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A Commentary on the Book of Psalms:
Daily Devotions c. 1999-2000
The following are excerpts from just one of sixteen extant notebooks that Jim compiled in his devotions and while listening to sermons (primarily at Bob Jones University and Second Presbyterian Church). From what I can tell each notebook represents around two months of notes. This page contains notes on "Book One" of the Psalms.
Most of the reading was from the King James
Version (Matthew Henry Study Bible). I have edited some of the
spelling and grammar. I have occasionally added words for
clarity, which are enclosed in brackets [].
Psalm 1
Here God says through the Psalmist that joy will come by
standing firm in a conviction
when those wicked around you try to pull you down. First way to
stand -- no association.
This joy, though, should come by focused delight in God's Word. This should not only be focused, but also constant; like a tree constantly drawing water from a stream. The fruit of the tree bears, like us in our Christian life, may be affected by other things and always takes time, but prosperity will come. Wicked and ungodly though, don't receive scripture's water and so dry up like chaff left in the sun -- made easily knocked down in "windy" adversities.
Thus, even the best - containing most "grain" (of good acts) - "stalks" (people) can't stand in God's judging wind. God set it this way since He knows (love form?) His people, but will let the ungodly face their judgment.
Psalm 2
This whole psalm speaks of the struggle for power of worldly kings against God. These earthly rulers gather against God saying "Let's destroy the hold God has on us -- we'll be our own rulers."
This happened at Christ's first coming and is a sign of his second; but in both God's response is the same. God will laugh at man's attempts to overthrow His plan and will eventually judge (v. 5) in wrath. God here also shows that Christ, sent by the Father (vv. 6-7), nevertheless chooses and asks God for who he will (v. 8) and is given power to judge the rest (v. 9).
For this reason we should, especially as leaders, come to the Lord in fear to serve him. WE must either devote self to serve or be destroyed in anger. Trust alone will bring joy and blessing.
Psalm 3
David here says that though many rise up against him and even say God has neglected him, God will protect, encourage, and bring him glory as he prays. He also can rest knowing God will let him wake up if He wishes. God will take care of his enemies since He cares for His people and will bless them.
Psalm 4
David begins this psalm with a call to God's righteousness. He reminds God of the growth he experienced at God's past mercy and asks it again by God hearing his prayer.
Having asked God's mercy to grow, he turns to those around him. He asks how long they'll shame him when he's dwelling in a great spot spiritually. "How long will you love your vain choices and lies over the righteousness God has set for seekers of Him? Since I seek, He hears my prayers. You should thus be amazed and personally speak to Him. You must trust [the] Lord and offer righteousness to Him."
Many people may neglect any goodness [that] comes at all.
David asks God to show Himself to prove them wrong. He knows He
can for He has put gladness in his heart and that gives him
peace.
Psalm 5
David here asks God again to hear his prayer. Notice his respect, even in this begging -- [he] calls [Him] "Lord," "King," and "God," yet personally ("my king"). His basis for calling for God's help is God's own character - purity from evil, displeasure at evil, hatred of evil, eventual show of justice. He also call on God's mercy, desire for worship and His righteousness.
He desires God's way and that's his reason to ask guidance --
not desire to do other wickedness by flattery as evil men may.
David asks that evil will lead to their destruction (rebellion
against God always will). Only a complete trust in God [can]
bring joy and his defense. Those who truly love God will be
blessed and protected with the shield of His favor.
Psalm 6
In this psalm it seems that David has sinned and is asking
God's forgiveness. First, he asks that God not rebuke him - he
realizes his sin and knows he can't stand God's judgment. He
already is "vexed" in body and soul and asks the Lord
to deliver him from [judgment] for [the sake of] His mercy. He
knows [that] without God's mercy, deal will cause the end of
relations with God. This, though, causes grief, boosted by his
enemies. He, however, can cause them to stop -- God does hear and
will answer, which should cause those enemies to me ashamed at
dragging him into sin and then boosting his grief.
