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A Commentary on the Book of Psalms:
Book 2

This psalm was written for "Maschil" or instruction for the sons of Korah, a group of Levite singers - an encouraging song to get those in worship to have [the] right attitude as [they] lead worship. David is probably the author, since verse 6 mentions the mountains of Herman, also mentioned in Psalm 133:3. In any case, the author has a desire he wants to pass on - a desire for God.

This desire is so strong he compares it to a deer looking for water. he wants to see God and is becoming discouraged, especially as others question if God will answer. Remembering the struggle only makes it worse because then he had [a] saved, worshipping group to encourage him. He realizes, though, [that] he shouldn't be depressed - he need just to hope in God and [give Him] praise that he will answer.

Verses 3-5 remind me of my witnessing last semester - I wanted to see God in my work, but all I met seemed only to say "Where is thy God?" - not knowing enough to answer. I did go with the "multitude" on these trips - [I] had those to encourage [me] and yet discouragement came. I need hope -- (faith in God's future grace) and someday I can praise Him for His help. Until then, I should continue in prayer as the author does in verse 6. He admits to God his feelings, and promises to keep God on his mind wherever he goes.

Though troubles seem to keep coming, suddenly and overwhelmingly like floods (vs 7), the Lord will mercifully give a song and life truly fulfilling by our prayers. We can ask God in prayer why he allows oppression by our enemies and why trouble continues, but when such things begin to depress us, we must remember to [put our] hope in God, who strengthens us in trouble.

Psalm 43

The psalmist here is unnamed, but it doesn't matter - his cry could be that of any Christian. Note: Though he is living in an ungodly nation, he asks God to judge _him_ to show him worthy over this land and to it. He wants deliverance from the unjust man, but not by God punishing them. He reminds himself [that] God has the strength to handle [things], asking only why he hasn't yet [done so]. This doubt [has] led to mourning over the trouble his enemies are causing, which he here rebukes [him]self for.

He instead asks God's guidance for direction closer to Him. The psalmist is joyful at the thought of [the] worship God may direct him to. He again rebukes his own uneasiness of soul and doubt - God is his hope and will let him praise [Him}. God cares for his emotional and spiritual state, he realizes, since He is a personal God.

Psalm 44

The psalmist here asks that God help as He has in the past. In verse one, we see the source of this knowledge - their fathers had done their commanded part and taught God' mighty past acts. The psalmist says God was able to destroy the land's inheritance without Israel's strength when they entered the land, and believes his King, God, can deliver again without his might. He trusts not his sword, but God, who will shame forever those enemies. Yet despite all the psalmist's belief, God isn't helping in battles and they are having to flee, losing people and spoil for no apparent gain to God. In fact, the nation is being mocked.

The psalmist is shamed and confused by God's action. He appears to be reproaching them, but their nation is following His way, remembering Him as God, and ever fighting for Him. He asks God to consider their repentant heart and show some merciful action. Only a few could hold sinful secrets (vs 21) that He will seek out, unless God is punishing blasphemers of the war, which terror brought [them] to (vss 15-16) and the psalmist asks general forgiveness for [them] (vs 17). At wit's end, he makes [the] right choice] - he goes to God, even [while] not understanding His way.

Psalm 45

This passage is very obviously Messianic, but the imagery used and the title show [that] Messiah would be a peaceful, loving ruler (Ex.: In title, [the psalm] is written "upon Sho-shannim" or literally "upon lilies" as a "song of loves" [There is] [a] definite peaceful intent shown.) Not only that, but verse one implies this is a "good matter" - important especially since [the] writer mentions his writing of [such things].

It overflows his heart. His description of Messiah begins in verse two. First, He is "fairer that the children of men," which usually refers to [their] beautiful nature, but here also implies He is not of "the children of men." The beauty is definitely from character here - a special grace given by God, so great in this case that God will forever bless [by it]. Everlasting grace like this again implies this is more than a man. This King, though, is not just gracious, but also powerful, truthful, meek, righteous and an awe-inspiring teacher who will destroy his enemies.

