Psalms – Page 12 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 45

What are we doing to make His name known throughout the world? It begins with us living our lives at home in such a way that our neighbors ask us about God. From there, His fame is spread through their testimony and ours.

Psalm 45

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What is known is that it was written for a royal wedding. The inscription informs us it is a love song, or a Wedding Song, set to the tune “Lilies.” This tune is mentioned in Psalm 69 (see our study) and Psalm 80. Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44).

Two verses (6-7) are ascribed to Christ by the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 1.8-9). Because of this, some have suggested, this psalm was written for the sole purpose of presenting a bride to Christ. This goes beyond the scope of Scripture and is afforded no other passage in Scripture. However, we can see this is a royal psalm and, thus, can be applied to Christ as well as the king it is addressed to in the inscription.

It is broken into four parts:

Verse 1-The call to write a poem. This is inspiration. God gives this to each of us. It may not be a poem; it could be a design, a future, or even a character. God gifts us, impassions us, and has created for us a purpose that is beyond us (Ephesians 2.10).

Verses 2-9-The call to the king emphasizing his majesty. The Targumim, an ancient Aramaic translation of the Hebrew, translates verse two: “Thy beauty, O King Messiah, is greater than that of the children of men.” The messianic verses (verses 6-7), address the King as God while the one who speaks is “God, Your God.” This is a conversation being carried on by God the Father and God the Son. God has anointed the Son for a particular purpose and this is salvation. Historically, the verse could also be translated as “Your throne is a throne of God.” This would mean it was established in righteousness.

Verses 10-15-The call to the bride to marry the king. She is told to forget her past and her heritage. This would imply that she is a foreigner. It holds true for us today as seen in Luke 14.26.

Going along with the messianic interpretation, she would represent the Gentiles or the Church (Ephesians 5.22-33). The Church or the Bride will be given the beauty of the King and is commanded to worship or pay homage to Him. This is presented in Revelation 19.1-10 as the Wedding of the Lamb.

Verses 16-17-The call to establish a lasting dynasty is given to the children of the King (Christians). We are to make His name known by the way we reflect His life and mission (Matthew 5.13-16).

Take a moment to listen to “Shout Your Fame” by Hillsong.

Psalm 44

This psalm could be another post-exilic psalm, written in hopes of returning to Jerusalem. Or, it could be written during the time of David after a defeat by the enemies. I prefer the former. It is written by a priest from the tribe of Levi, a Korahite. These were the gatekeepers and singers in the Temple according to 1 Chronicles 9.19; 12.6; 26.1. It is also a psalm of national lament.

Psalm 44

This psalm can be divided into four parts:

Verses 1-8-The first eight verses describe life as it was when God’s power was manifest in the nation. This is describing the time of conquest of the land of Canaan. It was a glorious time in Israel’s past. The psalmist is calling the people to remember what God has done. But, he is also, calling God to remember His glory during that time as-well.

Selah-We are called to pause here. What is it that you can recall about God’s activity in your life? How did He save you? From what has He delivered you? To what has He called you? How committed to Him are you? Read verse eight. Have you boasted of Him to others lately? Have you thanked Him for who He is? Notice it is not for what He has done but for who He is.

Verses 9-16-These verses rehearse Ezekiel 20. God warned the people not to turn to the left nor to the right but to walk in the path that He set for them. They turned from Him. He disciplined them.

Verses 17-22-The psalmist knows that God sees into their hearts (Jeremiah 17.1-18). And, still, they do not understand why God has disciplined them. It is a mystery to them. Paul quotes verse 22 in Romans 8.36.

Verses 23-26-They call out to God based on His mercy and love not on what they have done.

In what area of your life are you turning away from God’s path? Have you considered the consequences of the actions you are taking or are pondering taking?

Psalm 43

When God acts for us, do we communicate who He is and what He has done for us to those in our area of influence? Are we so committed to Him that we broadcast His glories to those around us? We see in this Psalm that the personal worship must become corporate or else there is still despair. Are you living your life in front of others in such a way that they see your worship of God and you see their worship of God (living life for Him)?

Psalm 43

This psalm appears to have been written during the time 1 Chronicles was written. It is from the perspective of someone in exile desiring to return to Zion (Jerusalem). Some have seen this as a look at the remnant of Israel during the Tribulation Period found in Revelation with the antichrist deceiving them (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997).

The Septuagint combines this psalm with Psalm 42. The refrain of verses gives credibility for this.

Verses 1-2-The Psalmist begins his plea to God for help with terms used in court. He asks God to contend or argue his case and to defend him before the court. He pleads for God to do what God does, be just, be true, and bring salvation. The Psalmist realizes that there is no hope outside of God and that in God is deliverance.

Verses 3-4-The Psalmist brings out the truth that is missing those in from verses one and two. He is light not darkness or oppression, He is truth not deceit, He leads to life not destruction. The Psalmist proclaims his intent based on the activity of God in his life. The natural progression of faith is culminated in worship of God whether in music, words, life, voice, or whatever you have that can proclaim His worth (1 Corinthians 10.31).

Verse 5-This Psalm ends where the previous Psalm ends (Psalm 42.5, 11). When our hope is placed in God alone, we have no need for depression, darkness, doom, or deception. When our hope is in Him, we have praise, light, life, and truth. If you noticed, the Psalmist asked three times “Why are you down?” (once in Psalm 42 and twice in Psalm 43). He answers with hope. It is the assurance that God is in control of all things that lead us out of darkness and into light.

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?