut. 4:29). Despite this, he knows he can only come to God’s presence if God allows it, so asks that God “hide not your face from me” nor refuse to speak to him, God’s servant (v.9).

David approaches God because he is confident that God has helped him before. He acknowledges that, as one of God’s servants, God has helped him in the past (v.9). So he asks God to “Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!” (v.9). David then figuratively refers to the covenant God made with him (2 Sam. 7) in verse ten, where he describes God as having replaced his parents by adopting him.

v12-14

David concludes his confident prayer by asking God to teach him and “lead me on a level path” (v.12, cf. Psalm 25) because enemies have plans for him. He asks God not to deliver him into their hands, because they are slandering him and threatening violence (v.13). Perhaps they are foreign nations who do not want to see David and his people following God’s ways.

The psalm concludes with David expressing confidence in God to act by waiting. David is confident he will experience God’s goodness when he is alive (v.13). On this basis, David proclaims “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (v.14). He is confident that God will respond at the right time, in the right way. Rather than despair, David counsels all who hear to wait and allow God time to answer his prayer.

Our passage applied

As difficult as it is (and as David suggests by encouraging strength and courage), we do well to listen to David’s advice and wait. We want results instantly, but often the answer comes with time, continued prayer, and courageous waiting. God does not respond instantly to our whims, but as Sovereign King acts as he wills and pleases. We should give him time to respond.

As we wait, we join David in showing confidence in God to respond in keeping with his promises. We do not know precisely how he will respond, but the evidence of the past shows God will protect and deliver his people, whether it is momentary opposition or delivery from sin and death’s dominion through the Cross.

As we confidently wait for God to fulfil his promises, we can join David in singing of our desire to enjoy fellowship with God forever. What we enjoy now through the Holy Spirit’s dwelling in us will one day be fulfilled when we see God face to face.

Resources

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Read Psalm 26

Summary

Our services begin with a call to worship and an opening song, often indicating our desire to come to God’s presence in corporate worship to sing his praises. As worshippers entered the temple grounds in Old Testament times to offer God praise, they likewise sang songs calling them to worship.

Psalm 26 appears to be one of those songs sung as worshippers entered the Temple. In it, the psalmist declares their desire to worship God and proclaim his deeds. They profess trust in God to vindicate them, renounce the ways of the wicked, sing of their desire to worship God, and seek God’s blessing on them.

Our passage explained

v1-7

Psalm 26 beings with the psalmist professing trust in God to vindicate them. He asks his covenant Lord to “vindicate me … for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering” (v.1). As he approaches God to worship, he shows confidence in God and speaks of how he has sought to follow God’s ways. 

His trust is such that he asks God to “prove … try me … test my heart and mind” (v.2) because his attention is on God’s covenant faithfulness and his walk based on God’s revealed truth (v.3).

The psalmist also makes clear to God that he renounces the ways of the wicked. He is committed to God, and so he does not “sit with men of falsehood, nor … consort with hypocrites” (v.4). He does not desire to be in constant contact and fellowship with those who do not worship God, in a way which identifies himself with them. Nor will he associate with them when they gather together, because of their wickedness (v.5).

Rather than gather with the wicked, the psalmist proclaims a desire to worship God. Disassociating himself with the wicked, he washes his hands to enter into the temple grounds to worship God (v.6). There he worships God, “proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds” (v.7). He remembers and speaks of God’s deeds of the past, where God saved his people.

v8-12

His desire to worship is extended to being in God’s presence. Instead of loving the gathering of the wicked, he proclaims “O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells” (v.8). The psalmist wants to be where God is, and so in the Old Testament, he longs to be in the temple where he can praise God and know his presence.

As he worships God in the temple grounds, the psalmist seeks God’s blessing. He asks God to “not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes” (vv.9-10). He recognises that God will not accept the worship of evildoers, but instead punish and destroy them. He asks that he would not be found amidst them and face the same judgement, but instead that God would extend mercy and forgiveness to him.

