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A Commentary on the Book of Psalms:
Book 4
Psalm 90
This psalm was written, according to the title, by Moses, making it possibly the earliest of the psalms. However, God had even then been a dwelling place since He has always existed and formed the world of those who fit themselves to be fortified in Him. He directs our destruction (and life) simply since a thousand years are like a past event to his eye. Not only does He direct events but [He] directs us in them, especially our growth. He will cut [our lives] down quickly in His wrath, especially for secret sins He sees and knows in us. This sin limits life [from] seventy to eighty years since he takes our strength.
Moses was probably about this age as a shepherd [when] writing
this psalm, since he sees shepherding as a sign of God's wrath
and asks God to teach him to "number our days" - he
wants to apply their hearts to wisdom. He realizes God's mercy
alone will make [his people] glad in evil times. (His constant
use of [the] plural may show [that this] is a few months after
deliverance form Egypt. If [he is] in [his] early 80's [he] could
believe he was still below [eighty] since records [were] not as
sure in those days.) In any case, Moses ends by asking [that]
God's work on [behalf of] his children be done.
Psalm 91
This psalm is all about dependence on God for protection. His protection is in a "secret place" - it takes time to find. We we do though, God is our fortress, each [of us] personally, and [He] delivers from those who would trap us, protecting us like a mother hen as we just trust in Him. With all His dependable protection, we don't need to fear unknown dangers, enemy attacks, destruction, or even [the] failure and defeat of those around us. We can see the wicked's end along with others who make our refuge in the Lord their refuse too. [As with] us, He will keep these from harm. As long as we keep his ways, He even promises to give us angel[ic] helpers to prevent minor injuries.
In His power, even great dangers can be knowcked down. God
ends with a declaration of what He'll do to show his
expectations. his protection and deliverence are promised only to
those who love Him and know His name. he will send help when His
people call on Him for it. With these two simple requirements,
all the above benefits of protection are given, as are honor,
long life, satisfaction and a better understanding of salvation
-- all from God.
Psalm 92
This chapter speaks particularly of worship, though several areas of it are described. First, the psalmist describes how music should be used in worship (vss 1-5). Music should thankfully prais God's faithfulness and loving-kindness. Both vocal [and] instrumental [music] are permitted, but [both] must be a solomn sound. This music comes out of the benefits the Lord has given us by His great works and thoughts.
Second, the psalmist gives the contrast of the wicked (vss 6-7) and the Lord (and His people). They ignore God's great acts due to lack of understanding. They may flourish temporarily, but they, unlike the high and everlasting God, will someday be eternally destroyed. God will scatter all His enemies even while building His people up. He does this partially by allowing His people's desires to be done on their enemies.
This, thirdly, allows great and constant growth by being in
His courts. This growth continues no matter our age, since it,
more than anything shows God's upright, dependable and righteous
character.
Psalm 93
This psalm obviously shows God's power. It begins by declaring
His leadership - clothed on Him by strength - He gave Himself by
[the act of] Creation, not [by] any conquest or linage [ie,
inheritance]. The world he made is orderly and patterned -
"established that it cannot be moved" or changed in any
aspect. He doesn't control [His creation]. More impressively He
[has] always had thid power (vs 2). He directs even water's
noise, showing [that] He is more powerful than even the sea's
waves. What a powerful God! Yet for all this power, He is
trustworty and holy - totally dependable and totally separate
from us.
Psalm 94
The psalmist here begins calling on the "Lord God, to whome vengence belongeth," a phrase he twice repeats. Why? Was the psalmist struggling with [the thought of] taking vengence himself? He asks God's judgment on the proud, wondering why He delays. [For] as he does, they continue to boast as they, destroyers of God's people, go on in their conceit. They think God doesn't see since he doesn't act.
The psalmist points out [that] God not only hears, but made the things so He could deal with [them]. All man's thoughts are vain to Him. God's chastening, as on him [the writer], the psalmist realizes is to teach and protect from greater trouble. He is not struggling with being vengeful, but with doubts of why God hasn't been. The psalmist is only sure God won't forsake his chosen people, but will [instead] deal righteously.
