Psalms – Page 2 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 119.25-88

ד Daleth Verses 25-32

The psalmist begs God to revive him. This word (היח)occurs 16 times in this psalm. It means to be restored to the life we were intended to live. Its root implies that God will make known what it means to live. So, revive me is to restore me to the state I was meant to be in at creation and make known to me the way that I can get there through Your Word (ד ב ר ).

The psalmist is asking God to give him a growing knowledge that leads to righteous living (27). The purpose is beyond knowing what is right, but is living what is right and proclaiming what is right. The psalmist wanted to be known as one who was attached to the Word of God. He states in verses 25 and 31 that his desire is to cleave to God’s Word. This is the same word used in Genesis 2.24 that describes marriage (דבק). The spelling is similar to that of “word.”

The psalmist informs us that holiness is a choice we make (30) and is not the natural state of man. If left to ourselves, we will drift toward sin not holiness. What choices are you making today that present God to others? Can they see the God you choose to follow in the words and activities you involve yourself in?

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Fill Me (Psalm 119) by the Parachute Band

ה He Verses 33-40

In the first five verses, the psalmist gives five requests. He asks God to teach him, explain to him, lead him, cause his heart to turn, and to turn his eyes from evil. What a prayer for the Christian to involve himself in on a daily basis. Worthless things are those things forbidden by God in His Word. Pray these petitions today.

Are you seeking your own satisfaction or the life God created you to live (36 cf. 1 Timothy 6.6-10)?

ו Waw Verses 41-48

Jesus told us that God’s Word is Truth (John 17.17) and that Truth sets us free (John 8.32). This is what the psalmist is expressing here. When we rightfully understand God’s commands, we see them as freedom not bondage for it frees us from the consequences of sin.

ז Zayin Verses 49-56

The psalmist asks God to remember His Word to help him in his time of distress. God’s Word is our comfort. Read the opening account of Howard Rutledge’s experience in Vietnam and how the Word of God brought comfort.

When those around us forsake the Word of God, what is our response? The psalmist gives us the correct response in verse 53–Horror or “hot indignation” (RSV). Is this your reaction when you see people who should know what to do purposefully forsakes doing it? It should. When you look in the mirror, do you see one of these people? Obedience to God’s Word produces blessings (56 cf. 1 Timothy 4.8).

The psalmist sang forth the Word of God wherever he went. What does your day look like? Do you all the circumstances of your day to dictate what and how you are doing? Or, do you allow the truth of God’s Word to determine your day? Sing a song of praise.

ח Heth Verses 57-64

If God is all we need and we know this, temptation flees us because we do not see a need for what the temptation may bring.

Acts 16.25 illustrates the point of Psalm 119.62. Our circumstances do not determine our state of mind. It is our fellowship with God that does.

Remember that fellowship with others enhances our understanding of Scripture and our fellowship with God. Remember the truth in 2 Timothy 2.22.

ט Teth Verses 65-72

God disciplines us to keep us on the path He has designed for us (Hebrews 12.5-11). Verse seventy describes a person who is insensitive to spiritual needs. He is a man “with a heart as fat as grease.” Only those who follow God can do good things for God indwells Him who is good (Matthew 19.17).

Our best defense when falsely accused is to continue living the life God has called us to live and let God take care of the accusers. This is truth both spiritually (Zechariah 3.1-5) and physically.

י Yod Verses 73-80

God made each one of us (Psalm 139.15-16). He designed us for a purpose (Ephesians 2.8-10). His Word is key to live the life He crafted us to live. When I live my life according to His Word, there is no shame to Him or to me. It is only then that we are choosing not to sin.

כ Kaph Verses 81-88

There are times when God’s answer to our prayers is not yet or even no. Here it is a not yet for the psalmist. He still chooses to trust God to do what God does despite how it may appear to others.

Psalm 119.1-24

Since we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth (1 Peter 2.11), we need a guide for our journey. That Guide is the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He uses His written word to guide us on our journey. When we take our eyes off His Word, we take a turn toward destruction. The importance of studying and knowing the Scripture is overwhelming here. Christianity is not a felt religion, it is a knowing relationship with a God who reveals Himself to us in His Word. Your life reflects your knowledge and application of God’s Word. How are you doing?