Verse six is the most startling - He [Messiah] is God. This is still a description of he Messiah, which would shock a Jewish reader. God specially blesses Him as His God for His righteous stand against wickedness, with gladness, though he'll face hard times first. (Myrrh - burial spice, aloe - used for wounds, cassia - ?, ivory palaces - reference to tomb? -- ivory comes from [an] animal, so in any case was [obtained] by pain/death for [the] creature.) Myrrh and cassia are both used in anointing oil.

What brings the gladness then? Honorable women brought before him, i.e., the church. Note: [The] psalmist tells [the] reader to hearken _as daughter_ in verse 10 even as "she" forgets her past for that causes Messiah-King to desire her more, since He is her Lord (vs 11 - a name for God, again) and desires her worship in purity. All will eventually entreat, but only the "king's daughter" is made glorious in and out, as virgins (totally pure) to enter [the] King's palace.

Verse 16 is a bit confusing, but implies [a] lineage of [the] king from Israel, yet [a] rule, as father, over them all, even those descended from [him], and through them to all [the] earth. For this, He will ever be remembered by all His people.

Psalm 46

This psalm shows how we can depend on God even in the face of disaster. Verse one states [that] he is nearby and powerful to protect. Even in natural disasters, a focus of this chapter, shouldn't cause us fear (earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanoes may all be alluded to in verses 2-3).

Verse four goes on to picture the perfectly secure world we will one day dwell in - a world focused on God and unchanging. Until then, though, God works in the midst of disasters in this world. All nations are moved or destroyed at His command. The psalmist calls us to observe this while trusting His protection - He can and does stop all wars by His power alone. We should constantly consider His directing might and exalt Him for it, for His power, as destructive as it can be, also holds us up.

Psalm 47

This psalm is an incredibly joyful and excited praise of God for his power. In fact, in verse one, we are called to clap and shout in triumph to the "great King over all the earth." (Note: "_great_ King," not just "king over the whole earth" - even Satan can claim that title {"prince of the powers of the air"} - but "great King" - total sovereignty shown).

Why such vibrant praise? He is going to bless us with strength as a nation and choose our inheritance for those He loves (His work is thus based on his love for us and in us. This is necessary for the nation to be strengthened). In fact, God himself is even now acting for us (vs 5) as king over all the earth, acting always in perfect holiness, not just to fight for us, but to defend his gathered people, too. He is worthy of total exaltation and endless songs of praise from understanding people (those who know the full greatness He shows [them] and [that He] has).

Psalm 48

In this psalm, the psalmist shows God's greatness by showing the greatness He's granted to His people. He deserves praise, in fact, just for the city of Mount Zion. Though mostly referring to the city of Jerusalem, this also applies to the eternal kingdom.

First, it is built in a place where God's holiness will be expressed (vs 1 - "the mountain of His holiness). Secondly, it is beautiful. Third, it brings "joy" to "all the earth" - a place with no evil reputation. Fourthly, it is a safe place both due to its location and God's personal blessing of protection )Remember, all this applies to heaven, too, and possibly to any place His people dwell). Fifthly, it is open to all to see (vs 8). Sixth, God will keep it so forever.

Due to all these blessings, God's mercy is seen and his righteousness spread. This is to be observed and copied -- a city as a pattern for the church - God's own everlasting building.

Psalm 49

The psalmist begins by calling all, rich and poor, to hear all he has to say. His emphasis in verses 3-4 is on the fact God has revealed to him before, so they need to listen, though this topic is hard to hear. He's not saying he's perfect, but that he doesn't have to fear, when evil comes, of falling into it. He doesn't trust his wealth to get him out of [trouble], as some do. Riches can't save another's soul. God doesn't take bribes, and all will die, eventually. Even a whole family will perish without remembrance, no matter how honorable. All beauty and their acts will be lost. God, however, will redeem from the grave spiritually, unlike trust in money [which cannot redeem]. Rich and powerful people aren't to be feared since they lose all in death, no matter how much praise they had in life. The only hope in not dying like [an] animal is "understanding" God's way.

Psalm 50

The psalmist Asaph here writes of God's own words promising judgment. Asaph begins by pointing out that God, in His might, has spoken over time (vs 1), even clearly showing Himself before he comes to judge (vs 2). His patience, though, when it does run out, gives reason for harsh judgment. He calls all heavens and earth together for it, though the saints by the covenant mercy, and the heavens by showing his righteousness, are more like witnesses.

