Tag: Corinthians

Psalm 119.105-176

Psalm 119.105-176

נ Nun Verses 105-112

God’s Word gives light, or understanding, to those who read and obey it. Jesus stated that He is the Light of the World. He is the fulfillment of God’s Word. He is the ultimate source of understanding (John 8.12-20). What is your fellowship with Him like? The essence of this section is for us to understand that we are living in increasingly dark times. For those who know Him, they will discern that they walk in dark times and they need His light to guide them.

The lamps in the psalmist days were small lights that lit only the next step or two. To often today, we desire God’s Word to be a bonfire or the sun revealing everything so we can get on with our life. The problem with this is self-evident. If God’s Word revealed all at once, we would be over-whelmed and then we would not rely daily on God and our fellowship with Him.

ס Samek Verses 113-120

In order to pursue what God has called us to, we must not merely dislike evil; we must hate it. However, this is still not enough. A case can be made that people who bomb abortion clinics have an hatred for evil. The man of God also must pursue God’s Word. This will keep us from becoming those who bomb abortion clinics. This is because we know that God would not do this. We need to realize that without God’s Word as our guide and His Holy Spirit sustaining us, we will be no different than those who do that activities we are called to hate. When we walk half in this world and half in God’s world, we are unstable and will fall (1 Corinthians 10.12; James 1.5-8; 2 Peter 3.17–18; and Jude 20–25).

An example of instability today is the thought that we can help people by giving them things, which is the entitlement programs found in today’s government. We believe we are doing the right thing (I don’t), but the result is always disastrous. We believe (I don’t) that doing something, even though it doesn’t end well, is better than doing nothing.

A graphic portrayal of this is found in 1 Kings 18 where Elijah is battling the priests of Baal (see verse 21 for a description of an unstable man).

See our sermon on John 6.16-21 on scrapping dross (DRW, 1998).

ע Ayin Verses 121-128

Only those who choose to obey God’s Word are His servants. They are the only ones who should expect God’s protection from calamitous people. This does not mean they will not suffer but that God’s hand is on them even in their trials. The psalmist prays for God to stand for his well-being. Jesus becomes this guarantee for us according to Hebrews 7.22.

פ Pe Verses 129-136

For what do we weep? Is it that God’s Word goes disobeyed? The only way for this to be our way of life is for us to live in God’s presence, before His face. These tears are for those who are missing the life that each of us were created for in God’s presence.

צ Tsadde Verses 137-144

Again, the only way for us to truly know God’s Word is for us to obey and act on His Word. Compare this section with Romans 7.12.

ק Qoph Verses 145-152

The Hebrew word for cry begins with a qoph. Thus, this section is centered around the word cry. What are your habits of studying God’s Word. Is it in the morning before your day begins? Is it during the night when sleeplessness is your lot. Every opportunity should be taken to understand, know, and love God’s Word. Our prayer life is enhanced by our study life (Acts 6.4 and John 15.7).

ר Resh Verses 153-160

Would man seek God’s truth if God did not call him to seek it? According to this section, no. God’s Word is Truth (John 17.17-19) and no man can know the truth without it being revealed to him by the author of that truth. The word “quicken” or “preserve” means to bring to life. God is just in doing this too. We would rail against Him for forcing us to do that which we had no desire to do. So, He gives us the desire that we desire but will not grant it to those who do not desire it.

ש Shin Verses 161-168

The bane of man should not keep us from praising God who is by far greater. Each time we open God’s Word we should exult in the treasures we find and praise Him for each of them.

ת Tau Verses 169-176

This closing section of Psalm 119 presents us with the only sacrifice we can truly offer God and that is a repentant heart bent on seeking Him.

1 Kings 3

These verses display the wisdom of Solomon. What should catch your attention is that the lowest of the low had access to Solomon. How do you display the insight God through His indwelling Spirit and His Word give to you?

