Psalm 99: Yahweh’s Righteous Reign on the Earth

 

Holy is He!

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 99 is also a Hymn psalm in a section of Enthronement Psalms. Like other psalms in this section (93–100) this one addresses the reign of Jesus, the God-Man from Jerusalem that immediately follows His second coming. So, this psalm is future for us as well. It is at this time that some of the dormant Mosaic covenant promises will be fulfilled. For example, “I will place My residence among you, and I will not reject you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. (Lev 26:11–12 HCSB) Yahweh is the covenant name for God in the Old Testament. We learn in the N.T. that Jesus (Yeshua) is the person of the trinity that will actually reign from Jerusalem. Because Yeshua is God, the second person of the triune godhead, and He is also fully human (though in a glorified body), He is uniquely suited for this 1000-year reign. Verses 1, 2, and 8 begin with the term Yahweh in the original text. And three times this chapter declares that Yahweh is holy—Holy is He (3, 5, 9). This psalm will be fitting to be sung on the first and every day of Jesus’ 1000-year reign on the earth from Jerusalem. The central principle of Jesus’ earthly government will be holiness.

  I. The worship of the enthroned King Yahweh in Israel (vs. 1–3)

     A. Yahweh dwells on a living throne between the angels

     B. The Gentiles need and the earth need to shake in fear

     C. Yahweh’s greatness is recognized in Jerusalem (Zion) on earth

     D. Yahweh’s name is great and awesome

     E. Yahweh is holy, Holy is He!

     F. Yahweh is totally morally pure and righteous

     G. Yahweh is far above time bound, temporary, and imperfect humans

     H. Yahweh’s throne is an amazing site (Ps 18:6–19; Ezek 1:4–14)

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord (adonai) seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. Burning ones (Seraphim) were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh of armies; His glory fills the whole earth. The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said: Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of armies. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, and your sin is atoned for. (Isa 6:1–7)

      I. In this psalm His throne is on the earth, on Mount Zion in Israel

      J. All the nations must worship Jesus during this time

 II. The rule and worship of the enthroned King Yahweh in Israel (vs. 4–5)        

     A. Jesus as a mighty warrior is also One who loves justice

     B. He not only won the victory at the cross, but in the battle at His second coming, this great                 and terrible Day of Yahweh

     C. Jesus’ court will be run with uprightness, accuracy and precise judgment

     D. Jacob or Ya’akov is the former name of Israel before he was renamed. Yahweh will                             personally reign in Israel through the person of Jesus the Messiah

     E. Worship Jesus at His footstool. Where will you be? Right, on the ground

     F. The “footstool” is symbolic for the ark of the covenant, the temple, and Jerusalem

III. The revelation of the enthroned King Yahweh to Israel (vs. 6–7)

      A. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel interceded in prayer for Israel

      B. What does they called on His name mean? Selection and submission

      C. Yahweh answered these men’s prayers for His people

      D. Moses and Samuel were Scripture writers, Aaron the High priest

      E. These three followed the testimonies (Ten Commandments) and the worship regulations                 and ordinances. This couplet of Moral and Ceremonial law stands for the entire law                                 including the Civil laws of Israel.

IV. The exaltation of the enthroned King Yahweh in Israel (vs. 8–9)

      A. Yahweh answered Moses, Aaron, and Samuel’s prayers. They were men like us.

      B. Yahweh granted forgiveness to these men for their sins

      C. Yahweh chastised these men for their sins and some had lingering consequences

           1. Moses striking the rock in disobedience, dishonoring the type

           2. He had to wait almost 1,500 years to enter the land of Palestine

           3. Aaron was healed from his leprosy, but died on the way to Palestine

           4. Samuel’s mistakes as father outlived him

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives. (Heb 12:5–6 ESV)

      D. We are commanded to praise Yahweh

            1. He alone is God (holy, supreme, eternal, all powerful)

            2. He is our God (by covenant relationship)

            3. Worship is to be exclusive for the God of the Bible

            4. When Jesus comes back to earth, we are to worship Him, because He is God, God the                         Father is God, God the Holy Spirit is God, three persons yet one in substance and being

       E. The third time the author states it more fully, Holy is Yahweh our God

Lessons to live by:

• If we come to Jesus on His terms, we can say in truth He is our God, just like we can say this of the Father and of the Holy Spirit.

• If the Bible makes such a big deal about God’s holiness, why is it that we ignore it?

• There will be no righteous government until Jesus returns.

• We can go to God in prayer and intercede for His people as we come to the Father in the name of the Son by the power and aid of the Holy Spirit.

• God is not done with the land of Israel yet, all His promises to them will be fulfilled just as all His promises to us will be fulfilled.

Psalm 98: Yeshua (salvation) [Yahweh] is coming to Judge all Humans

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 98 is also a Hymn psalm in a section of Enthronement Psalms. However, this Psalm includes more information about the Messiah’s comings, which we learn in the New Testament are two separate comings. First Jesus comes to save sinners by living a holy life in their place and dying in their place. His second coming will involve His judgment of sinners who will not repent, believe, and surrender to His Lordship. This will involve two battles, one before the 1000-year reign and at the end of this reign. It will include also at least one judgement of humans. What do the people of God do before and during Jesus’ first and second comings? They rejoice and sing with multiple instruments the praises of our sovereign saving king who is victorious in His first coming and in the two battles He leads the angels and elect humans to fight against the wicked. Tremper Longman believes this Psalm is “a Divine Warrior victory song celebrating the return of Yahweh the commander of the heavenly hosts who is leading the Israelite army back home after waging victorious holy war.” In the biblical version of this song, it is one that points to the future, and it focuses on Jesus who will overcome the kings and their armies (Rev 19:11–21, 20:9), redeem His people (Rev 14:4), and judge all humans (Matt 25:31–46). Notice how often “a new song” and “redemption” show up together in the Bible.