Psalm 7
The title shows David wrote this psalm after "Cush, the Benjamite" said something against (probably) Saul. He begins by placing his full dependence on God and then asks His general protection. Verse 2, though, shows special concern for an enemy none but God can deliver him from. He realizes, though, that God may be punishing for a sin on his part (such as pride over slaying Goliath, or earlier lies to Saul (see I Samuel)) and, if so, asks God to continue, knowing he and the church will be better for [it], in that case, no matter how severe it may be. Otherwise, he asks the Lord to judge his enemy as He promised so that His name is lifted higher.
David continues, [saying] that all will be judged and asks
[that] he be judged. His defense as a man rests in God saving the
righteous-hearted since God know all hearts anyway and is angered
by the wicked heart. David then shows how acts against others by
[the] wicked will progress if they don't turn to God -- or rather
God doesn't turn them. They prepare a deadly attack, planned in
iniquity and mischief. This pit, though, will be their own
downfall and their plan will turn on them. For all this, David
will praise God.
Psalm 8
David is here telling of God's might and personal care. [The] first "LORD" is Jehovah - God Almighty. [The] second is `Adoni - God who is involved with us. The rest of the chapter shows how these two are together shown.
Verse one starts by reminds [us] that God does it -- glorifies
His own name (which is conceit in anyone else, but for an
all-powerful God is only a statement of fact). Verse 2 shows He
isn't alone but lets the weak (children) be his strongest
warriors by his power. The fact none is too weak for Him to use
shows his great power and personal nature (by allowing those most
ignorant to do great things). In fact, David says, compared to
the universe He made easily (only the work of his fingers,
not even [the] whole hand), man seems pitifully unworthy of the
honor placed on [him]. Created just on a place barely lower than
angels and given responsibility over all the earth to rule
wisely, man was created to rule while angels only had to worship
(thus a little lower - our worship was shown by what we did as
well as our action). In all this God's glory is greatly shown
indeed.
Psalm 9
Though many of the psalms seem to ask for deliverance, this one instead thanks God for the work He's already done to deliver. David praises God fully since He has turned his enemies back and they can't stand God's perfect judging. God has defended David as righteous and for that he thanks Him. He then warns [that] no matter their destructions [destructive acts], they will be forgotten [by men] and judged some day; while God will last forever - blessing those who trust and follow Him.
Not only for this eventual judgment should God be praised, but
also for answering the humble. He, after all, shows mercy when
one of those He saved asks, though He is able to judge whole
nations. David also notes that even those "missed" now
won't be eternally forgotten. Men will be reminded some day that
He is over all.
Psalm 10
The psalmist here asks God why he ignores evil at times. He states what he sees - prideful persecution of the poor, for example. He asks God to trap them in their plans since they bless what God hates. Not only that, but God is ignored by these men (as all do before salvation). He thinks he can do whatever he wants - God, his enemies, and trouble can't touch him in his mind. He deceitfully plans, because of these ideas, for greater evil.
The psalmist calls God to lift up His hand -- The wicked
despises God saying "He won't require it." The
psalmist, though, knows God does see and will help those in need.
The psalmist asks [for] immediate judgment, but says (truthfully)
that God rules all nations and hears those in distress and will
judge the oppressor in His time even though the psalmist wishes
it now.
Psalm 11
David here starts by rebuking those who say he should flee
evil men. First of all, he trusts the Lord. To run would show his
lack of trust in God and without that basis what could he do?
Wicked men are watching for a chance to attack. The Lord may
allow testing but he's above all and will eventually send
judgment on the wicked since He loves the righteous.
Psalm 12
In this psalm, David is obviously concerned about a trend he sees -- real godly men who stand are failing to [stand] among the wicked. The godly are talking of uses things and are hypocritical in their speech - saying they love God only when those who wouldn't be offended by it are around, flattering those evil ones they know.
The Lord, though, will cut off flattering people and those who
proudly say they are in control and [that] no one is lord over
them. Those godly who are doing [this] will be preserved when
they ask [for] God's help and preservation from these proud,
God-ignoring men (and women). God and His Word are total free and
can pass through any test. God preserves it [His Word] and His
people though, even when the vilest man is in power and wicked
men surround everything.