He, though, is able to judge without them. His judgments are then given: First, His people and then all others. He, as God, testifies against His people in the following areas:

1. Burnt offerings - He doesn't blame [them] for, continual though they are, but [He} does blame for thinking He needs it from them -- a reduction of His power, as owner of all things.

2. Lack of prayer - He has to ask for their thanks, making vows, and asking for His help in trouble for glory to His name.

God then rebukes the wicked:

1. For pretending to be part of [the] church (vss 16-17).

2. For desiring/taking part in sin of others (vss 18-20).
    a. Includes acts (vs 18)
    b. Includes words (vss 19-20)

3. For misrepresenting Him (vs 21).

God in His patience will give [a] chance for all to "consider" Him, but eventually [He] will "tear to pieces" those who don't turn in "praise" to Him trying to "ordereth his conduct aright." Those who truly desire that, God will save.

Psalm 51

David wrote this psalm after his sin with Bathsheba. He shows how we are to repent. First, he calls on God's character - His mercy (giving us what we don't deserve), loving-kindness (his covenant care for us), and His ability to cleanse. Secondly, he admits to his sin, though God knows it already, and takes full responsibility for it. He realizes this sin is against God's law only, though [he was] hurt by [it], and thus God would be just to judge [him] in any way [He chose]. Thirdly, he reminds himself of his helplessness to have any part in this cleansing - [because] he was born in iniquity when God desires a truthful, wise inner man. David realizes only He can fulfill this state in his life and asks for such (vs 7). Fourthly, he asks for total restoration (vs. 8=12) by:

1. Hearing God's joy at his forgiveness (vs 8).
2. God's totally "blotting out" his sin (vs 9).
3. God's giving "a clean heart" and a "new spirit" (vs 10).
4. God's restoring His fellowship with him )vss 11-12).

Fifthly, he returns to service for God in:

1. Teaching sinners God's way (vs 13).
2. Praise the Lord for deliverance from the sin (vs. 14).
3. Asking God for openess to praise Him (vs 15).
4. Giving his humbled umbled self to God over even the law (vss 10-17).
5. Asling God to build others up too and forgive them (vss 18-19).

Psalm 52

This psalm was written while David [had] fled from Saul, right after Doeg [had] told Saul where he was hiding. David here rebukes Doeg - he was proud of telling on David, earning Saul's favor, no doubt, even knowing David's death was Saul's goal. David says he (Doeg) must love evil, especially desiring to advance [him]self by [such evil conduct].

God, though, doesn't become hung in place [?] but will judge these unrighteous motives, destroying what he built up, and allowing [the] righteous to see his fall. When he added to persecution against [David], he only adds to [his] own persecution later. His trust in riches and power won't stop, or secure him in, persecution. David though, says he is an live tree in God's house - trust in His mercy can bring praise no matter what because His plan is good for His saints in the end.

Psalm 53

This psalm, as a note [in "The Matthew Henry Study Bible?] points out, is almost identical to Psalm 14. The similarities may imply a musical bond (same song, but different verse, two tunes for the "same" text). In any case, the fact [that] it is repeated shows [the] message's importance. Both psalms (14 and 53) speak of a man who choses to ignore God - either His existence or His revealed will ("There is no God" or "No, God" in verse one). These two possible meanings may explain the two psalms - one for either case.

In their ignoring God, they (the people who chose to do [so]) act corruptly doing no good. God searches all mankind, but all have become filthy in sin, destroying God's people, and God is asked to deliver in the final verse so His people can rejoice. These similarities don't teach as much as the differences, though, listed below:

Psalm 54

David wrote this psalm when Saul had [him] trapped. He asks God's deliverance for [or by] His name, judging him as He does [so]. David knew he was right. Am I? Since he was [right], he prayed and asked [for] help against his external enemies since they ignored God.

God does help him through, and in addition to, those encouraging him. David knows God, in His truth, will destroy these enemies and praises [Him] freely. God does deliver [us] and allows us to see the victory.

