Psalm 76: The Victorious Strength of the God of Jacob

 The Divine Warrior, The Lion of Judah

This psalm is a hymn that is celebrating Zion, the city of David (Psalm 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 121, 122). It pictures God as both a lion ready to defend its young and as a Divine Warrior ready to protect Jerusalem. This is the capital of the people God has chosen to bless and protect and the only place, in this day, on all the earth where His special presence dwelt. The psalm may be utilizing the “prophetic perfect” which refers to future events that must surely come to pass (Derek Kidner). Actually, 2 Chr 29:30 calls Asaph a seer, one who receives divine revelation of the future. Asaph, the writer of this song, was a contemporary with David (1 Chr 16:5).

   I. God’s chosen place (vs. 1–3)

      A. God’s relationship with Israel is by His selection of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob

      B. God is known in Judah

John 4:22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.

      C. His name, Yahveh, is great in Israel

      D. His lair (natural thicket, hedge row) is Salem (Jerusalem)

      E. His den is Zion (The city of David, the lower part of Jerusalem, southwest side)

      F. God gave the Bible to the Jews and allowed His ark to be carried to Mt. Moriah, where                  Solomon built the temple, where God’s glory filled the Holy of Hollies 

      G. The devil will constantly try to destroy the Jews (Revelation 12), but Asaph predicts God               will protect them 

       I. Whatever weapons are used, when God shows up, they fail

       J. Fiery arrows can’t out do God. Man is no match for God

 II. God as the Divine Warrior (vs. 4–6)

      A. God is enveloped in light

      B. He is greater than the everlasting mountains

      C. Great warriors will fail

      D. At God’s word, those attacking Jerusalem will be destroyed

           1. Sennacherib Army, Isa 37:36

           2. The future attack on Jerusalem

 

III. God as the Divine Judge (vs. 7–9)

      A. Who wants to stand before an angry lion?

      B. God is making pronouncements from heaven

      C. The last judgment of all men, our God is a consuming fire

      D. God will save the humble remnant in the land of Israel

      E. When he comes to judge, He comes to save (visitation)

      F. God is the sovereign king over all nations. All men answer to Him

      G. God brings judgment on His time plan, not ours

IV. God as the awesome Sovereign over the entire earth (vs. 10–12)

      A. God is so sovereign, even the wrath of men is turned around to bring Him glory

      B. God’s providence is actually in control of angry men behind the scenes (Rom 8:28)

           1. Caiphas

           2. Pilot

           3. Jewish leaders

           4. Roman soldiers

      C. Respond to God wisely

      D. The covenant people are to keep their solemn promises to God

           1. Marriage

           2. Church membership

      E. Have reverential fear for this awesome, holy, glorious God

      F. Those outside of the covenant community have to submit to and fear the awesome God of           the Jews and the Bible

      G. God will break down proud men that have positions of authority

      H. Even the highest rulers will fear God

Lessons to live by:

• We should not declare God’s choices as unfair. He gets to choose Jerusalem over Shechem, Hebron, Mecca, or Varanasi, India. Rank has its privileges. He is God, He gets to select where His Shechinah glory will dwell

• It is very important to know God covenantally. Know God (Phil 3:10), make His name great          (John 12:27)

• Deal with your sin problem, because God is a consuming fire

• Reverence the God of the Bible

• God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is a root sin, do not play with it

Psalm 59: God is My Rescuer

This psalm is viewed by some as an individual lament, others a community lament, and still others as a royal lament. It was written by David as a song of mourning and prayer, asking God to deliver him from his enemies, but it broadens out to the nations. The first event that is tied to this prayer is 1 Sam 19:11–18. But it is applicable to many situations, much broader than an evil king abusing his power. There are several themes in this psalm that make it difficult to see the structure intended by the author. It seems each Bible student divides the psalm differently.

