Tag: music

Psalm 39

When we are not doing that which God has called us to do, His hand will be upon us. In this short life we have to live, it is best lived under the watchful gaze of God. This is only done when we abide in His Word. What are you doing today that causes God to gaze graciously on you?

Psalm 39

This psalm reveals more of whom David is and of whom we are than many other psalms. He does the very thing he desires not to do. He is determined not to speak, yet does. James informs us why we cannot control the tongue (James 3).

It is his desire not to bring shame to God’s name. So, he comes to God in the quiet of his place and breaks forth in complaints.

The Selahs found in this chapter provide the outline. David proclaims the futility and shortness of life (1-5). He then asks us to pause and consider this for ourselves. God disciplines His children for their sin (6-11). We need to pause and consider what chastisement God is giving us. David then prays for God not to look upon his sin any longer (12-13), which He does not (Psalm 103).

When we are not doing that which God has called us to do, His hand will be upon us. In this short life we have to live, it is best lived under the watchful gaze of God. This is only done when we abide in His Word. What are you doing today that causes God to gaze graciously on you?

Music

I Put My Hope In You (Psalm 39) by Derek Sandstrom

Psalm 89

Psalm 89  (See Pastor David’s Sermon on Psalm 89.1)

This psalm struggles with the universal problem of God keeping His promises, much like Psalm 73 struggled with the prosperity of the wicked (see our study).

The psalmist, Ethan the Ezrahite, is referring to the Davidic Covenant which we will cover shortly when we cover 2 Samuel 7 (study to come later). He is complaining that God seems to have forgotten (39-47) His promises (1-38). He then prays that God will remember them (48-51) and ends with praise (52).

Even amidst all this doubt, the psalmist is reminded that God is a God who keeps His word (2 Corinthians 1.18–20 and Romans 15.8):

  • His commitment is incomparable because He is without equal (6)
  • He is overwhelmingly faithful (8, 24, 33)
  • The covenant with Him lasts forever (28–29, 36)
  • His commitment is unbreakable and unalterable (34)

This is how life always played out. We know the promises God has made, we do not see Him keeping them as we presume He should, we shake our fists at Him, then realize that He is God, He is Good, and He will keep His promises as we praise Him. After each section, the psalmist asks us to pause and think through the statements (Selah). When did you last consider the promises of God? If you have doubted whether He keeps them or not, why do you suppose you doubt Him? Have you offered prayers to Him for what He has promised to do, no matter how harsh?

Historical matters

  • This psalm might have been written when Jehoiachin (comp. verses 38-45 with 2 Chronicles 36.9 and 2 Kings 24.10-16) was king and is the second chapter, so to speak, of Psalm 78 (see our study) where God judged the northern kingdom. Here, it might be an indication of His judgment on the southern kingdom.
  • Rahab in verse ten does not refer to the ancestor of David but of Egypt (see our study in Psalm 87).

Music

Psalm 24

The question being asked is “Who is the King of Glory?” This is the question all men need to answer. How do you answer it (1 Timothy 6.15 and Philippians 2.9-11)?

Psalm 24 (cf. 1 Corinthians 10.26)

This psalm is reminiscent of Psalm 15 (see our study). It was probably written after 2 Samuel 6 (cf. 1 Chronicles 15) when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem for the first time (see our study).

It can be divided in three parts. The first is a praise for whom God is (1-2, cf. our study on Psalm 19). The second is similar to Psalm 15 which provides the requirements for those who can be in God’s presence (3-6). The third is written as a processional antiphony (7-10), where the leader speaks and the congregation responds. The question being asked is “Who is the King of Glory?” This is the question all men need to answer. How do you answer it (1 Timothy 6.15 and Philippians 2.9-11)?

Take a moment to worship God in the context of music. Verse four of this chapter presents a deep thought. “Give us Clean Hands” is a prayer based on this verse. Give it a listen.

1 Chronicles 11

How faithful have you been to the small things that God has called you to do? Homework? Honoring parents? Truth-telling? Kindness? Etcetera?

1 Chronicles 11 (2 Samuel 5.1-10 and 2 Samuel 23.8-29)

Three verses (70-72) from Psalm 78 present this event (see study). Our 2 Samuel 5.1-10 study presents the activity of verses 1-9 (see study). There is one point added here and that is how Joab becomes the commander of David’s army–he leads the capture of Jerusalem (verses 6-7). We, now, shall turn to the remainder of the chapter.