  I. Praising Yahweh for His previous deliverances (vs. 1–3)

     A. The new song praises God for His victory 

     B. The mighty works God has done by Himself—singlehanded miracles

          1. Exodus

          2. Return from captivity

          3. Sending of the Messiah, Jesus

    C. Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua is used in vs. 2 and 3

    D. Yahweh has revealed His Salvation and His Righteousness

    E. The Gentile nations witness the righteous deliverance of Israel

    F. Yahweh’s covenant love and awesome faithfulness to Israel is displayed

    G. All mankind has seen the victory of the LORD

 II. Worshiping Yahweh the great deliverer of His people with music (vs. 4–6)

      A. All peoples are to praise God for His salvation

      B. They are to use multiple instruments with their songs of praise

      C. Those who are delivered burst out in joyful praise 

III. Creation rejoices at Yahweh’s coming to the earth (vs. 7–9)

      A. Jesus was the agent of the Trinity that made the universe

      B. When He comes back, all of creation will make noise

     C. These sounds are not the expressive truths offered by free moral agents

     D. All of creation is waiting for His return (Rom 8:19–24)

     E. Jesus came the first time to save, He is coming back to fight, rule, and judge

     F. The victory of King Jesus is a sure thing

Lessons to live by:

• The joy of salvation should fill our songs of praise

• Our joy is made full by God’s righteous deliverance

• We need to make sure we are on the right side when Jesus comes back to battle His enemies. They will lose at His return and at the end of His 1000-year reign

• The LORD’s judgment will be righteous and with exact correctness. Everything secret will be revealed. Every word, thought, and deed will be considered in the verdict

Psalm 97: Yahweh’s Reign Brings Joy to His People

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 97 is also a Hymn psalm in a section of Enthronement Psalms. These ancient songs teach that Yahweh (the LORD) is sovereign over all the earth. He rules the world. He delivers His people simultaneous with punishing the pagan nations who are mistreating His people. His visitation provides them immediate relief from suffering. All these psalms refer to the king of heaven in His role as judge of mankind. The N.T. reveals that this task is assigned to Jesus the Messiah (John 5:22). These psalms also note the Messiah’s return will involve a judgment on the nations, probably a very direct judgment during the large battle of the nation's coming against Israel. 

  I. Yahweh’s glorious reign on earth and fiery presence at His appearing (vs. 1–6)

     A. When Jesus has dealt with His enemies in the Jezreel valley and comes to Jerusalem, He                 will arrive to institute His direct reign over the earth

     B. The righteous reign of Jesus during the Millennium will cause many peoples throughout                 the earth to rejoice. Government corruption will cease (Rev 20:6)

     C. The Islands, the remotest outposts of human habitations will join in the celebration that                  takes place on the larger continents (See Isa 24:15, 40:15, 41:5, 42:4)

     D. The righteous, just, and faithful rule of Yahweh will bring order to the earth

 “Isaiah said these things because he saw His [Jesus’] glory and spoke about Him. (John 12:41 HCSB) 

          Yahweh is God, Yeshua, Jesus is God, in some passages Yahweh is Yeshua, God the Son                          (Isa 6:1–5), in other texts God the Father is Yahweh (Ps 110:1)

     E. There will be worldwide liberation from oppressive, selfish, and evil rulers

     F. The figures here show a supernatural manifestation of the presence of God

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. (Exod 19:16 ESV)

 Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke because the LORD came down on it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. (Exod 19:18 HCSB)

 . . . for our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:29 ESV)

     G. Clouds and thick darkness, lightening, God is here, a theophany, a Day of Yahweh (Joel 2:2)

     H. He is here to judge. His throne, His judgeship is based on His true righteousness and His                true justice (Zeph 1:15; Rev 11:5)

which God will bring about in His own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, the only One who has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom none of mankind has seen or can see, to whom be honor and eternal might. Amen. (1Ti 6:15–16 HCSB)

     I. His holy fire is a judgment on the wicked

His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out. (Mat 3:12 HCSB)

     J. The majestic mountains are flattened and melt like candle wax from God’s fire

     K. Yahweh (the LORD) is the Master [adonai] (Lord) of the earth He is judging

     L. All nature and men see Jesus’ glory at the second coming (Psa 19:1; Isa 40:5; Rev 1:7)

 II. The command for all beings to worship Yahweh exclusively (vs. 7)

      A. Is it a shameful thing to worship anything other that the invisible God of the Bible

      B. When Yahweh shows up to judge His enemies, your idols cannot protect you

      C. All supernatural beings are commanded to worship only Yahweh

III. Zion’s worship and exaltation of Yahweh, the Most High God (vs. 8–9)

      A. The people of God rejoice in the rule of Yahweh, Adonai, el elyon, Jesus

      B. Jerusalem and Judah will rejoice when David’s son, the Lord is ruling and because they                  have been delivered from those marching to destroy them (Ps 48:11)