Psalm 119.1-24

Aleph (א) verses 1-8

This section presents the key to understanding this particular psalm (all the Bible really). It is to walk in the ways of God. The nature of such a man is found in the actions he takes. He walks in God’s ways, keeps God’s laws, and seeks God’s truth. When Paul tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, he is applying what these verses are telling us (2 Corinthians 10.4-6).

When we do this, we are allowing God to work in and through us, which, in turn, allows us to live the life for which He created us. This life is one that is increasingly characterized by the leaving of sin, which produces shame, and the turning to God (2 Timothy 2.22 and 1 John 1.5-2.1, 3.9, and 5.18). To truly live the life God called us to live, we must go from knowledge to practice.

The Word in Life Study Bible (1997) presents this chart for Psalm 119.2:

119:2 THE BENEFITS OF OBEYING THE BIBLE

Psalm 119:2 promises blessings for obeying God’s Word (or “testimonies”) and seeking the Lord with one’s whole heart. The psalm goes on to mention or allude to a number of these benefits:

Avoiding sin and pursuing godliness (Ps. 119:3, 11, 36, 102, 133).
A motivation and basis for praising God (119:7, 171).
A pure lifestyle (119:9).
Readjustments in our priorities (119:14, 92) and values (119:16, 20, 37, 48, 72, 103, 111, 127).
Insight into our purpose on earth (119:19, 32, 125).
Avoiding and learning from God’s rebuke (119:21–22, 67, 71, 75, 118).
A basis for evaluating criticism and opposition (119:23, 41–42, 51, 61, 69, 84–88, 98, 161).
A source of wisdom and guidance for day-to-day life (119:24, 66, 105, 130, 176).
Encouragement, hope, and comfort (119:25, 28, 41, 49–50, 52, 55, 61, 81–83, 114, 166).
Something valuable with which to occupy our minds (119:27, 55, 62, 97, 147–148) and conversation (119:46, 164, 172).
A basis for truth, honesty, and integrity (119:29–30, 99–100, 104, 163).
A sense of freedom (119:45).
A source of new songs (119:54).
An accurate basis for self-examination (119:59).
Fellowship with like-minded believers (119:63, 79).
A solid foundation for our faith (119:66, 89–90).
Protection and peace (119:114, 165).
The ability to discern right from wrong (119:136, 138–139, 158).
A motivation and basis for prayer (119:169–170).
The Lord’s help (119:173–174).

Which of these are you not experiencing today? This is an area of prayer and discipline for you.

Beth (ב) verses 9-16

When my life is planned around God’s Word, I will live a life that is pleasing and holy to Him (Romans 12.1-2). The sure way to accomplish this is through Scripture memorization that leads to acting upon what is memorized. Remember that memorization is not for the moment but for life. If you truly have memorized a verse or passage that becomes your guide throughout life. You know it. You apply it. You do not forget it.

Gimel (ג) verses 17-24

The study of God’s Word needs to be a regular exercise done on a daily basis. This would include meditation, which is to eat as a cow would chew cud. Chew for a bit, let it digest for a while, chew on it again, let it digest again. Repeat this process throughout the day. When we daily meditate on God’s Word, He brings joy into our life. Read these couplets to see the connection Psalm 119.15-16, 23-24, 47-48, 77-78.

A great verse to pray when beginning any Bible study is verse eighteen. The psalmist implores God, as should we, to open his eyes to the wonderful truths or principles in God’s Word. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and is necessary to understand what God’s Word means and how we can apply it to our lives (Daniel 5.11-14, John 16.13-15).

Introduction to Psalm 119

With each of the phrases, the psalmist expresses the multi-faceted response mankind can have with regard to God’s Word. A thoughtful man would praise and thank God for it, pray that his world, nation, and family would keep it; pray that his own sould would be both comforted and convicted by it, pray for an understanding of it, pray for those who reject it would be judged by the same standard those who keep it will by (that is by God’s Word), and a plethora of more.

Introduction to Psalm 119

The writer of this psalm, some attribute it to Ezra, loves God’s Word. This psalm portrays the majesty of God’s Word without even reading it. The psalmist wrote 352 lines, 176 verses, 22 stanzas, beginning each verse of each stanza with the corresponding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The structure alone show his love for God’s Word and the value he ascribes it. From beginning to end, this acrostic displays the grandeur of its subject. As always, I ask you to attempt this with the English alphabet. Write 208 verses contained in eight verse stanzas while placing the initial letter of each verses as the letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. Time. Energy. A thesaurus.