Psalm 13
David here is experiencing a delay in God's answer. His enemy
is causing constant trouble and God seems to be ignoring it. He
asks God to lessen his trouble at least, since [his] enemies are
bragging at his failure. Verse 5, though, shows a change in
attitude - the very fact he can trust God's mercy brings hope. He
says he'll rejoice no matter when God saves. He realizes this
trial deserves praise since it is part of God's
"bountiful" dealings with him and is His best.
Psalm 14
Verse 1 shows a wicked man's thoughts - no God exists or controls him. Because they believe this, they all live wickedly. Worse yet, this was all men (vv. 2-3) that God looked at -- none sought Him. God, though, speaks and says [men] are foolish (vv. 1, 4), especially when they hurt his chosen people. They suddenly were made fearful if [they] saw God among [the] righteous. They bring shame on themselves when they plan against those poor who the Lord is a refuge for. David calls that the Lord will save as [He] protects and bring His people gladness when they're freed from the wicked's captivity. This psalm also prophetically shows the Exile (v. 6) and man's need for a savior (vv. 1-3).
Psalm 15
This Psalm lists some signs of those who are continuing to live as God's people. David begins by questioning who can do [this], and then answers. The man must: "walk uprightly, work righteousness, and speak truth in his heart" - three general ways to obey.
"Walk upright" means a continual doing of good with special good works "worked righteously." This is all useless without concentration on the truth in your heart. He then gives examples: no fighting or arguing with tongue, don't do neighbor wrong, or even accuse neighbor wrongly. He should have contempt for those who are vile, but honor those who fear the Lord.
The true Christian should keep promises, even if it harms
[him]. A Christian should be willing to help in [times of]
trouble and not take advantage of [such times]. Following these
things will help provide stability in all Christian life
.
Psalm 16
David again asks God's preserving power in this chapter. He
trusts God, but realizes his goodness will never equal what God's
is. [However, he] would delight to serve Him as well as past
saints did. This first involves the fact that other gods are
nothing and we shouldn't even use their ways to worship God. He
provides for us and maintains our life. Not only that, he set our
inheritance - [as] a covenant-working God. As if these aren't
enough, the Lord gives us his word and instructs us by it. He
also gives a promise of his presence. Because of all these
things, we can be glad and rest in our flesh. God will bring us
through - even death. He directs our life
.
Psalm 17
David begins by begging that his prayer, especially since it is earnest, be heard. He then asks God to pass sentence (judge) him since He can equalize all things. David then says he has kept his heart right and determined not to verbally slip. He has avoided wicked ways by keeping God's word but asks God to now handle what he can't - to protect him and keep him in His path by His mercy (vv. 5-8).
David says his enemies oppress and surround him, boasting
though they are "fat" and tracking him as a lion to
catch something to use against him. David asks God to stop this,
though he know He judges with [such things], since their blessing
in this world - full portions of land, food, and children - won't
satisfy David. He wants to see God's face and be totally like
him. (O.T. reference to heaven and resurrection!)
Psalm 18
This psalm was written, according to the heading, at a time when God saved David from Saul and other enemies, probably near Saul's death. Verses 1 and 2 obviously show David realizes God is the one and only one he can totally be protected by. He realized calling on God was his only hope. He was totally surrounded by evil men (vv. 4-5) before he called (v. 6).
God answers in His full power (v. 7-17), yet protects David
even when their trap seemed total. David says God answered gladly
since he was living right (v. 19-24), as He always justly judges
(v. 25-28) and acts. David gives analogies to show God's ways are
best and He alone can direct and save (v. 29-32). God gave him
victory over many spots - in physical and spiritual fights and
yet made him great at the same time (v. 34-45). David ends the
Psalm by thanking God for His avenging him and promised
protection for his descendants.
Psalm 19
David here considers how God reveals Himself. He starts by showing that nature shows constantly to all God's glory and craftsmanship. He specifically focuses on the sun - it spreads light to all in a consistent way to all areas. This focus is to provide a comparison with the Bible - also widespread and effecting all areas.