      C. The Most High God, Melchizedek used this title for God (Gen 14:18) 

      D. The second coming of Jesus brings immediate relief to those suffering persecution

Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God's churches--about your endurance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you endure. It is a clear evidence of God's righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God's kingdom, for which you also are suffering, since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of everlasting destruction, away from the Lord's presence and from His glorious strength,1in that day when He comes to be glorified by His saints and to be admired by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed. (2 Thess 1:4–10 HCSB)

IV. Yahweh’s true servants are full of joy and of praise for Him (vs. 10–12)

      A. Those who are lovers of Yahweh are commanded to hate evil

      B. There is a price to pay when you stand against evil in this world

      C. Yahweh brings relief of His persecuted people

But as it is written: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, and what has never come into a man's heart, is what God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Cor 2:9 HCSB)  

      D. He preserves, guards, watches over their lives—He must allow their home going

      E. He delivers them out of the hands of the wicked (Dan 3:17)

      F. His radiance provides the righteous ones light, the light “dawns” on them (morning joy)

 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Ps 30:5 ESV)

      G. His relationship with them provides them great joy

      H. Believers are to find their joy in God

       I. Believers are to praise God’s holy name, Yahweh, and thank Him for His wonderful                       deliverance, preservation, salvation

Lessons to live by:

• No man can serve two masters; he will hate one and serve the other

• Joy and the removal of guilt are both blessing of genuine salvation. If you really belong to Jesus, He will be your greatest treasure and your greatest joy. If Jesus was not in heaven, it would be hell to you, because you love Him and hate sin.

• Since all the un-fallen and unredeemed creatures in heaven worship God, how much more, should we, who have been bought with the blood of Jesus, redeemed how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the lamb!

• We are to exalt, adore, love, and praise the God of the Bible

• When we long for relief from persecution while patiently enduring it and praying for our enemies we display the patience of God. When He judges the enemies of Israel and of the Church on earth, we will experience a great liberation from wicked men

Psalm 96: Yahweh is King of the World

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 96 is also a Hymn psalm in a section of Enthronement Psalms. Ancient kings operated as lawmakers, commanders-in-chief, and the supreme court. Judgment is mentioned in most of these Enthronement Hymns. This psalm moves beyond God’s authority and rule over Israel to all nations. The Gentiles show up in the Israeli Hymn book!

  I. King Yahweh’s glory must be proclaimed (vs. 1–3)

     A. Sing to Yahweh is commanded three times.

     B. This is balanced with three commands: Praise (bless), Proclaim, Declare (tell)

     C. What is to be sung? A new song honoring His deliverance

     D. Who is to sing this song? All the earth, all gentile nations, all peoples (families Gen 10:32)

     E. Why is Yahweh to be praised? For His great salvation (deliverance)

     F. What is to be proclaimed? The good news of Yahweh’s salvation, His glory, His amazing     actions on earth

         1. When? Every day

         2. To whom? All the nations

    G. Are new songs bad? Not if they have biblical content, solid doctrine, good theology

    H. Before you can sing a new song you have to write it

     I. Is there anything in the Old Testament that showed God desired the Gentiles to worship                 Him as well as Israel? Yes, two examples: Genesis 12 and Psalm 96

     J. What are God’s wonderful deeds? Creation and Redemption

 II. King Yahweh’s majesty and uniqueness (vs. 4–6)

      A. God is great and worthy of praise

      B. Yahweh alone is to be feared, reverenced, worshiped, adored

      C. All other gods are fakes, nothings, rocks with demons, worthless idols

      D. Because Yahweh is the Creator, He alone rules and sustains the universe

      E. The pagan claims about the power of their fake gods are all false

      F. The Creator - King has given evidence in creation

          1. He is more majestic than the mountains

          2. His splendor is beyond the most beautiful sunset on the beach

          3. He is stronger than an elephant (kingly court)

          4. He is more beautiful than a snow-covered mountain or a delicate flower

III. King Yahweh’s praise, worship, service (vs. 7–9)

      A. Ascribe to Yahweh is commanded three times. (Give, verbally declare, recognize)

      B. Who is to do this? All the families of the earth. A surprising statement for a Jew, the                         original audience

      C. What are we to state in verbal praise about Yahweh?

           1. He is glorious and strong, glorify the Creator King

           2. His name and person are glorious

           3. Verbal praise is followed by acts of submission to the only true God

           4. We are to bring an allowed offering to this great king

           5. We are to enter the court of the Gentiles at Yahweh’s temple in Jerusalem

           6. We are to acknowledge and act according to God’s majestic splendor and awesome                        holiness

          7. All humans are to praise Yahweh for His sovereign rule, and His majesty displayed in                    His mighty supernatural works and in His people    

          8. Yahweh requires reverence, awe, holiness, submission, amazement over majesty and                      holy presence

          9. All the Gentiles are to tremble before this awesome Creator-King

      D. When we fear God, we reverence, honor, respect, acknowledge His power and authority to              judge sin and His hatred of it, along with His supreme authority to rule. So, our love and                 respect are not to be flippant or causal, it is serious business

IV. King Yahweh’s coming to Judge the earth (vs. 10–13)

      A. Tell the pagan nations, Yahweh reigns. He alone is the sovereign God

           1. God has established His right to rule by His work as Creator. It is His world, He made it

           2. God will judge all men with uprightness and the same standard, the moral law written                     on their hearts

      B. All creation rejoices when the Judge arrives to deal with sin and remove the curse

The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (Rom 8:19–21 TNIV)