A synonym for God’s Word is used in all but three verses (84, 121, and 122). These are some of the key phrases:

Law (תורה) occurs 25 times. It comes from a verb meaning “to teach.” It directs attention to the first five books of Scripture, the Torah or the Pentateuch. It emphasizes that God has taught us in His Word what He requires of us. A key verse is Psalm 119.44.
Testimonies (עדה) occurs 23 times and emphasizes the content of God’s Word. A key verse is Psalm 119.2.
Precepts (פקודים) occurs 21 times and brings instructions God to man. A key verse is Psalm 119.69.
Statutes (חקה) occurs 22 times and implies permanence of the Word and its unchangeable worth. In light of what our country is doing today with documents like the Bible and the Constitution, is it any wonder we are in trouble? A key verse is Psalm 119.16.
Commandments (מצוה) occurs 22 times and assumes those who hear will obey. A key verse is Psalm 119.166.
Judgments (משפט) occurs 22 times and refers to God Word in light of a judge who is promoting His standard. Jesus prayed that God’s kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6.9-10). This is the idea presented here. A key verse is Psalm 119.7.
Word (דבר) occurs 23 times and is a word used for God’s Words. A key verse is Psalm 119.9.
Word (אמרה) occurs 19 times and comes from the verb “to say” and presents the content of what is spoken as coming from the mouth of God. A key verse is Psalm 119.11.

Other terms mentioned in this psalm that could be considered synonymous with God’s Word are ways (3, 37), name (55), and faithfulness (90).

With each of the phrases, the psalmist expresses the multi-faceted response mankind can have with regard to God’s Word. A thoughtful man would praise and thank God for it, pray that his world, nation, and family would keep it; pray that his own soul would be both comforted and convicted by it, pray for an understanding of it, pray for those who reject it would be judged by the same standard those who keep it will by (that is by God’s Word), and a plethora of more.

For the purpose of this site, Psalm 119 will be divided into four unequal bites. We will first look at Aleph (א) through Gimel (ג), which is verses 1-24. Our second look will be Daleth (ד) through Kaph (כ), which is verses 25-88. Our third look will be Lamed (ל) through Mem (מ), which is verses 89-104. With our last look at Nun (נ) through Tau (ת), which is verses 105-176.

Psalm 91

Our only sense of security in this world is our fellowship with God, which is based on His establishing a right relationship with us in Jesus.

This psalm was missed at the beginning of this study. Although it is here, it should be the second one in these writings.

Psalm 91

Although this psalm has no name associated with it, Jewish practice is to assign an unnamed psalm to the previously named psalm. Therefore, this would be a psalm of Moses. The devil showed us that this psalm is a messianic psalm when he used it in his temptation of Jesus in Luke 4.10.

Verses 1-8-When we are in fellowship with God, we are protected.
Verses 9-16-Our continued sense of peace and security is only found in our fellowship with God.

Our only sense of security in this world is our fellowship with God, which is based on His establishing a right relationship with us in Jesus.

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Shelter (Psalm 91)

Psalm 90

All men die. The wise man seeks to live his life for God. When we fulfill His purpose for our lives, we live the greatest life possible. It is not the number of years you live but the amount of life you allow God to use through you in those years.

This psalm was missed at the beginning of this study. Although it is here, it should be the first one in these writings.

Psalm 90

God is eternal. Man is not. This is the first psalm written. It was written by Moses. Probably shortly before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Realize that at least a million Israelites died during their punishment for not trusting God. In those forty years of wonder, those million or so people 20 years of age and older died. Do some math here. One million divided by forty years is 25,000 per year, which is about 68 people per day or two to three each hour. They fought in no wars. They just died. This is the low end of the number too. So, is it any wonder Moses is considering the frailty of man in this psalm and comparing it with the majesty of God?

Verses 1-6-God does not need a place for people to gather, for He is our sanctuary. We will see this same terminology in Psalm 91.9 in our next study. He is from “vanishing point to vanishing point” as the Hebrew would exclaim for the English translation “everlasting to everlasting.” He is before we can imagine and beyond what we can fathom.
Verses 7-11-With God there are no secrets. What is done in the darkness of your room is evident before Him and His judgement will come.
Verses 12-17-Four items of prayer are listed here: Teach us to number our days (12), give us peace with You (13), give us mercy (14-15), and work in us again (16-17).

