Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph

Psalm 21

Are you praising God for your current circumstances in such a way that those around you desire to join in with your praise?

Psalm 21

Verses 1-2-David is praising God for granting him the desires of his heart. David recognizes that although he is king, there is One still over him.

Selah-What are your desires? If God were to grant you the desires of your heart, what would they be? Have you made them known to Him? Would He approve?

Verses 3-7-David lists why he rejoices in and praises God. God has blessed him with his position in life and has allowed him to enter into the presence of God.

Verses 8-12-David recognizes that all the enemies of God are also his enemies. Do we treat life like this? How often do you consider your sin as God’s enemy? How about the activities your people around you engage in, are they working for or against God?

Verse 13-David ends as he began. This time he invites all those who heard his praise to rejoice in God with him.

Some have connected this psalm with Psalm 20 because of the similarities between 20.4 and 21.1. Some see chapter twenty as a prayer for victory and chapter 21 as the answer to that prayer. It sounds plausible but not necessary.

Are you praising God for your current circumstances in such a way that those around you desire to join in with your praise?

Psalm 19

Do you see God’s work in creation (1-6), through His Word (7-11), and in your life (12-14)? This is where He is at work. Take time today to notice His work in your world, in your heart.

Psalm 19

This is a creation Psalm. It speaks of God’s majesty in creation and how He created it to show His majesty and glory. Many have suggested that if there is a God who created all this, why did He create the Universe to be so huge for so puny a creation as man. Some have answered this question by saying that God created man an inquisitive creature and that God created this universe for man’s exploration. A better response would be that the universe is not created for man to explore, although he can, does, and should, but that it was created to display the majesty of God per this Psalm. This would explain why it is so huge and complex.

Verses 1-4-David is expressing how creation shouts the glory of God (cf. Romans 1.19-20 and 10.18). This is called general revelation. Here God makes known His ways to all mankind. Many have taken this verse and attempted to show how the stars proclaim God’s glory. If you were to look at the original constellations, it would go from the Virgin to the Lion (Virgo to Leo), which shows the first coming of Christ in the virgin birth all the way to the second coming of Christ in power to rule. How do you see it?

Verses 5-6-When all the world would say the earth was flat, these verses proclaim it was round (cf. Ecclesiastes 1.5)

Verses 7-10-The heart of this chapter comes to the front, not in creation but in the Word of God. This is special revelation where God makes His will known to those who submit to Him and His Word. Each stanza in this poem refers to the same concept: God’s Word is what we need to live this life that He created us to live. It is His Word that gives us direction, wisdom, understanding, guidance in righteousness, and it is to be desired above life itself.

Verses 11-13-David, as Paul would later state in Romans 6.12-14, tells us our reward is found in keeping God’s Word. In so doing we will be blameless in our walk. No one will be able to accuse of wrong doing and sin will not be our master. There are two types of sinning mentioned here. One is the sin of ignorance. Even though we don’t know it is sin, if we commit it, it is still sin. Second is the sin of willful defiance. This is where we know it is wrong and still choose to do it. There is a third, not mentioned here, and it is when we know what we should do but refuse to do it (James 4.17). Which of these is your greatest struggle?

Verse 14-The entire purpose for having this special revelation is for us to meditate on it day and night. Meditation means for us to study all day long. To chew the cud as a cow would. We read a portion of Scripture, contemplate it, later on reconsider it, and still later consider it. It becomes a daylong process. When our mind is on His Word all day, that word will dominate our thinking, our words, and our actions. Are you meditating on God’s Word or merely reading it? Think about 2 Timothy 2.15-26 in its entirety. When our focus is on His Word we escape the schemes of Satan.

Hebrews 1.1-4 provides a summary of this Psalm.

Do you see God’s work in creation (1-6), through His Word (7-11), and in your life (12-14)? This is where He is at work. Take time today to notice His work in your world, in your heart.

If you have time today, about 45 minutes, watch Indescribable by Louie Giglio.

Psalm 16

Where have you been trying to find meaning? Is it in a person, an object, an activity? If it is not God, then you will fail to find meaning, purpose, in this life.

Psalm 16

A Miktam is a Hebrew word meaning “writing” or “psalm” and could mean that it is an epigrammatic poem or atonement Psalm.

Verses 1-2-David begins where we should begin. He realized that apart from God, we have no goodness. As mentioned in Psalm 14, there is none good except God. When we realize this, we will come to Him more often out of need and desire.