1 Kings 3

Verses 1-4

Although this chapter is normally presented as Solomon’s wisdom, yet it begins with the beginning of Solomon’s troubles. Verse one tells us that Solomon married an Egyptian woman for the sake of a political alliance. Although this confirms his ranking as a world-leader, it still violated two commands given by God. The first was not to marry people who worshiped other gods and the second was not to make political alliances with other nations but to trust in God. Verses 2-3 are no better. The nation is worshiping God on the forbidden places, which are the high places, and Solomon is joining them. Although the following passages deal with the people of Canaan and not Egypt, the principles still apply. So, read Exodus 34.12-16, Deuteronomy 7.1-6, and 17.16-17 to gain insight into what Solomon was doing. Some state that Solomon broke no law of God because his wife was not Canaanite and there was no other place to worship God so the people were creative in their places (Spence-Jones, 2004). With this reasoning almost anything can receive justification. What we do notice from these three verses is Solomon’s love for God is not balanced with his knowledge of God at this point. He worshiped and did what he thought was best, not what Scriptures instructed. He needed to take every thought and deed captive (2 Corinthians 10.4-6). Verse three even indicates the writer of 1 Kings knew this was wrong. After mentioning Solomon’s love for God, he places an “except” before the next clause. We notice in 1 Kings 11.1-13 the result of doing such things. Although the ark and the tabernacle were in Jerusalem, a place of true worship was established in Gibeon, the nation along with Solomon worship where and how they pleased. God only spoke to Solomon when he went before the Lord in the correct manner.

Verses 5-15

Solomon was not as young as verse seven appears to make him. Rabbis have him at twelve or fourteen. However, we find that his son Rehoboam takes the throne when he is forty-one after Solomon had reigned for forty years (1 Kings 11.42 and 14.21). Rehoboam would have been a year old when Solomon began his reign, either as co-regent with David or as regent by himself. Either way, Solomon would be twenty or so at this point. His statement implies humility and lack of experience more than age.

Solomon’s request for God is wisdom in dealing with national matters. God was pleased with this request and granted him the request along with riches and long-life (as long as he obeyed God). The parameter of the answer is interesting. Solomon would be the wisest person to ever live but would only be the wealthiest of his time. Solomon then returns to Jerusalem to worship God.

Today we have opportunity to boldly approach God (Hebrews 4.14-16) knowing we have our requests answered when they are in alignment with His Word and will (1 John 5.13-15). We also have Christ, who is the essence of wisdom and knowledge, indwelling us (Colossians 2.3). So, what are we doing with this great privilege?

Verses 16-28

These verses display the wisdom of Solomon. What should catch your attention is that the lowest of the low had access to Solomon. How do you display the insight God through His indwelling Spirit and His Word give to you?

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).

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 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:

  1. God disciplines
  2. God instructs
  3. God develops faith over time
  4. God will never forsake His own
  5. God judges with righteousness
  6. God helps defend His own against evil
  7. God upholds when His own are in danger of falling
  8. 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?

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 116

Psalm 116

The fourth of the Hallel Psalms

  • Verses 1-2-We are to praise God, here it is due to God’s desire to hear and answer our prayers.
  • Verses 3-11-God hears our prayers and will deliver us from them. This deliverance may not be as we deemed but as He willed, which is better by far. The psalmist tells us that he believed even when he spoke forth doubt. Paul quotes this verse in 2 Corinthians 4.12-13.
  • Verses 12-18-We are to praise God for He is worthy of the praise. Verses 12-14 remind us to partake of the Lord’s Supper and of offering in the church assembly. Are you actively involved in your church? The Cup of Salvation is the third cup of the Passover.
  • Verse 19-Praise Him publicly not merely in your head, heart, or home.

Notice how the psalmist responds to God’s goodness (Henry, M, 1996). We call this worship.