      C. All creation is called upon to rejoice in the Judges coming—heaven, earth, sea, sea                        creatures, fields and wild animals

      D. Yahweh is coming, this is a Day of Yahweh

      E. Yahweh is coming to judge every human being

           1. His judgment will be righteous

           2. His judgment will be in accordance with His faithfulness

      F. He will establish righteousness and truth on the earth

          1. He will punish the ungodly ones

          2. He will deliver the godly ones

          3. Only those who have Jesus’ righteousness legally placed on their account will be                            delivered from everlasting punishment

          4. One day God’s order and personal rule will be brought to the earth. The God’s rule will                  be fully established and be permanent 

Lessons to live by:

• Notice the joy displayed by those who belong to God. They are singing, they are praising Him, and they are satisfied and full of joy. The worlds lie that only sin brings happiness is shown for how foolish it is.

• Be sure to praise God for all the wonders of creation and His mighty acts of redemption. Use this psalm and others like it in your personal worship of God for Who He is and what He has done.

• If you belong to God, the day of Yahweh when the curse is removed and all sin is dealt with is a day for which you desire greatly. Come Lord Jesus, Come! 

Psalm 95: Worshiping and Believing Yahweh

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 95 is a Hymn in a section of Enthronement Psalms. After a brief section of corporate instruction on a proper way to approach Yahweh in worship, the author refers to the incident in Exod 17:1–7. This Psalm is then explained in Hebrews 3:7–4:16. The author begins by instructing us to Rejoice in our Creator-Redeemer, Yahweh, then to Reverence our Creator-Redeemer, then to Respond to the word of our Creator-Redeemer with trust, obedience, and faith.

  I. A corporate call to worship Yahweh (vs. 1–2)

    A. The summons is the celebrate and rejoice

    B. The person designated for Adoration and celebration is Yahweh

    C. This is in response to a divine deliverance of His people

    D. The divine warrior delivers and defends His people

    E. Because of God’s mighty acts of deliverance, the people respond with praise and                   thanksgiving. An attitude of gratitude

   F. The worship includes the joyous and celebrative use of music and song

   G. It includes a corporate gathering at a designated place of worship

   H. The people gratefully praise the LORD, their redeemer

 II. A hymn to sing to the Creator-King, Yahweh (vs. 3–5)

     A. God is the greatest of kings that rules over His creation

     B. False gods have territories of mountains, valleys, and seas

     C. The true God of the Bible created and rules over all of creation

III. A reverential call to worship Yahweh (vs. 6)

      A. The summons for joyous songs is followed by a call to prostrate yourself before this                  sovereign king

     B. Jesus is seated on the throne to rule Acts 2:29–36                                                                            He holds the universe together by His powerful word

     C. Jesus is the king of kings and Lord of Lord’s, His universal kingship is the subject                            of our praise

IV. A hymn to the Covenant God, Yahweh (vs. 7a–c)

      A. The covenant God made all humans

      B. The covenant God is the shepherd of Israel

      C. He takes care of His own

      D. The essential promise of most of the biblical covenants, “I will be your God, you will be             my people.” A close covenantal relationship like marriage

      E. God’s own power brought about our creation and our redemption

V. A warning against Covenant unfaithfulness (vs. 7d–11)

     A. The sin of unbelief, Exod 17:1–7; Num 20:1–13, 27:14; Deut 6:16, 9:22, 32:51; Ps 81:7

     B. Miracles do not produce faith, they are evidence to those already believing 

     C. When you read or hear God’s word read, as soon as you understand it you should believe it             and obey it, making it your own, replacing the errors in your thinking with God’s true truth      

     D. The practices of apathy, ignorance, and intentional disobedience strain the relationship                     between God and His people

     E. Today is the moment of Grace; there may be no other offers

     F. How can you harden a stone heart? A corrupt and depraved inner man? Figure - not let the            Word of God penetrate your mind, direct your will, or channel your emotions

    G. They did not know God, or His ways, nor did they love God, listen to or obey Him

    H. Yahweh was thoroughly disgusted with that whole generation (slave-mentality)

     I.  To violate the covenant with unfaithfulness, rebellion, and unbelief is a serious sin against                 the covenant relationship. It forfeits the promises and institutes the covenantal curses.

     J. Interpretation of key terms for the Christian from Hebrews 3-4

        1. Today

        2. Rest

    K. The promised land was a type for heaven itself, especially during the millennium. The                       ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual promises is heaven, and Hebrew says that is for                                  Christians, those who follow Abraham in the faith-line, regardless of their race

Lessons to live by:

• Be sure to praise God for all the wonders of creation and His mighty acts of redemption. Since God has created all matter and elements, no one has the right to take a piece of His work and worship it.

• Evolution is an attack on the very nature and power of God

• Worship of God is important. We worship with song, with prayer, with offerings, with the Word—when we listen, understand, and obey it

• Unbelief in God’s Word is still a good way to miss heaven

Psalm 92: A Sabbath Song of Worship to the LORD

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 92 is an individual song of thanksgiving used in corporate worship on the Sabbath day. The Jews gathered for worship (Lev 23:3), a holy assembly, as well as resting on this day. This day was intended to be a delight rather than a burden, but those who were consumed with themselves rather than the living God disliked the Sabbath (Amos 8:5; Isa 58:13–14). While the priests were offering the morning and evening sacrifices, the Levitical singers lead the people in song by musical instruments (Exod 29:39–41).