  I. A prayer for deliverance/salvation (vs. 1–3)

     A. God alone is the One who can deliver, protect, save

     B. David cannot turn to the government; it is a wicked ruler who is stalking him

     C. The righteous will have enemies that will seek their destruction and use ruthless tactics

     D. The wicked deny the sacredness of human life, they are people of bloodshed

     E. The wicked set traps for the righteous and loves to divide people

     F. The wicked love sinful behavior and breaking God’s laws and bringing calamity on others

    G. The wicked use the element of surprise to their advantage

 II. A cry for justice (vs. 4–5)

     A. The wicked attack the righteous without cause

     B. The government was pursing David when he was innocent

     C. The government is not following justice, but the will of corrupt men

     D. God, the sovereign king, must reign in the wicked leaders: God is the Divine Warrior

     E. It is God who punishes the nations of the world for violating His moral law

     F. Yahweh is the God of armies and the God of Israel, His covenant people

    G. Antagonistic people will attack the innocent they perceive as a threat to their power or 

         position, do not join yourselves with them

    H. The Great King in a covenant was responsible to bring his army to defend his loyal 

         governors and subjects (Rev 19:11–21)

III. A description of the wicked (vs. 6–7)

     A. The wicked are like a pack of wild dogs that come into an area looking for food

     B. They are cowards, but they try to intimidate others with their noise

     B. They promote disorder, division, and chaos, and are extremely arrogant

     C. Their talk is mocking, scoffing, accusing, and lying

     D. They deny God’s sovereignty and God’s justice

          1. They are sure they will get away with their sin

          2. They think no one knows about their backroom deals or midnight meetings

IV. A description of God, our hope (vs. 8–10a)

      A. God sees, hears, and records all things. He laughs at those covering up sin

      B. God knows that lawbreaking is self-destructive and the secrets will be revealed

      C. God will make sure His will triumphs in justice and deliverance (Exod 1:8)

      D. Yahweh is stronger than the enemies of the believer

      E. Yahweh is a stronghold and defender of His people

      F. God showers His hesed (covenant love) on his anointed ruler and on His people 

 V. A cry for justice (vs. 10b–13)

      A. God will bring deliverance and justice in His time

      B. The wicked rulers will be held accountable for their thoughts, plans, deeds, and words

      C. These men are deceptive, cruel, and corrupt. What they have sown, they will reap

      D. God will make an example out of the wicked rulers from time to time

      E. These men are liars, slanderers, arrogant, and proud

      F. Wrath from God will come upon them, even though they were part of His wrath on others

     G. God punishment of the wicked shows His rule and authority over Israel, the church, and 

          the world 

     H. God’s wrath on the wicked is another proof of His existence and sovereignty

VI. Trust in God’s response (vs. 14–17)

      A. While the wicked are barking and growling, the righteous are praising God in song

      B. We sing of God’s power, sovereignty, and might, therefore we can trust Him to act

      C. We sing with joy of God’s grace and covenant love

      D. Each new day we can sing of God’s power and might to judge evil

      E. Faith and confidence replace the mourning of the acts of wicked leaders

      F. God has protected David and His people for generations through the times of persecution

      G. God is the only reliable stronghold and refuge in tough times

      H. God is our strength, so let's join David and praise Him for His awesome power

       I. We will experience the hatred of the enemies of the truth, but at the same time, the 

           covenant love of our God

Lessons to live by:

• Salvation/deliverance ultimately comes from God and not from men or nations

• Wicked governmental leaders will pursue and seek to destroy God’s people

• We can cry to God for justice like the Jews under Egyptian bondage

• Wicked talk reveals a wicked heart

• God alone is our true defense and shield

• God loves you and will bring about justice in His time

• God is all powerful, and fully sovereign, He sees and knows all

• God is holy and will bring to justice those who do wicked deeds

• God’s wrath is now being revealed from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men

• We should praise God for who He is during the trials and storms

• God is faithful and God has covenant love for His people

Psalm 39: Looking for Help at the Right Place

This Psalm is an “individual lament.” This is a poetic prayer asking God to step in and change a desperate situation. This is the late-night cry of the soul out to God about the dark providences' frail humans face in a fallen world full of evil spirits, evil people, faltering friends, and a cursed natural order. A Hymn praises God for who He is or thanks Him for what He has done. A lament begs God for help in times of crisis. Most laments include: 1) An address to God; 2) Complaint; 3) Confession of trust in God; 4) Petition to God; 5) Words of assurance; 6) Vow of praise.