God's law brings converting wisdom, gladness to heart, [and]
enlightenment as to what's right. All this should bring feat of
God, which lasts forever, while his laws provide lasting truth.
All this is knowingly and sweetly for our best, providing warning
and reward if kept. It also shows our error - we can ask God to
forgive known sin (v. 13 "presumptuous") and unknown
(v. 12 "secret") sins. They don't need to rule us, and
[we should] avoid greater sin. God's word can set our mind and
mouth in His sight, [for He is] our Lord and Redeemer.
Psalm 20
David is here asking God's protection again, but this time for another. He starts by encouraging [him] that God will hear in trouble and defend [him] from the sanctuary - implying spiritual attack. We must keep what he commands but otherwise, he will grand our desires for safety (v. 4.) This will cause all [the] Christian family ("we," v. 5) to rejoice and be strengthened in their faith. He'll give what we ask. David is sure God will deliver his chosen ones so (which means non-elect might not share) - by His own hand. With this, why do we need to trust in military strength? It can fall, but we'll stand in God's pow3er. We just ask (v. 9 "Save Lord") and he will work out [our] earthly situation, "[the] king will hear when we call" since He also hears as King.
Psalm 21
David here speaks of those things that bring him [the] joy that God provided - His strength and salvation. God has also blessed him by giving him what he wants. too, always in goodness. Even life itself is lengthened by his prayer. God has by salvation given a chance at eternal honor and glory (v. 5-6), all based in His "countenance." All these blessings of God come by [the] trust of David in God's stabilizing plan.
David knows God will eventually deal with evil - He'll find
it, destroy it in just wrath and destroy the impact it had. Evil
men will always force God to so act, trying something so wicked
they can't to do [it]. God will bring fear when he judges so
great it leads to retreat. David desires God be exalted in His
power so he can praise Him more in all He does.
Psalm 22
David here prophetically and clearly shows Christ's death. Christ himself quoted the first verse to remind [us] of this from the cross. God may have had similar troubles pop up in David's life to lead him to write, but verses 9-10 and 26-31 show this isn't about David. David didn't have God as his God before birth (v. 10) and no act of his could have impact of verses 26-31 -- provision for [the] meek, endless life, all the world turning to [the] Lord due to [an] act, future generations come to [the] Lord by [him].
Though great and impacting, David couldn't have had these impacts. Note all the things, then, this prophecy shows:
1. Christīs call to God (v. 1)
3. The darkening of the sky (v. 2)
3. The reproach shown to Christ (vv. 6-8)
4. Christ's nature was different (vv. 9-10), [such as] knowing
God before birth.
5. The stares and crowd at the cross, even just watching if not
in reproach (vv. 11-13)
6. Bones out of joint (v. 14)
7. Heart pains and water flowing out (v. 14)
8. Pierced hands and feet (v. 16)
9. Thirst (v. 15)
10. The gambling for suit (v. 18)
11. The nudity (v. 17) - "see bones" may imply [this]
or may imply [the] work necessary to breath - contorting leads to
seeing bones.
In all this, he asks only deliverance from the "lion's
mouth" and the "dog" -- to names given [to] Satan,
(thus, spiritual help not physical). Verses 21-25 show [that] He
will rise to "declare thy name unto my brethren." This
should cause us to join in praise especially since He will
continue to work (v. 26-31 -- see earlier notes).
Psalm 23
David, in this most famous psalm, compared God to a shepherd and himself to a sheep. This reminds [us] how God can use our experiences for his good. David wouldn't have been able to make this so understandable if he hadn't experienced these things.
First, David shows [that] God provides (v. 1-2) and provides the safest and best (though we might not see as [such]). God also provides spiritual guidance, not just for our good but [for] His glory. This doesn't mean evil times won't come, but rebuke (by rod) and protection (by staff) will keep us [safe] in hard times. In fact, they'll even comfort, for the fullest blessing will come in trouble (v. 5). All this, though, brings goodness, in [the] end, to our life and blessings to be remembered in [our] eternal life.