The thirty-two verses that follow recount David’s mighty men and the feats they accomplished. David had three warriors close to him, then he had thirty, then he had his armies. This list contains the thirty, which would include the three.

I will add thoughts on one of them, Benaiah, later today.

In this list we find those God purposed for greatness through a direct call. Others were purposed for greatness through an indirect call from God through David. Others were purposed for greatness through by being faithful in the small things. We are all purposed for greatness if we choose to follow the small things of God (Mark 10.42-45).

A song from a bygone era states this as-well:  Servant of All (If you want to be great in God’s kingdom (Maranatha Music). Take three-minutes for to listen to this song.

How faithful have you been to the small things that God has called you to do? Homework? Honoring parents? Truth-telling? Kindness? Etcetera?

Psalm 84

Would you rather be in church than outside playing sports, watching sports, or making money? If so, you can understand the longings of the writer.

Psalm 84

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What is known is that it was written before the captivity because the author is in the Temple (verses 1-4, 10) and there is a king on the throne (verse 9). Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44). However, the Syriac version of this Psalm points to David as its author. It is also quite similar to Psalm 63, which is known to have been penned by David. If David did write this Psalm, it could have been written when he was exiled from Jerusalem by his son Absalom and it was his longing to return to Jerusalem to partake in the worship in the Temple. It is played on the Gittith.

This psalm of blessings can be divided into three parts of four verses each with a pause at the end of the first two stanzas.

Verses 1-4-The first blessing is for those who live in the Temple. The Korahites were the gatekeepers of the Temple. They would have resided in the Temple. The phrasing implies that even though they lived there, it would never be enough. They would always desire more opportunity to praise God in His Temple. The sparrows were known for building their nests around this area and would be found in the Temple too. If the sparrows built around God’s altar, it seems more appropriate for believers to do so.

Selah -The writer wants us to pause and consider the truth of this and the previous verses. Is it your desire to be in His presence all day long? Jesus tells us it is possible in John 4.23-24 and Matthew 28.18-20. Do you live life as a worship to Him (Romans 12.1-2).

Verses 5-8-The second blessing is for those who come to the Temple. It is not merely enough to go to the Temple (or attend church), it is necessary to trust in God in order to have strength. It is here that we are reminded of the truth given by Jesus in Matthew 16.24-27. If we seek Him, all else is cared for by Him.

The Valley of Baca is translated as Gehenna in the Targum, which is a ravine just outside of Jerusalem (Valley of Hinom-1 and Valley of Hinom-2). It is a desolate place and is referred to by Jesus as equal to Hell (Mark 9.42-48).

Selah-The writer wants us to pause and consider the truth of this and the previous verses. Is it your desire to be in His presence all day long to gain strength and blessings because you decided to be with Him? We are to do this even though life might be hard.

Verses 9-12-The third blessing is for those who trust in the Lord of the Temple. God is the protector, the shield to those who seek Him. When we seek Him, our longings are filled (verses 1-2 are fulfilled in verses 10-12).

Would you rather be in church than outside playing sports, watching sports, or making money? If so, you can understand the longings of the writer.

The psalm ends the way it began: O Lord of Hosts. YHWH.

Before you leave, listen to “Better is One Day” by Kutless.  Or, “Better is One Day in Your Courts” by Chris Tomlin.

Psalm 18

This Psalm is ascribed to 2 Samuel 22.1-51. Although it is presented at this point in 2 Samuel, it is ascribed to God delivering David from his enemies including Saul. Since Saul dies in 1 Samuel 31, historically it would fit here in our chronological study of the Old Testament.

Psalm 18

“Hosanna” by Hillsong does a good job presenting the truth of these verses.

This is a Royal Psalm

This Psalm is ascribed to 2 Samuel 22.1-51. Although it is presented at this point in 2 Samuel, it is ascribed to God delivering David from his enemies including Saul. Since Saul dies in 1 Samuel 31, historically it would fit here in our chronological study of the Old Testament.

  • Verses 1-3-David gives God the praise for deliverance from his enemies. In the superscription, Saul is differentiated from David’s enemies. After all that Saul did to David, David still would not count Saul as one of his enemies. How do we treat those in our sphere of influence? Do we count all who are against us as our enemies, even if they once were friends? Do we give God credit for deliverance from all our enemies? When we stand at the end of the day, do we praise Him for bringing us through that day?

David also uses a strong word for love in these verses. Beyond this chapter, this love is used exclusively for God’s love for man. 2 Samuel 22 does not include this verse because it is more a public matter than the private matter of Psalm 18.