  • He will love God (1)
  • He will continue to call upon him (2, 13, 17)
  • He will rest in him (7)
  • He will walk before him (9)
  • He will pay his vows of thanksgiving, in which he will own the tender regard God had to him, and this publicly (13–15, 17–19)
  • He will continue God’s faithful servant to his life’s end (16)

How does your worship measure up to this standard? What can you do today to change that?

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Psalm 143

Have we come before God realizing that without Him we are wicked and that in Him He makes us righteous and worthy? Have we considered how Satan will devour us and then ask God to strengthen us as we seek forgiveness? Why not do it now?

Psalm 143

God is faithful to His promises (Matthew 5.37 and 2 Corinthians 1.20) and to His righteousness, as verse one informs us. Based on this alone, no one should go a moment without prayer (1 Thessalonians 5.17). Based on this alone, no one should think that justice will look over sin as was promised. David knew this, as do we. God will judge sin. On Christ our sin was placed. He became our sin that we might become that which we lacked–His righteousness. This is the great trade given at the cross. This is what David needed as he faced the truth of verse two.

We don’t have physical enemies pursuing us these days, for the most part. However, we do have a spiritual enemy who is seeking to devour us daily. After all, our battle is not with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities (Ephesians 6.12). David saw his deliverance from his enemies deeply connected with forgiveness of sin. We need to see this for our lives too. Satan will devour us when we allow unconfessed sin to continue to fester in our lives. He will destroy because our sin takes us out of fellowship with God. Forgiveness, the cleansing of 1 John 1.9 which is based on God’s faithfulness and righteousness, restores that fellowship.

David cries out for God to hear is prayer (1-6), to answer his prayer (7-9), to teach him (10), and to restore or revive him (11-12).

Have we come before God realizing that without Him we are wicked and that in Him He makes us righteous and worthy? Have we considered how Satan will devour us and then ask God to strengthen us as we seek forgiveness? Why not do it now?

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Psalm 131

So, the question for us is where do we place our confidence? Is it in us, mankind, our things, or in God?

Psalm 131

Jesus said in Matthew 5.5, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” He would later tell us in Matthew 18.3, “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (NRSV). Paul would remind us of the same ideal in Romans 12.16 and 1 Corinthians 14.20. We are to have an attitude of childlike faith in this world of evil. When we look to ourselves as entities without need of help from another, we make ourselves god. Think about your life today. In what areas are you taking upon yourself and not bringing before godly counsel (Proverbs 15.22)and to God in prayer? This is, then, an area where you are making yourself into god. When we attempt to be gods, we stop God from operating in our life and things become frustrating, we become anxious, and we have no help (Philippians 4.4-9, cf. James 4.6). When we live in humility before Him, having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2.5-8), we find contentment (2 Corinthians 12). This is because our hope, our trust, our life, is in God. This is the essence of this short three-verse psalm. It directs our attention to our need for humility, our reliance or trust in God, and our only source of hope, which is solely found in God. Remember, hope is not wishful thinking but the full assurance that what God has said is and will forever be trustworthy.

Verse one implies that David had not always been humble before God (think of our recent studies in 1 Chronicles with the census). David sought refuge in his military strength and not in God’s omnipotence. David humbly submits his heart, eyes, and actions to God. He wants to live his life according to Romans 12.1-2 and 1 John 2.5-17. A. W. Tozer understood this when he wrote in “The Pursuit of God”: “Never forget that it is a privilege to wonder, to stand in delighted silence before the Supreme Mystery and whisper, ‘O Lord God, thou knowest.’”

Verse two mentions weaning. Weaning is resisted by the child because it longs for the closeness of the mother. However, without weaning there is no growth. We need to begin to feed ourselves and not rely on the milk of another to feed us.  Hebrews 5.11-14 presents this truth quite well.

So, the question for us is where do we place our confidence? Is it in us, mankind, our things, or in God?

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1 Chronicles 25

This is the concept of holiness. We have been chosen by God for a particular service by a particular gifting. When we follow His purpose for our lives, we are living in accordance with His will and holiness. When we choose to go against His purpose, we are living unholy lives. This does not negate the fact though that we are still holy, set apart for Him.

