Tag: Romans

1 Kings 8

1 Kings 8 (Cf. 2 Chronicles 5.1-7.11)

1-13-The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Temple as are the two stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Verses 10-12 present the glory of God coming into the Temple. The glory of God has been with the Israelites since God called them in Exodus. He went before them in the Wilderness, visited them at Sinai, and would dwell with them until Ezekiel 10.18-19. He will pay a brief visit in the flesh (John 1.14), dwell within man (John 14.16-17), and will come again in the Kingdom (Revelation 21.2-3).

14-21-Solomon reminds the people of God’s faithfulness to His promise, covenant, with David and with all Israel.

22-53-Solomon constantly reminds Israel through this prayer that God dwells in Heaven, though He dwells in the Temple. He is also reminding Israel that all they have is still God’s and they are merely stewards or managers of what He has given. These two principles are necessary for our understanding of accomplishing God’s task. God is greater than we can imagine (Ephesians 3.20-21, cf. with verse 56). Although He indwells us through the Holy Spirit, we should never make Him commonplace as much of the current theology attempts to do when they describe Him as a friend who is hugging and kissing us. If you would like further discussion on this topic, please respond to this post. We are the managers of what God has given us. He owns it all, we are to take care of it and do as He would with it. When we get this mentality, our perspective on giving and life changes dramatically.

Verse 46 is a great reminder that we all sin and that we all need God to help us overcome our sin. What is your sin that causes you to stumble and fall (Galatians 6.1-3 and Hebrews 12.1-2)?

54-61-Solomon then blesses Israel with a reminder that God is with them.

62-66-The dedication ends with a joyful celebration; dare I say party?

When you read this long chapter, do you see elements of this in your personal daily worship and weekly corporate worship? If so, celebrate; if not, try to incorporate aspects of it this week.

A thought to ponder: though Solomon’s Temple was magnificent and beautiful, it was merely another building until God came. Our lives are just another life, our churches are just another church, until God comes in. It is at this point when these ordinary things become super-ordinary not because of what they are but because of Who chose them.

Another thought: Trace “heart” through this chapter and you will notice that we know what is in our heart (38), though we attempt to conceal it from others. God knows our heart (39), we cannot conceal anything from Him. In order to come to Him, it must be with all our heart (48). When we do, God gives us the ability to obey His Word (58). All this because this is a goal of God for our lives (61).

An example of prayer from Solomon

  • Praise and worship (22-25)
  • Revelation of self in God’s presence (26-30)
  • Requests for forgiveness sins (31-40)
  • Requests for the Lord to be merciful to those who seek Him (41-43)
  • Prays for victory (44-45)
  • Restoration when they sin (46-53)

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.

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 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

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).

Psalm 117

The end of this psalm is for us to consider whether indeed are praising God with our lives. Are we causing others to praise Him too?

Psalm 117

The fifth of the Hallel Psalms

Welcome to the shortest chapter in the Bible. This chapter has been presented as the central chapter in the Bible (Psalm 118 is argued by some to be the center). Paul quotes verse one in Romans 15.11 in his treatise on the gospel being presented to all the world. Being the center chapter, it would seem appropriate that the gospel is here presented to all mankind. Luther, it is believed, is to have said that the entire book of Acts was written because of Psalm 117.

The end of this psalm is for us to consider whether indeed are praising God with our lives. Are we causing others to praise Him too?

Psalm 111

True worship is to see God’s works and praise Him for them, to see the truth of God’s Word and praise Him for it, and, then, to go out and apply what you have seen and what you have read. Is this your daily activity of worship (Romans 12.1-2)?

Psalm 111
This is a well-constructed acrostic psalm meant to draw us into praising God. The Hebrew alphabet is presented in each line as presented in the English. The acrostic is presented with two letters for each of the first eight verses with the final two verses having three letters each, which make the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Again, try doing this with the English alphabet and you will see how difficult it is to present a cohesive truth with an acrostic. Great and marvelous is He who reigns.

  • Verse 1-Praise God! We are called to praise God when we are with those who praise Him and when we are among those who may or may not praise Him. Regardless of our station in life, we must praise the Lord.
  • Verses 2-9-Why we should praise God. He is great, glorious, wonderful, gracious, compassionate, provider, powerful, true, upright, holy, redeemer, just to name a few from this psalm.
  • Verse 10-Praise God! When we stand in awe of Him, revere Him, we are beginning to see what wisdom truly is for He is wisdom.

True worship is to see God’s works and praise Him for them, to see the truth of God’s Word and praise Him for it, and, then, to go out and apply what you have seen and what you have read. Is this your daily activity of worship (Romans 12.1-2)?

Media
Holy is the Lord by Chris Tomlin

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?

Media

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 109

If God is for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8.31-34)? The answer: Only Jesus can condemn us but He died for us and intercedes for us. So, the only one worthy stands in our favor!

Psalm 109

This psalm was written by David, so says the inscription and so says Peter as he uses this psalm to describe Judas in Acts 1.16-20. There is no single reference point to place this psalm historically. Some believe it to be against Saul, yet David’s attitude toward God’s anointed would forbid this. Some believe it to be his son, Absalom, but his love for him was overwhelming to the point of sin. Could it be levied against Doeg or Ahithophel?

The word “accuse” provides great insight into this psalm. David stands accused by his adversaries in verses 4, 6, 20, and 29. The Hebrew word for accuse is where we derive Satan. The originally meaning was accuser but became a proper name of our adversary, the devil. David stands accused of crimes that are false. If he is found guilty, he is open for the death penalty.

  • Verses 1-5-David prays to the God whom he praises. Do you praise the God to whom you pray? David describes what his accusers are saying of him. He describes them as words of lying and hatred. He describes how he treated them. He showed love and kindness, but they repaid with insult and hatred. Jesus said to love those who curse you and to love your enemies (Matthew 5.44). David did this throughout these verses.
  • Verses 6-20-These words are harsh and seem to violate the principles Jesus displayed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-8). However, a closer look provides five possible solutions to this dilemma.
    1. When God displays His anger toward sin, it is extreme and to the point. David, here, is displaying a “righteous indignation” toward sin. This prayer is spoken by Jesus Himself when He instructed us to pray: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6.9-10). Jesus is basically asking us to pray to God the Father to establish His righteousness on earth which would mean the destruction of all that is not righteous (i.e., those who false accuse in this psalm).
    2. David could be praying to God to take the matter into His hands and bring forth His justice, and not David’s idea of justice.
    3. David is speaking prophetically of the coming of Judas and is pronouncing these curses upon him. This is why the plural of verses 1-5 is changed to the singular in 6-20.
    4. David is so inclined to the will of God that God’s enemies are indeed his enemies and he is pronouncing judgement on them as God would.
    5. The most unlikely one, which is translated in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), is that David switches speakers in verse six: “They say, ‘Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand on his right.’”

Verse eight is applied to Judas (Acts 1.20).

  • Verses 21-29-Verse 25 can be applied to Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27.39). David cries out to God to help him, not for David’s sake, but that God’s name may be magnified. How often do we, in our times of trouble, see His glory?
  • Verses 30-31-David closes with words that praise God and should be familiar to us. If God is for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8.31-34)? The answer: Only Jesus can condemn us but He died for us and intercedes for us. So, the only one worthy stands in our favor!