David sates that he will cause God’s glory to shine. This is the essence of “halal” or praise and is the root of hallelujah.

  • Verses 4-5-This verse reflects Psalm 116, in particular verse three. David expresses how he viewed life and how he perceived the situations in which he found himself. How honest are you before God about your life circumstances?
  • Verse 6-Again, David cries out to God expecting Him to hear David’s pleas. When we pray, do we think God will answer or even hear us?
  • Verses 7-15-These verses are reflected throughout the Scripture. Three places in particular are Psalm 29.3-9, Psalm 144.5-6, and Isaiah 30.30. The crux of these verses is that when God comes to the earth, it will be unmistakable that God is here. When we proclaim that we are believers, is it unmistakable for those around us?
  • Verses 16-19-God does deliver us from the hands of our enemies. Water in the Scripture usually denotes trouble. Do we lean on God or on our own strength to get us through the day? Paul reminds us that each day has enough evil of its own (Ephesians 5.16). In order for us to get through the day, we need to remember to call on the one who can set our feet on solid ground.
  • Verses 20-24-These verses seem to echo Saul’s words to David in 1 Samuel 24.19 and 1 Samuel 26.23. Could we say the same as David does here? Only in Christ. Romans 3.23-24 and Romans 4.23-24 remind us that only in Christ do we have righteousness.
  • Verses 25-30-Kevin Prosch put music to Revelation 15.3-4 and wrote “King of Saints.” I have not been able to find a recording of it. If someone has, let me know, it is worth listening to. Is our confidence solely in the hand of God or do we attempt to create our own strength and power? If the latter are true, we will fail.
  • Verses 31-42-Deuteronomy 32-33 and 1 Samuel 2.2 reflect the words that God is our Rock. Habakkuk 3.19 gives the picture of God placing our feet on firm ground.
  • Verses 43-45-David recalls what God has done for him and gives God the credit.
  • Verses 46-48-Once again, David gives God the credit and praises Him for all that He has done.
  • Verses 49-50-Romans 15 reminds us that we need to praise God wherever we go just as David does here (verse nine quotes this Psalm).

When the day is over, do we remember that it is God who enabled us to make it through the day? If so, have you praised Him for it? More often than not, when we are successful we take the credit (pride) and when we fail we blame God (pride).

Psalm 121

Verses 1-2-This verse has been used in songs to describe God’s help (“I Lift My Eyes Up”). Yet it is describing God’s help as contrary to the help others have received from the mountains (Jeremiah 3, particularly verse 23). Our help does not come from the mountains, as some suppose. The mountains are a source of danger, corruption, and syncretism. Our help comes from the God of Heaven. We look to the Creator for our help and not as the pagans who look to the creation. This is mentioned a few psalms later (Psalm 124.8)

Psalm 121

This is another Psalm of Ascents, or Pilgrim Psalms.

Verses 1-2-This verse has been used in songs to describe God’s help (“I Lift My Eyes Up“). Yet it is describing God’s help as contrary to the help others have received from the mountains (Jeremiah 3, particularly verse 23). Our help does not come from the mountains, as some suppose. The mountains are a source of danger, corruption, and syncretism. Our help comes from the God of Heaven. We look to the Creator for our help and not as the pagans who look to the creation. This is mentioned a few psalms later (Psalm 124.8)

Verses 3-4-The writer proclaims and praises who God is in these two verses.

Verses 5-6-Again, the writer praises God for who He is and for what He does.

Verses 7-8-Again, the writer is praising God.

This psalm is called a pilgrim psalm because it describes what God does for the pilgrim on his way to Jerusalem for the holy days. Reading through the psalm using a traveler as a walking metaphor, we can understand this better.

When we travel, we seek protection from robbers and the elements. Here the traveler seeks God’s protection from the scorching heat and the robbers by night. On the journey, they seek God’s firm foothold where their feet will walk. God provides protection from robbers because He needs no sleep, He provides protection from the elements because He is greater than they are, and He keeps them on the right path because He knows the beginning from the end.

On our journey through life, are we asking God to be our Guide and Protector? This is one of the benefits of having the Holy Spirit indwell us as believers. He is Protector and Guide in our journey through life (John 14.16-31 and 16.5-15). God protects us 24 hours a day. He keeps us all the time. The word “keep” is used six times in this chapter. He indeed cares for us. He keeps us to the very end (Jude 24).