Psalm – Page 3 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 17

Psalm 17 is one of three psalms designated as a prayer (Psalm 86 and 142). That this psalm is a prayer is evidence by the words we use for prayer: hear, incline, give ear, among others. This Psalm is also a psalm of lament in which David proclaims his innocence (Psalm 26; 35; 43; and 69) [see our studies Psalm 26, 35, 43, and 69).

This Psalm begins and ends with the same thoughts. This could be a loose chiastic structure as verse one opens with David’s vindication and closes in verse fifteen with his righteousness. The Psalm also opens with God seeing and closes with David seeing. Many psalms and most of the prophets are written in terms of a courtroom. This Psalm appears to be David pleading his case before God, seeking a verdict of innocence on himself and guilty on those around him.

Although there is no time frame given in the title, most commentators see this as a prayer of deliverance from Saul during the time of 1 Samuel 21-27. Some people look at this psalm and find problems with David’s statements regarding his blamelessness in verses 1-5 and his reference to “mortals” in verses 13-14. Their argument is that these make David seem to be a demigod. However, these statements are found elsewhere, stated by others in Scripture, and are not referring to absolute blamelessness or as to be a little god. These will be covered in the verses.

Verses 1-2-David is calling out to the only one who can help him. This is the cry of many of the psalms that have been covered in these discussions. He states he has not deceived people, in this case Saul, and yet he is being pursued by those who are deceptive (either Saul, the Ziphites, Doeg, and the like). He does not state he is perfect, but he seeks the perfect righteousness of God to be known. When he prays this, he is also stating that God would see where David is right, which implies where David is also wrong.

Verses 3-5-These verses reflect the previous verses. These three verses can be found in the mouth of Job (Job 23.10-11), God (Zechariah 13.9), David and other psalmists (Psalm 39.1; 44.18; 66.10; 119.133), and Peter (1 Peter 1.6-7). Each time the reference for purity is mentioned, it is by the hand of God. David sees the fruit of his life in that he has evidence (or fruit) that he has walked blamelessly in this area and in other areas of life. This is also true for us. We have evidence that we are walking in the power of God’s salvation because of the life we are living and the fruit He is producing in and through us (Galatians 5.22-23). David sees those around him and notices that they have transgressed (13-14), which is also an evidence of fruit but this is the fruit produced by pursuing fleshly desires (Galatians 5.16-21). What fruit is being produced in your life? That fruit will show evidence of whose power you are walking under.

Verses 6-7-David has confidence in God. He knows that God hears our prayers. The term “incline” is found in other Psalms (Psalm 86.7 and 116.2, for example). It suggests that God is bending from the throne desiring to listen to what we have say. Because God leans down from His throne to listen, He is seated on His throne, which means He is victorious and in command. Those who seek His refuge need to come under that command and proclaim Him as their sovereign. In what areas of your life are you holding onto and not letting God command?

Verses 8-12-These verses contain much imagery that will be completed at a later time in these studies. For now, here is a list: “apple of the eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10), “shadow of Your wings,” and “lion lurking in ambush.” The picture being painted is the polar opposite of what we have in God and what those who pursue of desire for us. One is protection (guard me as a man would guard his eye) and loving-kindness and the other is pitiless suffering leading to death. God reminds us that He weighs the heart and knows the desires (1 Samuel 2.3) and that He will judge those who have no pity on those in need (Ezekiel 16.49). Reading that last verse should cause us to ponder what we are doing with our wealth and excess, what forms of service are we involved in, and where are we meeting the needs of those around us?

Verses 13-14-David does not desire to be judged by those around him but by Him who is above him.

Verse 15-David knew that life is greater than today. We are to reflect our relationship with God in this world that they may see His righteousness in us (Psalm 4.6-7 and Matthew 5.16). We are also to look forward to the day that we will be like Him, when our desires will conform to His, when sin will no longer have a stranglehold on us (Psalm 16.11; Isaiah 26.19; and 1 John 3.2). Do people notice the God we serve or do they notice the god we try to be?