   I. Worshiping Yahweh (the LORD) with music (vs. 1–3)

      A. Praising God is good because He loves us and thus it pleases Him

      B. Praising God is good because it encourages and liberates us

      C. Praise is a grateful vocal response to the acts of God 

      D. The LORD’s covenant Love (hesed) and faithfulness, 24/7

      E. The most high God’s name is Yahweh (the LORD) is to be praised in music

      F. The are using instruments in praising God’s name

      G. The music had a message, it “proclaimed” the LORD’s attributes

      H. No matter what the style of music, if the message is wrong about God, it is not                acceptable worship. Content is King in worship!

 II. A song of thanksgiving (vs. 4–15)

      A. The LORD’s actions are to be praised by His people (vs. 4–5)

            1. Praising God for Who He is, transforms into:

            2. Thanking the LORD for what He has done—mighty acts of deliverance

            3. The Bible is redemptive history, it tells His Story

            4. Praising God in corporate worship bring the believer joy

      B. The fool does not understand redemptive history (vs. 6–8) 

           1. A human who cannot think and analyze God’s powerful redemption is like a bull

           2. When your thoughts are all about you, you ignore the shortness of life and the coming                 judgment by a powerful and sovereign God

           3. The wicked are temporary in their pleasure and power like grass in the desert heat

           4. Their judgment is an everlasting judgment

           5. In contrast God is exalted forever, not just for a short while like the wicked fool

           6. The LORD rules and judges, He is a sovereign king

      C. The Sovereign LORD judges the wicked while exalting His people (vs. 9–11)

           1. The wicked enter judgment and find themselves alone

           2. Yahweh vindicates His people while He punishes their enemies

           3. He will raise the heads of His people and give them authority (horn= symbol of power)                while at the same time consecrating them again for holy service (olive oil, 1st pressing)

           4. Like on judgment day, the righteous see the defeat of those God calls wicked

           5. When God is done, there will be no opposition to His sovereignty

           6. God’s intervention and justice is a vital part of our hope when persecuted

           7. Our hope includes the total elimination of all evil from earth to the lake of fire in the                     future

      D. The wicked are temporary like weeds, but not the righteous (vs. 12–14)

           1. Believers and repenters are like beautiful palm trees

           2. We are like the tall cedar trees that used to grow in Lebanon

           3. Both trees show strength, beauty, and continual durability

           4. We will be placed very close to the LORD our God (house, courts)

           5. We will continue to have meaningful service, purpose, and dignity in our old age on                  earth and in heaven (blessed and valuable)

      E. Exalting Yahweh for His character (vs. 15)

           1. We proclaim in song that God is holy, righteous, just, right

           2. We proclaim in song that we are dependent on God who sustains us

           3. A rock provides stability and daily provision (water out of the rock)

The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. (Deut 32:4 NASB)

           4. God is unlike man, who is born wicked. There is no wickedness in God

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.  (1 John 1:5-7 NASB)

Lessons to live by:

• Singing good theology to God and thanking Him and praising Him with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is important. 

• The most important thing about what we sing is what it says about God, not the style which is a matter of taste that changes over time

• God ordained that instruments be used in His worship

• If we oppose the sovereignty of God, we are aligning ourselves with the wrong side

• God is holy. All of the biblical attributes are true of God, and no attribute is greater than the others. They complement each other. God’s love is holy, and God’s holiness is loving, His justice is holy, and His holiness is just

• Praising God for who He is can shift into thanking Him for His redeeming acts in such a seamless way that the one appears to be part of the other

Psalm 87: Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

This psalm is a Zion psalm like Psalms 48, 76, 84, 122, 137. Like Psalm 84 and 85, this one  was also written by the sons of Korah. The historical context of this Psalm is unknown as it could have been written before, during, or after the Babylonian exile. It has such a distant future perspective and symbolism, that it does not matter when it was written.

  I. A Hymn that praises Zion [The kingdom of God] (vs. 1–2)

      A. Zion symbolizes God’s kingdom presence (The humans, angels, and places submitted to              the Messiah’s Lordship)

      B. God created the heavenly Jerusalem and God chose the earthly Jerusalem to be the place     where his name dwelt

      C. The hills on which the city of David and Jerusalem was built were not holy when the                      Jebusites were there. It was God’s presence in the tabernacle and temple that made the                    hills holy under earthly Jerusalem

      D. God has chosen this place and passed by all other man-made holy sites

What will one answer the messengers of the nation? The LORD has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people find refuge. (Isa 14:32 ESV)

Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed. (Isa 28:16 NAU)

For he (Abraham) was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. (Heb 11:10 ESV)

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, "Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb." And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed-- (Rev 21:9 ESV)

      E. God in his sovereignty chose the holy mountains of Jerusalem rather than any of the other            dwelling places of Jacob (Deut 12:21)

For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: (Psa 132:13 ESV)

      F. Yahveh continually loves Zion more than any other city (gates are symbolic for the city)

 II. A list that God keeps in Heaven (vs. 3–6)

      A. The focus changes in vs. 3 from earthly Jerusalem to the heavenly city of God

      B. The focus changes to the future unfulfilled prophecies spoken about Jerusalem

           (See Isa 2:2–4, 26:1–2, 60:15–22, 61:1–7)

      C. This heavenly city has an inhabitants list, a directory, a scroll, a book

By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Rev 21:24–27 ESV)