1 Chronicles 25

This chapter opens with the concept of holiness. David called the chief leaders to set aside Asaph (Psalm 50, 73-83), Heman (Psalm 88), and Jeduthun (Psalm 39, 62, 77) for service. This is the concept of holiness. We have been chosen by God for a particular service by a particular gifting. When we follow His purpose for our lives, we are living in accordance with His will and holiness. When we choose to go against His purpose, we are living unholy lives. This does not negate the fact though that we are still holy, set apart for Him.

These men were set apart to prophesy with music. This can be seen as telling forth in God’s Word with a meter in such a way that God uses it to convict and convince those who hear. It does not necessarily mean speaking a new word from God, particularly in the church of today (Hebrews 1.1-4). The meaning of the term “prophesy” here seems to mean “to proclaim” or “to praise.” The term, therefore, would cover expressing what God’s will is to those who listen, not a new word, but an expression of the known will. Paul reminds us of this in 1 Corinthians 14.3.

Some see verses 3-4 as stating that God speaks prophetically to His people, at times, without the human voice. I have not researched this enough to write on it now; however, it does intrigue me. If you desire more discussion on this, let me know.

Psalm 110

In the end, the question to be considered is this: If Jesus is who He says He is in quoting this psalm, what will you do with Him?

Psalm 110

If Psalm 109 (see our study) is a picture of the events leading to and including the crucifixion of Christ, as some point out, then Psalm 110 is a picture of His resurrection and the events that follow it.

This short psalm is the most quoted and alluded to psalm in the New Testament. Mills presents at least 34 different references to this psalm by all authors of the New Testament except for James and Jude. His list includes:  Matthew 22.43-45, 26.64; Mark 12.35-37, 14.62, 16.19; Luke 20.41-44, 22.69; John 14.2; Acts 2.34-35, 5.31, 7.55-56; Romans 8.34; 1 Corinthians 15.24-26; Ephesians 1.20, 22; Colossians 3.1; Hebrews 1.3, 13, 5.6, 10, 6.20, 7.11, 15, 17, 21, 28, 8.1, 10.12, 13, 12:2; 1 Peter 3.22; and Revelation 3.21, 6.15-17, 19.11.

These seven verses will take a lifetime to discuss and, even then, it would not be complete. In order to fully understand the meaning of this psalm, the usage of this psalm by Jesus will be briefly examined.

However, the context of history provides details for us as well. This psalm was used in the coronation services of the kings of Israel. It could have been written when David captured Jebus, which is Jerusalem. This explains the presence of Melchizedek (king of righteousness) who was the king and priest of Salem (Jebus). The two pronouncements given in this psalm call the king to rule as God’s representative and to be a priest to the people. Calling the king to be a priest was not out of order. The text specifically states a priest after the order of Melchizedek not Aaron. Melchizedek will be discussed in another post if requested.

The outline that would best serve this psalm would be seen under the offices of activities of the coming Messiah:

  • Verses 1-3-The Eternal King
    • Verses 1-Jesus discusses the usage of “the Lord said to my lord” in order to prove that Messiah must come through humanity and yet be God. That is, if the Messiah is to be the son of David, which would make Him inferior to David, why does David call Him “my lord” in this psalm? Jesus then shows that Messiah must also be greater than David, which would place Him on par with deity (Matthew 22.41-46).
    • Verses 2-3-His kingdom will cover the earth with willing subjects.
  • Verses 4-The Eternal Priest. The reference is to Genesis 14 and is discussed at length in Hebrews 7-10. This would make the Messiah’s priesthood greater than the priesthood of Aaron, which is the argument presented in Hebrews.
  • Verses 5-7-The Victorious Warrior. This activity is not eternal for He is the Prince of Peace and the Warrior will sit on His throne to reign throughout eternity as that Prince. He can also be seen as Judge in these verses. The ultimate fulfillment of these verses is found in Revelation 19.11-20.15 where Jesus is victorious and exalted.