They psalmist says that unless God has stood up against such
wickedness against him, he would have fallen away. Though he is
internally disturbed, God comforts him and won't let [the] wicked
have [a] relationship with [Himself]. No matter how they gather
to attack, God will defend, allowing their own evil to destroy
them.
Psalm 95
This psalm speaks of worship of God and begins with a call to sing unto Him in praise (vss 1-2). He deserves such worship for several reasons:
First, He saved us (vs 1). Second, He is far above us (or any 'gods' we may make) in his greatness. Thirdly, He is our creator who made both the lowest and highest, [and the] wettest and the driest, places. Finally, we should worship [Him] since we are His sheep, provided for and protecte by Him.
All these reasons for worship come with a warning -- we must
hear and remain concerned in our hearts to obey [God]. God
reminds [us] of the wilderness experience, a sign of His wrath on
those who tested and provoked Him even after seeing His work. May
we not fall into the same trap.
Psalm 96
This psalm, like 95, begins with a cry to God in praise due to
His saving greatness. He is greater by far than any idol since He
is a creative, honorable, majestic, beautiful and strong [God] in
His Church. All people should give [Him] the honor that is due
Him. Israel is particularly challenged to show Him among the
nations -- He has set things as He will and [He] will judge
accordingly, but we must follow this command. All [the] earth
rejoices that the end will come and His people shoul be
[rejoicing] too -- then they will be fairly judged.
Psalm 97
This psalm speaks specifically of the kingly nature of our Lord. All nations and places can be glad that He is King, though what He does should be fearful to some. He is a just and righteous judge, somewhat mysterious, but filled with glory. The earth itself is justly afraid of His power, trembling and melting at His presense. All the world shows [this] and the people see his glory and righteousness by [the] world's reaction to Him. Some draw wrong conclusions and go to powerless idols, but they will be "confounded" (ie, confused).
Israel rejoices due to His shown greatness. Those who see this
are to respond by hating evil. As they do He will deliver them
from those who are wicked and [He will] protect his people. We
should be glad he acts so in his holiness since He takes some of
His power to lighten our understanding of Him.
Psalm 98
Likes psalms 95-97, this psalm also speaks of praising God in song and tells why. First, his great works in making known salvation are worthy of praise. Secondly, His character shown in doing this is also praiseworthy. Some of these traits include his power ("right hand"), separateness ("holy arm"), "righteousness," "his mercy and his truth."
Third, all [the] earth, especially all people, are invited to
join his praise by a variety of musically instruments. Fourth,
[the] earth itself is to praise Him for He will someday judge all
its people and balance all accounts.
Psalm 99
This chapter shows the respect we should have for God. Due to
His place of authority, all nations and the earth itself should
tremble in fear. This authority is particularly shown by His
holiness over us - a sacred separation that should bring us awe
(vss 2-3), and His just judgment in His loving strength. Worship
is, for all these traits, not only commanded, but reasonable. God
is great and holy, after all. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are all
given as examples that don't have to be perfect to do this. We
just have to be willing to obey His answer when we call and He
will forgive our mistakes. This, more than anything else, is a
reason to praise our God.
Psalm 100
This psalm is so familiar, it is hard to say much. It returns
again to the theme of worship [towards] God in song both in
witness to him and before others (vss 1-2). As our creator and
protector, LORD God, He has allowed us to come to his temple to
worship him since He is so merciful and justly true forever. Is
this too much to ask?
Psalm 101
David wrote this psalm apparently as a request and promise to God. He begins [with] praise to God for His mercy and justice. He realizes that though God has these traits, he is required to have His perfect way as a model for action - a model he asks God's help to follow in (vs 2), but [he] promises to do.
His second determination is that he will avoid setting anything wicked before his eyes since he has come to hate those who turn aside an [he] refuses to let it to be "glued" (cling) to him. He may have thought of this weakness due to [the] temptation that led to [his] sin with Bathsheba.
Thirdly, David determines to avoid a perverse heart by
avoiding wicked people [such] as those he knows well. Fourthly,
David shows more detail of these wicked [people] by two examples
(vs 5). Gossip and proud people are promised to God that he won't
tolerate. Instead, David says he'll look for faithful men to deal
with, even among his servants. Liars will be dealt with whenever
it appears so that his house may reflect the lack of wickedness
he will push for in [the] whole city [of the LORD] by destroying
[the] wicked.