1 Samuel 27.1-28.2

Ever get tired of doing what you are doing, thinking that you are wasting your time, always being used and abused, and never finding a moment’s rest? Well, welcome to life, even life for David.

1 Samuel 27.1-28.2 is our study for today and the first verse reminds me of our lives and an episode of Batman. In the cartoon, Batman is slumping over the Bat-Computer, Alfred walks into the Bat-Cave, and Batman turns to him and says, “Alfred, I’m tired.” He wanted to quit. We want to quit. David did quit. He decided to quit being betrayed by people in his tribe, his clan; he quit running from Saul’s treachery. He walked away. When he did this, he sinned. Read 1 Samuel 27 and see the things David did when he again placed himself under the authority of King Achish of Gath. The sin may not be the destruction of the cities because God had already ordered their destruction, which was not obeyed (Exodus 17.14; Joshua 13:13; 1 Samuel 15.2, 3). The sin occurred when David did not believe the God who delivered him from Goliath was unable to deliver him from Saul. David sought the grace of Achish (1 Samuel 27.5), not the grace of God. Do you consider what the Lord has done when contemplating what He will do? David attempted to save his own life instead of trusting God to help him. In doing this, he deceived, killed, and lied. He forgot the truth of Psalm 27, which he penned prior to this event.

David goes to Gath with his soldiers and their families. He takes with him Ahinoam and Abigail, two of his wives. David’s plan to have Saul cease his relentless pursuit worked. David deceives Achish. Achish gives him the area of Ziklag, which originally belonged to David’s tribe (Joshua 15.20-31) and was far enough from Gath (15 miles) for Achish not to check up on him. David allows Achish to believe that David is not for Israel but for the Philistines. He allows Achish to think David is destroying Israelite towns when he is destroying encampments of some enemies of Israel. David’s deception is so good that Achish makes David his body guard for life (1 Samuel 28.2). All this duplicity will place David in a quandary as the story in 1 Samuel unfolds.

What plans are you making that forget who God is and what He has commanded you to do? What sin and what deception do you find yourself in today? Have you considered the consequences of these actions or thoughts? What should you do about them?

1 Samuel 25.2-44

David settles in the wilderness of Paran, which is west of En-Gedi. David speaks to a man from Carmel, which was the town Saul created a monument to himself. Sometimes the best places to hide from an enemy is in plain sight.

1 Samuel 25.2-44

What David requests of Nabal in verses 2-8 sounds like extortion. However, this was a common custom due to the presence of robbers. This area was known for having many thieves. David was protecting Nabal’s men and possessions from these men. David should have considered what the response would have been from a man whose name means “fool” (1 Samuel 25.25).

David’s request was rejected by Nabal in the next paragraph. The rejection was a crass statement on David’s legitimacy. This enraged David and he set off to battle Nabal with four hundred men.

The main characters in this chapter each present a way we can respond to what others do for us. This paragraph shows us the response of Nabal and of David. The rest of the chapter shows Abigail’s response.

We see Nabal’s response was to repay evil for good (10-11). When he refused to share what he had with David, he was acting foolish. We see that his household was set up for failure because of this attitude (Proverbs 17.13).

The next response is David’s response to what Nabal did as returning evil for evil (12-13). David’s plan was to punish Nabal and his household for being so disrespectful and inhospitable. David was hurt and reacted in anger. David was stopped from doing this by Nabal’s wife, Abigail. It is interesting that David had greater patience for Saul than he did for Nabal. This presents the truth of Song of Solomon 2.15 that shows the little things can destroy us. Or, this was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

One of the servants of Nabal reported to Abigail, not Nabal, to inform her of the truth of David’s words (14-17). His words reflected the character of each of the main characters:

David was kind and protective
Nabal was a foolish, disrespectful, and harsh man.
Abigail would know what to do.