Psalm 55

David again begins by calling on God for help against his enemies. This time, he is greatly afraid for his life and asks God to provide a way out to find rest (vv. 6-8). What's worse, it is continuous strife-causing situations not from an enemy, but from one he trusted planning against [him] (this may refer to Absalom, but Saul is more likely).

They had even worshipped together at one time, but now the acquaintance dwells in wickedness. David realizes only God will always be constant and will judge them so until they repent. Unfortunately, he realizes they won't repent since they don't really fear God. This man always was conniving (vv. 20-21). Finally, David trusts God, knowing He'll reward [the] righteous and punish [the] wicked.

Psalm 56

David is here, again, in trouble. This one onwe in his own making - he fled to Gath in fleeing Saul. His enemies surround him and he asks God's merciful protection, for they could easily overwhelm him, alone as he is. He is afraid, but still trusts God and His word, and is assured they can't harm his spiritual standing by fear.

They are, though, planning evilivils against him and he knows they may succeed. He asks God though to remember the act if they do and judge them while remembering him. He knows God will turn them back, ost likely though, as he calls and thus won't let fear win, depending on God and praising His word. God deliverd his soul now he only asks God delver in this fall so he can walk in God's light.

Psalm 57

David, fleeing from Saul again, asks God's presence and protection. God, he knows, will deliver and judge especially since his servant is serving faithfully. God instead will punish those seeking His people. David again feels trapped but still praises God and thanks [Him] that eneies will trap themself and God mercifully will show His truth. All this just more fully dedicates Dvid to praise of God above all else.

Psalm 58

The title of [this psalm], like [that] of Psalm 57, has a special note: "Altashheth" - Destroy not. This shows [that] David considers these especially important. David begins by asking if the congreation is truly righteous and truly judging uprightly, since he knows they do wicked things in their heart (desire to do wrong) [and] are only stopped sometimes by considering how much hurt they'd caused.

To show how great this wickedness is, David reminds [his readers] that all are born in [sin] and are like deadly snakes filled with poison, disobedient to any snake charmer, no matter how true the charmer may be. Sin, in other words, is deadly and shouldn't be played with.

David, in fact, calls God to break those who abide in wickedness of their power, totally destroying them. God will act on this quickly, he says -- like a whirlwind, destroying regardless of whether [those in its path] are "living" (saved) or "in his wrath" (unsaved) if [they] continue in wickedness. He does [this] even before [the] pain of their sin is fully felt by others - the reward of the righteous as He judges the earth. For this, the righteous can rejoice.

Psalm 59

This passage again asks God [for] delverance, this time from a situation that David was [in] through no fault of his own. He asks [that] God judge quickly. David realizes he is being trapped, surrounded by those willing to fight to kill him. He also realizes God will defend [him] and is laughing at attempts the wicked make; for He will, merciful as He is, protect His asking servant.

David asks God not to just kill, but to scatter his enemy's forces so they, while spread, [will] remind His people [of] who Hw is. He does ask destruction, though, on those individuals who are proud and curse him and God, that all might know His power. David says those who surround him will, as God answers, soon "surround" Jerusalem, begging for their needs. David sings, not for this, but for the power and mercy God shows in defending him.

Psalm 60

David again asks God's help in battle. In this case, He asks God's reason for allowing them to lose. He shook them up like an earthquake, and surprised them. After all, they represented His truth and hadn't done wrong this time. David asks deliverance and God responds that all nations have a purpose to Him - He directs events when He wants, a loss may not mean displeasure, but may be to encourage more dependence. Hearing this, David asks, humbled, if God wiehes to help, realizing he depended on God's working by the army and not just [by] God's working [alone]. He now says, "We'll do it, but only by God."

Psalm 61

David here asks God's help again, knowing He can hear such a cry from anywhere. David asks God to protect him, as a sturdy rock, a shelter and a strong tower against his enemies, especially when he feels overwhelmed by them. He will always trust God. God, aget all, heard his promises and has set His convenant with his family, past and future. God will even bless with long life, but David looks instead to eternal life in God's mercy and truth, praising Him to remind him[self] to keep his vows.