Psalm 102
The psalmist begins by begging [the] Lord's response to prayer quickly since he feels weak and worn out. He gives several pictures to show his situation:
1. He feels like fuel for a fire (vs 3).
2. He will forget to eat since he feels so bad (vs 4).
3. He feels like wilted grass (vs 4).
4. His complaining makes [him] feel like bones are sticking to
his skin (vs 5).
5. He feels like an our-or-place bird - "pelican of the
wilderness" and "owl of the desert" (vs 6).
6. He feels like a lone sparrow on the roof (vs 7).
7. He feels like "a shadow that declineth" (vs 11).
His enemies are a continual reproach to his sadness, which is also continual - even through meals. He knows it is God's wrath under His direction and that the Lord, in living forever will eventually show [His] merciful self. The psalmist then asks His mercy on Zion now, since the time has come when His servants desire His favor and the surrounding nations will see and fear as He does [His] work.
Future generations will also see and praise the fact that the
Lord hears prayers, especially those in distress and will act so
that they can declare His name to all those around. God, though,
sends the weak times, too, to remind us that we must change and
that He is unchangable. If we remember this, though we may
perish, our children will continue with him.
Psalm 103
David in this psalm is encouraging himself to whole-hearted praise. He gives his reason - God's many benefits. He then lists some of these: forgiving sin, healing sickness, saving from destructive things, being lovingly kind and merciful, provision of good things to uplift, righteous judgments, the revelation of His word, and His patient nature in dealing with sin.
David chose to focus on this. God removes our sin as far as is
possible due to his pity towards us. He knows, after all, that we
are frail and live but a short time here on earth, but still
offers His everlasting mercy on those who fear Him and obey as
best they can. He will still rule, though, and thus He should be
praised [by] all under His rule, in heaven or earth.
Psalm 104
In this chapter, the psalmist sets out to praise God, especially for His creative work. This shows His greatness, honor, and majesty. Another reason is shown in verse 2 - beauty is shown by [creation], like a garment or curtains, by His creation of light and the heavens. His creation is not limited to these, though. He sets the clouds in place (vs 3) creates angelic beings, sets earth in [a] solid pattern, sets the disasters that may come (floods here) (vss 6-9), refills rivers; provides for wild and domestic animals as well as [for] man (vss 10-15) in food, provides for homes (vss 16-18); controls times and seasons, animal's nature (vss 21-22); and allows man to work.
All of these show the wisdom of his works, greater than the
wide sea and the biggest creature in it, the leviathon. Even
these great creatures depend on God's provision - He literally
decides when all [things] live and die. Man is special, though.
God sends His Spirit to renew [the] earth, including man, for His
glory and to show His power. For this reason we should sing and
meditate on Him, being glad in Him since He will destroy all
sinners someday.
Psalm 105
This psalm speaks of God's faithfulness to israel and what he expects from us. First, we are to call on His name - [that is,] prayer. Second, He demands that we proclame what He has done, in song and speech (vss 1-2). Third, we should glorify His name, seeking to ever know more of Him. This is best done, as verse 5 says, by remembering His past works. The chapter then lists [these works]:
All this was for our benefit, giving us a reason to obey His
law. What a reason to praise as well as a picture of His word's
importance!
Psalm 106
Again the psalmist comes in praise to God, for His goodness and mercy are so great they are unspeakable and yet just, always. The psalmist asks Him to send salvation so he can see the good in God's chosen nation and people. Right now, the psalmist says His people are acting as wicked as their ancestors had been at the Red Sea.
God, to show His power, has saved them anyway and though they praised Him, they soon returned to ignoring [Him] as shown by their lust, disobedience, rebellion and idolatry, even after all His wondrous works. Moses alone stopped God's destruction of [the people] but they still continued to sin. Again and again they sinned and God was turned from judging [them] by His servant. Even once set in power, they continued to disobey with idolatry and intermarriage and He often rebuked [them] but always kept [His] covenant when they cried, even in [His] judging.
The psalmist ends with [a] cry [for salvation], knowing [the] Lord will answer [him] in the same way.