This desire is expressed in the close of the psalm, where he specifically prays that God will “redeem me, and be gracious to me” (v.11). Immediately before this, the psalmist states he “walk[s] in my integrity” which is found in God’s redemptive act and in his trusting God (v.1). Speaking metaphorically of standing on level ground, he proclaims his right relationship with God and his intention to praise as when “in the great assembly I will bless the LORD” (v.12).

Our passage applied

This psalm provides a wonderful picture of the purpose of worship. It is not entertainment but instead our gathering together to bless God and proclaim his gracious deeds. We sing of the confidence we have that God will vindicate us, not from our own deeds but from God’s graciousness and redemptive acts. As we gather to worship, we give thanks to God for his saving work in Christ given to us by his mercy.

The desire to worship God also comes from a desire to enjoy God’s presence. We leave behind our past sinful lives and instead come together to receive God’s promises in word and sacrament. We no longer associate ourselves with the wicked (in the sense of approving their behaviour) but instead desire God’s presence in the best place on Earth this side of heaven.

We also acknowledge our sinfulness and our need for forgiveness. Like the psalmist and the worshippers entering the temple, we ask God not to judge us as we are in ourselves: wicked evildoers in whose hands are evil devices. Instead we ask God to receive us in our “integrity”: our trust in God and his gracious redemption.

As we gather to worship, we confess our trust in God to vindicate us at the Last Day. We make clear our desire to come to God to worship over the appeals of the world. We seek again God’s forgiveness for our sins and his blessing. We join the psalmist and others in singing praises to God for his wondrous deeds.

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Read Psalm 25

Summary

While we tend to emphasise the “Go” of Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) as a command, the commission is actually to “make disciples” from all the nations. Making disciples involves teaching those disciples what Jesus commanded, so they can follow in his ways. Teaching is an integral part of the walk of faith.

Psalm 25 focuses on the importance of teaching, of learning to follow God’s ways. It is an acrostic psalm in Hebrew, focusing on a request for preservation and learning from God. It neatly forms into three sections, where David (the author) pleads for God’s help, proclaims God’s goodness, and prays for deliverance and protection. Threaded through is a desire to learn God’s ways in order to follow them.

Our passage explained

v1-7

In the first section of Psalm 25, David pleads for God’s help. Like many psalms he wrote, it is possible that troubles and enemies drove him to song. Addressing his covenant God directly, he lifts up his soul and in faith proclaims “my God, in you I trust” (v.2). He asks that he “not be put to shame” nor his enemies be exalted over him (v.2), expressing confidence that “none who wait for you shall be put to shame” but instead those who deal treacherously (v.3).

David then moves to asking God’s teaching help. He asks God to “make me to know your ways…teach me your paths” (v.4). Not only does he need God’s rescue from troubles, but enlightenment in the way to walk. He asks God to “lead me in your truth and teach me” because God is his Saviour and the one he looks to in trust “all the day long” (v.5).

David’s plea for help then shifts to asking God to remember his covenant mercy. He asks God to remember his covenant love and his mercy, “remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions”, and remember him as an individual (vv.6-7). His sins trouble him, and he hopes God will see him forgiven as a faithful member of the covenant, not the sinner he is. He trusts in God’s goodness (v.7) to make this plea.

v8-15

The second section of Psalm 25 expands on the goodness of God in which David trusts. God is good, and so he teaches sinners how to follow him (v.8). He “leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way” (v.9). For those who follow God’s ways, his paths are loving and faithful, reflecting God’s character (v.10).

The loving and faithful character of God encourages David to seek God’s pardon for his guilt (v.11). He fears God, so seeks forgiveness, knowing that God will then “instruct him in the way he should choose” (v.12). He will experience the covenant benefits of peace with God and blessing on his children (v.13), enjoying God’s friendship and knowledge of God’s promises to his people (v.14) which provides assurance. For this reason, David continually seeks to follow God, and trust in him for deliverance (v.15).

v16-22

This trust in God’s goodness leads to the third section of Psalm 25, which seeks God’s deliverance and protection. David asks God to “turn to me” and be gracious because of his troubles which weigh heavy on his heart and cause him distress (vv.16-17).