Our Bible study rule for this week is:

RULE #2: Interpret each passage according to the correct meaning of the words used in the verse.  For serious study, use a dictionary and a concordance to be sure of what the key words mean. Each context will limit the possible meanings for each word. Different translations, commentaries, and Hebrew or Greek lexicons are additional sources to help you see the range of nuances each term has and how this context limits those choices. (Think of the English term: trunk. What are some of the possible meanings? How does the context, “The car’s trunk was scratched,” limit the possible meanings?)

   I. Silence before the LORD (Yahweh). vs 1–3 

      A. Address to God: I am going to hold my peace in front of the wicked. vs. 1

           1. I don’t want to be irreverent to God and sin with my mouth.

           2. I don’t want to give evil people additional reasons to blaspheme God.

      B. Complaint: My silence increased my internal agonizing pain.  vs. 2

           1. I kept my murmuring from coming out of my mouth.

           2. I am submitting to God, but I must call on Him for help

      C. Complaint: My emotions were not as easy to control as I thought. vs. 3

           1. I need help.

           2. I must go to God in prayer.

  II. A prayer for the gift of God’s wisdom and discernment. vs. 4–6

      A. Petition to God: Help me come to terms with how short life is. vs. 4

      B. Address to God: Life is brief. I want to go miles, instead I go inches. vs. 5

      C. Address to God: Humans are mortal and can’t control what happens. vs. 6

          1. Compared to God, men are not that important

          2. After death, they have no significant say in their affairs

III. A prayer for salvation. vs. 7–8

      A. Confession of trust: My trust is in the Lord (Adonai).  vs. 7

           1. There is no place else for the righteous to go.

           2. I hope in and wait for the Lord’s salvation.

      B. Petition to God: Save me from all of my violations of your law. vs. 8

           1. Save me from the power of sin.

           2. Save me from the love of and control of sin.

     C. Petition to God: Do not let the fools of the earth laugh me to scorn. vs. 8

IV. Silence before the Lord. vs. 9

      A. Address to God: Lord, I was silent partially because I know You allowed this. vs. 9 

      B. Acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and secret providence vs.9

          1. God may be using sickness, old age, or evil people to bring this chastisement.

          2. God chastises through secondary means those whom He loves.

          3. This difficult thing has been the Lord’s will up until now.

          4. I willingly accept this is for my ultimate good even though I do not understand

 V. A prayer for grace, strength, and deliverance. vs. 10–11

      A. Petition to God: I repent of my sin, remove the spanking from me. vs. 10

      B. Address to God: Men are frail, life is brief, your chastisement is strong. vs. 11

          1. God rebukes His people when they sin

          2. God disciplines His people when they sin

          3. Covenant violators receive the futility curse for their rebellion

VI. A prayer for restoration to fellowship. vs. 12–13

      A. Petition to God: Yahweh, please answer my prayer. vs. 12a

           1. Prayer for forgiveness.

           2. Prayer for deliverance, salvation.

      B. Address to God: God, you are great and I am not. vs. 12b

           1. I am an illegal alien before you. I don’t deserve blessings.

           2. I am waiting for Your promises to be fulfilled like my fathers.

      C. Petition to God: LORD, I repent, remove the chastisement. vs. 13

           1. I long to be restored to close fellowship with You.

           2. I want to find my joy in you again.

           3. I am a weak human, have mercy on me. (Made from dust.)

Lessons to Live By:

1. There is a time to be silent and a time to speak. When God chastises us for sin, it is time to speak a genuine prayer of repentance. The pain awakens us to how deeply we have sinned against a holy God who hates all sin.

2. We should fear and reverence God, even when in deep pain. We should honestly but reverently express our souls to Yahweh in prayer.

3. The Bible tells us that we should number our days, because life is short. (17,338 days) We need the biblical wisdom to not live for the now, but to live for eternity. If you belong to God, you will have your best life later. Heaven is not here and is not yet.