Psalm 24
David begins by reminding [us] that God made all the world and all those in it. Who though, of this creation, is worthy of actually entering God's place? [Those with} Clean hands, a pure heart, and [who are] avoiding deceit (self-deceit or lies) are all who can stand in God's holiness. [In doing} these things one will receive God's blessing and God's righteousness if He is the "God of his salvation" which comes by seeking Him.
So who should we seek? Heaven itself seeks the "king of
glory," as should we. He has won the victory and will come
in His victory someday.
Psalm 25
David here asks, simply, God's mercy. He begins by offering his soul to God so He can show his mercy in his life. It (David's soul) trusts God and asks God to not allow his enemies or any of God's people's enemies to shame them, but rather to be shamed for their wrongs.
He then asks God's mercy to show him what He desires -- His way (to be taught for growth after salvation). Thirdly he asks God's mercy on his sin, especially past sins that now effect his life. David does realize this takes a meek, humble attitude on his part (v. 9), realizing now great his sin is, especially in light of God's way (vv. 10-11).
He then asks who God will teach. They must fear him, be chosen by Him to be taught, and concentrate on Him. These people will have peace, family blessing, and understanding of God's revelation. He also delivers them. Having seen this, David asks God's mercy in his case - freedom from his troubles. He is in pain, wants his sin forgiven, and deliverance from the shame his enemies would put on him.
In short, he wants his integrity justified; and not just his
but all Israel's.
Psalm 26
David here asks God to judge him - he has been doing right, and trusting God for all else. David even asks God to check his heart and mind - his motives are pure too. His reason? David kept God's mercy and truth in his sight. This caused him to avoid the wicked (vv. 4-5), get rid of things that are innocent, but distracting to worship (v. 6), so he can fully thank God for all his wondrous works.
He loves to give God honor and asks God [to] keep him from
wicked men (vv. 8-9) but even if not, he promises to be full of
integrity. He only asks [that] God save him, provide mercy, and
bring him stability in God's people.
Psalm 27
This psalm shows the fullness of David's faith. He knows [the] Lord is [the] one who directs and guides and stregthens his life. Because of this, he's not afraid, especially when his foes are failing.
David knows, too, that no amount of enemies are too much for God and is confident in that. The one thing he desires of God is more time to concentrate on Him and worship, thanking God especially for protection and stability in trouble and even a higher position through it. Surely a situation worthy of praise! (v. 6)
Having said and believing God can do all this, he asks God to
mercifully answer his prayer. He will obey and seek Him, but he
asks Him to remain available. Verse 10 shows how much he trusts
Him to answer - even when his parents forsake him, God grabs hold
on him. He'll teach David to avoid evil in the path He sets and
protect [him] when it comes. David trusts totally on this
strength to get him through and says to wait for His encouraging
strength in such cases.
Psalm 28
David here asks God to respond to his prayer. He knows God is [a] sturdy foundation no matter what, but he isn't sturdy and may fall into sin if God doesn't answer. He admits he is unworthy ("supplication" implies admitting unworthiness), but asks a holy God to still hear.
He wants to be freed from a wicked crowd he got into and
desires their hypocrisy and "good" works done without
God be punished. Verse 6 shows God does answer this prayer,
bringing David help and an attitude of thankfulness. David, in
his joy, offers another prayer - that God would similarly help
all His people and bring them such joy.
Psalm 29
David is calling on those around him, even the most mighty, to give the Lord glory and their strength. Worship is due him to Him due to his giving strength and His holiness, but also due to his powerful control. Verses 3-10 show examples of His power such as [the] waters of the sea and thunder answering to His voice, cedars breaking at his command, control of winds ("maketh them (trees) skip like a calf" v. 6) -- also implies [that He] controls wild animals; [He] controls each flame of fire, earthquakes (v. 8), birth (v. 9), destruction of nature (v. 9), and even floods.