      D. The former captors and tormentors of Israel will have converts there

           1. Rahab the monster is Egypt

           2. Babylonian Empire

      E. Closer antagonist of Israel will have converts in this city and on this list

          1. Philistines

          2. Phoenicians from Tyre

      F. Distant Gentiles will have converts there, Ethiopia (scattered nations)

      G. All these Gentiles do not just fear God, the know God

      H. There is a textual variant in vs. 5 which includes the word “mother”

and Zion shall be called a mother in whom men of every race are born. (Ps 87:5a NEB)

       I. Paul seems to believe “mother” belongs in this verse by his allusion

But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. (Gal 4:26 ESV)

     J. Everyone on God’s list in the book of Life belongs to Him 

Therefore, remember your former state: you Gentiles by birth- called the Uncircumcised by those who, merely because of an operation on their flesh, are called the Circumcised- at that time had no Messiah. You were estranged from the national life of Isra'el. You were foreigners to the covenants embodying God's promise. You were in this world without hope and without God. But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah's blood. For he himself is our shalom- [peace] he has made us both one and has broken down the m'chitzah [temple court wall] which divided us (Eph 2:11–14 CJB)

     K. The Most High God established the heavenly Jerusalem and the people who will dwell                   there from every tribe, language, and people (Rev 5:9–10)

     L. The city registry of the heavenly Jerusalem was written by God

          (Exod 32:32; Ps 69:28; Dan 12:1; Mal 3:16; Phil 4:3; Rev 13:8, 21:27)

III. A joyful celebration in earthly Zion  (vs. 7)

      A. The Psalmist brings us back to earth for a celebration

      B. The singers and the dancers agree that their thirst will be quenched in Zion

      C. Zion still has fresh water flowing for the city (see Hezekiah’s tunnel)

      D. Corporate worship brought great joy to this people as well as the promises of heaven

Singers and dancers alike say, "For me, you are the source of everything." (Psa 87:7 CJB)

      E. The gathered people of God are a taste of heaven

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (Ps 46:4 NIV)

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev 22:1–5 ESV)

Lessons to live by:

• Be very grateful that your name is recorded in heaven (Luke 10:20) if you belong to Jesus and know Him and He knows you (Mat 7:21–23)

• Enjoy your earthly fellowship with other believers, but realize it is just a foretaste

• Set your hopes and joy on the city that was built by God alone

• Sing about reaches all peoples like these ancient people did. But don’t be like Jonah and get mad at God because He shows grace and mercy to people different from you

• Realize that being in God’s kingdom means submitting to His King, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah of Israel and light of the Gentiles

A hymn that teaches these things starts like this:

Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion, city of our God;

he whose word cannot be broken

formed thee for his own abode;

on the Rock of Ages founded,

what can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation's walls surrounded,

thou may'st smile at all thy foes.

See! the streams of living waters,

spring form eternal love,

well supply thy sons and daughters

and all fear of want remove.

Who can faint, when such a river

ever flows their thirst to assuage?

Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver,

never fails from age to age.

Round each habitation hovering,

see the cloud and fire appear

for a glory and a covering,

showing that the Lord is near.

Thus they march, their pillar leading,

light by night, and shade by day;

daily on the manna feeding

which he gives them when they pray.

Blest inhabitants of Zion,

washed in the Redeemer's blood!

Jesus, whom their souls rely on,

makes them kings and priests to God.

'Tis his love his people raises

over self to reign as kings:

and as priests, his solemn praises

each for a thank-offering brings.

Savior, if of Zion's city,

I through grace a member am,

let the world deride or pity,

I will glory in thy Name.

Fading is the worldling's pleasure,

all his boasted pomp and show;

solid joys and lasting treasure

none but Zion's children know.   

[Words by: John Newton, 1779] 

Psalm 84: A Real Believer Longs to be in God’s Special Presence

This psalm is classified by some as a Song of Zion and by others as a Pilgrim song. It is not that simple, however, because it also contains a hymn, a lament, and a royal reference (like a Royal Song.) This Psalm, then has a mixture of genres and unclear time references. It would have been usable in its present form before the temple was built and after the temple was built. Psalm 83 was written by one of the descendants of Asaph (A Levitical singer in the tabernacle and temple worship). Psalm 84 was written by the sons of Korah. This shows God’s grace, as Korah was a Levite that rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16) and the adult males in his family were punished. But the children grew up to be temple guards between the court of the men of Israel and the Holy place where only the Levites and Priests could enter (1 Chron 9:19). Their ancestors' sin did not exclude them from service for God. The tune for the song was named “Gath” and may have come from the Philistine village by that same name. There are three statements of blessedness in this Psalm.

 

  I. The believer longs to be in the special presence of God (vs. 1–4)

     A. Nothing is more beautiful than being in the presence of God in corporate worship.

     B. The Old Covenant tabernacle and then the Temple was the one place on all the earth where the Shekinah glory of God remained for a time

     C. David experienced this longing for corporate worship while running from Absalom

     D. All the males 20 years old and higher were to come to the temple three times a year

     E. The Levites had cities of refuge in which to live all over Israel and rotating duties in the temple. During their turn away from corporate worship, the real believers longed for it

     F. Yahveh Tsavot, LORD of armies, hosts, multitudes, M. Luther's hymn, “Lord Sabaoth his name,” NIV LORD Almighty. The eternally present covenant keeping God who is the all-powerful Creator of multitudes of planets, stars, and angels—which all obey His command. He is also Creator and LORD of groups of human worshipers.