4. Keep short accounts with God. Stay clean (1 John 1:9) confessing your sin, living lives of repentance and faith, so that you can also stay close to God in sweet fellowship.

5. Human pride is a dangerous thing. God is great, men are frail. God is sovereign, men are slaves. God is holy, men are sinners. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 31: Yahweh: The God of Promise and Deliverance

This well-known Psalm was used by Jonah, Jeremiah, and Jesus. Therefore, we find verse 6 quoted in Jonah 2:8; verse 13 in Jeremiah (6:25, 20:3, 10, 46:5, 49:29) and in Lamentations  2:22; and verse 5 was spoken by Jesus and recorded in Luke 23:46. The author of Ps 71:1–3 seems to also have these words in mind (Ps 31:1–5) while writing that Psalm.

  I. David’s Prayer for Deliverance/Salvation 31:1–5

     A. Yahweh is his refuge

     B. Yahweh can give him righteousness

     C. Yahweh is like a rock (Deut 32:4)

     D. Yahweh is like a stronghold, fortress, a Masada

     E. The covenant God honor is at stake when His people are hurt

     F. Yahweh delivers/saves for His own glory

     G. Yahweh is concerned with justice

     H. Yahweh sees and knows

     I. Yahweh ransoms, rescues sinners

     J. Surrendering to God’s will is always best (1 Pet 4:19)

     K. Yahweh is the God of truth and faithfulness

 II. David’s Prayer of Faith 31:6–8

      A. Those who worship worthless puffs of wind, fog, mist (idols) are rejected.

           A textual variant is here. Some versions say, “You have hated,” others “I have hated”

           (God’ rejection of sinners Ps 5:4–6, 11:5, 34:16, 45:7, Prov 6:16–19, Mal 1:3, Rom 9:13)

           (Sinners hatred of God Ps 68:1, 81:15, 83:2, John 3:19–21, 15:18, 22–25)

      B. Yahweh is faithful and David has trusted him in the past with good results

      C. Yahweh has covenant love (hesed) for His people

      D. Yahweh is aware of all of His peoples’ difficulties and pain  

      E. Yahweh is able to protect His people from their enemies

      F. Is David justified in having such deep confidence in the God of the Bible?

III. David’s Prayer for Mercy 31:9–13

     A. David needs Yahweh’s merciful deliverance

     B. David is in danger and in pain, and cries out with tears

     C. David is exhausted and distressed, in deep despair

     D. David is mistreated and forsaken; consequently his confidence has slipped

     E. David is ignored, forgotten, and useless

     F. David is being slandered, depressed and disgraced

     G. David is being stalked

     H. David is in danger, “terror on every side” (Jer 6:25)

IV. David’s Prayer of Trust 31:14–18

      A. Yahweh has a close covenant relationship with David.

            David has a secure and personal relationship with the God of the Bible

      B. Yahweh is sovereign over time and events. His providence is evident.

            David is dependent on Yahweh’s rule and power (Your hand)

      C. Yahweh’s gracious favor is to be sought in prayer

      D. Yahweh is the great shepherd that saves and guides His sheep

      E. Yahweh will deal with David’s enemies

 V. David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving 31:19–24

      A. Yahweh is good 

      B. Yahweh righteously works in events for those who fear Him

      C. Yahweh is a refuge

      D. Yahweh blinds the enemy and delivers His people

      E. Yahweh should be praised for His salvation and deliverance

      F. Yahweh is the one to flee to when we are afraid and discouraged

     G. Yahweh is to be loved by His covenant people, beloved ones who love Him

     H. Yahweh preserves the humble faithful person, but resists the proud

      I. Yahweh shall strengthen your heart in trails, if you love and fear Him

          “Be strong and take heart” or “He shall strengthen your heart”

     J. Yahweh is the God of hope

         We hope in His promises and deliverance with a know-so-hope

         We should hold on in faith, regardless of our circumstances or how we feel

         Faith is not a onetime commitment; it is a lifetime commitment

         Wait on God, hope in His promised redemption, fear, love, and trust Him