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O God Our Help in Ages Past by Isaac Watts performed by Choir of King’s College

Psalm 94

Reflect on the state of the United States in light of this psalm. What is next? How long? This psalm is a cold, hard reminder to the truth that it does not matter what you believe if you are not willing to defend it, proclaim, and live it. If we are not willing to do these tasks, how can we say we love Him?

Psalm 94 (Cf. Psalm 73)

This psalm is considered to be written by David as an explanation of the theological issues of Psalm 1 (Read the sermon on Psalm 1). Many have difficulty reading this psalm due to the attributes of God it presents. A. W. Pink writes:

It is sad to find so many professing Christians who appear to regard the wrath of God as something for which they need to make an apology, or at least they wish there were no such thing … Others harbor the delusion that God’s wrath is not consistent with His goodness, and so seek to banish it from their thoughts. … But God is not ashamed to make it known that vengeance and fury belong to Him … The wrath of God is as much a Divine perfection as His faithfulness, power or mercy … The very nature of God makes Hell as real a necessity as Heaven is (The Attributes of God, 1975, p 75).

See our discussions on this subject as seen in Psalm 58 and in Psalm 109.

Verses 1-7-David asks the question as to how long God will allow those who practice injustice to continue in their ways. They act as though God does not see what is happening. Worse, they think He does not care about what happens to the widows and the orphans. The answer is in God’s timing. Deuteronomy 32.35 and Romans 12.19 present the case that recompense is God’s prerogative not man’s occupation. With this, God promises to make the wrong right in His timing. An apt description of them is found in Psalm 10. Verse seven presents the unjust rulers as Israelites and not a foreign power. Foreign powers believed their god would be stronger than the God of Israel. The phrase “God of Jacob” would only be found on the lips of the Jewish rulers. This makes the atrocities worse. They knew the right thing to do but refused to do it for sake of gain.
Verses 8-11-David answers those who say God does not know, see, or care. He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and just. The logic of verse ten is telling the Israelites who are guilty of these transgressions that God does judge and He will judge them. This is the same argument that Paul uses in Romans 2-3. Listen to our sermons on Romans 2-3.
Verses 12-19-David asks, like he asked in 1 Samuel 17, who will arise as the champion to stand in the gap for those oppressed? The world today has need of men like Martin Luther who stated rather somberly: “Here I take my stand; I cannot do otherwise: May God be my help! Amen.” For our society to be restored to any sense of civility, we need people to stand for what they know is true. David shows that our sense of whom God is determines our desire to stand for Him and what He values. Have we lost the sense of the reality of our God? Do we believe as did David, and Paul in 2 Corinthians 12.9-10, that when we are weak He becomes our strength? Or do we attempt to stand for Him in our own might. Paul had something to say on this subject too. Read 1 Corinthians 16.13, Ephesians 6.10-20, Philippians 4.1-9, 1 Thessalonians 3.6-8, 2 Thessalonians 2.13-15, and 1 Peter 5.12. In these passages Paul and Peter command us to stand firm in the Lord, in our faith, in His Word, not in ourselves.

As we grow older, life does not come easier except that our faith in God grows through our Bible studies, our prayers, our memorizing His Word, and our fellowship with Him and others. This is what John was describing throughout the book of 1 John and specifically in 1 John 1.1-4 and 1 John 2.12-14.

These verses show us eight blessings for following God:

God disciplines
God instructs
God develops faith over time
God will never forsake His own
God judges with righteousness
God helps defend His own against evil
God upholds when His own are in danger of falling
God comforts the soul of those who are His

Verses 20-23-God tells us there is no fellowship between light and darkness in 1 Corinthians 6.14-16. Here, David, reminds us of this same truth. God cannot have fellowship with evil. God is the one who will expose the unrighteous deeds of those outside of Him. We are to let our light so shine before men that they have to proclaim the goodness of God, which is what Jesus taught us in Matthew 5.13-16. Look closely at verse 21. Does this sound like the abortion laws coming into full effect? Who will stand up for what is right? Not violently, for vengeance is the Lord’s, but in votes, in teachings, in practice?

I normally do not place large quotes from commentaries in my writings, yet this is the second one in this post. This quote is taken from Word in Life Study Bible (1997):

Have you ever felt frustrated by problems in society that just seem to go on and on? Perhaps you’ve lamented, “Why doesn’t someone do something? Why don’t things ever change?”