Pslm 62

David here again states his dependence on God. He begins by showing patience and waiting on God, knowing He will save. He trusts God as a foundation that will keep him from slipping far. He asks those around [him] how long they'll plan evil since God will break them for their evil. They may even try prayer or religious acts to get their evil done - one reason God judges harshly.

David, though, sees God's strength as a refuge to trust totally, sharing all [his] heart with [Him] since God provides salvation and [the] way to glorification for us. No matter our standing materially, thos we control positionally or financially, or how rich we are, these are vain compared to [the] power of God. He says so Himself twice to remind us of [this fact] (vs 11). David, though, reminds us [that] God is also merciful and will reward all they're due by [or according to] their works.

Psalm 63

David here [proclaims] his desire to seek God with the assembled church. He feels lke he is in a desert spiritually as well as physically (due to Saul's chasing [him]). He knows God's mercy is better than such wishes, though, since it is better than life itself. Due to this, he promises God will bless in a continual fashion, keeping his soul full of praise even before bedding down for a night. Since help came in [the] past, future help also [is] likely and David follows as close to Him as he can to be upheld here in this way. He knows God will make him king since he glories in Him, but those who seek to destroy his soul will fall, God "hunting" them down, as they lie and are untruthful. What security in such an unsecure place!

Psalm 64

David again asks God's protection, here from enemies who are specifically working to destroy him. Their weapons are carefully laid and spread bitterness, especially in their words, against them all who do right. They seek out wrong [acts] diligently, think on everything they find in a "deep" way - concentrate on it, and think no one sees who can do anything about it.

God, though, will suddenly "wound" them, apparently by their own action coming back to harm them. They will learn, as [the] righteous rejoice, that God deserves our fear and consideration.

Psalm 65

David begins this psalm with a promise that praise will come to God from "Zion," (in this case, the earthly Jerusalem since [he] says _will_ come -- Heaven constantly _is_ praising). In fact, David says all will come to [a] personal prayer - hearing God someday. He trusts that though sin currently is winning over him, God will purge them away, realizing all along that God has chosen some [for whom] to do this purging of sin, for His enjoyment in satisfying this need.

God chose to bring some out of sin to His holy heaven. Though He saves, He alson speaks in many awe-inspiring things to all people to answer (and show he _can_ answer) prayer. Verses 6 through 13 list these pictures to all all of his power. This leist includes:

1. The stability of mountains (vs 6)
2. The calming of the sea after a storm (vs 7)
3. The control of people, even in rowdy situations (vs 7)
4. The sunrise and sunset (vs 8 - "outgonigs of the morning and evening")
5. The water cycle (vss 9-10)
6. The growth of food (vss 9-13)
7. The growth of wild animals and plants (vss 11-13)

What great power! And he saved us, too!

Psalm 66

This psallm focuses on a praise of God. It calls us and all people to gloriously prais His name because of all His wonderous works such as His power over His enemies, His rule over nature and His general work toward men. He says that those nations who have leaders [who are] rebellious to God should still remember He's in charge - they won't long be exalted.

Those who trust Him have even more reason to be glad - He will hear and uphold his people. This isn't to say they won't have tough times, but He will bring [them] through fire, water, men's scorn and traps to a "wealthy place." We, though, need to keep the vows we make in such times. Doing so will bring courage to share what He's done for "our soul," especially due to our crying unto Him form a pure heart. That's when He hears and will continue in His mercy to us.

Psalm 67

The psalmist here calls on God's mercy for a very simple [reason]. The psalmist says this mercy will lead earthly people towards God's salvation. The psalmist then breaks in prais and calls all nations to join in the joy that God is overly righteous and will judge all lands fairly. After this, as our praise continues, God will make [the] earth bloom in provision for His people. In his blessings, all people will fear, seeing His power.

Psalm 68

David here isn't pleading [for] God's help as much as [he is] pointing to how He shows His power. All wicked men flee at His very presense as quick[ly] as a melting candle [in the heat of a flame]. The righteous, however, can gladly rejoice and sin in praise to God simply for who He is: a director of nature (vs 4), a father to orphans and widows (vs 5), a holy habitation (totall separate protection - vs 5), a deliverer, a just rewarder for [or against] [the] rebel (vs 6), powerful (vss 7-8), provider of needs (vs 9), [a] good God (vs 10), [a] uniting God (vs 11), Word giver, and director of those spreading it (vs 11).