Verse 3-David understands the way of godliness is found in the company we keep (1 Corinthians 15.33). We may believe that God is our Saviour and be in right relationship with Him. However, our daily fellowship with Him can be determined by whom we allow in our circle of friends. Consider your friends. Are they bringing you closer to God or are they undermining what God wants to do in your life? Your friends are either helping to purify you or pollute you. Only one is possible. Read 1 John 1.1-4 for insight into fellowship with God.

Verse 4-This verse furthers the concept found in verse three. Those involved in syncretism will not prosper (1 Timothy 6.10). Does David imply that we should not even pray for them? Psalm 106.37-38 sheds light on this verse and what these people were doing.

Verses 5-6-David is reflecting on the good that God has done for him, even in dire circumstances. He knows that it is only in God that we have meaning and purpose in this life.

Verses 7-10-David is writing of God’s blessings on him and how he can rest secure in the hands of the almighty God. God does not allow His people to go to Hell (Sheol). Peter ascribes these verses to Jesus (Acts 2.25-32). That is that God did not keep His Son in Hell but resurrected Him from the dead. Paul quotes this verse when preaching in Antioch as applying to Jesus (Acts 13.35). This is our hope and our peace (1 Peter 1.3 and Hebrews 13.20). This also makes this a Messianic Psalm. These verses are fulfilled in Mark 16.6-7 when Jesus was resurrected.

Verse 11-It is God alone who is good (verse 1) and from Him alone we find the path we are to walk on (Proverbs 3.5-6), or our purpose in life. It is only as we come before Him in prayer, Bible study, song, and fellowship (all of which are worship), that we find our greatest pleasures in life.

Where have you been trying to find meaning? Is it in a person, an object, an activity? If it is not God, then you will fail to find meaning, purpose, in this life.

Psalm 14

The foolishness of man in his attempt to live without instruction from the One who made him is great. It is also prevalent today. Can you see this not only in the world that disowns God but in His church which proclaims Him?

Psalm 14

This Psalm is almost identical to Psalm 53 (see our study).

Verse 1-Our discussion in Psalm 10 already described the fool. Psalm 53.1 adds emphasis to it as well. It may begin individually but it will end corporately. There is none who do good (Romans 3).

Verse 2-Psalm 33.13-14 and Romans 3.11 shed light on this verse. God looks for good and finds none. This is much like what happened with Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18.22-33). God seeks and finds none who are good. This is also evidenced in Judges (Judges 2.19).

The reason behind this is that there is none who are good, except God. This was Jesus response to a man who inquired how he might have eternal life (Mark 10.17-27). He seeks today and only finds good in those who follow His Son.

Verse 3-David continues to explain why there are none who do good. It is because they seek only their own pleasure as they walk astray from God’s good pleasure. Paul tells us the same thing in Romans 3.12 and Isaiah shows this truth in Isaiah 53.

Verse 4-David is describing how the nations who do not know God treat His people. They devour them because they do not know Him.

Verses 5-6-All the plans of man are nothing in the eyes of God (Psalm 2–see our study). He allows them to make their plans. But, it is He, who protects and helps the needy. We are the needy (Psalm 40.17).

Verse 7-Romans 11.25-27 sums up this verse in declaring God’s deliverance is in the forgiveness of sin.

Psalm 10

If our society reflects what the members of the society do or allow to happen, then what does our society say about the church? About our God? What can we do about it?

Psalm 10

See Psalm 9 for explanation.

Verses 1-2-This verse appears to be the antithesis to Psalm 9.16. However, David is asking for God to come and do what He has been known to do–protect the persecuted and afflicted.

Verses 3-4-Psalm 14.1states it all: Only a fool would say there is no God. We may not say it, but are we so greedy for gain and power that we live it? (See our study of Psalm 14 and Psalm 53).

Verses 5-6-Those who do not know God should be more frightened about life than they are. Psalm 49.11, Ecclesiastes 8.11, and Revelation 18.7 all attest to this truth.

Verses 7-11-When people live this way, their society becomes like them (Psalm 55.10-11). The characteristics of the people become the way of life for the society in which they live.

Verses 12-18-David calls God to action much like He did in Psalm 9.12. Micah 5.9 presents this truth as well. God will vindicate Himself and His cause. He is the helper of the helpless (2 Timothy 1.12). This would include you and me.

If our society reflects what the members of the society do or allow to happen, then what does our society say about the church? About our God? What can we do about it?

Psalm 9

Although these two Psalms should be studied together, I have chosen to study them separately. In most ancient manuscripts (Septuagint and Vulgate), these two Psalms form one Psalm.