Is it any wonder then that He is full of majesty (v. 4),
taking His place as King forever (v. 10), only to be continually
worshipped by all (v. 9)? And yet with all his power, He still
strengthens us as His people, and will give us peace. What a God!
Psalm 30
In this psalm David praises God for deliverance in a hard time. First, he thanks God for removing him from the hard spot that his enemies might not conquer (v. 1). Secondly, he thanks God for answering - every special benefit He gives every Christian. Third, he thanks Him for spiritual renewal by his delivery and physical life which was apparently in danger here (v. 3).
David then calls other saints to join in the praise of His
Holiness, His swift anger, His lasting favor, the shortness of
hard times compared to good [times] (vv. 5-6), and his steadying
hand in circumstances (v. 7). All this, though, is worthless
without His constant presence as David shows by repeating the
plea he made earlier - David cried and supplicated (saying [he
was] not worthy) to [the] Lord, asking how his death in trouble
would declare God's truth and asking [instead for] God's mercy
and help (v. 8-10). God sent it and turned David's sadness to joy
(v. 11) so that David's glory would bring Him praise which David
promises to continue forever (v. 12).
Psalm 31
As in many other psalms, David here asks God's help. David trusts God and asks him to show His righteousness, by hearing and strongly defending [it], quickly. David knows he can and asks this so he isn't ashamed and His name is lifted up. This will require God to get him out of [the] tricks his enemies laid, but David trusts even his spirit to God to redeem, so why not now against these "lying vanities" - [they] seem good but aren't. Note also verse 5 where Christ's last words on [the] cross - this trust [is] there fulfilled.
Thus, David will rejoice in His mercy shown them, at salvation freeing him from his enemy, even as he again asks God's mercy for his current trouble. This trouble is causing much sorrow [and] was based in sin - a sin so great even his friends came to avoid him as enemies come to destroy [him]. He again trusts in God, knowing He, not his enemies, sets his ends and [he] asks God's mercy and freedom from shame for He has been asked to forgive him already (v. 17).
David asks these wicked planners be silenced since they now
mock the righteous. God answers and David praises [Him] for [the
answers] - he thanks Him for His goodness to those trusting Him
and explains: He'll hide them for sinners, show them kindness,
ignore the hasty judgments His people make. For this we should
love Him [and] be encouraged.
Psalm 32
David begins by saying how blessed a forgiven man is - the Lord doesn't count his iniquity and self-deceit of spirit is unnecessary. In contrast, David tells how hiding sin felt - depressing, heavy, tiring. Finally, he acknowledged the sin ("acknowledge" implies [to be] already known and confronted by other party) and confess it. God forgives immediately. David then says all [the] righteous can pray so, and He'll protect them in trouble, which they can then praise [Him] for.
God then speaks, saying He will teach and guide his people,
but they need to be willing or hard times will come as part of
the teaching. David points out, though, that [while] these
troubles will be surrounded in mercy for the righteous, they will
continue to for the wicked's sorrow - another reason to repent.
Finally, David exhorts the righteous to rejoice, especially if
living right, for a God that uses hard times to teach, [to] bring
us to repent, and to judge when we don't ask forgiveness.
Psalm 33
This psalm begins by calling all the righteous to praise God in every way they can just because He is just, good, and always true. He made the world and us a simple word and they solidly remain. This should cause us all to be filled with awe of Him, by itself, but He also directs history so that a nation's plans come to nothing and His word endures.
Of course, a nation following His word will also be blessed
with endurance, but this must be true in the hearts of the nation
and not just in principle - He sees every individual's heart. The
nation, no matter how strong, is defended only by the Lord's
choice from their trust in Him. This protection should bring joy
since He is merciful to His people, but also [should] warn of the
danger of nationally rejecting Him.
Psalm 34
Here we see David again praising God. According to the title, this psalm was written after he had just acted insane and been thrown out of Abimelech's court. This was truly God's deliverance from this place - he was in Goliath's home town with the sword of Goliath. Is it any wonder then that he praises God so here?