David again seeks pardon for sin, asking God to consider his affliction and trouble and forgive his sins (v.18). Secondly, he asks God to see his many does who hate him, and deliver and protect him from their plans (vv.19-20). 

David seeks shelter in God, because he trusts in God’s goodness. It encourages David to pray that God would preserve him because of God’s own integrity and uprightness (v.21), and that God’s deliverance and protection would be not only for himself, but for all of God’s people (v.22).

Our passage applied

This psalm covers themes we have encountered before in previous psalms. A desire for forgiveness from sins, for deliverance from enemies, and for God’s sheltering presence. That we see these themes repeated so often reminds us that the Christian faith is not an effortless skip along clouds, but sometimes a walk in dark and troubling places, where we must rely on God to deliver us. 

And we can rely on God to deliver us because of his character. His goodness, his righteousness, his integrity and his faithfulness show God is reliable. God will deliver us and protect us from those who seek to utterly destroy us, either in this life or the next. God forgives us for the sins of our youth, today, and tomorrow too. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God’s goodness is why we seek to follow his ways. What better way to walk the path of righteousness, of intimate friendship with God, than by learning his paths. God leads and teaches those who seek him how to follow his ways. So let us follow God’s paths, where we find deliverance and protection, and friendship with God.

Resources

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Read Psalm 24

Summary

Can anyone enter God’s presence, whether or not they are sinners? Or only those who are allowed, because they meet the standard required? For some people, the answer to this question might be similar to going to meet the Queen – with the right standard of dress. But Scripture teaches that it is only in Christ that we are able to enter into God’s presence, clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

Psalm 24, a “temple entry” psalm, talks of the standard needed to meet the King of Glory. It teaches us that Christ as our representative gives us the clean hands and pure hearts to enter the Creator-King’s presence. This Psalm reminds us of the King of Glory’s wonder, the King of Glory’s dress standard, and the King of Glory’s victory.

Our passage explained

v1-2

In the first two verses of Psalm 24 we are reminded of the King of Glory’s wonder. Verse one teaches us that “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein”. The earth belongs to God, and everything in it too. God is the ultimate “owner” of everything, whether land, sea, animals, or us.

God’s ownership is because of his authorship. In verse two, the reason God owns everything is because “he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers” referring back to the Creation account in Genesis 1. God made everything, so he owns it all, not just one part of the earth but everything. This demonstrates the King of Glory’s wonder; he is the Creator-King.

v3-5

So if the King of Glory is of such great wonder, we need to meet his “dress standard” when we meet him. This dress standard is explained in verses three to six. Verse three transitions to a picture of the leader of God’s People leading his people up towards the temple to worship God. It asks “who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?”

The answer to this question is provided in verse four, which describes four characteristics of the pure worshippers who may come into the King of Glory’s presence. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully” (v.4). Pure actions and thoughts are necessary, along with avoiding idol worship and a life of falsehood. These characteristics resemble the two great commandments (Mark 12:28-31).

Since the standard required is absolute moral perfection, we cannot meet the standard. Thankfully, in verse five, we see that the right clothes are given to us by God. “He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” The one who seeks to enter God’s presence will receive the necessary blessing and righteousness from God, who saves them.

v6-7 & 9

As a result, the leader of God’s people in verse six can respond to the questioner of verse three, saying “such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.” The true worshippers who follow the leader to God’s presence (seeking God’s face) are clothed in righteousness from God, and so may enter in.

Having received permission to enter, God’s people may sing of the King of Glory’s victory, which is referred to in verses seven to ten. The gatekeeper commands that the gates “be lifted up” so that “the King of glory may come in” (vv.7, 9). This may be referring to the return of the Ark of the Covenant from battle (symbolising God’s presence with his army), representing God returning to his dwelling place like a successful king from war.

v8-10

The King of Glory’s identity is confirmed in verse eight, where we read that he is “The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!” (v.8). This is confirmed in verse ten, where the King of Glory is confirmed as “The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!” (v.10). The King of Glory, who made all things and makes true worshippers clean, is the God of great armies leading to victory over all who oppose his reign.