Psalm 9

Although Psalm 9 and 10 should be studied together, I have chosen to study them separately. In most ancient manuscripts (Septuagint and Vulgate), these two Psalms form one Psalm. There are at least four reasons for pairing them together:

They form a partial acrostic. Psalm 9 contains 11 of the first twelve letters of the twenty-two letter Hebrew alphabet and Psalm 10 contains seven of the final ten letters.
Similarities in words and style
Subject matter. Although Psalm 9 deals with the nations and Psalm 10 deals with Israel, they both speak on judgment.
Of all the Psalms in Book One of the Psalms, Psalm 10 is the only one without a superscription.

With that presented, let us turn our attention to Psalm 9.

Verses 1-2-David begins with words that should always be on our lips: Praise to God (Psalm 146.2) for whom He is and for what He has done (see Psalm 8). Are you praising God with all that He has given you to praise Him? What is it in your life that is not praising Him?

Verses 3-4-David sees that God is actively responding to his prayers and bringing justice upon the earth.

Verses 5-6-The judgment is eternal in nature, even to the point that the memory of them will perish too. Is this established in eternity or does it apply to history?

Verses 7-8-God will judge the world righteously through Jesus Christ (Acts 17.24-31).

Verses 9-10-God does not forsake His people. He protects them. He protects the oppressed as well. How?

Verses 11-12-God is righteous and will not let those who shed blood “get away with murder” (Genesis 9.5 and Nahum 1.2-6).

Verses 13-14-David calls out to God to bless him with God’s grace. He calls on God’s mercy so he may praise God and bring testimony of how good God is to the world.

Verses 15-16-The nations will know there is a God who is mighty in power and righteous in judgment. Exodus 7.5 states this and the ten plagues illustrate this truth.

Both terms, Higgaion and Selah, ask us to ponder the great truths mentioned in the previous section. How righteous is the God you serve?

Verse 17-David expresses the grief that the godless will not see God; their paths lead to destruction.

Verse 18-Does David merely mean the needy and the poor? Or, can he mean all those who see themselves in need of God and poor in spirit (Matthew 5.1-12)?

Verses 19-20-The world seems to have forgotten that we are mere men and God is God.

Selah asks us to ponder the great truths mentioned in the previous section. How righteous is the God you serve? Does He take care of us?

The world will not get it right until they bow in submission to the God of the Universe. Until then, we need to be in prayer for God to intervene and bring justice and righteousness to the front of the line. Are you praying for God to intervene?

Psalm 8

Consider your daily routine. Does it proclaim the greatness of God from beginning to end? If so, praise Him. If not, what can be done differently?

Psalm 8

The Introduction to the Psalms explains the Gittith.

Verse 1-The earth is a proclamation of the glory and majesty of God. When you see His creative process from an atom to a galaxy, what is your response?

Verse 2-Read Matthew 21.12-17 and 1 Corinthians 1.26-30 to enlighten this verse. When we praise God, we are using a defensive mechanism to thwart those who speak evil. How often are you praising God during the course of the day? The more we praise, the less we hear from the enemies of our faith.

Verses 3-4-This seems to be a quote from Job 7.17-18 and is quoted in Hebrews 2.6-8. The answer to this question is found throughout the Scriptures and summed up in the next few verses.

Verses 5-8-The translation of “elohim” ( ) in verse five has some controversy in it and can change the outlook of the psalm. David is saying either that God has made mankind a little lower than angels (KJV) or than Himself (NASB). See the footnote for both. If we reference Genesis 1.26-28, we can argue the NASB translation of “God.” Our dignity is found in being like Him. If there is no God, there is no basis for dignity in man. It is in being created lower than Him that we can fulfill the command of Genesis 1 and Psalm 8, which is being a plenipotentiary (one who rules in place of another as representing the other).

Another argument for the word being translated as the NASB presents is 1 Corinthians 6.3, which informs us that we will judge angels.

Verse 9-The psalm closes with the words it began. This sandwiching effect reminds us that all that is contained within these verses are to proclaim how great He is.

Consider your daily routine. Does it proclaim the greatness of God from beginning to end? If so, praise Him. If not, what can be done differently?

Psalm 6

The circumstances for the writing of this psalm are unknown. It appears that David is sick and feels he is about to die. In this state he writes this penitential psalm (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143). When seeking to confess sins, these are great psalms to read as part of confession when asking God to restore our fellowship with Him (1 John 1.9).