The humble who hear his praise rejoice and David calls them to exalt God further. This may imply others with him and thus be when his band began to gather - a retelling of the story leads to praise. This is also implied in verse 4 - David seeks God in fear and God delivers by sending a band [of men]. His fears were good ones and made a "radiant" light to him of God's mercy looking back, rather than something he was ashamed of before God. Protection from his enemies was Godīs provision for his poor cry.
Not only that, but God also was good enough to make sure nothing was lacking of their needs (vv. 8-10). Realizing fearing God was the key, David calls the "children" to teach what he knows of fearing Him:
1. Long life to "see good" a benefit (v. 12)
2. A righteous tongue required (v. 13)
3. Avoiding evil acts required (v. 14)
4. Seeking peace required (v. 14)
David then reminds [us] that He [God] is watching and listening - always to remove even the remembrance of those who do evil and [to] deliver the righteous when they call.
Trouble will still come to the righteous (v. 19) but God waits nearby to keep even a bone from breaking and especially to save the right[eous] soul from desolation. Evil men, though, not only don't have this promise, but also must know that their sin itself is slaying them.
Psalm 35
David here again asks God's help with his enemies. Not in verse one how David asks God to negotiate before fighting - a good policy example. However, if He does fight, David asks Him to use His full might to encourage his soul. David asks only that his enemies be made useless ("confounded, ... brought to confusion, ... as chaff"), persecuted only as far as they planned for him. This shows David isn't vengeful but only wants [the] Lord's help so he can rejoice in [it], thanking Him for defeating the strong for someone as poor as himself.
David made sure he kept the right attitude even when they {his enemies} lied about [him] and did evil to [him] by doing good and praying for them in their need as he would for a brother. They repaid him by rejoicing and getting together to attack him ceaselessly. Like court jesters, they continue to try to hurt [him] though [the] Lord protects [him], destroying all around him. David asks this to stop by His power.
David says he'll thank God among the many for deliverance and
asks Him to stop this wrong rejoicing, riotous behavior (v. 20),
and deceitful blame. David asks God to now take the offensive and
judge these people so they can't have the evil they want done,
but are brought to shame. This will let [the] righteous
everywhere, as they see Him bless His servant (who will also
praise [Him]).
Psalm 36
David here points to how he, as a servant of God, sees wicked men respond to God. In his view their wicked acts show that they don't fear God. In fact, they're even proud of their sin until results start to show. Deceit and lies then start, destroying all good and wisdom he may have in his account, even as a wicked man, until evil is all he concentrates on, even before going to bed. What a rebuke these words he wrote must have been to David after his sin with Bathsheba! Even there, though, the rest of the psalm comforts - God's mercy is as great as mountains, faithful to forgive any sin no matter how great.
He preserves and protects those who trust Him in abundant ways
- [that is, those] who are righteous in heart (vv. 6-10) - though
His "judgments are a great deep," too (v. 6). David's
focus here, though, is praise for God's protection and a prayer
for this wicked, prideful nature of these evil men to be
contained, against him especially. As verse 12 says, David knows
if God contains a wicked man he "shall not be able to
rise" in power or position.
Psalm 37
This psalm is an encouragement that God won't let [the] wicked prosper long. We should avoid envy of them and their wicked deeds and instead trust God and His provision. In fact if we truly enjoy Him, He'll let us have those things we want as they fit in His plan - correcting injustice totally. We may have to wait on His timing, though, for wicked men will occasionally prosper or others [may] prosper on a wicked deed.
Our job is not to let this anger us - God will judge, in time - and those evil ones will be totally wiped out and forgotten, leaving a peaceful place for those who meekly endure. Until then, though, they plot and God laughs knowing the wicked will only hurt themselves by such plotting. No matter how much they, as wicked men, have, they don't have God's eternal care and leadership, especially when they fall. We, thus, should generously give to these people, for hoarding is useless - God will bless us with all [of] it in the end. This takes time to really learn, but only proves God's provision more. We do have a choice [in] how we act - in a righteous way for God's blessing or [in a] wicked [way] for His curse.
In the big picture, evil men are forgotten, no matter how
great. This all, of course, is due to trust, in the Lord, who
will protect and, eventually, deliver.