The composer of Psalm 94 appears to have felt that way. Looking around at the injustices of society, the writer cried out to God, the righteous Judge, to do something, yet also wondered how long wickedness would continue (Ps. 94:1–3). This psalmist’s frustration compares with an urban pastor who appeared in housing court one day, where many of his poor parishioners were having their cases decided. The minister sat for hours, witnessing one case after another. In every verdict, the judge was siding with the rich and powerful, even when the facts seemed to overwhelmingly favor the poor.

Finally the pastor could take no more of what he saw as blatant injustice. Shaking with outrage, he leaped to his feet and cried, “Your Honor, if it please the court, I have a question.”

The judge stopped his proceedings and acknowledged the pastor. “Yes, Reverend, what is it?”

“Your Honor, I’ve been watching all day long as case after case after case has gone against these poor people. Where is the justice in this court?”

Immediately the judge replied, “Reverend, you don’t understand. This is not a court of justice. This is a court of law. If you want justice, go change the law.”

The judge’s point is well taken. When evil triumphs in society, or when justice is not served, it could be the result of an imperfect system or institution “which devises evil by law” (94:20). In such cases, things will change if the righteous engage in reforming the system, with God’s help.

Sometimes the real question is not Why don’t things change? but Why don’t believers change things?

Psalm 71

Davidson reminds us of the two concepts whose refrain occurs throughout this psalm. David mentions righteousness five times (1, 15, 16, 19, and 24). God is true to Himself and is always working to make right that which is wrong. David then presents the concept of praise or thanks at least six times (6, 8, 14, 22, and 23). This indicates that as we focus on whom God is He produces joy in our lives (Galatians 5.22-23).

Psalm 71

Although this psalm has no superscription, the writing style is that of David. Reflected in this psalm are Psalm 22, 31, 35, 36, and 40. The references are

Verses 1-3 are in Psalm 31.1-3
Verses 5-7 are in Psalm 22.9-10
Verse 12 is in Psalm 22.11, 19
Verse 13 is in Psalm 35.4, 26
Verse 15 is in Psalm 40.5
Verse 19 is in Psalm 36.6

This is an older David looking back on his life and remembering the goodness of God. It is evident that David has Scripture memorized as you read through this psalm. This gives him strength to carry on with his daily grind.

Verses 1-3-The imagery of God stooping down to care for His people is an amazing picture of what God does for us. The New Testament shows He stooped down so far that He stepped down to earth. Our trust is placed in the God whose desire it is to save, protect, and help us. David is merely praying back what he knows God already does. He is asking the God whom he trusts to do what the God whom He trusts already does and is already. What confidence we have in our prayers when we speak with God about what He already is working on in our lives (1 John 5.14-15). Knowing this, we will never be put to shame when we rely on our God. Do not miss verse two. David is asking not only for his protection but also for the glory of God’s character to be greatly shown in the circumstances. Later, David proclaims God’s righteousness (15, 16, 19, and 24).
Verses 4-6-This begins David’s petition for deliverance based on God’s character and his relationship with Him. David has trusted God from his youth, remembers the lions and bears. David will not stop trusting in this trustworthy God.
Verses 7-11-David’s outlook on his circumstances is one of praise. Although many look at him and mock him as an example of God’s discipline, he rejoices that God does discipline him. For discipline by God only comes to His children (Hebrews 12.4-13).
Verses 12-13-David offers his prayers of deliverance for those who oppress him.
Verses 14-15-David realizes that all his praises would never be enough to cover all the graces God has given him. When it is time to praise God, do you run out of things to praise Him for? If so, you need to ask Him to forgive you and to enlighten you to the manifold graces He does give you.
Verses 16-18-As David looks at life from his youth to his old age (17-21), he only can see the faithfulness of God. Although he is old, he sees no reason to stop praising God.
Verses 19-21-Those who have grown old in the Lord know that troubles are tools used by God to produce the character of His Son in us (Romans 5.3-5).
Verses 22-24-David opens and closes this psalm with “shame.” He had it in verse one and now ascribes it to those who caused his shame. All day long David praises God. Do you?