Psalm 6

Verses 1-3-David feels as though his bones are melting away within him (Psalm 32) or are broken in pieces (Psalm 51). When we are not feeling well, both physically and spiritually, we feel like this. This call for healing his bones is actually a call for forgiveness. David sounds like he is depressed because of the attacks of his family, friends, and enemies. David is also depressed due to his sin. What does depression do to us?

Verses 4-5-David calls to God to heal him because of the praise that would be given Him and because of His goodness, His loving-kindness (Psalm 88.10-12 and Isaiah 38.18).

Verses 6-7-David weeps over his illness just as Job did (Job 17.7).

Verses 8-10-After the tears come praises.

Think about this Psalm. David is in grief. He presents his petition to God. He then turns to praising God. This is how it should be. Is it how it is with you?

2 Samuel 4

This chapter tells of the death of Ish-bosheth, which closes the lineage of Saul, save one. There always seems to be one.

2 Samuel 4

This chapter tells of the death of Ish-bosheth, which closes the lineage of Saul, save one. There always seems to be one. This one is Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was five when his grandfather, Saul, and father, Jonathan, were killed. It was at this point he was crippled for life. His story is one of promises fulfilled for the sake of Jonathan. There will be more of this story later (2 Samuel 9.1–13; 16.1, 4; 19.24–30). See our study of 2 Samuel 9.

Today’s story is about two leaders of Ish-bosheth’s army. When they heard that Abner died and that Ish-bosheth became ill bringing down the morale of the nation, they thought their best interest was to assassinate Ish-bosheth. They then take the head to David thinking, as did the Amalekite in chapter one, that they would be rewarded for killing David’s enemy. They did not realize that David did not consider Saul his enemy but his king. To kill a member of Saul’s family was treason. So, he had the two men killed.

David knew his life was still under God’s protection and no harm would befall him under that care. He had no reason to kill Ish-bosheth. Do we see our life like that? Are we standing on the promises of God?

Have religious wars started for the same reasons we have seen in these chapters? Where is God in all this? He surely is not behind them.

2 Samuel 3

Verse one gives the ending of the story of the transfer of the kingdom from the house of Saul to the house of David (2 Samuel 1-4). Ish-bosheth’s (or Abner’s) reign will weaken to the point that David’s reign, which is growing stronger, prevails.

2 Samuel 3

David was a polygamist. This chapter introduces his seven wives as does 1 Chronicles 3.1-4. His family tree is interesting to peruse. His six sons are mentioned, but not his daughter Tamar whose brother was Adonijah. These children will cause David much grief as the story unfolds in 2 Samuel. As we continue our studies, we will encounter one of the most dysfunctional families in history.

Abner is still in control in this chapter until his death. He is accused of attempting to become king and removing Ish-bosheth by sleeping with Saul’s concubine. This will be explained further when we get to 1 Kings 1 where the same thing happens with David and Adonijah.

In this accusation by Ish-bosheth, Abner transfers his loyalty to David. He promises to unite Israel under David from Dan, which is in the far north, to Beersheba, which is in the far south. David and Abner came to terms to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul to the house of David. The first term was that David would receive his first wife Michal back into his house. This was done to strengthen David’s claim to the throne.

This chapter unfolds fear in the lives of each character mentioned. Abner feared losing control, Ish-bosheth feared Abner, Paltiel feared Abner and losing Michal, Abner feared Joab, the people feared the Philistines.

All these happenings with Abner were while Joab was away. If you remember from the last chapter, Abner killed Joab’s brother Asahel. Joab was seeking revenge and was angered with David for allowing Abner to leave. He disguised it as fear for David’s life and kingdom. Under false pretenses, Joab has Abner meet him by a cistern just north of Hebron. This is important because Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 20.7). The men could not seek revenge on Abner in Hebron, so the took him just outside the city. This was far enough away for Joab and his brother, Abishai, to meet with and revenge the death of their brother. They killed Abner in the same manner that he killed their brother, a wound to the stomach. As David hears of the matter, he washes his hands of the deed proclaiming innocence (Deuteronomy 21.6-9).

The nation and the king mourn the loss of Abner. David does so because Abner was a prince, part of God’s anointed under Saul’s kingdom. Just as David mourned and eulogized Saul and Jonathan in chapter 1, so he does here. David proclaims his nephews are too violent for him. Yet, they are considered the three heros of his army. The curse on their family is worthy of discussion. However, it will wait for another day.

Where do you find your strength? David found it in the Lord, Abner found it in politics, Paltiel found it in Michal (a claim to the throne), Ish-bosheth found it in his title, and Joab found it in anger. Whom are you imitating today?