Psalm 38
David here shows how God constantly reminds us of sin [that]
we need to confess. He begins by asking God not to continue
chastening him in His wrath. The way he already feels is like
arrows stuck through him - points of great pain - as constant as
a hand pressing down on him. This pain is all in his heart, which
he realizes is totally unsound in God's eyes, knowledge [of
which] forbids rest since he sees his sin is so great. In seeing
this sin burden, he come to hate it, and be troubled by it, until
he shouts in anguish,
realizing he can do nothing.
David knows, though, that God sees his heart's growing desire,
and though he is worn physically and spiritually, due to his own
doubt, rejection by friends and attacks by enemies, God can
answer his cry for repentance and even from danger he is ignorant
to (vv. 13-14). God can save him from the total humiliation his
enemies want, but demands we halt sin and show sorrow for [it],
even declaring what's wrong in sorrow. Having done this, David
now asks God's help for continuing the good he's doing even in
the face of the evil surrounding him. He needs God to help him
quickly and closely.
Psalm 39
David here sow how weak mankind is in doing God's will. He begins with a personal example - He had determined that he would control his tongue, especially near a wicked man. he succeeded, but came to hold his peace even when he should have answered. This bothered him so much that he burst out. By verse 4, David begins praying, asking God to remind him [of] how short is so he remembers how frail he is. As he sees, even in his best, he's living vainly compared to God, as well as [are] all other men.
Neither the "show" before others, doubts, or riches
(money or good acts) will benefit [him] -- [but] only dependence
on Him. David, in dependence, asks not to look foolish to due to
is sin before foolish men. God grants [the] control David had
originally tried in his own power. Finally, David asks God to
stop rebuking him - he has learned His strength is far more than
his weak beauty can stand ("beauty" shows even his good
can't stand up to God's full rebuke). David asks [for] God's
mercy - he knows God as much as a stranger would and is indeed a
stranger, as all saints are, to God's full glory. He asks only
that God spare him and allow him some strength to continue, since
He supplies it all.
Psalm 40
This psalm, according to the footnote, is a Messianic psalm speaking of Christ's difficult life. It applies to us all, though. David, no doubt, had many times where he felt trapped in a pit and needed God to place him securely. Many times, he waited. God did work for him, leading David to praise and fully witness of God's work to others. As he says in verse four, God Blessed those who trust Him over pride or lies in unnumbered times and ways (so great [a] number, we can't even consider them all). There is nothing God desires of us, for Christ fills it all in things we can't. Verses 7-15 list some of the work of God that only the Messiah could fulfill:
1. Fulfills prophecy (v. 7)
2. Enjoys God's will and has all God's Law in his heart (v. 8)
3. Total revelation of God's mercy, faithfulness, salvation, and
truth to a large number (vv. 9-10)
4. Able to ask God's upholding when surrounded by evil (v. 12)
5. Holds numerous iniquity and still ask God's deliverance (v.
12)
6. Pushes back all who are shaming Him and trying to destroy His
soul (vv. 12-15).
We, due to His work, can partially do number 2 through 6, as
David no doubt did, but our salvation is still dependent on [the]
hasty deliverance of [the] Lord (v. 17) in which we should always
magnify the Lord.
Psalm 41
David begins this psalm with encouragement - The Lord will deliver in [times of] trouble, especially for those who have helped [with] others' problems. This deliverance, though including life, safety from enemies, earthly blessing and healing, must be asked for in prayer.
First, we must ask [for] forgiveness for sin (v. 4). Second, we must tell God our fears and situations to be delivered from, such as, in verses 5-9, his enemies' plans to hurt him, "digging up dirt" on him, wishing him evil, and even turning his good friends against him. Third, we must ask for strength to rebuke these enemies by God's mercy.
Finally, we must thank God for His preserving us and our testimony in such situations, and promising that we'll even see His face forever someday. If this deliverance isn't worthy of praise, what is? In response, David praises God for always-present relationship - truly worth two amens ("may it ever be")