Psalm 37

This psalm is an acrostic, having two verses for each letter except for one verse seven (ד), verse twenty (כ), and verse thirty-four (ק). Another oddity in this acrostic is the two times when the verse begins with the wrong letter where, ל taking the place of ע, and ו of ת. Again, this shows how difficult it is to create an acrostic that displays a singular topic. With that in mind, the chapter is difficult to outline but is contained in the first eight verses. The rest of the psalm is an expansion on these few verses. The formula for peace of mind from this psalm is to

neither fret nor envious (1)
but trust and do good (3)
then delight thyself also in the Lord (4)
commit your ways to God because you trust Him (5)
rest and wait patiently and don’t fret (7, Cf. Psalm 103 along with a written sermon on Forgiveness from Psalm 103)
cease from anger, forsake wrath, and don’t fret (8)

The word fret occurs three times in the first eight verses and is key to the psalm. The origin of the word fret means to “eat into, gnaw, corrode, or be eaten away, become corroded, decay” (Bridges, 1997). This is what worry does to us, it eats away all that is healthy until there is no longer health. This is why we are called to wait on the Lord, which is the cure for fretting or anxiety. If you read Paul’s admonition to the Christians at Philippi in Philippians 4.1-9, you will notice that he instructs them not to focus on that which eats away at them but to focus on that which builds them up and strengthens them.

Verses 21-22 describe what it means to be generous as the Lord is generous. Whether we have the funds we desire, we are called to give as the Lord gave us. With this attitude, we can be assured that God will care for us. If you desire more discussion on finances, post a request. What does verse twenty-one inform us concerning bankruptcy?

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Psalm 37 by Jas Knight featuring Shai Linne

Psalm 118

As you go through your day, realize that God made this day for you to bring Him glory nothing more, there is nothing more, and nothing less, why settle for less.

Psalm 118

The sixth of the Hallel Psalms

As can be seen in the MacDonald post on Psalm 118, this psalm was recited in a processional as the worshipers were entering the Temple. It is also a Messianic Psalm in that verse twenty-two is used by and of Christ in Matthew 21.42-46, Acts 4.10-12, Ephesians 2.19-20, and 1 Peter 2.7. Verse twenty-six is called out by the crowds regarding Jesus, labeling Him as the Messiah, in Matthew 21.9 and by Jesus in Matthew 23.39. Verse twenty-seven is also used by and of Jesus as well in John 9.5 and 1 Peter 3.18. Verses 19-21 point out the gate of righteousness and Jesus describes Himself as the Gate to salvation, or being made righteous, in John 10.9.

The three groups of worshipers mentioned in verses 2-4 are the three groups of worshipers in the world. Israel, those born Jews, Aaronites, those born as priests in the group of the Jews, and those who fear the Lord, Gentiles–the rest of the world. It would not include those who reject the possibility of God for they are not worshipers.

Because this is the final Hallel Psalm, Jesus would have sung this as He and the disciples left the Upper Room in John 14.31. Do you think you could walk out of a room on your way to your execution singing praises to God?

As you read through this psalm, gather the phrase “in the name of the Lord” and realize that our victory in life is only in the name of the Lord. Our strength, song, and salvation are all in Him and in none other. Where do you place your confidence? How do others know this?

As you go through your day, realize that God made this day for you to bring Him glory nothing more, there is nothing more, and nothing less, why settle for less.

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Psalm 118 (MacDonald)

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997). Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ps 117–118:29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The following is taken from MacDonald, 1997.

The occasion of this magnificent chorus of praise is the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The scene is Jerusalem where the crowds have gathered to celebrate the Advent of Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. In the shadow of the temple, a soloist takes his place at the microphone, the choir standing behind him. A hush comes over the audience.

118:1 SOLOIST: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

CHOIR: For His mercy endures forever.

(All over the audience heads are nodding in hearty assent.)

118:2 SOLOIST: Let Israel now say,

CHOIR: “His mercy endures forever.”

118:3 SOLOIST: Let the house of Aaron now say,

CHOIR: “His mercy endures forever.”

(Deep-throated “Amens” rise from the priests who are standing at the temple door.)

118:4 SOLOIST: Let those who fear the Lord now say,

CHOIR: “His mercy endures forever.”

(At this, a company of God-fearing Gentiles bite their lips and fight back tears of gratitude for the grace that enables them to share in the glory of this moment.)

118:5–9 SOLOIST: I called on the Lord in distress;

The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The Lord is for me among those who help me;

Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

It is better to trust in the Lord

Than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord

Than to put confidence in princes.

(The crowd understands that this is the language of the faithful remnant of Israel, marvelously preserved by God during the Tribulation Period. They have learned to trust in God alone, and have lost their fear of men. At last they realize that it is better to trust in the Lord than even princes, that is, the best of men.)