Abigail responded with the kindness that is common in the middle east and did what Nabal should have done. She prepared the food as David had requested (18-20). She reflected the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She went to David, without Nabal’s consent for he would not have given it to her even though it is the right thing to do. When a spouse or authority asks us to do something that is against God’s will or is harmful to others (in this case it was not against God’s law for her not to go to David but would be harmful if she did not go; also, it was not against God’s law for her to go), we need to politely do what God has commanded us to do (Acts 4.13-22)

After David considered what Abigail said and did for Nabal and him (26-31), he repented of his words and did not complete his actions (32-35). Abigail showed David that we overcome evil, not with evil, but with good (Proverbs 20:22 and 24.29 with Romans 12.19). In her speech to him, Abigail reminds David of who Nabal is, who he is, who God is, and the consequences of completing this act. Do you have someone like that in your life?

When Abigail returns to Nabal, he is doing for himself exactly what David requested he do for David. For this pride, God struck him dead.

David is already married to Michal, Saul’s daughter. Saul, after the separation between him and David, gave Michal to another (verse 44). God would later condemn and judge the people of Gallim for this and other crimes (Isaiah 10.30). Second Samuel 3.12-16 presents the end of this story when Michal is returned to David. When he hears Nabal is dead, he courts Abigail and marries her. The writer then lists the other wives of David.

A few sidebars for this chapter:

The only time the term “forgive” is mentioned in this book is in verse 28.
Verse 29 shows that Abigail had rehearsed and practice her speech before she said the words to David. If you read them, they are quite poetic.
In verse three, the writer provides a description of Abigail whose name means “father of joy.” He states she was outwardly and inwardly beautiful.
In this chapter names describe character. If you were to be renamed, what would you be called?

Psalm 142

David again is crying out from a cave (Adullam?) for God’s help. He knows his strength is gone. He knows it is only through God that he is able to continue God’s work.

Psalm 142

David again is crying out from a cave (Adullam?) for God’s help. He knows his strength is gone. He knows it is only through God that he is able to continue God’s work. How aware are we that we are not able to do things for His kingdom without His strength? There are times I wonder how we think we can do God’s work without God’s power (Philippians 4.13).

Psalm 141

Psalm 141
David, according to the title, is seeking not to be consumed by evil.

Psalm 141

A friend wrote a song based on this passage. Here are the lyrics. I may place the music online as-well later this week.

David, according to the title, is seeking not to be consumed by evil.

Verses 1-2-David calls out to the only one who can truly help. That one is God. David shows the importance of prayer. It is a sacrifice to God. What are you in prayer for today? When you are overwhelmed with evil (read comments from Psalm 140), to whom do you turn?

Verses 3-4-David knows our tendency to sin (as did Paul in Romans 7). He realized that he would begin to sin if God did not intervene. Are we that aware of our own propensity to sin? We need God to keep us from sin.

Verses 5-7-David knows accountability is key to growth. It is not the words of the flatterer he is seeking. His desire is for truth to be told him, no matter how painful. Who is in your life to help you honestly view your life?

Verses 8-10-He calls to God one more time for deliverance. He is persistent in prayer, are we?

Psalm 140

Psalm 140 brings us to another Psalm of deliverance. It seems David was always being pursued. When the historical context, 1 Samuel 19-27, is read the poetry of David begins to make sense.

Psalm 140 brings us to another Psalm of deliverance and the last imprecatory psalm. It seems David was always being pursued. When the historical context, 1 Samuel 19-27, is read the poetry of David begins to make sense.

Verses 1-3-David is stating that many people are attacking him both physically and verbally. He then asks us to pause and consider these phrases when he writes Selah. What wars are being waged against you? Are you standing righteous in the midst of them?

Verses 4-5-David is aware of the plans those who seek to destroy him have. Selah. How aware are you of the plans Satan has set for you? We are to be aware of the schemes of Satan (Ephesians 6.10-12 and 2 Corinthians 2.10-11). John reminds us that Satan is not our only enemy, seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5.6-11), we need to be aware of “the world, the flesh, and the devil” (1 John 2.15-17). Again, how aware are you of those that seek to destroy your faith, your testimony, even your very life?