    G. The God of the Bible is this worshiper’s chief treasure and joy. He deeply desires to corporately worship God. This flows out of private worship.

         1. Legalism and asceticism vs. devotion and pleasure in God

         2. Treasure and priorities

. . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt 6:21 NASB)

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matt 6:24 ESV)

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt 6:33 NET)

Not only that, but I consider everything a disadvantage in comparison with the supreme value of knowing the Messiah Yeshua as my Lord. It was because of him that I gave up everything and regard it all as garbage, in order to gain the Messiah: (Phil 3:8 CJB)

     H. The common birds that live on the temple complex are blessed. I long to be at the house of worship and I am jealous of even the birds that live there. Alternate: Like a bird is home in a nest, I am home when I am near the altar of atonement

      I. How much more are the people privileged that can participate in the corporate worship of God just as it is explained in the Bible

      J. The Christian is to have the same love for God, the Messiah, and for the gathered believers who are also God’s temple (Matt 22:37; John 2:19, 13:34–35; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19)

      K. Yahveh of armies is My King and My God. Those that know God cannot stop praising Him. He is so gracious, wonderful, amazing, willing to postpone judgment, creative, Sovereign, awesome

 

 II. The believer travels to worship God according to the Bible (vs. 5–7)

      A. The Pilgrim is heading home to worship Yahveh

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (1 Pet 2:11 NASB)

      B. His inner man is centered on the worship of Yahveh. He travels through the dry valley of weeping (balsam trees) with others who love God

      C. Together they bring a blessing on a barren place

      D. God is their strength (Isa 40:28–31; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 4:13)

      E. The pilgrims are heading to the place of worship, Zion, Mount Moriah.

      F. God has the refreshment we need when we go through difficult times. Don’t seek out broken cisterns, go to the living water who alone can satisfy your soul

 

III. The believer prays for people in leadership (vs. 8–9)

      A. The shield or defense, is parallel to the Anointed One (Messiach)

      B. The High Priest, King, and prophets were anointed.

      C. Most take this to be a prayer for the King, but some for Aaron’s decedent, the high priest

      D. Why pray for the line of David? The Messiah is coming in that line

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1Tim 2:1-2 ESV)

 

IV. The believer supremely values corporate worship and personal holiness (vs. 10–11)

    A. There can be no better place to be than with God’s people in worship

    B. The Korahites guarded the entrance to the holy place, the priests' gatekeepers

    C. It is all about a person, not just a place. Yahveh is the Sun and Shield. If you long to know God, your desire will be answered if you will surrender to obey Him

 

 V. The believer shares his faith with other people (vs. 12)

      A. The one who longs to be in Yahveh of armies' special presence tells others about Him

      B. Do you want to be in state of providential blessing? Trust God. Love God. Faith is key.

 

Lessons to live by:

• How important is God to me? Do I love Him with all that I am? What priority do I place on public worship? God inhabits the praise of His people
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• Do I delight in Jesus and seek His pleasure and will in my life?
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• Do I serve Him each day in His strength, from strength to strength?
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• Do I deeply trust God and live by faith each day? Do I live in a holy, upright, godly way?
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• This psalm reminds me that God wants my delight to be in the LORD, My strength is to be in the LORD, My trust is to be in the LORD
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•  The gather church is the sweetest place on all the earth. (C. Spurgeon)
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•    Loving God, depending on God, and worshiping God leads to an even greater trust in God. He is the LORD Almighty!

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Psalm 33: A Hymn of Praise for Yahweh, The King of Creation and History

We were made to worship the triune God of the Bible. Life is all about loving and reverencing God (See Eccl 12:1–14). We will remain restless until we find our rest in God. He alone can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. If we have a covenant relationship with Him, we can experience great joy even in the midst of trials.

  I. Encouragement to celebrative worship of Yahweh 1–3

      A. Shout, sing for joy, rejoice in Yahweh

      B. Our joy is found in the LORD

      C. The righteous ones are encouraged to praise Yahweh

           “He who has clean hands” Believers have an alien righteousness put on their account

      D. These are His obedient people whose lives conform to His law

      E. Musical instruments had their place in Jewish joyful worship

      F. This call to praise assumes the godly know Yahweh, submit to His Lordship, and trust in  His                  deliverance and ongoing covenant love

      G. New acts of deliverance call for the composing of new songs to praise God for His works

 II. Reasons for worship: The Perfections of Yahweh 4–5

      A. Who the LORD is should drive our worship

      B. God’s word is never empty. When He speaks, things happen. “Let there be light.”

      C. Yahweh is “right,” upright, without deception, full of integrity

      D. Yahweh is “true,” His words are true truth, Yeshua is the truth

      E. Yahweh loves righteousness and justice because that is His nature

           Everything God does is righteous and just, He is the standard

           When someone says, “My God will never punish sin,” they have broken the 2nd 

           commandment against making a false god. This is not the God of the Bible.