118:10 SOLOIST: All nations surrounded me,

CHOIR: But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

118:11 SOLOIST: They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me;

CHOIR: But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

118:12 SOLOIST: They surrounded me like bees;

They were quenched like a fire of thorns;

(Thornbushes make a spectacular blaze but die down quickly.)

CHOIR: For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

118:13, 14 SOLOIST: You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and song.

And He has become my salvation.

(The soloist is referring in verse 13 to the Antichrist and to his bestial treatment of the remnant for their refusal to buckle under to his demands. In the nick of time the Lord intervened and cast the false messiah into the lake of fire [Rev. 19:19, 20

118:15, 16 SOLOIST: The voice of rejoicing and salvation

Is in the tents of the righteous;

(All over Israel there is unrestrained jubilation over the triumph of the Messiah. In every home the people are singing the following song of victory.)

CHOIR: The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

The right hand of the Lord is exalted;

The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

118:17, 18 SOLOIST: I shall not die, but live,

And declare the works of the Lord.

The Lord has chastened me severely,

But He has not given me over to death.

(Speaking as the remnant, the soloist recalls the many pogroms against the Jews and their close calls with extinction. But the Lord miraculously rescued them from the mouth of the lion, and now they face the future with confidence and security.)

118:19, 20 SOLOIST: Open to me the gates of righteousness;

I will go through them,

And I will praise the Lord.

(Redeemed Israel seeks admission to the temple courts in order to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord. The sacrificial system will be partially reinstituted during Christ’s reign with the sacrifices looking back to Calvary, that is, they will be commemorative.)

CHOIR: This is the gate of the Lord;

Through which the righteous shall enter.

(These are the words of those Levites who are doorkeepers at the temple. They explain that this gate belongs to Jehovah and is for the use of those godly ones who wish to draw near to Him.)

118:21, 22 SOLOIST: I will praise You,

For You have answered me,

And have become my salvation.

(Israel acclaims the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior.)

CHOIR: The stone which the builders rejected

Has become the chief cornerstone.

(The Lord Jesus is the stone. The builders were the Jewish people, and especially their leaders, who rejected Him at His First Advent. Now the people of Israel confess what Parker calls “the stupidity of the specialists” as they see the despised Nazarene crowned with glory and honor. The rejected stone has become the Headstone of the corner [ASV]. There is some question as to whether the headstone is:

1. the cornerstone of a building.

2. the keystone of an arch.

3. the topmost stone of a pyramid.

Whichever is the correct view, the context demands the thought of highest honor.)

118:23 This was the Lord’s doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

(The choir represents Israel as acknowledging that it is Jehovah who has given the Lord Jesus His proper place in the hearts and affections of His people. The crowning day has come at last!)

118:24 This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

(Barnes writes: “As if it were a new day, made for this very occasion, a day which the people did not expect to see, and which seemed therefore to have been created out of the ordinary course, and added to the other days.” [p 173-174])

118:25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;

O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity!

(This is the verse which the people of Jerusalem quoted at the time of Christ’s so-called triumphal entry; “Hosanna” is the original word for “Save now” [Matt. 21:9]. But they soon changed their welcome to a call for His execution. Now, however, Israel is welcoming the Lord in the day of His power, and their sentiments are both sincere and lasting.)

118:26 SOLOIST: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;

(As the Lord approaches the temple area, the chief singer chants the blessing of the people in clarion tones. It is an historic moment. Centuries before, Jesus had warned the people of Israel that they would not see Him again until they said, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” [Matt. 23:39]. Now at last they gladly acknowledge Him as their Messiah and King.)

CHOIR: We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

(Perhaps this is the blessing of the priests, standing inside the door of the temple.)

118:27 God is the Lord, and He has given us light;

Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

(The congregation of Israel worships Jesus as God and as the One who has brought light to their darkened hearts. As the procession moves toward the brazen altar, with Him at the forefront, they call for cords to bind the sacrifice.)

118:28, 29 SOLOIST: You are my God, and I will praise You;

You are my God, I will exalt You.

(The Lord Jesus Christ is confessed as God by a people who formerly used His name as a by-word.)

CHOIR: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

For His mercy endures forever.

(The song has risen to a crescendo of deep, deep praise and worship. The music reverberates through the surrounding streets of old Jerusalem. Then as it dies away, the people return to their dwellings to enjoy the wonderful thousand-year kingdom of the glorious Lord whose right it is to reign.)