Verses 6-8-David prays for the God of the Universe to deliver and protect him. Selah. When persecutions come, and they will (1 Peter 2.18-20), to whom or what do you turn? Many people turn to sex, drugs, alcohol, music, or other things. We are commanded to turn to Him, which is only logical because He is the Author and Creator of life (Psalm 139). If He is unable to help (Numbers 11.23 and Isaiah 59.1), which He is more than capable, then nothing or no one else can.

Verses 9-11-David’s prayer is that God annihilates his enemies. Are we willing to pray this against our enemies: our own sinful desires (Matthew 16.24-26), the influence of our friends (1 Corinthians 15.33), and the influence of this world (2 Corinthians 10.4-5)? Are we willing to tear down our idols and choose to serve Him alone (Joshua 24.14-28)?

Verses 12-13-David understood the work of God in this world and how He desires to help those who are helpless. In order for us to truly understand this work of God we need to understand that we are the ones who are helpless. When we understand all that He has done for us the natural response will be to praise and thank Him before those in our area of influence. When was the last time you stood up to praise and thank Him where you are in your area of influence?

Psalm 52

Psalm 52 is a short Psalm that provides the historical context of when Doeg was sent by Saul to kill Ahimelech’s family in 1 Samuel 21 and 22.

Psalm 52 is a short Psalm that provides a poetic backdrop to the historical context of when Doeg was sent by Saul to kill Ahimelech’s family in 1 Samuel 21 and 22.

Verses 1-3-Historically, Doeg lies about Ahimelech. He told Saul that Ahimelech was conspiring against his kingdom when he said that Ahimelech was aiding David’s escape (1 Samuel 22.9-10). What words are you speaking today? Do they reflect godliness or wickedness? Do you enjoy gossip? Do you tell half-truths, which are lies, in order to get out of trouble? When you do this, you are emulating Doeg. This is why David places the Selah here.

Verses 4-5-David pronounces God’s judgment on Doeg and all who are like him. Selah, consider that the next time you speak words.

Verses 6-7-The Hebrew here is interesting at the end of verse seven. Instead of the word “wealth” it has “in his destruction.” Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6.10 that the pursuit of wealth (anything other than the pursuit of God) leads to destruction (Proverbs 14.12).

Verses 8-9-David ends this Psalm with confidence in whom God is and an exclamation of praise before God’s people. We should never belittle what God has done in our lives. We need to tell what the Lord has done for us on a regular basis. We need to do this because He is good. When was the last time you gave praise for what God has done?

Psalm 56

Psalm 56 is a Psalm of David when he was in Gath as found in 1 Samuel 21. He, again, gives praise to God for what He has done for him. When He delivers, we should praise Him. Do we?

Verses 1-4-The beginning of this Psalm presents David as tired. He is trampled and oppressed. Does this sound like your life? He places his trust in God, no matter the circumstance. He then praises God because he remembers that life is fleeting and only work for God matters in this life (Matthew 16.24-26). What can those around you do to you?

Verses 5-7-David tells us what they can do. They can injure and do harm us. In the end, God will judge righteously (Romans 12). If we truly believe that God is sovereign, this should be of comfort to us as we go through our daily struggles.

Verses 8-11-Because God is for him, nothing can stand against him. God loves us. Read these verses. He counts are tears, He records them, He is for us, He removes fear (Romans 8.31 and Psalm 118.6). This is so important that David mentions it twice. What is our response? It should daily be that of praise.

Verses 12-13-Because of what God has done for us, our natural response should be to praise Him, to keep His commands. These will not save us. However, because we are saved, we can now do them!

What are you doing today that He has asked you to do?

Long. Hard. Worth it? Yes.

Psalm 34

Today we are provided a better look into the heart and mind of David when he faced difficult circumstances. David’s career is filled with passion. Seldom do you read of David being complacent about life. David gave his all to what he did. Sometimes that passion was for God and other times that passion was for himself. In the psalms we have been and will be studying based on his early life (7, 27, 31, 34, 52, 56, 120, 140, 141, and 142), we see his passion for God.