      F. The LORD’s covenant faith fullness is seen throughout creation

           His loyalty, consistency, and love can be viewed by those with eyes to see

           He has not destroyed the world again by water as He promised

III. Reasons for awe and adoration: Yahweh is the Creator and Ruler of History 6–11

      A. What the LORD has done should also drive our worship.

      B. Redemptive history is His Story, Yahweh has been keeping His covenant promises

      C. God is the creator and sustainer of the universe

      D. Fearing and revering God is a key theme of this psalm and key for life 

      E. Yahweh is a great and sovereign King, His will happens just as He says it will

      F. Nothing is accidental. God is working His plan even through his enemies

      G. We have every reason not to fear, but to trust in this Great King

 IV. Reasons for gratitude and humility: Yahweh Sovereignly Rules over Mankind 12–17

      A. Blessedness is a state that the obedient people of God are in

           God chose Abraham, redeemed Him, entered into a covenant relationship and then blessed 

           him. Deliverance is God’s immediate actions for His people, blessedness is a state of  

           fruitfulness, growth, expansion, with adequate supplies and provision

      B. The nation Yahweh chose was Israel

      C. He has also chosen the church to be His redemptive channel

      D. God sees all and knows all

      E. Bigger is not always better, God can deliver by a few

      F. If a nation rebels against God’s law, their defenses are futile

      G. Having faith in the military might of a wicked people is foolish

      H. Fearing God and living righteously is the best defense

 

  V. Reasons for great hope, faith and rejoicing: Yahweh Loves His People 18–19

      A. Real safety comes to those who love, fear, and worship Yahweh

      B. Faith in the God of the Bible is vital

      C. God is watching His children and can send deliverance, salvation, at any moment

      D. Believers trust God because of His covenant love (hesed) 

      E. Yahweh can deliver His people from death or any enemy

      F. Don’t worry, reverence the Sovereign God who overcomes the strong

      G. We can depend on and wait on God to do what we cannot do

 VI. Encouragement to trust in, wait for, confidently hope in and rest in Yahweh’s Love  20–22

      A. Regardless of the circumstance, if you belong to Yeshua the Messiah, you are secure.

      B. Yahweh, the Creator-God is our help. (The Holy Spirit is a helping present One)

      C. Yahweh is our defender and promised us protection (Israel and the Church).

      D. Worshipers love God and have great joy in His presence

      E. Trust in the holy name of God, His name is His revealed character  

      F. He redeemed Israel from slavery and entered into a covenant relationship with them

      G. He made promises that He will surely keep

       I. Trust requires submission to Yahweh’s word and will, Let God be God

       J. A request for Yahweh’s covenant love (hesed) to remain on His people

      K. His people are the ones who have hope and trust in Yahweh

Exalting Christ

Evangelism is something the church does when it is scattered and edification is something the church does when it is gathered.  Another function of the gathered church is exalting Christ.  This describes our active worship of the Lord Jesus, both personally and as a group.  Acceptable worship is regulated in Holy Scripture.  In the fourth chapter of John, Jesus tells us two things God the Father is looking for in worship.  The first is spirit.  This means that our hearts and minds must be fully engaged when we are magnifying Jesus and praising His name.  The second thing God requires in worship is that it be according to the truth.  This means that we must follow the Bible in our private and corporate worship.  With these two things in mind we can offer acceptable worship like Abel did.  If we ignore these we will be offering unacceptable worship like Cain or strange fire like Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-7.  These latter two lost their lives by not following Scripture in their worship.  God is very particular about worship.  Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) and the Corinthians can all testify to that truth (1 Cor. 11:29-34).

Therefore, we should have a New Testament text for everything we do in corporate worship.  Every activity in the bulletin should be supported by a text.  Furthermore, the changes from the old covenant to the new covenant made some switches in what should and should not be done in the worship of the Triune God.  For example, it would not be proper any longer to offer an animal sacrifice in worship of God, because Jesus was sacrificed for our sins once for all time.  The book of Hebrews makes that clear.  So if we go to the New Testament, we can find what pleases God in new covenant worship.  This will not contradict the Old Testament, but the New Testament informs us of the changes in worship.  Acts 2:42 tells us what the early church practice was when they met together.  We also can learn a lot from 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14. Actually 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are clear manuals for church life and order and should be given much attention on this subject.  Externals in worship can be dictated by culture or by the light of reason as long as these are not forbidden in Scripture (i.e., pew cushions and electric lights are acceptable in America, but a statue of Buddha is not [see Exodus 20]).

Exalting Christ is a very important function of the church.  It is worship in action.  It is actively praising the Lord and magnifying the name and person of the Lord.  Warren Weirsbe writes that:

. . . .worship involves both attitudes (awe, reverence, respect) and actions (bowing, praising, serving).  It is both a subjective experience and an objective activity.  Worship is not an unexpressed feeling or empty formality.  True worship is balanced and involves the mind, the emotions, and the will.  It must be intelligent; it must reach deep within and be motivated by love; and it must lead to obedient actions that glorify God. (Real Worship, 21)

Exalting Christ requires our time.  If a man does not constantly check their watch during a sports game, then neither should he be checking his watch and sighing if worship has the priority in their life required by the Bible.  Open Door does not have a time clock in the building where you can insert your time card and prove you put in the “time” by design.  True worshipers of God are willing to put in the time and are flexible in their time investments.

Another thing to consider is that worship displaces worry and worry displaces worship.  It is like a seesaw.  When worship is up, worry is down, and the reverse is also true.  It is very important for a Christian to worship the Lord Jesus during the week wherever he or she is.  Likewise, it is vital to gather regularly for corporate worship.  We do this out of love for Jesus and to obey the Bible’s direct command concerning public worship (Heb. 10:24-31).  So, let’s worship Jesus together.  We have found true worshipers of God share their faith so that men and women are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light and become worshipers of God.  Let the Nations Be Glad!