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?
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).