This brief look at a most fascinating psalm seems anemic in light of all that it contains. To grasp the breadth of the fifty-eight Hebrew words, read the New Testament use of them, then stand in wonder at the magnificence of God’s Word.

In the end, the question to be considered is this: If Jesus is who He says He is in quoting this psalm, what will you do with Him?

Psalm 57

Verse one presents the phrase “In the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge.” This phrase is first used in Deuteronomy 32.11, it is a stirring metaphor. We find in this psalm that David ran to that shelter. As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem, He cried out that the nation of Israel did not seek that shelter (Matthew 23.37). Protection, mercy, kindness, salvation, joy, and life, to name a few, are found in that shelter. Where are you today? If you are a Christian, run to His shelter. If you are not a Christian, you need to ask Him to be your shelter.

Psalm 57

This psalm is out of place in our study, it may have been overlooked along with Psalm 108, which will come later. Verses 6-12 are used in Psalm 60.5-12 (see our study). In our study of the Psalms, we have seen the term in the superscription, “Altaschith,” which means “Do not destroy,” occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it. This psalm references the time David fled from Saul and lived in a cave, probably the cave of Adullam or the cave of Engedi (see our study of 1 Samuel 21-24). Another “cave” psalm is Psalm 142 (see our study).

Have two Selahs (pauses), we can rightly divide this psalm in three parts, which is a call for God’s mercy (1-3), a confession of trust (4-6), and a deep desire to praise (7-11). However, this psalm also contains a refrain in verses five and 11, which would divide the psalm in two parts. The latter option will be used here.

  • Verses 1-5-Prayers and Complaints of David. The movement is from God to the threats against David.

Selah (3)-David recognizes that his help will be sent from Heaven. John reminds us that Jesus was sent from Heaven (John 1). Where do you find your help? Is it from the things of this world, people or stuff, or is it only in Jesus? The former things are useless in terms of eternity. Only He can help eternally (1 John 2.15-17).

David recognizes the enemy is like a lion seeking to devour him (1 Peter 5.8). But, he also knows that God is greater (1 John 4.4) and that faith in Him overcomes such things (1 John 5.4).

The refrain reminds us that God is the God of all nations, not merely one nation.

  • Verses 6-11-Complaint of David leading to Exultation. These verses are used by many churches as a Resurrection Sunday (Easter) passage (8-11). The movement is from the threats back to God. David sees the traps the enemy has laid in his path. He also knows that God protects him from them and even causes them to fall into their own traps. These metaphors are quite appropriate due to the timing of this psalm. David is being pursued or hunted down by Saul who is laying out nets and digging holes to capture him.

Selah (6)-Do you know the traps Satan has set for you (2 Corinthians 2.11 and Ephesians 6.11)? Do you know those temptations that so easily cause you to stumble (Hebrews 12.1-2)? Are you asking God to help you overcome them (1 Corinthians 10.13) or do you think you can handle them yourself (1 Corinthians 10.12)?

Verse one presents the phrase “In the shadow of Your wings will I make my refuge.” This phrase is first used in Deuteronomy 32.11, it is a stirring metaphor. We find in this psalm that David ran to that shelter. As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem, He cried out that the nation of Israel did not seek that shelter (Matthew 23.37). Protection, mercy, kindness, salvation, joy, and life, to name a few, are found in that shelter. Where are you today? If you are a Christian, run to His shelter. If you are not a Christian, you need to ask Him to be your shelter.

In verse two, David realizes that it is only God who has a purpose for good for us (John 10) and it is only He who can fulfill it (Ephesians 2.8-10). To what purpose has God called you? He has one for you. How has He gifted you? What are your passions? What experiences have you lived through? What talents do you have? These are some questions to ponder as you seek to know to what He has called you.

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