Psalm 34 informs us, in the inscription, of the historical context of the Psalm. If you recall, the Hebrew version of the Psalms includes the inscriptions as a verse. Without the title as a verse, this psalm forms an acrostic. This Psalm is found played out in history in 1 Samuel 21.10-15 where David acted crazy in order to escape from king Abimelech who is called Achish in the passages in Samuel (1 Samuel 21.10-15 and 1 Samuel 27 and 29). If you read the psalm, it does not sound like it fits with the historical passage. However, David wrote it and ascribed the historical context to it. There are times when we wax poetic after we have encountered danger. It is more praise to God for the deliverance than an account of the deliverance. Such is the case with Psalm 34.

Verses 1-3-As the Psalm is read it is difficult not to look to God to praise Him. This is the purpose of the Psalm. David commands us to look to God to magnify Him. This doesn’t mean that we attempt to make God big but that we look to see Him as He is in reality. A telescope does not make the universe bigger. It helps us see how large it is in reality.

Verses 4-10-As Psalm 31 and 32 present to us the effects of sin on our bodies, these verses present to us the effect of God on our bodies. When we are in fellowship, much like Moses, are faces reflect Him, our bodies are refreshed, our minds are at ease, our fears are alleviated, and shame or disgrace in not our lot.

Verses 11-14-Second Timothy 2.22, Hebrews 12.14, and 1 Corinthians 15.33 both reflect the ideas presented in these verses. If we desire to live the life God created for us to live, we need to pursue God with a passion that is also found in those with whom we are friends.

Verses 15-18-David understands the mission of God in this world is to bring people back into right relationship and fellowship with Himself. Only the humble or the righteous will find Him. Those who are proud, who do what is right in their own eyes (Proverbs 14.12), He will oppose the proud. Remember, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble Jesus mentions this as His mission in life in His first sermon (Luke 4.18.19).

Verses 19-22-These verses reflect the previous four verses. When verse 20 is read, we see a reference to the day Christ was crucified in John 19.33 and 36.

This passage offers hope to those who are in dire straits. What do you do when times are tough? Is your focus on the circumstances or on the God who is greater than all of them (1 John 4.4)?

Psalm 31

Psalm 31 presents another Psalm of David during the time of fleeing from Saul that we have been read about in 1 Samuel 21-24. A brief reading of this psalm presents th early flight of David from Saul. However, others think it is more closely related to when his son Absalom was in rebellion toward the end of David’s life. The text reads better in light of En-gedi and Adullam early in David’s life (verse 2).

Verses 1-2-David is begging God to vindicate him, to listen to him, to rescue him. During this time of turmoil, David knew to whom he should look for protection. The caves are temporary but God is eternal.

Verses 3-5-David realized the truth purpose of God allowing the circumstances befalling David. That purpose is to bring glory to God. David knows that God is his Savior. He knows that he has been redeemed spiritually by God and realizes God can deliver him physically too.

Verses 6-8-Once again David speaks of God’s deliverance and how God has placed him in the straight place due to David’s trust in God.

Verses 9-10-David uses the same imagery of his body wasting away due to his adultery with Bathsheba in Psalm 32. If we could grab hold of what sin does to the body as well as the spirit, we might be less inclined to sin.

Verses 11-13-David doesn’t seem to be able to trust anyone. Who in his midst or around him is working for Saul? His neighbors are his enemies.

Verses 14-18-He turns his attention to the truth of whom God is and of His power. When we are surrounded, we need to remember to focus on God and who He is not the situation we find ourselves in at the moment. Do your circumstances overwhelm you? Well, God is greater than your circumstances (1 John 4.4).

Verses 19-20-God is sovereign and holds complete power.

Verses 21-22-When we cry out to Him, He listens (verses 1 and 22). But, we need to cry out to Him. When we think He is far from us, He is merely a whisper away.

Verses 23-24-This is a call for the saints to love God because of who He is and what He has done. Again, the motif of waiting on the Lord as we read in Psalm 27.

Our courage is only in Him for He alone is eternal and omnipotent. Where is your help coming from?