All this causes [His] enemies to to flee: even in His humblest state, He's great enough to direct all [things]. His work among Israel ("hill of Bashan") is desired by other "high hills," but He blesses whom He choses (vss 13-19). Salvation and our relation to Him by [it] is, or course, the greatest benefit (vs 0), but others include: [the] enemy's destruction 9vs 21), deliverance in future trouble (vss 22-23) [and a] witness before His people (vs 24).

His people thus all should praise [Him], especially when He works in weak things to show His power (vss 25-29). This worship also includes encouraging enemies [to turn] toward Him -- causing them to realize He controls natuire and nations and is worthy of awe for His utter might (vss 30-35).

Psalm 69

David here is having a very hard time. He asks God's deliverance from the overwhelming circumstances. They tore him emotionally but he'll still trust God. He has done nothing and rejection and mockery still come. He even asks forgiveness for sins he doesn't know of, asking that his shame be only on [himself rather than on] those who are saved [who might] hear it from others [because his shame is borne] for God.

Even fellow Christians, though, are strangers to him. One of his problems is his zeal for [the] things of God - all rebukes on God's house effect him - not a bad thing, but others talk down on [him]. He knows, though, [that] God accepts his prayer and again asks His salvation from the floods of circumstances. He then specifically asks God's help against the multitude of trouble and asks for a specific closeness to God. He knows the reproach he's going through, the bitterness of events set before him, and asks [that] those who are involved in this effort to harm him be trapped and judged since they persecute him.

He even asks [that] they not be saved [because of] all they've done to him (vss 27-28). Even in this great sorrow, though, the psalmist praises God for His salvation with a song of thanks, realizing humble faith in seeking God is better than any sacrifice. He trusts god who hears the weak's prayers, and asks all to praise that he will save and give eternal security to his people. This chapter also points to the great humility Christ went through.

Psalm 70

Here the psalmist again asks God's deliverance quickly as persecution continues. He asks God to send shame and confusion even so much that those who are trying to spiritually hurt [him] reverse their policies. God stops [them] even as they point out errors of believers to their own shame. On the other hand, God is asked by [the] psalmist to allow him to rejoice and magnify Him, even telling others to magnify Him. This, though, requires God to first deliver [him] from his current need in a quick time. Overall, this passage asks God to show His sovereign hand, setting business as best He can [that is, in the best way, as only He can].

Psalm 71

The psalmist is asking here that the Lord protect Him from confusion caused by a wicked man. he knows His only hope is in God, as it has been for years. From the beginning of life until now God hasn't failed, which is amazing to many, but God has always been securing him. His prayer is that he continue to serve and God continue to protect, be near to him, so that it (God's help) comes quickly.

His enemies think God will reject him now and he realizes his strenghth isn't able to no contribute and [he] asks God still to bless him and hurt their attempts. [This is] not to say he'll stop serving God, because he'll keep declaring God's work as he was taught it, even though [he is] now old. He even trusts God to make him greater in these later years, at least in his ability to praise and sing to his Lord.

Psalm 72

This psalm was written by David as a prayer for Solomon (vs 20). Since this "ended" his prayers, it may have been written around [the time of] his death or at least at his declaration of Solomon as the new king. Of course, the picture also is expanded to Christ, though many of these blessings fell to Solomon.

First, the aurhor realizes that the need to ask God's judgment and righteousness on him. This results in right judgments, even for the poor; peace by position; helping the needy; [that God] destroy oppressors; fear on enemies; sudden action in calmness (vs 6); widespread rulership; respect for other kings (vss 10-11). All these things apply to [both] Solomon and Christ, but verses 12-19 just speak of Christ.

Only He can deliver the needy whenever they cry, not just physically, but spiritually (vs 14); only He can receive endless prayers and praise at the same time; only He can take a handful of "grain" and shake [the] earth and [cause] great growth; and only He will endure forever and all men shall bless only Him. God, due to the promised Messiah, should be wondrously and gloriously [called] blessed.