Our passage applied

This psalm makes clear that it is God who made everything, including us. Because we were made by him, we are his possession, and should both praise him and obey his commands. This command extends to all creatures of our God and King, everywhere at every time.

That we do not do so means we do not meet God’s “dress standard” to enter into his presence. But as verse five reminds us, we are given the right clothes of righteousness by God, our Saviour. These clothes are the righteousness of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:21), who is the only man who truly met the standard of verse four. 

Through those clothes, we have peace with God and “have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2) to rejoice in the victory of God our Saviour over sin, death, and all who oppose his righteous reign.

Resources

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Read Psalm 23

Summary

If a competition for “most known psalm” was ever held, my guess is Psalm 23 would win hands-down. This beautiful psalm of David is popularly read and sung in Church services, at funerals, on music albums, and quoted in all forms of media. Many of us know the psalm’s basic themes, or even have it memorised.

David’s Psalm 23 is so appealing because we connect with the imagery of a shepherd taking care of his flock, even those of us who have spent too little time in the country! In Psalm 23, we see a picture of God, the Divine Shepherd, protecting and sustaining his flock. We see God’s tender guidance, God’s comfort, and God’s provision for his people.

Our passage explained

v1-2

The psalm begins with a picture of God’s tender guidance. David, using God’s covenantal name, describes God as “my shepherd” (v.1). This doubly indicates the close relationship between the believer and God – “The LORD” is used in the Old Testament to refer to God’s special relationship with his people, and secondly God is David’s, and our, shepherd.

Because God is our Divine Shepherd, he tenderly guides and provides. “I shall not want” (v.1). The Divine Shepherd ensures his sheep lack nothing. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters” (v.2). The shepherd leads his flock to pastures where they are fed, and waters where they may drink and rest.

v3-4

This tender guidance and provision is for the benefit of his sheep. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (v.3). The metaphor of God leading his sheep to green pastures, and beside restful, pleasant waters is explained in this verse. The feeding and resting is provided by God to restore David’s soul, attacked by the effects of sin in his own life and of the world around. Just like feeding, resting, and watering sheep revives them physically, so too the divine shepherd provides restoration for us in our whole self.

The guiding and providing is good for the sheep. Shepherds were responsible for leading sheep between meadows and water sources. God’s leading is always on a path of righteousness, leading us to live and act in ways which agree with God’s standards and bring glory and honour to God.

As shepherds guided their flocks they would also see to the comfort and protection of their sheep. This image is used in verse four, where David proclaims: “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” The Divine Shepherd leads his flock through the dark ravines of life, where threats wait to attack.

But the sheep do not fear being attacked and devoured by lions or other predators, because their Divine Shepherd is with them. God has his rod to hand, ready to fight and defeat wild animals who may attack the flock. The staff is in God’s other hand, to guide the sheep in the right direction, comforting them that they are being led to the next pasture.

v5-6

In the last part of Psalm 23, the imagery shifts from that of a shepherd to that of a host. Not only does God sustain and protect, but God provides for his people too. In David’s day, provision as a host also involved protection, which helps transition between the two images.

God the host “prepare[s] a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (v.5). Despite the presence of enemies, God puts on a spread. He anoints his guest with oil, symbolising joy at his guest’s presence. God ensures that his guest’s cup of drink is always full to overflowing, receiving more than is needed because of God’s generosity.

This generosity helps ensure David’s belief in God’s continued faithfulness and generosity. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (v.6). David expresses his trust that God will continue to bless him and show his covenant faithfulness (here translated “mercy”) to David for all his days. He believes this will extend to enjoying God’s fellowship and presence forever.

Our passage applied

This psalm resonates so powerfully with believers throughout all ages because it is so clear in its teaching of the way in which God protects, sustains, and provides for us. It fills us with confidence in God; in God’s goodness to us, and in God’s care for us. We easily identify ourselves as sheep, led by God our Divine Shepherd to pastures green.

The intimacy of God as our caring shepherd was fulfilled most vividly in Christ’s life and death. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for us, his sheep (John 10). In Christ we see the care and goodness of God to us, his flock, blessed far beyond what we need because of God’s faithfulness and goodness to us.

Resources

Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.